Pre-Photokina 2002, 0600 GMT: Canon has today announced the three megapixel two times optical zoom Digital IXUS v³ (EU name) / S230 Digital ELPH (US name). The Digital IXUS v³ is based around the IXUS v² body design and lens but now features a three megapixel sensor, new image processing and 9-point AiAF. Also new is the ability to record video clips of up to 3 minutes in length, although this requires a high speed Compact Flash card. And just in time Canon are also introducing such a High Speed card.
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Press Release (Canon Europe):
Digital IXUS v³ - All style, All substance
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Amstelveen, 16 September 2002 - Canon launches the world's smallest 3.2 Megapixel digital camera with optical zoom and LCD monitor *1 - the Digital IXUS v³.
This new seductive model in the Digital IXUS line-up offers real substance with a 3.2 Megapixel CCD and a new high performance DIGital Imaging Core (DIGIC) processor and 2 x optical zoom lens.
The new Digital IXUS v³ still boasts the signature IXUS style with brushed stainless steel exterior and sleek design but is also packed with Canon's latest photo technology. The 3.2 Megapixel CCD offers higher resolution than its popular predecessor, the Digital IXUS v², and images are better suited for A4 prints.
"This new IXUS is truly all style and all substance." Says Mr. Komatsuzaki, Executive Vice President Canon Consumer Imaging. "Retaining the trademark sleek look of the Digital IXUS range, the Digital IXUS v³ also incorporates all Canon's latest technologies and is set to make a major impact on the 3 Megapixel market."
High Style
The Digital IXUS v³ is the ultimate in style - fashioned from high quality stainless steel, this camera is a work of art. Managing to remain compact despite the wealth of technology and all additional features, this new Digital IXUS illustrates that smart technology need not mean a compromise on style.
Measuring less than 20mm when retracted the Digital IXUS v³ lens is both high quality and super powerful. The 2 x zoom covers a good range of photo opportunities and since the lens retracts into the camera body the Digital IXUS v³ is the perfect 'take everywhere' camera, fitting neatly into a purse or even a pocket.
High Tech
The Digital IXUS v³ features the new Canon DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) ultra fast processor. This innovative processor links six key elements: CCD Control, AE/AF/AWB, signal processing, JPEG compression, memory card control and LCD monitor display - to deliver the outstanding images and overall performance that hallmarks Canon cameras.
Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space (iSAPS) is another technology that allows the Digital IXUS v³ to deliver superb images. Each time a picture is taken with the Canon digital camera, the captured image and shooting information are analysed and cross-referenced against Photographic Space data. Photographic Space data is a vast library of statistical information built into every canon digital camera to deliver optimal photographic output. With the new iSAPS technology Canon utilises 60 years of camera experience to make pictures better.
The Digital IXUS v³ features an intelligent orientation sensor, which detects the orientation of the camera to optimise the metering and white balance in all situations. The orientation sensor allows the camera to automatically rotate the image for playback on a TV or when transferring images to a PC with Canon Software. It also improves pictures as the camera can adjust the exposure to compensate for sky in the top of portrait format shots.
Newly incorporated on the Digital IXUS v³ is a 9-point Artificial intelligence Auto Focus (AiAF), which ensures that photos are correctly focused on the subject. In combination with the intelligent orientation sensor the camera's Auto Focus can easily centre on the subject and not the background as the 9 points cover a larger area to achieve better photographic performance.
It is possible to take photo's anywhere and print them anytime as the Digital IXUS v³ is compatible with Canon's entire range of innovative Direct Printers. By simply connecting camera to direct printer, sharing moments is simple and fast with no need for a PC.
Capable of recording movie clips with sound of up to 3 minutes *2 the Digital IXUSv³ offers users more than just still images. It is also possible to edit directly on the camera without using PC or complex software. Short movie clips can be shared easily with friends or family by email or playback on TV.
Software
Compatible with both PC and Mac OS, the Digital IXUS v³ has a full suite of advanced digital-imaging software.
- New ZoomBrowzer EX* application - updated for quicker operation and improved database reliability. Larger icons and quicker thumbnail displays make this camera extremely user friendly.
