<![CDATA[Gizmodo: powershot]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: powershot]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/powershot http://gizmodo.com/tag/powershot <![CDATA[Shoot 3D Photos Using Two Hacked Canon Cameras]]> Sure, basic stereoscopic images can be created using software to merge two slightly offset photos, but that only works for stationary subjects. For moving targets, there's Fuji's Finepix Real 3D W1, or this $20 hack using two Canon PowerShot cameras.

Maximum PC's how-to uses 3D picture synchronization software called StereoData Maker, a nonvolatile firmware update based on the Canon Hack Development Kit (CHDK).

You'll then need to build a mounting rig, and use a small enclosure (such as an Altoids tin) to make a simple USB switch remote. Free software called StereoPhoto Maker is used for post-processing. And yeah, you'll still need a pair of red/cyan glasses. Still, it looks like fun. Full instructions at: [Maximum PC]

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<![CDATA[Canon Powershot D10 Waterproof Camera Review: Dive, Dive, DIVE!]]> The Canon Powershot D10 will never, ever fit into a pocket unless you are MC Hammer, circa 1990. That's because it houses a telescoping lens in a bulging case, making it look like a sub. Still, shots are pretty.

The Price: $329

The Waterproof-ness: Good down to 10 meters, making it suitable for light diving and heavy snorkel duty, as well as making it impervious to higher pressure of waves that may slap you and the camera around at lesser depths. The most waterproof camera without a housing, by far. And although they don't do a great job of advertising it, the camera is actually good to 14 degrees F and is shockproof to 1.22 meters, so its at least as rugged as the Pentax W80 I looked at last week.

The Images: DPreview unequivocally gives this camera their top ranks on image quality, without acknowledging the issues of bulge (later on that). We looked at it in a battle with the TS1 Lumix and John found the casing (or something) to affect color in low light shots, and the camera had problems autofocusing underwater comparatively. I only noticed that the Canon's shots were some of the best of the bunch, reaching for a touch more exposure than the others at appropriate times in its 12mp shots. The lens is a 35mm to 105mm equivalent, which is a solid range, but not the longest in the group by any means. Unlike periscoping lenses in cameras like the waterproof Lumix, Fuji and others, there's no lens distortion on the outside of the focal range. It has face detection and a mode that allows you to set the camera on a tripod and it will wait for you (an additional face) to enter the frame before shooting. There is also optical shake reduction.

The Chassis: The case design here is bulbous, and crazy and yet so appropriate under the sea (even if obscene outside of the water). That is what affords it a sort of no nonsense dive reach of 10 meters without the use of an external housing, as well as these four cornered locking joints that are mounting points for the accessory kit: essentially a bunch of tentacles and loops so you don't lose it. It's crazy, and yet, totally appropriate for mounting the camera to dive belts or around your wetsuit when in a kayak. Check it out. As you can see, those straps make it much more accessible than a camera stowed inside a jacket on a ski trip or in a bag on a canoe. But note that there's no accessory for flotation in this expensive $130 kit, as Olympus and Pentax offer as $10 accessories. No matter, you can easily fit those, or a keyring floatie from West Marine to make the most ocean friendly point and shoot even more appropriate for life at sea.

The Interface: It's neat that the buttons are all so well laid out and you can easily hit all the major controls while wearing dive gloves. Confession: The automatic scene detection knows when you're shooting people or underwater, but I never discovered how to switch it to manual.

The Video: At best, it shoots 640 by 480. And everything I shot had a nasty blue tint to it.

Verdict: Good if you're a inshore merman or mermaid, or other creature that spends the majority of its life out at shallow sea, but totally inappropriate for anything not considered an extreme or quasi extreme sport where bulge is an excusable thing when you're trying to take the sharpest shots possible of your wet exploits.



Big, simple buttons and LCD icons. Goes to 10 meters deep. Cool accessory straps available for extra cost.



