3 November 2003 1:20 GMT / By PRESS RELEASE
Comment: Let's not get too excited - Canon has decided to bundle in the 1Gb microdrive with the Powershot S50 all for £629. and charge an additional £80 on top of the original RRP.
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the 5.0 Megapixel PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit, building on the success of its multi award-winning PowerShot S50. The PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit will ship with a 1GB Microdrive and has a stylish black finish, giving a professional appearance to match its performance.
The PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit now leads Canon's ‘S' series of digital cameras and enables users to capture 400 high-resolution shots without having to change storage medium. It retains all the features of the original PowerShot S50, including a 35-105mm, 3x f/2.8-4.9 optical zoom, 9-point AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus) system, FlexiZone AF/AE and Canon's unique DIGIC (DIGital Image Core) processor to deliver consummate image quality. “With its wide range of ergonomically presented photographic controls, the PowerShot S50 has proven to be a hit amongst seasoned photographers and advanced users,” says Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK. “The addition of a 1GB Microdrive will appeal to time-pressured users who are after a serious pocket-sized camera capable of taking hundreds of shots before the need to download.”
Maximum image quality
The complex algorithms required to accurately process functions such as white balance and colour rendition are all integrated onto Canon's unique high speed DIGIC processor. This allows the PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit to deliver stunning quality images with no trade-off in camera responsiveness.
Even before the shutter release is fully pressed, Canon's unique iSAPS (intelligent scene analysis based on photographic space) technology is pulling together available information such as focal length, subject brightness and camera settings. This data is matched against what the camera already ‘knows' about typical images and settings in order to pre-set the camera's focusing position, AWB and exposure. By the time the scene is fully metered only fine adjustments are necessary, allowing for faster, more precise auto-focusing and the best possible exposure and white balance in every shooting situation.
Superb flexibility
For maximum image quality, the PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit captures images as RAW files or JPEG images. It is also possible to save an image in the RAW format even when it was initially shot in a JPEG mode, should the user choose to do so when viewing the image in Record mode. Further user control comes in the form of three metering modes, ISO settings from ISO 50-400 and a shutter speed range of 15-1/1500s. The camera features, automatic white balance and allows two custom white balance settings, in addition to the six pre-set programs, for perfect colours every time. The camera's built-in flash is both powerful and flexible, offering a range of features including red-eye reduction, second curtain synchronisation, manual output control, plus a maximum range of 4m at ISO 100.
13 shooting modes
Combining automatic functions and manual selections, the PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit features 13 shooting modes, including subject-based modes and semi-auto modes such as aperture priority. A continuous mode allows a maximum frame rate of two frames per second, maintained for up to eight images , while Photo Effects give users access to black and white, sepia, sharpening, contrast and colour saturation controls.
Movie mode and printing
A movie mode permits recording of movie clips up to three minutes each, complete with sound. There is also the option to cut and edit footage on the camera's own screen. Additionally, voice annotations of up to 60 seconds can be attached to each still image.
Consistent with all models in Canon's current digital camera range, the PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit supports Canon's Direct Print system, for printing with the camera linked straight to a Bubble Jet Direct Printer or Card Photo printer. In-camera controls allow users to select the number of prints to be made, image cropping and print size. Each camera includes access to the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY (CIG) online service where users may share and store up to 100MB of their images, and access the ‘My Camera' function to download start-up sound and image files.
Accessories and software
The PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit is supplied with both a 32MB CompactFlash card and 1GB Microdrive. It is compatible with both type I and II CompactFlash memory cards, and ships with a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack (NB-2L), battery charger and connecting cables.
The software included is Canon's ZoomBrowser EX (Windows), ImageBrowser (Macintosh), PhotoRecord, PhotoStitch and RemoteCapture software. As the camera is PTP compatible no additional drivers are needed in Windows XP or MAC OS X environments. The optional waterproof case (WP-DC300) allows users to also enjoy the PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit underwater, to a depth of 30m. All data is based on Canon standard testing methods and subject to change without notice.
Pricing, availability and reader enquiries
The PowerShot S50 Microdrive Kit will be available from mid-July 2003 for £629 RRP inc VAT
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