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Click to take a QTVR tour of the A550

The PowerShot A550 is a very affordable 7.1 megapixel model with a 4x

optical zoom lens and a 2.0-inch LCD screen. It features Canon’s DIGIC II image processor for crisp, vibrant images, responsive performance, and low power consumption. Replacing last year’s popular PowerShot A530, this new model offers not only higher resolution and a bigger LCD screen, but also better battery life and compatibility with SDHC memory cards. Operating this camera is even easier than before with a redesigned mode dial featuring five of Canon’s most popular Special Scene modes for easier access, as well as standard fully automatic settings. The PowerShot A550 digital camera retains many hallmark A-series features, including an optical viewfinder and a comfortable handgrip, making it ergonomically friendly for comfortable handling while providing yet another option for viewing the subject and saving battery power while shooting.

The PowerShot A550 delivers high-resolution images without requiring users to exert additional effort. Using Canon’s AiAF “Smart” autofocus system with their patented iSAPS intelligent scene analysis algorithm to determine optimum settings for focusing, exposure and white balance. The user simply snaps the shot with the push of a button. This model features 11 standard shooting modes for still pictures, automatically adjusting the cameras’ settings to match the surroundings. Still shooting modes include Full Auto, Auto with manual adjustment of exposure compensation and white balance, Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids and Pets, and other Special Scene modes. Additionally, the A550 can record movies with sound - so you can capture your baby’s first steps or first words with point and shoot simplicity.

Canon recognizes that capturing an image is only the first step towards the full enjoyment of digital photography and movie making. That’s why all new PowerShot digital cameras are equipped with a variety of features to make viewing and printing your images easier than ever. For example, both still images and movies can be played back through compatible personal computers or television sets with accessory cables that are supplied at no extra charge. Additionally, the PowerShot A550 supports one-touch automatic downloading to compatible personal computers, and the supplied software automatically organizes images and movie clips according to the shooting date for easy archiving.

Canon enhanced the ‘My Colors’ mode found in the new PowerShot line. Where previously, users could only enable ‘My Colors’ while shooting, the current iteration permits captured images to be retouched as well, without the need for special software applications or tools. Available My Color playback modes include Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, and Vivid Red; lighter and darker skin tones, as well as options for creating black & white, sepia, neutral and positive film effects. A color accent setting turns all colors but the one selected by the user to monochrome and the color swap mode enables users to alter specific colors in an image by sampling another color from the same image or any other image on the memory card.

Like all PowerShot digital cameras, these newest additions to the A-series work seamlessly with Canon’s petite SELPHY Compact Photo Printers – an essential PowerShot accessory. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a SELPHY printer – such as the SELPHY CP510 and CP710 models. Press the lighted Print/Share button, and within seconds , images emerge. Presto! It is that simple. Canon’s SELPHY Compact Photo Printers are PictBridge compatible. They work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras and offer excellent image quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera. At 28 cents-per-print , printing photos directly from a digital camera is both easy and affordable.

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Powershot A550 Features:

• 7.1 Megapixel CCD imager for up to poster size prints
• 4x optical 35-140mm f/2.6-5.5 zoom, 4x digital zoom
• 2.0" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system
• Auto, Manual, and 10 Pre-programmed creative scene modes for beginners
• Movie mode w/sound, 640x480 / 320x240 up to 1GB, 160x120 up to 3 minutes
• 1.7fps Continuous burst capture of Large/Fine images
• Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted or Spot options
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Light-guide zoom flash, angle changes with focal length
• Optional High-Power Flash HF-DC1
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 800
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Powered by two standard AA type batteries
• Direct print and PictBridge Compatible
• USB 2.0 high speed connectivity for PC and Mac
• Secure Digital/SDHC memory cards, 16MB supplied

The PowerShot A550 digital camera is available now for an estimated selling price of US$199.99 - see our Buy Box below for current vendors and pricing. The digital camera kit includes a USB cable, an audio/video cable, a wrist strap, a 16MB MultiMediaCard and AA-size alkaline batteries as well as the Canon Digital Camera Solution Disc Version 30, featuring the latest versions of Canon’s powerful software.

See our buy box below for current pricing at various online vendors.

