Less surprisingly Canon has also announced a couple of new IXUS (ELPH) models, the SD 750 (IXUS 75) and SD 1000 (IXUS 70). These new digital cameras are both 7.1 megapixel / 3x zoom / DIGIC III jobs, and if you're looking for distinguishing features the SD 750 has a 3.0-inch screen and the SD 1000 is Canon's slimmest model to date, squeezing in at only 19.4mm thick (or should that be thin?).

Press Release:

Classic tones and slim lines: Canon launches the Digital IXUS 75 and Digital IXUS 70 (SD750 and SD1000)

Amstelveen , The Netherlands, 22 February, 2007: Canon today updates its Digital IXUS range with two striking new models – the 7.1 Megapixel Digital IXUS 75 (SD 750 DIGITAL ELPH) and Digital IXUS 70 (SD 1000 DIGITAL ELPH). The ultra compact Digital IXUS 75 sports a metallic finish with a massive 3.0” PureColor LCD, offset by a distinctive circular accent around the lens. A touch sensitive control dial provides easy access to key camera settings. The Digital IXUS 70 is Canon’s slimmest optical zoom camera yet, featuring a clean, minimalist design inspired by the original IXUS. Measuring only 19.4mm deep, it comes in both black and silver finishes. Both cameras incorporate a clever new Red-Eye Correction feature in Playback mode.

The Digital IXUS 75 and Digital IXUS 70 offer superb response times and high-quality image rendering through Canon’s DIGIC III image processor. DIGIC III also powers Face Detection and Noise Reduction Technology, making it easier for users to capture sharp, well-exposed images in clubs, restaurants and other social situations.

Features at a glance:

• 7.1 Megapixels
• 3x optical zoom 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) with UA lens
• DIGIC III with Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Noise Reduction Technology
• Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 3.0” PureColor LCD (Digital IXUS 75); 2.5” PureColor LCD ( Digital IXUS 70)
• ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• 17 Shooting modes plus My Colors photo effects
• 30fps VGA Movies and Time Lapse Movie function

“With their advanced functionality and bold design concepts, these new models go beyond the conventional,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “It’s this unfaltering pursuit of new technologies and new aesthetics that set the Digital IXUS range apart from the competition.”

DIGIC III: Better Photos, Easily

Canon’s DIGIC III processor introduces several advancements that reduce the risk of blurred or poorly exposed photographs. Face Detection AF/AE/FE automatically detects up to nine faces within a scene and optimises focus and exposure accordingly. Fast and highly accurate, the system has been enhanced on these models to control flash exposure (FE), and is now capable of detecting faces at greater distances. Face Detection Technology also enables Red-Eye Correction in playback. Users can quickly detect and remove red-eye in captured images directly in-camera, ensuring that people shots look natural and accurate. Noise Reduction Technology produces smooth images at up to ISO 1600, allowing for flash-free photography in dimly-lit areas such as parties and nightclubs. A new Auto ISO Shift function prevents blur by giving users the option to boost the ISO setting – and consequently shutter speed – with a single button press, whenever the camera predicts camera shake.

LCD enhancements

A range of enhancements has been made, based on feedback collected from users across the globe. Both cameras include new high resolution (230k pixels) PureColor LCD screens, which offer users a wide range of visual benefits. Colour tones have been enhanced by up to 30% for vibrant, true-to-life colour reproduction. The screen’s wide viewing angle is complemented by an anti-reflective coating, which makes it easy to compose and review images even in brightly-lit conditions. A scratch-resistant layer provides extra protection against knocks and scrapes.

Settings for shutter speed and aperture are now displayed on the LCD during shooting. When using Auto ISO and High ISO Auto, the LCD will also display the ISO speed. These camera settings are now recorded as EXIF data for review in playback. Users of the Digital IXUS 75 can instantly review captured images using a dedicated Playback button, which acts as a toggle between shooting and playback modes. The Print/Share button doubles as a customisable Shortcut button on both cameras, providing one-touch access to frequently used functions, such as movie recording or white balance settings.

Creative options

A total of 17 shooting modes are provided, including a wide selection of Special Scene modes such as Portrait, Indoor and Night Snapshot. Digital IXUS 75 users can access modes via the Touch Control Dial. Both cameras include My Colors photo effects for creative experimentation before and after shooting.

A new Time Lapse Movie function allows users to capture changing scenes – such as drifting clouds, a blooming flower or a bustling city street – for accelerated playback as smooth VGA-quality movie clips. Captured at one-second or two second intervals, a scene of two hours’ duration can be condensed to a fluid eight minute or four minute movie file. Users can also record standard VGA movies with sound at 30fps and QVGA movies with sound at 60fps.

Canon PowerShot IXUS 70 / 75 specifications

	Ixus 70 (SD 1000)	Ixus 75 (SD 750)
Sensor	• 1/2.5 " Type CCD • 7.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3072 x 2304 • 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480 • 3072 x 1728 (w) • 1600 x 1200 (Postcard Date Imprint)
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 30 / 15fps • 320 x 240 @ 60 / 30 / 15fps • 160 x 120 @ 15fps
File formats	• JPEG Exif 2.2 • DCF • DPOF • AVI Motion JPEG + WAVE
Lens	• 35 - 105mm (35mm equiv) • F2.8 - 4.9 • 3x optical zoom
Image stabilization	No
Conversion lenses	No
Digital zoom	up to 4x
Focus	TTL
AF area modes	• AiAF (Face Detection / 9-point) • 1-point AF (fixed center)
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	Closest 3cm
Metering	• Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame) • Center-weighted average • Spot (Center)
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600
Exposure compensation	+/-2EV in 1/3 stop increments
Shuttter speed	15 - 1/1500sec
Aperture	F2.8-4.9
Modes	• Auto • Manual • Digital Macro • Portrait • Night Snapshot • Color Accent • Color Swap • Stitch Assist • Movie • Special Scene	• Auto • Manual • Digital Macro • Color Accent • Color Swap • Stitch Assist • Movie • Special Scene
Scene modes	• Kids & Pets • Indoor • Foliage • Snow • Beach • Fireworks • Aquarium • Underwater	• Portrait • Night Snapshot • Kids & Pets • Indoor • Foliage • Snow • Beach • Fireworks • Aquarium • Underwater
White balance	• TTL type • Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Tungsten • Fluorescent • Fluorescent H • Custom
Self timer	2 or 10 sec, Custom
Continuous shooting	approx 1.7fps until memory card becomes full
Image parameters	My Colors: My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color
Flash	• Auto • Manual Flash On / Off • Slow Sync • Red-eye reduction • Range: 50cm - 3.5m (wide) 50cm - 2.0m (tele)
Viewfinder	Real-image zoom	No
LCD monitor	• 2.5-inch P-Si TFT • 230,000 pixels	• 3.0-inch P-Si TFT • 230,000 pixels
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (Mini-B, MTP, PTP) • AV out
Print compliance	PictBridge
Storage	• SD / SDHC / MMC card compatible • 32 MB card supplied
Power	• Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery NB-4L • Charger included • Optional AC adapter kit ACK-DC10
Weight (no batt)	125 g	130 g
Dimensions	85.9 x 53.5 x 19.4 mm	91.6 x 56.8 x 19.6 mm

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