Canon has launched six 16MP A-series entry-level PowerShot cameras, completely refreshing the lineup. The models are best understood as three distinct groups within the range: the A810 and A1300 are traditional AA-battery A-series cameras with 5x, 28-140mm equivalent zooms, the A2300, A2400 and A3400 are slim cameras with the same lens and lithium ion batteries, and the A4000 tops the range with an 8x zoom.

The A810 is the least expensive model, costing around £99. The A1300 adds an optical viewfinder. The A2300, being built around a lithium ion batteries, is much slimmer and much closer to what might previously have been sold as an IXUS/ELPH. The A2400 adds image stabilization and the A3400 gains a touchscreen. Finally the A4000 has a 28-224mm equivalent stabilized lens though without the touchscreen.

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• Press Release
• Canon A810 and A1300 Specifications
• Canon A2300, A2400, A3400 and A4000 Specifications
• Additional Images

Press Release:

Canon launches new range of stylish PowerShot A series cameras

London, UK, 7th February 2012 – Canon today unveils the latest range of versatile, stylish and easy-to-use PowerShot A series models designed to help users capture impressive images and HD movies – anytime, anywhere. Each model combines Canon's leading lens technology, a slim and stylish design and a range of stand-out technologies that make taking photos and recording HD movies easier than ever before.

The six new Canon PowerShot A series models include the PowerShot A810 and PowerShot A1300, perfect take anywhere cameras that combine Canon's leading image quality with simple, easy functionality that offers versatile support for shooting everything from family group shots to outdoor events. Perfectly slim and stylish, the new PowerShot A2300 and PowerShot A2400 IS are ideal for style conscious users who want a camera to capture party shots and HD quality movies on nights out. The new PowerShot A3400 IS is Canon's first PowerShot A series model to feature a 7.5 cm (3'') touch screen LCD for flexible, intuitive control, and the PowerShot A4000 IS is the first PowerShot A series model to include a powerful 8x optical zoom lens that lets users get even closer to the action.

Exceptional quality for all

The new PowerShot A series models feature a range of Canon's leading imaging technologies to ensure that no matter the scene and subject – from birthday parties, to family holidays – great shots can be achieved to share with friends and family. Each model features a 16.0 Megapixel sensor which works together with Canon's advanced DIGIC 4 processor to ensure stills are captured in crisp, clear detail with natural colours.

The new models feature a 28mm wide-angle lens that help to capture more of the scene, from group gatherings to eye-catching landscapes, while the 5x optical zoom on the PowerShot A810, PowerShot A1300, PowerShot A2300, PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A3400 IS lets users get closer to a distant subject. For zooming in even further and capturing more, the PowerShot A4000 IS features a powerful 8x optical zoom in a slim, compact body that easily fits into a bag during sightseeing trips or evenings out, so you can get even closer to the action with your camera.

To combat the effects of camera-shake, each new model benefits from Canon's advanced image stabilisation techniques, to ensure a stunning, steady shot every time. By detecting motion and merging multiple images into one blur free image, Digital IS mode featured in the PowerShot A810, PowerShot A1300 and PowerShot A2300 minimises blur for sharp, clear shots. For even more advanced stabilisation, the PowerShot A2400 IS, PowerShot A3400 IS and PowerShot A4000 IS feature an optical Image Stabilizer with Intelligent IS technology. Whether shooting videos of friends, or blooming flowers, Intelligent IS automatically detects the type of scene and subject and automatically applies one of six1 different IS modes in order to produce the best possible result.

Capture HD movies and stills effortlessly

Ensuring life's defining moments, from a baby's first steps or the first kiss on a wedding day, are never missed, all new PowerShot A series models, are able to instantly record HD movies (720p) thanks to a dedicated Movie Record button.

For effortless point and shoot enjoyment, Smart Auto mode detects 32 different scenes and can be accessed instantly from any shooting mode with one press of the new Auto button. This ensures users can have the confidence to experiment with shooting settings, and instantly be able to leap straight back to Smart Auto mode at the touch of a button. Face Detection Technology also makes capturing shots of friends and family even easier by automatically focusing on the faces in shot and adjusting exposure to ensure skin tones are natural.

For those looking to learn more about the functionality and shooting modes on their new camera, all new models feature a Help button that instantly brings up on-screen guidance. The new models also feature Canon's Discreet Mode, which automatically switches off all camera sounds and the flash, perfect for subtly capturing photos without attracting attention when discretion is required or where flash photography may seem intrusive.

Getting creative is easy with these models thanks to the introduction of Canon's Creative modes. With the touch of a button users can instantly shoot photos with six2 different creative effects. For example Monochrome adds impact and atmosphere to portraits and landscapes with black and white, sepia or blue monochrome effects, while Fish-eye Effect transforms any shot to add a new perspective and Poster Effect gives images a retro feel.

A PowerShot model for everyone

Canon's new range of PowerShot A series cameras offers an affordable solution for nearly every type of user looking for easy-to-use functionality coupled with image quality for which Canon is renowned.

The entry level PowerShot A810 and PowerShot A1300, powered by widely available AA batteries, are the perfect solutions for the budget conscious user looking for a reliable, compact camera they can take with them wherever they go. In addition to Canon's range of advanced imaging technologies, these models feature a 6.8cm (2.7'') LCD display that's perfect for framing shots and reviewing movies and stills. The PowerShot A1300 offers the added benefit of an optical viewfinder – matching the shooting style of those who prefer to use this means of framing a shot.

The PowerShot A2300 is perfect for those who want a camera to match their style. Available in a choice of four fashionable colours, the sleek and slim body is completed with a stylish metal exterior, helping users to stand out from the crowd. The Li-Ion battery ensures the PowerShot A2300 design remains slim and compact. With the same standout design available in a choice of four natural colours, the PowerShot A2400 IS features a range of advanced Canon technology, including optical IS and Intelligent IS, to help prevent camera shake and blur when shooting on the move or using the zoom.

The PowerShot A3400 IS offers a packed specification that includes the PowerShot A series' first 7.5 cm (3.0'') touch screen LCD display which complements the dedicated Auto, Help and Movie Record buttons for even easier, more intuitive control. The responsive touch screen gives even more power at the fingertips; with Touch Shutter functionality, users can control focus and trigger the shutter to capture the shot, while Touch AF focuses on specific areas of the shot by simply touching the screen.

Sitting at the top of the new PowerShot A series is the PowerShot A4000 IS, the first PowerShot A series model to feature an 8x optical zoom lens. With a metal body available in a choice of four colours, the PowerShot A4000 IS is the perfect takeanywhere camera for the style-conscious user looking for impressive results and a camera that will make a statement.

Join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY community

Owners of these new models can also join the newly updated CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video, now providing up to 10 GB of personal storage capacity, perfect for storing many photos, even in full resolution. An easy interface allows users to search for images, create combined photo and movie Albums that can receive comments from friends, and to share Albums directly via email and Social Networking Sites.

1 Six modes include Normal IS, Panning IS, Macro IS, Tripod mode, Dynamic IS and Powered IS
2 Six modes include Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome

Canon PowerShot A810 and  A1300 specifications

Canon PowerShot A2300, A2400 IS, A3400 IS and A4000 IS specifications

Additional images

Canon PowerShot A810
Canon PowerShot A1300
Canon PowerShot A2300
Canon PowerShot A2400 IS
Canon PowerShot A3400 IS
Canon PowerShot A4000 IS