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Monday, February 26, 2007

Canon Introduces New Powershot A560 Digital Camera

With the introduction of the PowerShot A560 digital camera, Canon’s A-Series cameras have once again come to the rescue of consumers just joining the digital photo revolution, as well as those who are already in the photo-fray, and are waiting for top-tier technology to trickle down before they trade-up.

Although the line’s “A” designation stands for the convenient AA batteries it accepts, it could easily stand for “affordable” or simply reflect the consistently high marks that these feature-packed PowerShot digital cameras earn from camera users and digital camera advocates alike. This newest A-Series digital camera continues to deliver on Canon’s long-standing commitment to produce the highest quality cameras at the highest possible value to consumers. Indeed, Canon’s A-series of cameras have long been heralded as a top-featured, entry-level line of digital cameras and rewarded with considerable consumer loyalty.

“As Canon leads the way in digital camera design, innovation and image excellence, we are also seeking ways to put the power of those imaging advances into the hands of digital camera users everywhere,” states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We are very proud that our new PowerShot A570 IS and PowerShot A560 digital cameras continue to fulfill that commitment and deliver on the promise of high quality and affordability.”

Sophistication Made Simple
The PowerShot A560 digital camera is built with the kind of intuitive engineering that makes taking great pictures as simple as pointing and shooting. From the cameras’ Face Detection technology that detects multiple human faces in a scene and the new Red-eye Correction feature that greatly reduces that cursed condition that can occur with flash photography, to the on-board Intelligent Orientation Sensor that automatically detects whether the camera is being held and shot vertically or horizontally, these Canon cameras give users the freedom to shoot and share their photos with incomparable ease. The new model also features a large and bright 2.5-inch 115,000 pixel LCD color display, making it easier to review captured images, perform on-camera editing and read and select menu options.

DIGIC III
The “brain” of the new PowerShot A-Series digital camera is DIGIC III, the newest iteration of Canon’s ultra-efficient (and proprietary) image processor. Previously available only on Canon’s most advanced digital cameras, the DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera’s higher performance levels including faster start up, autofocus and shutter response times, improved image quality and more efficient power consumption; resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

With Canon’s new Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology, the camera can detect, lock on and track multiple human faces in a scene simply by pressing the shutter button halfway. The face detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object. It will then optimize the focus, exposure, and flash to help ensure the best possible results. Working in concert with Face Detection, the “Red-eye Correction” feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. Images can be corrected manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. Canon’s new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture taking moments, helping users to ensure in-focus smiles, and assist in the elimination of overexposed faces.

In addition, the DIGIC III image processor has a more aggressive noise reduction algorithm enabling PowerShot A-Series owners to shoot at ISO equivalent speed ratings from 80 to a super high 1600 for increased low light photo flexibility. This sensitivity at the top-end allows the camera to utilize faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing the effects of camera shake and subject movement during hand-held or low-light photography.

The PowerShot A560 Digital Camera
The 7.1 megapixel PowerShot A560 digital camera captures nearly all of the imaging advances of the newly announced PowerShot A570 IS digital camera. Like its image stabilized A-series teammate, the PowerShot A560 digital camera features a smooth 4x (35mm-140mm equivalent) zoom lens and a bright 2.5-inch LCD screen. Here again, its comfortable construction and grip snugs the camera firmly into the user’s hand and its automatic, intuitive features make the PowerShot A560 digital camera a snap to use under virtually any shooting conditions, including often difficult low-light circumstances. This low-light effectiveness is due in large part to the pairing of the camera’s fast (f/2.6 - f/5.5) lens, it’s top-end super-high ISO of 1600 and of course, the myriad blessings bestowed by the DIGIC III image processor.

Formidable, yet phenomenally user-friendly, the PowerShot A560 digital camera maintains the high quality and high affordability factors that PowerShot A-Series cameras have come to represent. The PowerShot A560 digital camera accommodates MultiMedia MMC memory cards as well as standard SD memory cards and the new, high capacity SDHC memory cards. In stores beginning in March 2007, the camera includes two standard AA alkaline batteries, a 16MB MMC memory card, a USB interface cable, an AV cable, a wrist strap, and Canon’s software suite at an estimated selling price of $229.99*.

Direct Print
Like all PowerShot digital cameras, this newest addition to the A-series works seamlessly with Canon’s petite compact photo printers to deliver stunning high quality borderless prints. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a Canon compact photo printer-such as the SELPHY CP730 or PIXMA mini260 models. Press the bright blue Print/Share button, and within moments2, a brilliant, borderless 4x6-inch print begins to emerge. It is that simple. Canon’s compact Photo Printers are PictBridge compatible, so they work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras to provide users with excellent image quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera.

Windows Vista Ready
As one of Microsoft’s Premier Launch Partners, Canon is proud to announce that all PowerShot cameras announced in 2007 are Certified for Windows Vista according to Microsoft standards, without any extra downloads or upgrades. Additionally, all current models are fully compatible with other operating systems including Windows XP and Mac OS X (Versions 10.2 - 10.4).

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The company is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.