Canon has taken the wraps off even more additions to its digital camera lineup, including a new PowerShot G7 high-end point-and-shoot cameras and numerous new (and colorful) members of the company’s popular Digital Elph line. All the new cameras feature Canon’s DIGIC III image processor with face detection technology, so they can track faces as they move within the viewfinder to make sure those portraits and group shots turn out marvelous.
At the prosumer end of the line, the new PowerShot G7 offers a 10 megapixel resolution, a 6× optical zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, sensitivity all the way to ISO 1600, and optical image stabilization. The G7 supports RAW images, has a hot shoe for connecting external flashes, and is compatible with many auxilliary lenses. For the movie-minded, the G7 will capture XGA (1,024 by 768 pixel) video at 15 fps, and for the print-minded, the camera supports PictBridge printing. The G7 stores images to SD, SDHC, and MMC cards and offers USB 2.0 connectivity. The PowerShot G7 comes with a “wet matte black finish” and should be available in October for a suggested price of $599.99.
Next up, Canon is rolling out three new Digital Elphs: The SD900, SD800 IS, and colorful SD40. The SD900 offers a titantium body styling and a 10 megpizel resolution, combined with a 3× optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder—impressive, considering the camera is only 2.35 inches high and just over 3.5 inches long. The SD900 includes a 1.4×/2.3×digital tele-converter for extended shooting, offers a 15 fps XGA resolution movie mode. The SD900 stores images to SD, SDHC, and MMC cards, captures images at sensitivities up to ISO 1600, and connects to computers using USB 2.0. Expect the SD900 in October for a suggested price of $499.99.
The new SD800 IS is a 7.1 megapixel camera—so, a lower resolution than the G& or SD900—but the SD800 IS makes up for it with a 3.8× wide-angle optical zoom with image stabilizer technology. Other specs are familiar: 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder, ISO 1600 sensitivity, movie mode (limited to 30 fps VGA or 60 fps QVGA), support for SD/SDHC/MMC storage, USB 2.0, and PictBridge compatibility
Finally, the new (and colorful) SD40s offer economical, simple-to-use photo capabilities in a variety of lifestyle-compatible colors. The SD40 offers a 7.1 megapixel resolution, a 2.4× retractable optical zoom, a 1.8-inch LCD viewfinder, SD/SDHC/MMC storage, USB 2.0, and a tiny form factor: 3.78 inches long, 1.78 inches high, less than one inch thick, and a weight of just 3.7 ounces. And did we mention the colors: Precious Rose, Twilight Sepia, Olive Gray, and Noble Blue. As with Canons other offerings announced today, the SD40s will ship in October; estimated retail price is $349.99.
