Canon has released three new 'jewels' in the Digital Ixus crown: the Digital Ixus 60 and 65, plus the Digital Ixus that advanced photographers have been waiting for - the 6.0 Megapixel Digital Ixus 800 IS. The Ixus 60 and 65 continue the Ixus tradition of fusing cutting-edge technologies and superb build quality with compelling camera design.
Redefining the boundaries of compact camera design, the 800 IS is the flagship of the Digital Ixus range, packing a 4x optical zoom lens and Canon's optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology into a slender body.
Featuring a high resolution 2.5" LCD screen, the steel-bodied Digital Ixus 60 draws on original Ixus designer Yasushi Shiotani's 'box and circle' concept to achieve a look of classic elegance. The innovative Digital Ixus 65 sports a massive 3.0" LCD, a unique Touch Control Dial and a two-tone finish in brushed silver and ebony black.
Both cameras incorporate leading edge features into ultra slim bodies, including:
¤ 6.0 Megapixel resolution;
¤ 3x optical zoom 35-105 mm (35 mm equivalent) with UA lens;
¤ DIGIC II, iSAPS and 9-point AiAF1 for fast, sharp results;
¤ 16 shooting modes;
¤ My Colors in-camera photo effects;
¤ 30fps VGA movie clips with sound;
¤ high ISO Auto and ISO 800 for flash-free indoor shooting; and
¤ widescreen (16:9) still image recording.
The Digital Ixus 60 and 65 sit above the Digital Ixus 55 in the Ixus range and will appeal to style-conscious consumers seeking large displays, advanced functionality and great image quality in a compact and elegant camera.
"These new additions to the Digital Ixus range exemplify everything Ixus stands for - leading design, innovative technologies and outstanding performance," Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe, said.
Ixus 800 IS: a new class of Ixus
Exquisitely styled with a unique 'Curvature and Stream' design, the 800 IS incorporates a host of cutting-edge features and shooting options to satisfy the most demanding of photographers, including:
¤ ISO 800 and optical IS for flash-free indoor shooting;
¤ Canon's DIGIC II image processor, iSAPS and 9-point AiAF2;
¤ wide viewing angle 2.5" LCD screen;
¤ 16 shooting modes;
¤ My Colors photo effects;
¤ Widescreen (16:9) stills recording; and
¤ 30 fps VGA movies.
"Ixus is synonymous with distinctive style and leading technology," Mr Jensen said. "The Digital Ixus 800 IS adds another dimension to the range with a new level of functionality that will thrill serious photo enthusiasts."
4x optical zoom with Image Stabiliser
Smaller, lighter camera bodies are more susceptible to camera shake from handheld shots, especially in low light situations. The Digital Ixus 800 IS employs the same optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology used in Canon's professional EF lenses to reduce the image blur caused by camera shake.
IS allows for sharper flash-free shooting by enabling photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower. It also allows for steadier macro shooting when using the camera's 2 cm Macro mode.
To incorporate this technology into such a compact space, a new IS processor chip was developed by Canon's engineering team. The new chip accurately controls the movement of lens elements, delivers fast, precise shake correction - processing up to 4,000 signals per second - and contributes to lower power consumption.
The 4x optical zoom lens incorporates an Ultra-high refractive index Aspherical (UA) lens to achieve a focal length range of 35-140 mm (35 mm equivalent) while allowing the camera to maintain a slender profile. The camera retains a real-image optical viewfinder despite its compact size, enabling users to frame without the LCD and further extend the camera's impressive 240-shot3 battery capacity.
Printing and other new features
A new dedicated, easy to access Print menu simplifies printing of multiple images. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need of a PC.
The cameras' ID photo and movie stills features are also available when connected to a SELPHY CP Compact Photo Printer.
P. Cutajar & Co. Ltd are the local agents of Canon Photo Video products and the full range is on display at their outlet in Mriehel.
References
1. See Technologies Explained.
2. Ibid.
3. Based on the CIPA standard and using the battery and memory card format supplied with the camera.