Click to take a QTVR tour of the A460

The new PowerShot A460 digital camera features 5.0-megapixels of resolution with a 4x optical zoom lens and a 2.0-inch LCD screen, up from 4.0 megapixels and a 1.8-inch LCD screen on last year’s PowerShot A430. This new model also incorporates Canon’s renowned DIGIC II image processor, which delivers superb image quality, fast performance, and excellent battery life. Additional features include an optical viewfinder and compatibility with MMC, SD and SDHC memory cards.

The PowerShot A460 digital camera comes equipped with eight Special Scene modes, including Portrait, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Indoor, Kids & Pets, and Night Snapshot. The My Colors functions offers "cool" photo effect, including Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, and Black & White and Custom color modes. What's more, the PowerShot A460 is capable of recording VGA movies with sound for those times when a still picture simply can't capture the moment.

The PowerShot A460 can deliver high-resolution images without requiring users to exert additional effort. The A460 uses Canon’s AiAF “Smart” autofocus system with Canon’s patented iSAPS intelligent scene analysis algorithm to determine optimum settings for focusing, exposure and white balance. The user simply snaps the shot with the push of a button.

Named for their use of AA batteries, Canon’s A-series digital cameras offer easy-to-use, high quality features to consumers looking to capture, save and share meaningful memories, personal milestones and family functions. The PowerShot A460 uses only two AA batteries, yet captures up to 400 shots according to CIPA standards with the LCD screen on when using rechargeable NiMH batteries.

Powershot A460 Features:

• 5.0 Megapixel CCD imager and 4x optical zoom lens
• Widescreen option, create images and movies that are ideal for 16:9 viewing
• 2.0" color LCD display and optical viewfinder
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system with focus-assist lamp
• Program AE automatic, 8 Scene and a Manual exposure mode
• Movie mode w/sound 640x480/320x240 (1GB max per clip)
• Continuous shooting at 1.5fps to the capacity of the memory card
• Evaluative, Center-weighted average or Spot metering
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• My Colors: Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia, B&W, and Custom color
• Shutter speeds of 15 to 1/2000 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 400
• Runs on two standard AA type batteries
• Direct print and PictBridge Compliant
• USB 2.0 connectivity for PC and Mac
• Secure Digital/MMC card storage, 16MB MMC supplied

The PowerShot A460 digital camera will be available mid-February and will carry and estimated selling price of US$149.99. The digital camera kit includes a USB cable, an audio/video cable, a wrist strap, a 16MB MultiMediaCard and AA-size alkaline batteries as well as the Canon Digital Camera Solution Disc Version 30, featuring the latest versions of Canon’s powerful software.

Click to take a QTVR tour of the EOS-1Ds

Canon's flagship EOS-1D Mark III is the most advanced EOS Digital SLR Canon has ever produced. It has a new 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-H size) with the EOS Integrated Cleaning System and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor providing Live View capability. The 1D Mark III has a redesigned 100% viewfinder, a new 45-point AF system, and can shoot up to 10 fps continuously with a maximum burst of 110 shots. Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processors work in tandem to speed up every process and a new, lighter body has improved weather sealing and shutter durability. Read on - we have a lot of information to share about this phenomenal camera!

The EOS-1D Mark III CMOS sensor has an expanded sensitivity range of ISO 50–6400. 14-bit A/D conversion allows fine gradation and a significant drop in digital and shadow noise. With its generous 28.1 x 18.7mm image size, the sensor captures every nuance of your scene from highlight to shadow. Efficient noise reduction ensures an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio. Framing is natural because the sensor's 3:2 aspect ratio is the same as in 35mm cameras, and the sensor's large size has an effective angle of view that's just 1.3 times the focal length indicated on Canon EF lenses.

With a maximum continuous shooting speed of approximately 10 frames per second, for up to 110 shots, the EOS-1D Mark III must be the world's fastest digital SLR. Bursts are first recorded to the camera’s internal memory to ensure maximum speed and then transferred to memory cards for storage. The number of shots remaining during a burst is displayed on the right side of the viewfinder.

The EOS-1D Mark III raises the bar for auto focus performance. It uses a 45-point high density AF system that provides not only the industry's largest continuous AF coverage area, but also the greatest range of control over focusing point selection. The focusing point can be selected automatically by the camera (based on high-speed microcomputer analysis of image content), or you can manually select any of 19 cross-type AF points which can be complemented by 26 additional Assist Points for pin sharp accuracy.

