NewsJanuary 2009

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Canon unveils PowerShot A480

Canon has introduced the PowerShot A480 digital compact camera, replacing PowerShot A470 with a more compact body and easier operation. Twenty five percent smaller than its predecessor, the A480 includes a new simplified button layout for ease of use. This entry-level compact houses a 10MP sensor, 2.5" LCD, Canon's DIGIC III processor and includes features such as Motion detection and Face Detection.

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Press Release:

Fun, pocket-sized and totally intuitive:
the new PowerShot A480

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 15 January 2009: Canon today replaces its popular PowerShot A470 with a new 10.0 Megapixel model: the extra-compact, affordable PowerShot A480. Redesigned for even more intuitive operation, the PowerShot A480 offers a new build and design that is 25% smaller than that of its predecessor – in a choice of silver, red, blue or black. Flexible framing of shots is made easy by a 3.3x Canon optical zoom, while Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers high image quality, superb colour reproduction, Face Detection Technology and Motion Detection Technology.

Designed to be easy
Every aspect of the PowerShot A480 has been redesigned with one thing in mind: ease of use. Thanks to a new, simplified button layout – with dedicated buttons for zoom, mode and playback and an improved User Interface, it’s as easy to operate as it is to carry. Compact proportions make the PowerShot A480 an ideal ‘take-anywhere’ camera, perfect for capturing spontaneous snapshots.

Generous Megapixels and flexible zoom
The PowerShot A480 uses a 10.0 Megapixel sensor to capture every scene in vivid detail, ready for printing at sizes as large as A3+. This is complemented by a 3.3x optical zoom, which provides the flexibility to frame everyday shots to perfection.

Canon know-how for great shots made easy
At the heart of the PowerShot A480 is Canon’s DIGIC III image processor. As well as ensuring exceptional image quality – with ultra-low noise levels and outstanding colour reproduction – DIGIC III drives the rapid response times, and Canon’s own Face Detection Technology. Designed to make great people shots easier than ever, Face Detection Technology detects up to nine faces in a scene and adjusts focus, exposure, flash settings and white balance – for optimal results with natural-looking skin tones.

To keep shots looking sharp, Motion Detection Technology uses changes in scene information to identify subject motion and camera-shake. ISO is then optimised for minimum blur and maximum image quality.

Ready for any occasion
A range of 15 preset shooting modes allows any user to instantly get the correct settings for common scenes. Options include dedicated Kids & Pets, Sunset, and Indoor modes. It’s also equally easy to shoot spontaneous 30fps video clips, ready for upload to the internet or sharing via the bright 2.5” LCD screen. Plus, because the PowerShot A480 is powered by AA batteries, users can enjoy a convenient, readily available source of power.

“Whether you’re 7 years old or 70, the PowerShot A480 offers a great-value way to discover the fun of taking pictures,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera brings Canon’s unrivalled image quality to its widest audience yet.”

Features at a glance:

• Compact, lightweight 10.0 Megapixel camera in four colour variations (silver, red, blue or black)*
• Canon 3.3x optical zoom
• Easy to use, with simple button layout and intuitive user interface
• 2.5” LCD with Image Inspection Tool for focus checking
• People shots made easy with Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB and
• Red-Eye Correction in both shooting and playback
• DIGIC III processing delivers high-quality images and intelligent technologies
• Combats blur with Motion Detection Technology
• Smooth, 30fps VGA movies with Long Play mode
• 15 shooting modes
• Safety FE avoids blow-out when the flash is used
• Powered by AA batteries

*Some colours may not be available in some regions.

Canon PowerShot A480 specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.3 " Type CCD • 10.0 million effective pixels
Image Processor	DIGIC III with iSAPS technology
Image sizes	• 3648 x 2736 • 2816 x 2112 • 2272 x 1704 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480 • 3648 x 2048 • 320 x 240
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 20fps • 320 x 240 @ 30fps
File formats	• JPEG (EXIF 2.2) • AVI [Motion JPEG compression] • WAVE audio (mono)
Lens	• 3.3x optical zoom • 37 – 122mm (35mm equivalent) • 6.6 - 21.6 mm • f/3.0 - f/5.8
Digital zoom	Up to 4x
Focus	TTL autofocus
AF area modes	• AiAF (Face Detection/5-point) • 1-point AF (fixed centre or Face Select and Track)
AF assist lamp	Yes
Closest focus distance	1cm from front of lens (Super Macro mode)
Metering	• Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame) • Centre-weighted average • Spot (centre)
ISO sensitivity	AUTO, High ISO Auto (incorporating Motion Detection Technology), 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Exposure compensation	+/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments
Shutter speed	• 1/60 - 1/2000 sec (factory default) • 15 - 1/2000 sec (total range - varies by shooting mode)
Aperture	f/3.0 - f/5.8
Scene modes	Auto, P, Special Scene (Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Sunset, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium, Long Shutter, Super Macro), Movie
White balance	Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Self timer	2 or 10 sec, custom
Continuous shooting	Approx. 0.8 shots/sec (until the memory card is full)
Image parameters	My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Custom Color (limited))
Flash	• Auto, Manual Flash On / Off, Slow sync, red eye reduction • Range: 30cm - 3.0m (wide), 2.0m (tele)
LCD monitor	• 2.5” TFT • approx. 115,000 dots
Connectivity	• USB (Mini-B, MTP, PTP) • AV out (PAL/NTSC))
Print compliance	• EXIF Print • DPOF 1.1
Storage	• SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus. • 32MB memory card supplied
Power	• 2x Size-AA Alkaline or NiMH Batteries (Alkalines supplied) • Optional, AC Adapter Kit ACK800
Weight (no batt)	140 g
Dimensions	92 x 62 x 31 mm