Go to:
Previous Item
Current News
Next Item

Canon's PowerShot SX1 IS digital camera. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Canon Europe announces first CMOS PowerShot digicam
By
(Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 00:01 EDT)

Among today's PowerShot digital camera announcements from Canon is one that has taken place in Europe and Asia, but conspicuously not in the US market.

The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is very similar to the SX10 IS which has been launched here, but with one very important difference. Where the SX10 IS has a 1/2.3" CCD image sensor with ten megapixels, the SX1 IS replaces this with a CMOS sensor of equal size and effective resolution. That makes the SX1 IS the first ever PowerShot digital camera to feature a CMOS imager, and it also gives the SX1 IS a huge boost when it comes to recording movies.

While the SX10 IS is limited to just VGA (640 x 480) pixel movies at 30 frames-per-second, the SX1 IS is capable of capturing 1080p (1,920 x 1080) high definition videos at the same frame rate. To make the most of this, Canon has opted to change out the 4:3 aspect ratio 2.5" LCD from the SX10 for a 16:9 2.8" LCD in the SX1; resolution is identical at 230,000 dots, however.

The SX1 also gets a 16:9 aspect ratio electronic viewfinder and HDMI high-definition video output, both absent from the SX10 IS. The SX1 is also capable of capturing 10 megapixel images at four frames per second.

We understand that most other features of the SX1 IS are similar to the SX10 IS which will be available in the US market. At the moment, indications are that the SX1 will not be making it to the US this year; beyond that we have no further info.

Canon's PowerShot SX1 IS digital camera. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!

Original Source Press Release:

Canon brings HD moviemaking and 4fps shooting to its PowerShot super zoom series

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 17 September 2008: Canon today supercharges its PowerShot digital compact camera range with two powerful new models: the 10 Megapixel PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS, which jointly replace the PowerShot S5 IS.

Both raise the benchmark for compact zooms with an outstanding 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom, with USM and VCM for fast, silent, zooming. The PowerShot SX1 IS offers a revolutionary series of features never seen before on a Canon compact camera – a 10 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, 4 frames per second continuous shooting, and full HD movie capture – while both cameras use Canon’s new DIGIC 4 processor for fast performance and richly detailed, clean images in a wide range of shooting situations.

Unbeatable reach
With a Canon 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom lens, the PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS tackle everything from long-range telephoto shots to sweeping landscapes. Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) combines with Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology for near-silent operation and the speed for sports or wildlife subjects. And thanks to Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer – which now offers a 4-stop advantage – camera shake blur is avoided even with the zoom fully extended.

10 Megapixel power
The PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS feature resolutions of 10 Megapixels, capturing all the necessary detail for poster-size prints or creative cropping in post processing. A Canon CMOS sensor allows the PowerShot SX1 IS to shoot full-resolution JPEGs at speeds of up to 4fps – making it a powerful, pocket-sized tool ideal for capturing fast-paced action sequences.

High Definition moviemaking
For the ultimate in visual quality, the PowerShot SX1 IS delivers 1080p (30fps) High Definition video – ready for instant playback on any HDTV via a built-in HDMI connection1. The PowerShot SX10 IS offers fun, spontaneous VGA movie shooting. Movies on both cameras are enhanced with CD quality stereo sound, optical zooming and Face Detection Technology; and if extra reach is required, the PowerShot SX1 IS includes Canon’s Advanced Tele-Converter for an extra 2x zoom with no loss in movie quality.

  1. Requires optional HDMI cable

DIGIC 4: intelligent processing for better photos
The PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS both feature Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. As well as ensuring ultra-fast operation and superb, low-noise images, DIGIC 4 drives several intelligent technologies that make great photos easier than ever.

People shots benefit from improved Face Detection Technology, which even detects faces positioned at an angle to the camera, or in profile. Face Select & Track tracks a specific subject even more accurately, while a new FaceSelf-timer function – which automatically triggers the shutter shortly after a new face enters the frame – makes group shots and self-portraits easy.

Canon’s improved Motion Detection Technology delivers fantastic, sharp results by registering camera and subject movement, then automatically adjusting ISO to prevent image blur. Blur is further guarded against by new Servo AF, which continuously adjusts focus on subjects moving towards or away from the camera.

DIGIC 4 also powers Canon’s new i-Contrast feature, which brings out great, natural-looking detail in dark areas of pictures – without blowing out lighter areas.

Total Control
For the ultimate creative precision, the PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS offer full manual control over both aperture and shutter speed. A Multi Control Dial offers fingertip access to all key settings. Plus, compatibility with a range of accessories – including Canon’s professional Speedlite EX flash units – extends creative potential even further.

Also included with the PowerShot SX1 IS is Canon’s WC-DC300 controller, which allows wireless control of shooting and playback. This is ideal for tripod shots at slow shutter speeds, or any situation where keeping a distance from the camera is preferable.

“Both of these cameras offer exceptional imaging possibilities,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “In particular, the PowerShot SX1 IS genuinely redefines what a compact digital camera can do. This kind of power and versatility must be experienced to be believed.”

Features at a glance:

  • 20x wide-angle (28mm, f/2.8) optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer
  • 10.0 Megapixels
  • Canon CMOS sensor for full resolution continuous 4fps shooting (PowerShot SX1 IS)
  • Full HD (1080p, 30fps) movies plus HDMI output (PowerShot SX1 IS)
  • DIGIC 4 for outstanding images and fast response times
  • Shooting modes include full manual control
  • Great people shots with Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB plus Face Select & Track and FaceSelf-Timer
  • Targets every possible cause of blur with High ISO Auto, optical Image Stabilizer, Motion Detection Technology and Servo AF
  • Auto Red-Eye Correction in shooting and playback
  • i-Contrast boosts brightness and retains detail in dark areas
  • 2.5” vari-angle LCD II with wide viewing angle plus electronic viewfinder (PowerShot SX10 IS)
  • 2.8” widescreen vari-angle LCD II with wide viewing angle (PowerShot SX1 IS)
  • Multi Control Dial and customizable My Menu
  • Smooth, 30fps VGA movies (PowerShot SX10 IS)

For more information, please check http://www.canon-europe.com/press_centre/product_information/cameras_accessories/PowerShot_SX1_IS.asp

About Canon Consumer Imaging (CCI), Canon Europe
Canon Europe is a subsidiary of Canon Inc., founded in Japan in 1937. CCI is a leading provider of digital products for the home and the office, including: photo, video, ink jet and laser printers, All-In-One devices, projectors, scanners and fax machines.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is kyosei, a Japanese concept that focuses on living and working together for the common good. As an environmentally aware organisation Canon is a Conservation Partner of the WWF.

Further information about Canon Europe is available at: www.canon-europe.com

Go to:
Previous Item
Current News
Next Item