A processing unit devoted solely to focusing the 1D Mark III uses advanced algorithms that ensure the fastest, most accurate AF performance under the widest variety of conditions, with processing up to 3x faster and a full stop darker than on the EOS-1D Mark II N. The One-Shot AF mode is ideal for more static subjects. The camera rapidly selects the optimum focusing point and the subject is instantly brought into focus even if it is off-center. The AI Servo AF mode is excellent for moving subjects. Aided by a highly "intelligent" predictive focusing algorithm, it precisely tracks subject movement, even at speeds of up to 10 fps. Even with erratic or rapid subject movement, the photographer can shoot continuously, concentrating solely on image composition.

The 1D Mark III is clad in a magnesium alloy shell, chassis and top panel, providing impressive strength without excessive weight. All of the 1D Mark III controls and external cover seams are sealed from water and dust. Even the perimeter of the 1D Mark III’s hot-shoe is ribbed for water resistance, enabling flash photography with Canon’s Speedlites.

Canon has also introduced a new, lightweight lithium-ion battery system that provides feedback on the LCD monitor, including number of shots taken on a charge, percentage of battery power remaining and whether the battery should be reconditioned with the charger. With the new battery installed, the EOS-1D Mark III body is about 1/2 pound (approx. 225g) lighter than the EOS-1D Mark II body.

Designed to maximize performance between the capture and recording stages of digital photography, the EOS-1D Dual "DIGIC III" chips give the camera two of Canon’s newest processing units, working in parallel. This technology works to dramatically enhance image quality and deliver the speed and power needed to combine 10 million pixels and 10 frames per second. The entire electronic system was totally re-designed, giving the camera its incredible combination of speed and image quality. Digital noise is significantly reduced in shadow areas, and color reproduction is superior.

The 3.0-inch LCD monitor on the EOS-1D Mark III has a Live View option, where the photographer can compose and shoot directly from the LCD monitor. Achieved via a menu setting (by raising the SLR camera's mirror), the Live View function enables the photographer to zoom in and navigate the composition at 5x or 10x normal size, while enabling critical manual focus and allowing more attention to detail. Users can even choose a grid overlay, perfect for architectural photography.

EOS-1D Mark III Features:

• 10.10 megapixel, 1.11 x 0.74 in./28.1 x 18.7mm (APS-H size sensor)
• Lens mount: Canon EF, TS-E, and MP-E lenses (except EF-S lenses)
• High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor
• Recording Format: DCF 2.0 (Exif 2.21): JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG (simultaneous recording possible)
• Color Space: Selectable between sRGB and Adobe RGB
• Interface: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini-B port. NTSC/PAL for video output
• Viewfinder Type: Eye-level SLR with fixed pentaprism, nearly 100% view
• Metering Modes: 63-zone TTL full aperture metering
• ISO Speed Range: Equivalent to ISO 100-3200 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments)
• Shutter Type: Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled
• Remote Control: Canon N3 type terminal
• Drive Modes: Single, silent, high-speed continuous (approx. 10 fps), low-speed continuous (approx. 3 fps), 10- or 2-sec. self-timer
• LCD Type: 3.0 in. TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor, approx. 230,000 pixels
• Direct printing from the camera to PictBridge-enabled printers
• Self-cleaning sensor: IR-cut filter in front of CMOS sensor automatically vibrates at ultrasonic rates
• One dedicated lithium-ion battery LP-E4, AC power can be supplied via the AC Adapter Kit ACK-E4
• Exposure control: Program AE (shift able), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, E-TTL flash AE, manual, flash metered manual
• EOS External Flash or Dedicated Speedlites: E-TTL II auto flash with all EX Series Speedlites
• Exposure Control Systems: Program AE (shift able), Shutter speed-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, E-TTL II program AE (Evaluative flash metering, Averaged flash metering), Manual
• Metering Range: EV 0-20 (ISO 100 at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
• Focusing Modes: Autofocus (One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF), Manual Focus (MF)
• Depth-of-field preview possible in Live View mode
• Color Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, five Custom WB settings (1-5), user-set Color Temperature (2,500~10,000K), five Personal White Balance PC-1 to PC-5 (Total 10 WB types)
• Image Playback with Histogram, Single image with information, Single image, 4-image index or 9-image index. Highlight alert in single image display formats, any overexposed highlight areas will blink. Playback magnification 1.5X - 10X
• Custom functions: 20, with 65 possible settings. Personal functions: 27
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in./156 x 156.6 x 79.9mm
• Weight: 40.7 oz./1,155g

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