With over 70 years of digital imaging excellence, Canon, the leader in digital cameras launched a series of cameras, putting superior optics and professional features into the hands of emerging photo enthusiasts.

Eight new digital imaging products from Canon were officially launched today at The China Club Singapore. From the EOS 450D to the IXUS 80 IS, these new products embody Canon's dedication to technology, while allowing consumers to reflect their individual style.

Not only was their latest DSLR, the EOS 450D available to members of the press to try out, a few of their compact models were also on display. For the compact category, three new PowerShot cameras and another four more for their IXUS range were released.


DSLR:
Canon EOS 450D

Compacts - PowerShot:
Canon PowerShot A470
Canon PowerShot A580
Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Compacts - IXUS:
Canon IXUS 80 IS
Canon IXUS 85 IS
Canon IXUS 90 IS
Canon IXUS 970 IS

Nelson Tan, Manager, Consumer Imaging & Information Division, giving a presentation on Canon's latest products

?lt;/p>

Press Release for Canon IXUS 80 IS
Canon's Stylish New Digital IXUS

The search for stylish design and exceptional imaging is over as Canon introduces the new IXUS 80 IS - a perfect combination of intelligent features encased in smooth curves and matte-metallic sheen. Available in five subtle hues - Phenomenal Pink, Babelicious Blue, Bohemian Brown, Caramel Camel and Sensuous Silver - there is an IXUS 80 IS for every personality.

Canon harnessed the latest technologies to pack the diminutive IXUS 80 IS with a host of features including Canon’s DIGIC III imaging processor, 3x zoom and 8 megapixel CCD sensor, which support high-resolution prints up to A2 size. The brand new Motion Detection Technology and high-speed ISO 1600 means an end to blurred images.

"In designing the IXUS 80 IS, Canon wanted to combine exceptional imaging capabilities with elegant styling," says Andrew Koh, Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Division at Canon Singapore. "With 5 unique colours, the IXUS 80 IS embodies our dedication to creating best-in-class cameras, while catering to the individuality of our customers."

?lt;/p>

The camera's Motion Detection function is linked to High ISO Auto mode. The IXUS 80 IS detects if subjects are stationary or moving and automatically adjusts the ISO to enable a quick enough shutter to freeze the moment, giving the user sharp images. The high-speed ISO 1600 setting delivers sharp images even in low-light conditions or when taking fast-moving subjects.

For even more detailed focusing, the IXUS 80 IS features an advanced AF-Point Zoom function. By half pressing the shutter button, users can zoom in on the desired subject’s face to view their expression close-up before taking the photo.

Other than Face Detection auto-focus, Flash Exposure and Auto Exposure settings, Canon’s DIGIC III imaging processor includes a Face Detection Auto White Balance (AWB) feature that intelligently evaluates colors of the faces in the scene when calculating the white balance. This ensures that faces in the frame are in focus, with the correct exposure irregardless of whether flash is used.

Canon’s newly developed Automatic Red-Eye Correction engages performs automatic correction during shooting, minimising the need for correction during playback.


Pricing

The Canon IXUS 80 IS retails for a very attractive price of only SGD$429!

?lt;/p>

?lt;/p>

?lt;/p>

Test image


Macro mode, full auto - ISO 80, flash fired

Canon adds more value to the IXUS product line with the launch of three new IXUS digital cameras ?the IXUS 970 IS, IXUS 90 IS and IXUS 85 IS that continue to provide intelligent, easy to use features and powerful functions that offer users versatility and ease of use.

The flagship IXUS 970 IS is currently the IXUS with the longest zoom power at 5x optical zoom, whilst the digital IXUS 90 IS comes with a new touch-sensitive Multi Control Dial that offers instant access to key camera functions for intuitive operations and handling. The IXUS 85 IS is Canon’s slimmest optical Image Stabiliser (IS)-equipped camera at only 20.4mm thick, with a clean, minimalist design in matte black or chrome silver finishes.

"Our new range of IXUS cameras combines both style and substance and gives users an opportunity to showcase their individuality," says Andrew Koh, Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Division at Canon Singapore. "Whether one is looking for high performance, or fuss free handling or a sleek and compact design ?Canon has a camera that will cater to their personal needs."