Only shoots video at 640x480. Expensive. Bulges so much it won't fit into pockets. Awkward looking out of the water.

Summermodo is a chance for Giz to get outside and test our gear where it belongs.

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<![CDATA[Hands On Canon's Other New Digital Cameras: Man, the G11 Is Huge]]> Here's the rest of Canon's new army of cameras—they don't do anything crazy, like project baby photos or have an LCD up front take pictures of yourself, but they're not too shabby. The G11 is ginormous, though.

The G11's vari-angle screen seems plenty bright, but it makes an already huge camera even huger when it's all splayed out like a tumor growth. It's heavy too. And complicated. Look at all those dials!

The SD980's touchscreen is responsive enough, but the interface is confusing—sometimes it's touchable, sometimes it's not. And it uses strange drag gestures, like in playback mode, you hold down for a second, then slowly swipe down, which brings up options to the left or right—swipe left to delete or swipe right for another feature. Confusing and weird. If you're gonna go touch, go all the way.

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<![CDATA[Canon Digital Cameras]]>















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<![CDATA[Canon PowerShot S90 Pro Point-and-Shoot: Yes Pleeeeease]]> I thought Canon's new G11 pro point-and-shoot—decked out with everything but HD video, depressingly—would make me drool the most, but I was wrong: Canon's pocketable pro point-and-shoot, the S90 is fapfreakintastic.

The design is exactly what I want in a high end point-and-shoot—it's svelte, but not too puny, and the black metal finish feels sturdy, without the whole thing feeling like a little brick. (I hope you like black, since it comes in black and...black.) It really manages to achieve that zen balance level between feeling professional and consumer, though it makes me want to run around shooting only in black and white. What slew me, though, was the clicky control ring around the lens, which you can use to adjust almost any setting—it can change the ISO, focus or zoom. As you know, real gadget people love dials and gauges things that actually click and feel like they actually control things in this age of silent squeegee presses on glass screens, and it taps into that pretty hard.

I almost don't know why you'd even go for the G11 with the S90 on the table—the S90 uses the same high sensitivity sensor, meaning you should get the same kind of image and low-light performance, which I can't wait to check out in depth, since Canon's using the same size sensor as the G10 used to use, but actually cut the megapixels down to get better light sensitivity. The S90 also has a fast F/2.0 lens, and it's not the size of a gorilla fist. Did I mention it was cheaper too? $430 to the G11's $500.

The only real problem I see right now is that it doesn't shoot HD video, just standard VGA. But if it shoots truly gorgeous pictures—which we intend to find out shortly—I can let that go.

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<![CDATA[Canon S90 Gallery]]>



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<![CDATA[Canon S90 With Fast F/2.0 Lens for the Pro Wannabe]]> Canon is popping out cameras faster than the Octomom today and the S90 is one of the most attractive kids. The Powershot S90 gets its small stature from Canon's ELPH line, but its guts from the more advanced PowerShot G-series.

A Powershot dressed up in an ELPH suit, Canon is aiming the point-and-shoot at the "advanced amateur."

The 10-megapixel cam has a High Sensitivity System sensor in addition to a super 28mm wide-angle f/2.0 lens. According to the release its also got a customizable control ring for accessing shot settings and a range of shooting and recording modes, including RAW and JPEG.

The S90 will be available in October for $430. [Canon]

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<![CDATA[PowerShot G11 Is Actually 2 (Stops) Better than the G10]]> Canon's PowerShot G11, leaked yesterday, is their latest in smallish formfactor, RAW-capable cameras that will be available this October for $500.

The G11 features the same 28mm lens with 5X zoom (28-140mm), but it actually trades the G10's 14.7MP sensor with a 10MP CCD, said to have better performance in lowlight that, coupled with the anti-noise system, offers an alleged 2-stop performance increase (according to what Canon told DP Review).

Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera
The PowerShot G-series has long been the flagship of the PowerShot line. The new Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera further adds to the legacy of this award-winning series with its advanced features, variety of shooting modes and compatible EOS accessories which help to enhance one's photographic creativity. Designed for those looking for a pocket-sized camera with SLR functionality, this new powerful camera is ideal for the consumer who is looking to capture beautiful landscapes and professional portraits by offering:
• A 10.0-Megapixel High Sensitivity System to capture images with a powerful 5x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization. Additionally, a 28mm (equivalent to 28-140 mm) wide-angle lens helps to get large groups into one shot at events such as a family reunion.
• A 2.8-inch vari-angle PureColor System LCD, new to the G-series, allowing for easier on-camera previewing and reviewing of images from nearly every angle, while still incorporating the optical viewfinder found on previous models.
• Easy access to heavily used functions with two mode dials for adjusting ISO and exposure compensation, and a full range of shooting and recording modes, including RAW + JPEG for ultimate creative control when editing images.
• A host of optional accessories, including Speedlite flashes, an underwater housing and a tele-converter lens to provide further photographic flexibility.

Scheduled to be available in October, the PowerShot G11 Digital Camera retails for an estimated price of $499.99.

[Canon]

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<![CDATA[Canon D10 Submarine Toughcam: Love It, But Hate It]]> I love Canon's D10 toughcam because it looks like a submarine. I hate it because I can't fit its blimp-sized ass in my pocket or anywhere else in my pants.

The reason Canon gave for the D10 being so bulbous is to make the buttons big and easy to use underwater (which, if you look at 'em, while they're all very distinct and well separated, except for the giant shutter button, that reason doesn't hold a lot of water, really) and because the 3x zoom lens is designed to not build up any condensation inside. And, as you saw, despite being the Hulkiest toughcam we've seen today, Canon was the wimpiest about how much abuse they were willing to dish out to it. It's like wearing Kevlar and asking people to only shoot at you with paintballs. It uses the same image sensor as every other 12-megapixel, 720p video camera in Canon's new lineup (but for some reason doesn't shoot 720p like the others, as we noted in the announcement), so you can expect comparable still image quality to them, if you're curious about the guts.

So, while it looks perfect for underwater adventures frolicking with mermaids and I want to love it unconditionally, I don't know if this is the camera I'd take. Unless I wasn't wearing any pants.

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<![CDATA[Powershot SD780 Is the Puny Point-and-Shoot Canon Employees Wanna Take Home]]> Canon's got a bajillion cameras laying around, but this little guy, the Power SD780, is the one that most of the Canon reps said they want to stick in their pants and take home.

That's because it's really teeny and the easiest to stick in your pants, and it pulls off the square form factor really nicely without being boring. I don't think it's quite as comfortable to hold as its slightly larger, more ergonomic-minded older brothers because it just borders on being crampy to use, but this will fit in your jeans pocket better than any other Canon camera (Sony's typically been the master of truly pocketable point-and-shoots), and it shoots 720p video.

Unfortunately, it's still using Canon's old UI—a couple of the newer models have a slicker, more list-oriented menu style (more on that later)—but at least the button-layout is relatively straightforward. Oh yeah, the form factor really is the reason to buy this thing. Why? Every one of Canon's new 12-megapixel cameras uses the same image sensor, and this only has a 3x zoom (the step up models have a 5x zoom lens).

PMA is an annual show where we get to see tomorrow's digital cameras—the ones that'll be populating pockets and purses for the rest of the year. We'll be here for the next couple of days.

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<![CDATA[Canon Digital ELPH SD970, SD960 SD780 and SD1200 Point-and-Shoots Look Pretty, Feel Nice]]> Most point-and-shoots have extremely similar feature sets now, whoever they're from—smile, booger and blink detection; image stabilization and other boingos you never use. So Canon's choice to focus on look-and-feel stands out—and pays off.

