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Canon's IXUS i digital camera. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Canon announces digicam for the style-conscious (UPDATED)
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(Friday, September 12, 2003 - 00:00 EDT)

Canon has today announced its new PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 digital camera, to be known in Europe as the Digital IXUS i.

The SD10 is one amongst a new trend of digital cameras sold as much for their merits as a "fashion accessory", as they are for taking photos. With that aim, Canon is offering the camera in four body colors - silver, "irridescent white", bronze or "piano black". Specifications of the new model include a 4 megapixel CCD imager, 39mm-equivalent fixed focal-length lens, rechargeable NB-3L lithium ion battery (identical to that used in the PowerShot SD100), and Secure Digital storage media (32MB bundled).

The SD10 is noteable for being Canon's first use of a 1/2.5"-type image sensor, whose size falls somewhere in between the 1/1.8" or 1/2.7" types previous Canon consumer cameras have generally used. Whilst no specific figures are currently available, Canon tells us that with the flash disabled, shutter lag on this camera should be minimal. Another unusual feature is a "clock display" function (year, month, day, hour, minute and second) in record mode, which is activated by pressing two buttons at once. Finally, a difference to other cameras in the line is that the SD10 is not compatible with Canon's Remote Capture software that lets users control cameras over the USB connection.

As with several other models in Canon's lineup, there will be a waterproof housing available for the SD10 (pictured at the end of the spec table below). Unlike some of the other housings which can go as deep as 130 feet though, this one is limited to just 10 feet / 3 meters - likely as much as most users will realistically want, and plenty to be sure the camera is safe from rain or dust back on shore...

The Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 should be available in mid-October, with a suggested retail price of $449. European pricing and availability has not been announced at this time. Specifications courtesy of Canon USA and Europe follow, along with pictures of the SD10 and its European equivalent, the IXUS i.

Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10
(Digital IXUS i in Europe)
Canon's PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Sensor
Type 1/2.5" CCD
Effective Pixels Approx. 4.0 megapixels
Color Filter Type Primary Color
Image Processor
Type Digic with iSAPS technology
Lens
Focal Length 6.4mm (35mm film equivalent: 39mm)
Zoom Digital approx. 5.7x
Maximum f/ number f/2.8
Construction 4 elements in 4 groups (1 aspherical element)
Focusing
AF System / Points TTL 5-point AiAF/Single-point central area AF (selectable)
AF Assist Beam Yes
Focus Range Normal AF: 10 cm (3.9 inches) to infinity. Macro: 3 cm to 10 cm (1.2 to 3.9 inches)
Exposure Control
Metering Modes Selectable between Evaluative metering (linked with focusing point), Center-weighted average, and Spot (central area only)
Exposure Control Program AE
Exposure Compensation +/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments
ISO Speed Equivalent AUTO, 50, 100, 200, 400
Shutter
Speed
15 - 1/1500 sec.
(Shutter speeds of 1-15 seconds are manually selected with the long-shutter mode. Shutter speeds of 1.3 sec. or slower operate with noise reduction)
Aperture f/2.8 or f/5.6
White Balance
Settings Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent or Fluorescent H
Viewfinder
Optical Viewfinder None
Monitor 1.5" low temperature polycrystalline TFT color LCD, 78,000 pixels
Flash
Modes Auto, Manual, Flash On / Off
Slow Sync Speed Yes
Red-eye Reduction Yes
Built-in Flash Range 30 cm to 2.0 m (1.0 to 6.6 feet) when ISO is set to Auto
Shooting
Modes Auto, Manual, Long Shutter, Macro, Stitch Assist, Movie
Photo Effects Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia, Black & White
Continuous Shooting Approx. 1.6 fps¹ (speed maintained for up to 8 images)
Recording Pixels / Compression
Image Size (L)2272 x 1704, (M1)1600 x 1200, (M2)1024 x 768, (S)640 x 480
Compression Superfine, Fine, Normal
Movies (M)320 x 240, (S)160 x 120
Movie Length Up to 3 mins, depending upon memory card and capacity
File Format
Still Image Format JPEG (Exif 2.2 [Exif Print] compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system, Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
Movies AVI [Motion JPEG + WAVE (monaural)]
Sound Files WAVE (monaural)
Direct Print
Canon Printers Direct connection to Canon Card Photo Printers CP-200 and CP-300, and Bubble Jet Direct Photo Printers
PictBridge Supported
Other Features
My Camera Start-up image and camera sounds customisation
Sound Memo Up to 60 sec. per still image
Histogram Yes
Playback zoom 2x - 10x
Self Timer 2 or 10 sec.
Menu Languages English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
Erase Modes Still images: Single image, All images. Movies: Part of movie, All movie.
Interface
Computer USB (PTP)
Other A/V output (PAL/NTSC with monaural audio)
Memory Card
Type Secure Digital (SD) Card
Supported Operating System
PC Windows 98(including SE) / 2000 / Me / XP
Macintosh OS 9.0 – 9.2, OS X v10.1 / v10.2
Software
Browsing & Printing ZoomBrowser EX (PhotoRecord) / ImageBrowser
Other PhotoStitch
Drivers TWAIN (Windows 98 / 2000), WIA (Windows Me)
Image Manipulation ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft VideoImpression
Power Source
Battery Type Rechargeable Canon NB-3L Lithium-ion Battery Pack; (battery and charger supplied)
Number of Shots Approx. 190 (with 25% flash use) at normal temperatures.
Recharging Time Approx. 90 minutes (from totally discharged state).
Accessories
Waterproof / Weatherproof Case All Weather Case (3m) AW-DC10
Power Supply & Battery Chargers Battery Charger CB-2LUE
Physical Specifications
Operating Environment 0 – 40 °C, 10 – 90% humidity
Dimensions (W x H x D) 90.3 x 47.0 x 18.5mm (approx. 3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches)
Weight (body only) Approx. 100 g (3.5 oz.), camera only.
More Photos
Canon's PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's Digital IXUS i digital camera. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's Digital IXUS i digital camera. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's Digital IXUS i digital camera. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's Digital IXUS i digital camera. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
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UPDATED 2003-09-12 08:16ET: Whoops - some images that we missed uploading have been added to this article.