IXUS 85 IS

With 10.0 megapixel sensors, the new IXUS 85 IS, 90 IS and 970 IS allows for detailed print enlargements greater than A3 size along with cropping of photographs.

The new cameras also employ Canon’s lens-shift optical IS technology to compensate for camera shake at shutter speeds of up to 3 stops lower, which would have been difficult without a tripod. The optical IS is particularly useful at full zoom or when using the macro mode.



IXUS 90 IS

The 3-inch "PureColor" LCD screen on the IXUS 90 IS, compared to the 2.5-inch size in IXUS 970 IS and IXUS 85 IS, gives users a number of visual benefits. Colour tones have been enhanced for vibrant, true-to-life reproduction. There is an anti-reflective coating on the screen which makes it easy to compose and review images even under harsh sunlight. Extra protection is there, as the screen has a scratch resistant layer on top.



IXUS 970 IS

The telephoto IXUS 970 IS comes with 5x optical zoom, while the IXUS 85 IS and IXUS 90 IS comes with 3x optical zoom.



Shared features across all three IXUS models

Similar to the IXUS 80 IS, as part of the High ISO Auto feature, these three IXUS cameras also incorporate the intelligent Motion Detection system which 'analyses' if the subject is in motion and uses various inputs such as information about scene brightness to achieve blur-free images, giving better photos.

In these three models, Canon is implemented the Advanced Face Detection Technology which intelligently detects multiple faces in a frame even with moving subjects and optimizes focus and exposure. Face Select and Track function follows a user-selected face around the frame, ensuring that the best results are achieved at the moment the photographer shoots. Also, there is a Smile Check (yes smile check!) which checks all the detected faces for smiles and focuses and exposes for them. There can be small faces, big faces, all in the same frame, but the system is smart enough to magnify and check the small faces too.


Pricing

The Canon IXUS 85 IS, IXUS 90 IS and the IXUS 970 IS will be available at stores from early April onwards at SGD$529, SGD$599 and SGD$669 respectively.

Canon expands its acclaimed A-series PowerShot range with the release of the new 8.0 megapixel PowerShot A590 IS, PowerShot A580, and the 7.1 megapixel PowerShot A470. Designed to handle a wider range of photographic situations with ease, these cameras continue to meet the varied needs from photo-novices through to the more advanced ones.

"The PowerShot A590 IS, A580 and A470 continue the PowerShot legacy of cameras that effortlessly merge advanced photographic functions, convenience and affordability in one product," says Andrew Koh, Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Division at Canon Singapore. "Our new PowerShot cameras empower users with more creative shooting options while remaining robust and lightweight."

PowerShot A470

The PowerShot A470 has a 7.1 megapixel sensor and 3.4x optical zoom. It is also equipped with 14 shooting modes to cover most photographic scenarios including a new Sunset scene mode for great landscape images. Also, the user can also move in close to the subject with the 1cm Super Macro function. The addition of a vertical shutter release makes shooting photos in portrait layout easier.

The camera also incorporates a Long Play (LP) mode for longer video recording times. The 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II screen has a wider viewing angle and the anti-glare coating provides easier viewing for image framing and playback.



Powershot A580

The PowerShot A580 has a 8 megapixel sensor and 4x optical zoom. The A580 offers a wide array of manual functions for creative expression. Apart from the Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter Priority (Tv) and Program exposure modes, the Auto ISO Shift, 9-Point AiAF and new enhanced shooting modes, which includes an easy shooting mode makes shooting much easier. Less things for any user to worry about is a good thing!



PowerShot A590 IS

The PowerShot A590 IS offers the same base features as the A580. Both cameras have the same 8 megapixel sensor, as well as various settings such as P mode, Av mode, etc. for a wider choice of options to choose from to maximise creativity.

With the A590 IS, an extensive range of optional lenses is available for use, including the Wide (0.7x) and Tele (1.75x) converter lenses to extend the effective focal range of the PowerShot camera. The PowerShot A590 IS also equipped with the Optical Image Stabliser (IS) technology which significantly reduces blur and minimizes hand shakes.

