Canon has today announced three new models in their affordable PowerShot A range. Slotting in at the entry-level, the PowerShot A450 and A460 replace the previous A420 and A430. Both sport 5.0 megapixel sensors and 3.2x / 4x zooms respectively. The A550 meanwhile enters the mid-range to supersede the A530, and offers a little more both in terms of features and control as well as increasing the pixel count to 7.1 million.

Press Release:

Canon emphasises ease with three new PowerShot models

Amstelveen , The Netherlands, 18 January, 2007: Canon today updates its bestselling PowerShot range with three affordable new models – the PowerShot A450, PowerShot A460 and PowerShot A550. Replacing the PowerShot A420 and PowerShot A430 respectively, the entry-level PowerShot A450 and PowerShot A460 add improved specifications while retaining the point-and-shoot simplicity of their predecessors. The 7.1 Megapixel PowerShot A550 replaces the PowerShot A530 and incorporates several new design features for enhanced ease of use. Remarkably compact and lightweight, all three cameras offer the superb build quality found throughout the PowerShot range.

Availability

PowerShot A550 available February 2007
PowerShot A460 available February 2007
PowerShot A450 availability TBC (varies dependent on region)

Features at a glance:

• 5.0 Megapixels
• 4x optical zoom (3.2x PowerShot A450)
• DIGIC II, iSAPS and 5-point AiAF
• Wide range of shooting modes
• 2.0” LCD

• 7.1 Megapixels
• 4x optical zoom
• DIGIC II, iSAPS and 9-point AiAF
• Redesigned Shooting Mode dial
• 30fps VGA movies with sound
• 2.0” LCD with dedicated Playback button

With the appeal of digital expanding beyond the traditional age bracket, the three new PowerShot models are positioned to meet an increasing demand for no-fuss cameras that every member of the family can pick up and use – from kids to grandparents.

 “For novice photographers and first time digital camera buyers, simplicity of use is a crucial factor,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “These new additions to the PowerShot range illustrate that affordable, snapshot photography need not mean a compromise on quality.”

Ease of Use

The three cameras have been designed with ease of use firmly in mind. Key controls and buttons are intuitively positioned for fast, fingertip access. A selectable Grid Line Display on the LCDs helps with shot composition, while the 2.0” screen size makes it easy for family members to view photos together without connecting to a PC. Conveniently powered by AA batteries, the cameras offer impressive battery life with up to 11 hours playback on a single charge (with Canon NB-3AH batteries).

A wide range of shooting modes cover most family and social situations, allowing users to shoot without having to worry about camera settings. The PowerShot A550 simplifies shooting even further by bringing the most commonly used Special Scene modes – such as Night Snapshot and Kids & Pets – out of the menu system and onto the camera’s Shooting Mode dial. My Colors allows users to apply photo effects direct from the camera while shooting, with options including Sepia and Black & White.

All three cameras feature a Movie mode for VGA quality clips with audio of up to 60 minutes in length or 1GB file size (whichever is reached first)*. Movies and photos can be viewed on a TV via the AV out connection.

Direct printing

All cameras are PictBridge compliant for instant direct printing to compatible printers. Users can also print ID photos and still images from movies when connected to a SELPHY CP series printer. The handy Print/Share button on each camera allows one-touch printing and hassle-free uploads to Windows or Macintosh systems. The cameras’ menu systems now feature support for Ukrainian and Romanian, bringing the total number of supported languages to 25.

*Depending on memory card speed and capacity

Canon PowerShot A450 & A460 specifications

Canon PowerShot A550 specifications

Additional images

Review Canon Powershot A550