Original Source Press Release:

CANON'S NEW 4 MEGAPIXEL POWERSHOT DIGITAL ELPH SD10 CAMERAS COMBINE IMAGING EXCELLENCE WITH COLORFUL ELEGANCE

World's Smallest*** Four Megapixel Cameras Debut on Patricia Field's Runway Sept. 17 At House of Field Show

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Sept. 12, 2003 - Placed in a purse or stashed in a clutch, nestled in a breast pocket or tucked in a tux, Canon's new PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras get the focus and set the (fashion) scene for imaging excellence and stylish elegance. These new generation miniature miracles reaffirm the old adage that there is no such thing as being too thin. Tipping the scales at a diminutive 3.5 ounces and measuring a scant 3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches, the new PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 debuts as the world's smallest four megapixel digital camera.

Four Way Photo Finish
Call it Canon couture, designer digital or simply a photo phenomenon, the PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras are offered in four art deco-tech colors that will accent an outfit or blend unobtrusively depending on the mood and the moment. Those feeling formal can select the lacquer-like shine of grand piano black or the subtle shimmer of an SD10 adorned in iridescent white. For those who prefer their megapixels to sport a more metallic motif, the SD10 is also available in a satin bronze patina or a platinum silver finish.

The four color-keyed iterations of the new Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 camera debut as the Fall season's sizzling new fashion accessory when mega-hot fashion designer and star costumer Patricia Field pairs them with her latest line and her models take the cameras on her Fashion Week catwalk. In addition to her "House of Field" fashions, Patricia Field is the costume designer for HBO's hit series Sex & The City and, with partner David Dalrymple, has created some of the most memorable outfits worn by such scintillating stars as Sarah Jessica Parker, Britney Spears, The Dixie Chicks and Joan Collins.

Form Follows Function
"These new Digital ELPH cameras are small enough and light enough to go anywhere and stylish enough to go with any outfit from casual comfort to cutting edge chic without compromising image quality," states Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). "The PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras deliver the brilliant optics, technological innovations and design elements Canon users have come to expect, making this camera model one fashion accent that speaks louder than the proverbial thousand words."

"Today, we are seeing more of a trend toward unconventional accessories. More than just belts and hats, today's fashions are accompanied by cameras and PDA devices," said fashion designer, Patricia Field. "With its sleek design and great colors, the Canon SD10 digital camera compliments every outfit and takes fabulous photos."

Image Excellence and the DIGIC Difference
Despite its diminutive size, the SD10 camera's high-resolution four-megapixel CCD captures brilliant images and then - thanks to Canon's exclusive DIGIC� (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) Imaging Processor - takes image quality to a new level.

Canon developed the proprietary DIGIC image processing technology specifically for use with its line of digital cameras. DIGIC combines the roles of image processing and camera function control into one chip and because it was designed for use in digital cameras, it is also capable of handling JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of a digital camera. The DIGIC Processor offers the added benefit of faster display and write-times for each image and low power consumption, saving valuable battery power.

Direct Printing Plus
Direct Printing significantly expands the appeal of the PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras by making it simple, quick and convenient to produce high-quality photos without the need for a personal computer. Beyond its Direct Print capability with Canon's Card Photo Printers and acclaimed Bubble Jet Direct Photo Printers, the camera is also compatible with PictBridge,** a new industry protocol that offers the flexibility of direct printing to other brands of PictBridge compatible printers.

The Digital ELPH SD10 cameras support Exif Print, a worldwide standard that transfers important camera settings and data from the camera to the printer ensuring the photos you print will look true to life. Moreover, DPOF 1.1 (Digital Print Order Format) lets users specify the images to be printed or execute batch printing of selected images.

The PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras feature a high-quality four-element 6.4mm (equivalent to 39mm in 35mm format) f /2.8 single focal length lens and a 5.7x digital zoom. The camera also features an easy to read 1.5-inch (diagonally measured) color LCD Monitor, and through the lens (TTL) 5-point AiAF autofocus. The camera's shutter speeds (mechanical and electronic) range from 15 to 1/1500 of a second and there are 6 white balance modes including Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent and Fluorescent H settings.

Appearing for the first time with any PowerShot camera are three new camera settings: Super Macro mode supports auto-focusing on subjects as close as 1.2 inches from the tip of the lens, resulting in impressive close-ups; Quick Shot mode reduces the time lag between pressing the shutter button and starting the exposure, thus improving the SD10 cameras' ability to capture spontaneous moments; and a new Clock Display mode shows year/month/day and hour/minute/second displays in Shooting Mode by pressing two buttons at once.

The Digital ELPH SD10 cameras' built-in flash features auto/on/off/slow sync operation modes and covers a span of one to six feet in normal shooting mode when ISO sensitivity is set to 100. Maximum distance can be increased to approx. 13 feet at ISO 400. Red-eye reduction is also available in Auto mode.

The Digital ELPH SD10 cameras offer Super Fine, Fine and Normal JPEG compression modes and features resolution settings of 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 (VGA) for still images. The Digital ELPH SD10 cameras can also shoot movie clips with sound up to 3 minutes apiece at resolutions of 320 x 240 or 160 x 120. Sound memos up to 60 seconds can be recorded with the cameras' built-in microphone and attached to individual still images during playback The camera is supplied with an ultra-compact 32MB SD memory card and features video out and USB ports. Canon supplies a comprehensive software bundle with multiple features, but the SD10 can also be connected directly to Mac OS X and Windows XP computers for basic downloading without installing any software.

Dedicated accessories will include color-coordinated soft cases and an attractive All-Weather Housing that allows underwater photography at depths up to 9.8 feet. This accessory also comes in handy when using the SD10 to photograph outdoor activities such as snow or water skiing, white water rafting, etc.

Carrying a suggested retail price of $449,* the Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH SD10 cameras will be available in stores around mid-October.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #39 on the Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2002, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs more than 10,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

# # #

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
* Manufacturer-Suggested Retail Price. Actual prices set by dealer and are subject to change.
**For a list of PictBridge enabled digital printers visit http://www.cipa.jp/pictbridge/.
***As of Sept. 1, 2003
DIGIC is a trademark of Canon Inc.
PictBridge is a trademark.


New coloured Digital IXUS i from Canon - the world's hippest camera?

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 12 September, 2003. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the Digital IXUS i, the most petite and undeniably chic new member of the legendary IXUS collection. Its take?anywhere size, irresistible finishes and a silky feel are designed to appeal to those for whom a sense of aesthetic is not important; it is mandatory. Four new colours and refined finishes are available - Pearl White, Classic Bronze, Platinum Silver and Piano Black.

Half the size of many mobile phones and weighing in at just 100g , this all-metal bodied 4.0 Megapixel dynamo packs 180 second video clips, a 32MB SD memory card and a 5.7x digital zoom. Plenty of advanced technology is on hand, specifically designed to deliver great images during spontaneous use. For lab-quality prints without the PC, PictBridge support allows direct connection to any compatible photo printer. An optional all-weather case - submersible to 3m - is available for beach use, water skiing, snorkelling and surfing.

"This is the camera everybody wants to play with - and nobody wants to put down," says Hiroshi Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "It comes packed with all the technology needed to look after the photography - so Digital IXUS i owners can concentrate on looking after the fun".

Seriously small, seriously advanced
Digital IXUS i might be tiny but it packs plenty of processing muscle. Purpose-built DIGIC (Digital Image Core) circuitry allows for uncompromisingly accurate and precise processing of complex white balance and colour rendition algorithms. This results in superb natural colour reproduction, even for photographers with neither the time nor the inclination to fiddle with lots of settings.

Photographer's assistant
Even before the shutter release is pressed, iSAPS (intelligent scene analysis based on photographic space) technology is analysing the scene and making camera adjustments to deliver fast focusing and perfect exposures. For compulsive and instinctive in-focus shooting, the Quick Shot function does away with the time lag between pressing the shutter?release and actual release.

Prints on the move
By connecting the IXUS i direct to Canon's battery powered Card Photo Printer CP-300, users can enjoy instant, portable lab-quality prints - anywhere, anytime.

Expanding digital world
Automatic membership to Canon's web portal CiG (CANON iMAGE GATEWAY) gives every Digital IXUS i customer 100MB of album space on the web for storing and sharing favorite photographs and albums - a private online photo gallery. Function icons, themes and sound effects can also be downloaded so the camera's look and feel is always fresh.

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