Canon has also announced a further two additions to its Digital ELPH / Digital IXUS range in the shape of the PowerShot SD600 and SD630 cameras. These 6-megapixel cameras feature a 3x optical zoom and High ISO Auto and ISO 800 settings. The only difference between them we can find is the LCD screens; 2.5-inch on the SD600 and 3.0-inch on the SD630 (which is also the first IXUS without an optical viewfinder).

• US name: Canon PowerShot SD600 / SD630 Digital ELPH
• European name: Canon Digital IXUS 60 / IXUS 65

Press Release:

Canon builds on design pedigree with two new Digital IXUS models

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 21 February 2006: Canon today announces the release of two new jewels in the Digital IXUS crown – the Digital IXUS 60 and Digital IXUS 65. The two cameras continue the IXUS tradition of fusing cutting-edge technologies and superb build quality with compelling camera design.

Featuring a high resolution 2.5" LCD screen, the steel-bodied Digital IXUS 60 draws on original IXUS designer Yasushi Shiotani's 'box and circle' concept to achieve a look of classic elegance. The innovative Digital IXUS 65 sports a massive 3.0" LCD, unique Touch Control Dial and a two-tone finish in brushed silver and ebony black.

Both cameras incorporate leading edge features into ultra slim bodies, including:

• 6.0 Megapixel resolution
• 3x optical zoom 35–105mm (35mm equivalent) with UA lens
• DIGIC II, iSAPS and 9-point AiAF for fast, sharp results
• 16 shooting modes
• My Colors in-camera photo effects
• 30fps VGA movie clips with sound
• High ISO Auto and ISO 800 for flash-free indoor shooting
• Widescreen (16:9) still image recording

The Digital IXUS 60 and Digital IXUS 65 sit above the Digital IXUS 55 in the IXUS range and will appeal to style-conscious consumers seeking large displays, advanced functionality and great image quality in a compact and elegant camera.

"These new additions to the Digital IXUS range exemplify everything IXUS stands for – leading design, innovative technologies and outstanding performance," said Mogens Jensen Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe.

Big screen appeal

The Digital IXUS 60's 2.5" LCD screen allows for sharp composition and reviewing with no squinting or eyestrain. The screen's wide angle of view makes it easier to share playback with a group. The speaker and mode switch have been repositioned on this model for a firmer grip, while the base of the mode switch acts as a thumb rest for added comfort.

A huge wide-angle 3.0" LCD screen – the largest to ever grace a Canon compact digital still camera – is just one of several landmark innovations on the Digital IXUS 65. A new Touch Control Dial replaces the mode dial - touching the dial displays a mode icon on the LCD for quick and easy function selection, particularly after dark. The dial can also be used to scroll through images during playback. A new Image Inspection Tool makes use of the large LCD screen by simultaneously displaying a newly shot image and a magnified section of the image – ideal for checking details before leaving the scene. The magnified spot can be moved between AF points or to any point on the image.

Increased ISO speed

Stylish compact cameras are generally used indoors, at parties and in other low light situations where the use of the flash can spoil the ambience of the scene.
The Digital IXUS 60 and Digital IXUS 65 incorporate ISO 800 to facilitate flash-free shooting indoors and minimise the effects of camera shake. A new High ISO Auto setting automatically sets exposure using the higher range of ISO sensitivities, prioritising faster shutter speeds for reduced image blur. Dedicated ISO buttons on the cameras allow quick switching between ISO settings.

Creative shooting

Canon's My Colors photo effects can now be applied both before and after shooting to images, offering users more opportunities to customise their creations without having to connect to a PC. The Digital IXUS 60 and Digital IXUS 65 offer 16 shooting modes including a Manual mode, which enables selection of ISO, white balance and other exposure settings. Preset scene modes assist with tricky lighting conditions, including an Underwater mode for shooting underwater with the optional Waterproof Case. Color Accent and Color Swap modes enable dramatic colour effects to be applied to both images and movies without the need for a PC or image manipulation software.
A new Widescreen recording mode (2816 x 1584 recording pixels) allows for still image capturing in 16:9 format – perfect for viewing images on widescreen television or printing wide format (10 x 20cm) photos with a SELPHY CP series Compact Photo Printer.

The cameras’ movie features enable recording of 30fps VGA movie clips of up to 1GB . A 60fps QVGA mode is ideal for recording fast action sequences and analysing them in slow motion, while the handy Compact mode records up to 3 minutes in low resolution for easy sharing via email.

Printing and other new features

A new dedicated and easy to access Print menu simplifies printing of multiple images. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need for a PC. The cameras' ID photo and movie stills features are also available when connected to a SELPHY CP Compact Photo Printer. A Print/Share button allows one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems.
The cameras’ menu systems now feature support for Arabic, bringing the total number of supported languages to 23.

Accessories

• Optional Waterproof Cases (Digital IXUS 60: WP-DC3, Digital IXUS 65: WP-DC4) allow users to bring the cameras to a depth of up to 40 metres for compelling underwater shots. Specially designed Weights (WW-DC1) are available to control camera buoyancy.
• Soft Leather Case (DCC-60)
• Digital IXUS Metal and Leather Neck Straps
• Compact AC Power Adapter (ACK-DC10)
• Battery pack NB-4L

The cameras are compatible with MMC/SD cards, and come supplied with a 16MB Canon memory card.
The PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH will be available in March for an estimated selling price of $349.99 and the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera will be available in April for an estimated selling price of $399.99.

PowerShot SD600 / SD 630 specifications

Additional images