Here's the new PowerShot Digital ELPH line, most expensive to cheapest:

The SD970 is the fully loaded model with 12MP, 3-inch screen, 5x optical zoom lens, 720p video recording and more creative features like Zoom Blur and Creative Light Effect. Unlike the other cameras though, you don't have a whole rainbow of colors to pick from. It's $380.

The SD960 stepdown knocks off $50 for shrinking the screen to 2.8 inches and zoom to 4x (but it's a 28mm wide-angle lens), but it's still 12MP and can shoot 720p video. And it come in a few different (pastel-y) colors.

The SD780 has a tapered boxy look to it that I really liked because it felt classy, but spec-wise it's a stepdown from the SD970 and SD960, with a smaller 2.5-inch screen, 3x optical zoom and fewer whizbang modes. But it's still 12.1MP and does the 720p thing for $280 when it drops next month. Multiple colors, all very metallic, but the hot rod red is pretty nice.

• The SD1200 is the cheapie side, as the neon Lifesavers colors probably clued you in. 10 megapixels is the only spec Canon deems worthy of mentioning besides the $230 price, if that tells you anything. But they're delicious looking!

I got to grope all of these a month ago, and all of these cameras really do look and feel fantastic in your hand, a noticeable step above the other new point-and-shoots I've seen so far in the design department. How well they actually shoot, we'll have to wait and see, but if you really care about aesthetics, these are lookin' like the cameras to look at (at least until I see what else is coming out for PMA). [Canon]

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<![CDATA[Canon SX200 Point-and-Shoot Looks Classy, Has 12x Zoom Wide-Angle Lens]]> Aesthetically speaking, Canon's SX200 pro point-and-shoot is my second favorite camera of the bunch, after the shockproof Cold-War-and-candy inspired D10. It just looks so classy, and it's got a 12x zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens.

Other vital specs: 12MP sensor (Canon likes the number 12, I guess), 720p video recording and a 3-inch screen. Yep, there are multiple colors too, a cherry red besides the black and blue I've got here. It's available end of next month for $350. [Canon]

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<![CDATA[Canon D10 Water, Shock and Freeze Proof Camera Is Lovechild of Submarine and Bondi Blue iMac]]> While all of Canon's new point-and-shoots look yummy, the shockproof D10 is my absolute favorite: It looks like the streamlined retro-future lovechild of a submarine and an original Bondi blue iMac.

Besides being shock, water (up to 33 feet) and freeze-proof (down to 14 degrees F), it's got a 12 megapixel sensor (like most of Canon's new line) and will shoot VGA video (unlike the most of the line, which shoots 720p video). Despite being tough, it actually feels pretty nice in your hand, though it won't fit in your pocket (unless you've got old school JNCOs). If you're not a fan of the blue, it'll have other plates, like orange and camo. I want to love it, so I hope it shoots nice pictures. It'll be $330 when it comes out in May.

Canon PowerShot D10 Digital Camera
Consumers looking for an all-around waterproof, freeze proof and shockproof camera should look no further. The Canon PowerShot D10 Digital Camera, a first of its kind for Canon, comes equipped with a 12.1-Megapixel resolution and 3x Optically Stabilized Zoom lens, making it an ideal companion for thrill-seekers of all types. This uniquely styled camera is amazing for capturing high-resolution images and off-camera editing. The PowerShot D10 Digital Camera can withstand depths up-to-33-feet deep, is freeze proof from 14 degrees Fahrenheit and shockproof up-to-four feet. To add a little fun and funky style to this great camera, an optional accessory kit is available containing distinctive accessories, such as a customized strap, cool face plates and a carabineer hook (attached to a strap). The PowerShot D10 IS Digital Camera is scheduled to be available in early May for an estimated retail price of $329.99.