- New ArcSoft PhotoImpression/ VideoImpression - This is a simple icon driven program, with images in the Album saved as thumbnails for easy recognition. The package offers a number of features to edit and modify photos in a simple and easy to use interface and comes with a several special effects and creative features to keep the adventurous user occupied.
- Picture Transfer Protocol - allows driverless connection to Windows XP and Mac OS X.
Other software includes PhotoStitch, PhotoRecord, RemoteCapture and File Viewer Utility.
Accessories
- 30-m depth waterproof case - this accessory makes the Digital IXUS v³ the ultimate take everywhere digital camera. Over land or under sea the Digital IXUSv³ delivers superb images with the utmost of style.
- Car Battery Charger - makes it easy to charge the camera's battery while on the move, for maximum shooting time and convenience.
Other accessories include a soft case, AC adapter Kit, battery charger and battery pack.
*1 As of 1st September 2002
*2 Additional high speed CompactFlash card such as Canon FC-256MH is required
Canon Digital IXUS v³ specifications
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IXUS v³ connected to CP-100 dye-sub printer | IXUS v³ "looking cool" |
European Name | DIGITAL IXUS v³ |
US Name | PowerShot S230 DIGITAL ELPH |
Sensor | 1/2.7" 3.3 megapixel (primary CFA) |
Effective pixels | 3.2 megapixels (JCIA standard) |
Image processor | DIGIC (12 bit) |
Image sizes |
2048 x 1536 |
Image quality | Super-Fine JPEG Fine JPEG Normal JPEG |
JPEG format | EXIF 2.2 |
Lens | 2x optical zoom 35 - 70 mm (F2.8 - F4.0) 7 elements in 5 groups (3 aspherical elements) |
Digital zoom | Yes, 3.2x |
Focus method | TTL 9-point AiAF or Single center point AF |
Focus range | Normal: 47 cm - Infinity
(18.5 in - Infinity) Macro wide: 10 - 47 cm (3.9 - 18.5 in) Macro tele: 27 - 47 cm (10.6 - 18.5 in) Landscape: 5 m - Infinity (16.4 ft - Infinity) |
Exposure control | Program Auto Exposure |
Exposure compensation | +/-2.0 EV in 0.3 EV steps |
Metering method | Evaluative (linked
to AF point) Spot |
Camera Shooting modes | Auto Manual Stitch Assist Movie |
White Balance | Auto Daylight Cloudy Tungsten Fluorescent Fluorescent High Manual Preset |
Shutter speed | 15 - 1/1500 sec |
Noise reduction | For shutter speeds longer than 1.3 sec |
ISO sensitivity | Auto (ISO 50 - 150) ISO 50 ISO 100 ISO 200 ISO 400 |
Viewfinder | Optical |
LCD Monitor | 1.5" TFT 100% coverage |
Self Timer | 2 sec 10 sec |
Continuous shooting | 2 fps, max 12 frames (Large/Fine) |
Flash mode | Auto Red-eye reduction Auto Manual Flash On/Off Slow Sync Speed |
Flash range (ISO 100) | Normal wide: 0.57 -
3.0 m (1.9 - 9.8 ft) Normal tele: 0.57 - 2.0 m (1.9 - 6.6 ft) Macro: 0.27 - 0.57 m (10.6 - 22.4 in) |
Movie files | Large: 640 x 480, 15
fps, inc audio (14 sec, 30 sec max*) Middle: 320 x 240, 15 fps, inc audio (44 sec, 3 min max*) Small: 160 x 120, 15 fps, inc audio (118 sec, 3 min max*) * When used with a high speed CF card |
Photo Effect | Vivid Neutral Low Sharpening Sepia B&W |
Playback Operation | Single Multi Movie Slide Show Magnify (up to 10x) |
Orientation Sensor | Senses horizontal / vertical orientation of camera |
Compliance | DPOF print order format ExifPrint (EXIF 2.2) |
Direct Printing |
Canon CP-10 |
Storage | Compact Flash Type I, 16 MB included |
Connectivity | USB 1.1 (Normal / PTP) A/V output |
Power | Lithium-Ion NB-1LH 840 mAh (included & charger) |
Dimensions | 87 x 57 x 27 mm (3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 in) |
Weight (exc. batt) | 180 g (6.3 oz) |
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