Pricing

The PowerShot A470 can be bought at a really cheap price of only SGD$249! The PowerShot A580 and A590 IS aren't that far off on pricing either at SGD$319 and SGD$369 respectively!

 The pretty Canon ladies once again...

Press Release for Canon EOS 450D
Canon's new DSLR puts performance in the hands of serious photo hobbyists

Prosumers and serious photo enthusiasts can expand their photographic endeavors with the launch of the Canon EOS 450D Digital SLR (DSLR) that incorporates high end functions and technology found in Canon’s professional DSLR models.

Modeled after the popular Canon EOS 400D, the new EOS 450D is an improved successor with a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC III imaging processor that captures high definition images with true-to-life colours at amazingly fast processing speed. The EOS 450D is also the first EOS DSLR that uses the Secured Digital (SD) card as the storage media, moving away from the Compact Flash (CF) card, thus making it compact and light.

"The EOS 450D continues Canon’s technology leadership in taking technologies suitable in the professional photography space and making them available to consumers, regardless of their photography skills," says Andrew Koh, Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Division at Canon Singapore. "Packed with Canon’s most advanced photographic technologies, the EOS 450D is very accessible to prosumers and photo enthusiasts looking for value-for-money DSLR cameras with top notch performance."

Handling

The redesigned grip on the body, and most importantly, the optional battery grip makes handling the camera a very pleasant one. It is a huge step up from the EOS 350D and the EOS 400D. The most noticable and applaudable change in design would be the all-new BG-E5 battery grip. With curved contours, we are definitely looking at a snug fit here. The outline of the body grip and the battery grip feel almost similar, gone are the days of Canon battery grips that feel nothing more than just a rectangular block. A big thumbs up to Canon on this one!


Autofocus

A new autofocus model has been thrown into the EOS 450D. Although it still retains 9 AF points, the speed and accuracy has been tweaked and improved. Non-center points performed well during our brief testing. The center AF point operates as a cross-type, high-precision point when lenses of f/2.8 or faster are used. In addition, the sensor is able to correct slight shifts in the point of focus that is caused by different light sources, thus improving AF accuracy.


Controls

A separate ISO button has been placed conveniently beside the on/off switch. The 3-inch LCD screen takes up much of the space on the back of the camera, but that does not mean there needs to be compromise of ease of controls. All the usual settings that one would touch while shooting can be done with just one hand on this camera. (And I just gotta love the very neat yet cool looking information display screen!)


Live View

Live View is a feature that is available on all new EOS cameras. To date, the 1D Mark III, 1Ds Mark III and the 40D have Live View. This makes the EOS 450D the forth camera in Canon's DSLR line-up to sport this function.

Live View can come in very handy when one is stuck in a hard-to-move-about situation. By using Live View, the photographer has the freedom to move the camera around until he/she finds the perfect angle because he/she will be able to see what will be captured being reflected real-time on the LCD monitor.


Picture styles

Interestingly, Canon has made some adjustments to the Standard Picture Style, the parameters for Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation and Color tone used to be 3, 0, 0, 0 previously. However, for the EOS 450D, it returned values of 4, 1, 1, 1. I believe it might be due to end-user feedback that the default colours out of the camera aren't punchy enough, unlike certain brands.

After our quick testing, we found that although the images produced will be somewhat more attractive than previous EOS models to users new to DSLRs, it has retained colour accuracy. Picture Style parameters for all the other styles remain the same. There are no new Picture Styles either.


Pricing

The suggested retail price for the Canon EOS 450D camera body alone is SGD$1349, while the camera kit that comes with the new EF-S 18-55mm IS (it's an excellent starter lens even though it looks almost just like the average-performing 18-55mm non-IS, mind you) goes for SGD$1499.


Our initial feeling?

The Canon EOS 450D will take the whole cake for the entry-level market once it hits retail stores. With good handling with/without grip, lightweight, and compact design, it would appeal to both sexes as well as people who are intending to take up photography as a hobby. It has a high megapixel count, a good AF system, and not to mention a wide range of EF/EF-S lenses to choose from.

Test shots


Fill flash with +1/3 EV compensation


ISO 1600, taken at 85mm f/5.6 with EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS, no flash