Canon has today announced a new compact PowerShot model, the SD430, which becomes the first Canon model to feature build-in WiFi (802.11b). This model will be known simply as the Digital IXUS Wireless in Europe. This model is essentially identical as the SD450 but with the WiFi added (5 mp, 3x zoom). The camera kit also includes the 'WA-1N Wireless Print Adapter' which provides WiFi printing to PictBridge compatible printers. Options include the NB-4L battery (you may need a few of those).

Phil: Wireless (mostly WiFi) will be one of the 'buzz items' at PMA 2006, to me at least it's a solution looking for a problem. At home transfers will be no faster than dropping the camera in a USB dock, there is as yet no public infrastructure in place for 'out and about' transfers (and no built-in browser means it'll be difficult to login publicly) and when WiFi is enabled the small batteries in these compact cameras are likely to be sucked dry pretty quickly. There will of course be early adopters who will buy these models, personally I'd like to see manufacturers spending more R&D on important things like low-noise, high sensitivity sensors, better compact lenses, better automatic white balance and improved performance.

Press Release:

IXUS goes wireless

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 25th October 2005: Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the Digital IXUS WIRELESS – Canon's first wireless digital compact camera. Bringing IXUS style and performance to the wireless age, the camera's Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) support offers users a new level of flexibility and convenience in digital photography.

The Digital IXUS WIRELESS supports several innovative features, including automatic wireless image transfer and wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC. It comes supplied with the Wireless Printer Adapter (WA-1E) for out-of-the-box wireless direct printing to any Canon PictBridge compatible printer.

A sleek new Slit & Frame design complements the camera's wireless capabilities while staying true to the iconic IXUS style. Appealing to admirers of high-tech elegance, the compact Digital IXUS WIRELESS sports a silver finish and incorporates a stylish blue LED that illuminates during wireless communication. Image quality is assured with a 5.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, a compact 3x optical zoom Ultra-high refractive index Aspherical (UA) lens and Canon's second generation DIGIC II image processor. Other features include a bright 2.0" LCD display and 14 shooting modes for creative experimentation.

"With wireless technology extending beyond the office to personal home networks, Canon expects Wi-Fi support to be the next big trend in the digital photography market," said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "The Digital IXUS WIRELESS delivers freedom and ease-of-use that consumers expect from wireless devices." 

Wireless convenience

The Digital IXUS WIRELESS offers hassle-free wireless communication for printing and transferring images from any room in the house. The camera can be registered quickly and easily with up to 8 target devices including wireless access points, allowing for integration with existing wireless home networks.  Key wireless features include:

• Wireless direct printing: The supplied Wireless Print Adapter plugs into the PictBridge port and is pre-registered for instant, wireless direct printing to any Canon PictBridge compatible printer2 – including the SELPHY CP range of portable Compact Photo  printers. Users can also connect wirelessly via PC1 and configure to print automatically to a USB connected photo printer.
• Auto Transfer mode: The camera automatically transfers each image as soon as it is taken and the supplied software displays the images on the PC as they are received, allowing for real-time full screen viewing with friends.
• Wireless Remote Capture: Enables users to wirelessly control camera shooting functions from the PC1 – ideal for candid party shots or home wildlife photography.

Security

The Digital IXUS WIRELESS uses a secure communication system to prevent eavesdropping or interception of wireless transmissions. In addition to the industry standard WEP, the camera employs WPA-PSK with TKIP/AES encryption for enhanced data security.

Resolution and optics

Featuring a 5.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, the Digital IXUS WIRELESS provides enough resolution for detailed photo prints up to A3 size.  The camera's 3x optical zoom lens (35–105mm equivalent) includes two Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical (UA) elements, allowing the camera to retain a slender profile without compromising on picture quality.

Visionary technology

The DIGIC II processor ensures fast responsive camera performance and image rendering. DIGIC II powers the camera's 9-point AiAF for accurate auto focussing even when subjects are off-centre. iSAPS technology assesses the scene and adjusts camera settings before every shot to achieve the optimum results.

Shooting modes and special effects

With 14 shooting modes, the camera is designed to deliver great results in a wide range of situations. A selection can be made from Auto, Manual, Digital Macro, Portrait, Stitch Assist and Night Snapshot modes, or from the 6 Scene Modes. Movie mode allows users to record extra long (up to 1 GB in size) high quality 30fps VGA movie clips with sound. With the addition of My Colors, users of the Digital IXUS WIRELESS can become more creative in their digital photography. Special effects such as Color Swap or Custom Color, which allows users to select their preferred colour balance (reds, greens, blues and skin tones) for any given shot, can be performed in-camera and viewed on the LCD while shooting stills and movies.

Playback features
Canon's Intelligent Orientation Sensor technology recognises when the camera is rotated from horizontal to vertical, automatically rotating stored images for correct playback. Contemporary Slide Shows can also be created in camera for seamless viewing of captured images on the camera's bright 2.0" LCD screen or on a TV using the AV connection (cable supplied).

Software and CANON iMAGE GATEWAY

The Digital IXUS WIRELESS comes bundled with a comprehensive software suite, including Canon’s ZoomBrowser EX 5.5 (Windows) and ImageBrowser 5.5 (Mac) for editing and organising photos, movies and slide shows. The software package also includes easy printing software PhotoRecord 2.2, PhotoStitch, and ArcSoft's photo manipulation software, PhotoStudio. The user-friendly Canon Wireless Camera Setup utility1 contains simple step-by-step instructions for quick and easy setup of target devices.

Purchasers of the camera are eligible for membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, which offers 100 MB of online space for uploading and sharing images. Membership also allows users to download start-up images and sounds to customise their My Camera settings.

Supported operating systems are Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000 (SP4), XP (SP1/2) and Mac OS X v10.2-v10.4. Wireless communication software is compatible with Windows XP SP2 only. The camera supports PTP for driverless transfer to supported Windows XP or Mac OS X.

Accessories

A complete range of optional accessories is available that complement the
Digital IXUS WIRELESS, including:

• A stylish leather Soft Case DCC-500
• High Power Flash HF-DC1
• Battery Charger CB-2LVE
• Ultra-thin Battery Pack NB-4L
• AC Adapter kit ACK-DC20 for mains power

The camera is compatible with MMC/SD cards, and comes supplied with a 16 MB Canon SD card.

Canon PowerShot SD430 Wireless specifications

Additional images