March 12, 2008 - Canon today announced three additions to its line of sleek Digital ELPH PowerShot point-and-shoots: the SD890 IS, SD790 IS, and SD770 IS. Famous for their tiny, feature-packed bodies, all three feature a 10-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch Interline Transfer CCD, Canon’s Intelligent Anti-Blur System, Genuine Face Detection Technology, and speedy DIGIC III image processor. The SD890 IS will retail for $399.99, the SD790 IS for $349.99, and the SD770 IS for $299.99; all three will ship in April.
The SD890 IS and SD770 IS have 2.5-inch LCDs with a 230,000-pixel resolution, and, a rarity on modern point-and-shoots, an optical viewfinder. The SD770 IS has a 3x optical zoom lens t with a focal length of 6.2 to 18.6mm (equivalent to 35 to 105mm in 35mm format), while the SD890 IS’s 5x zoom lens has a focal length of 6.6 to 33mm (37 to 185mm in 35mm format).
The SD790 IS has a 3x optical zoom lens that captures focal lengths of 6.2 to 18.6mm (equivalent to 35 to 105mm in 35mm format) and a large 3-inch screen with 230,000-pixel resolution.
All three cameras combine four technologies for Canon’s Intelligent Anti-Blur System: optical image stabilization, motion detection technology, High-ISO Auto, and noise reduction technology.
Optical image stabilization is considered the best way to curb blur due to camera shake, since it actually moves the lens to compensate for movement. Motion detection works with High-ISO Auto to detect movement and raise the ISO and shutter speed to compensate. Noise reduction works all around to reduce noise in images displaying movement, especially those taken in low-light shooting situations.
All three new models also feature Canon’s DIGIC III image processor, which Canon claims leads to faster startup, autofocus, and shutter response times. This chip also, they claim, extends the battery life of the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries – all three can reportedly capture more than 300 images before needing a battery charge.
Face detection is also updated on the three PowerShot models. Face Detection White Balance has been added to optimize skin tones, and an autofocus mode, AF Point Zoom, digitally enlarges a detected face on the LCD so users can pick just the right moment to press the shutter button. In the Playback mode, the Image Inspection Tool zooms in on detected faces so users can check for focus, red eyes, and blinks.
In-camera red eye correction has been moved to the shooting side of the camera, automatically detecting and eliminating red eyes during capture so users don’t have to edit red eyes out in Playback mode.
In addition, all three cameras keep Canon’s popular My Colors modes, which allow users to put color filters on their images post-capture. Options include Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Lighter and Darker Skin Tones, and a Custom option to create your own filter.
All three PowerShots record movies with sound at 640 x 480 resolution at 30 frames per second. A compact mode allows for shooting at 160 x 120 at 15 fps. Movies can be played back in regular time or slow motion, and editing is possible in the Playback mode.
All three ship with a 32MB SD memory card, and will be available in early April.
