Liné Reitz, Canon’s regional sales officer, explained that the new digital compact cameras were aimed at families and those with active lifestyles.<\/p>\n
The consumer-aimed PowerShot SX 20 IS’s main features include a twenty times wide-angle super zoom lens, which zooms from 28mm to 560mm; 720p HD video, and a 12.1 megapixel image sensor with DIGIC 4 image processing for high image quality and minimal noise.<\/p>\n
The new PowerShot SX 120 IS boasts a ten times optical zoom lens, a 10 megapixel image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processing for photos taken in less than ideal lighting conditions. Canon’s Image Stabiliser (IS), ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology work together to minimise if not eradicate unwanted blurring. The camera additionally includes Smart Auto and Easy modes with Scene Detection Technology. By analysing people, distance, brightness and colour in the scene, the camera automatically selects one of 18 scene variables to optimise settings for the best results.<\/p>\n
The third digital compact camera launched, the Powershot G11, features a high-resolution variable angle LCD screen and improved noise reduction. The flexible screen is aimed at enabling reportage photographers to photograph over the heads of crowds, or in other circumstances where using the viewfinder isn’t practical. It similarly carries a 10 megapixel image sensor with the enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology to reduce noise and increase quality equal to 2-stops.<\/p>\n
Reitz explained that the G11 would make an ideal backup camera for serious and professional photographers. Speeds of up to ISO 3200 are supported for photographing in low light conditions. A wide angle (28mm) zoom lens and optical image stabilizer round off the camera’s feature set.<\/p>\n
Canon 7D camera<\/strong><\/p>\n The camera generating the most excitement in Canon’s line up, however, was undoubtedly the EOS 7D.<\/p>\n The camera’s features include an 18 megapixel sensor, two DIGIC 4 image processors, an ISO range up to 12 800 and a continuous shooting speed of eight frames per second. Added to these features is the assertion by Canon that the 7D has been designed by the expressed needs and desires of 5 000 photographers throughout the world.<\/p>\n According to Reitz, the main requests received from photographers in a digital SLR camera included faster shooting speeds, onboard high definition video (the 7D can capture ten minutes of full HD video at 1080P) and wireless connectivity.<\/p>\n Added to this, the 7D also accommodates a full frame viewfinder and 18 autofocus (AF) points. The autofocus system itself offers several manual and automatic settings, such as Zone and Spot AF, to track and capture subjects quickly and accurately. Different AF points can further be set for vertical or horizontal orientation, so photographers can automatically switch between landscape and portrait shots without touching a button. A new metering system, which takes into account focus, colour and luminance across 63 zones, further compliments the camera’s new autofocus system.<\/p>\n Another feature added to the 7D is a dual axis electronic level, enabling landscape photographers to ensure the horizon is level before taking a photograph. The 7D still possesses an image conversion factor of 1.55, which means that a 100mm lens, for example, will function like a 155mm equivalent.<\/p>\n Cosmetic, but no less important, changes made to the camera itself include larger switches for those working in cold climates and minor changes to the placement of some buttons.<\/p>\n New lenses<\/strong><\/p>\n Along with new additions being added to the range, there are two new lenses for photographers to consider. The 100mm 2.8 macro lens is the first macro lens to incorporate image stabilisation, aimed at enabling photographers to capture close-up images without using a tripod. The lens joins Canon’s L-series, the company’s professional lens range.<\/p>\n Another pair of lenses launched by the company is the EF-S 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM and the EF-S 18-135mm f\/3.5-5.6 IS.<\/p>\n The EF-S 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM is equivalent to a 24-136mm focal length lens. The lens, which fits cameras with EOS EF-S mounts, covers wide angle and portrait focal ranges. It also offers a 4-stop Image Stabilizer as well as a close focusing distance of 0.35m throughout the zoom range.<\/p>\n The EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS, which covers the 29mm to 216 mm image range, is aimed at being an all purpose zoom for cameras with EOS EF-S mounts. It similarly features a 4-stop Image Stabilizer and has a 0.45m minimum focusing distance.<\/p>\n Whether a new digital compact finds its way onto your shopping list or the 7D and its new lenses capture your eye, the new range of cameras seem certain to entice enthusiast photographers.<\/p>\n