[Canon]

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<![CDATA[Gadget Deals of the Day]]> Emperor, I mean Treasury Secretary, Paulson may have decreed that the bailout isn't just for bunk mortgage securities anymore, but my guess is you and I won't be receiving a chunk of that $700 billion federal pie directly anytime soon. So today's recession special Dealzmodo roundup will ensure you're not left out with a JVC MiniDV camcorder for $130, $100 off a Sony Mylo internet device and the Family Guy complete series for $60 bucks—in a Stewie head no less! But that, of course, is not all.

Cameras

JVC GR-D850 MiniDV Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom for $129.99 (originally $229.99 - valid until 11/12). - Whoops, already Wooted out. Sorry.

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS 10 MP Digital Camera (with free 8GB memory & case kit) for $331 plus free shipping (originally $399.99 - valid until 11/30. Use coupon code CAMERA118 for $8 off).

Computing Accessories (Cables, Peripherals, Routers, etc.)

Linksys WPSM54G-RM 802.11g Wireless Print Server for $39.99 (originally $84.99).

Canon PIXMA MP190 InkJet All-In-One Color Printer for $57.99 plus free shipping (originally $84.99).

Brother MFC Series MFC-7440N All-In-One Printer for $180 shipped (originally $239.99 - valid until 11/17. Use coupon code EMCBBBBAK for $20 off).

Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router for $33.24 plus free shipping (originally $59.99).

DVI to HDMI 6-ft Gold Plated Cable for $7 plus free shipping (originally $15.99).

Computer Parts & Monitors

Seagate 400GB IDE Hard Drive for $54 (originally $110).

Acer Ferrari F-20 Black-Red 20" Widescreen LCD Monitor for $129.99 plus free shipping (originally $399.99).

Flash Memory

PQI SDHC 16GB SD Card (Class 6) for $27.99 (originally $89.99).

A-Data PD9 My Flash 8GB USB Flash Drive for $16 plus free shipping (originally $69.65).

A-Data 8GB Speedy CompactFlash for $20 (originally $69.99 - valid until 11/13. Use coupon code MEW15P for 15% off).

Home Entertainment

Scott 37" Widescreen LCD HDTV for $425 (originally $1,183.99).

Sony 1080p BDP-S350 Blu-ray Disc Player for $199.99 (originally $299.99).

MIDs

Sony Mylo internet device for $199.99 (originally $299.99)

.

Stocking Stuffers

Family Guy - The Complete Collection DVD Set for $59.99 plus free shipping (originally $169.98).

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<![CDATA[Dealzmodo Hack: Juice Up Your Canon Digital Camera With CHDK]]> Digital cameras are generally closed platforms, built and programmed under the assumption that they would never be modified. To get more features, you pay more for different firmware, even though the guts are mostly the same. Canon didn't batten down their hatches quite enough. The result is CHDK, a full-featured OS substitute that runs from your memory card and unlocks the tremendous unrecognized potential of most Canon A-series and SD Elphs plus several others—for free.

CHDK isn't hacked firmware, and it doesn't require any risky flashing or OS replacement. It's non-destructive software that runs directly from a memory card, so it won't affect your warranty. But you'll still get an experience akin to an entirely new operating system. What new features will your tired old Canon gain with CHDK?

  • Save images in RAW format
  • Ability to run "Scripts" to automate the camera
  • Live histogram
  • Zebra mode (blinking highlights and shadows to show over/under exposed areas)
  • An "always on" full range Battery indicator
  • Ability to turn off automatic dark-frame subtraction
  • A higher compression movie mode, and double the maximum video file size
  • Motion Detection
  • Exposure times as long as 65 seconds
  • Exposure times as little as 1/10,000 of a second
  • Ability to use the USB port for a remote trigger input
  • A depth-of-field calculator
  • File browser
  • Text reader
  • Calendar
  • Games
  • and others

The installation process is fairly straightforward, and about as risk-free as these kinds of things can get. You'll need:

  • A Canon digital camera from this list, with compatible firmware
  • A card reader for whatever format you use (probably SD)
  • A build of CHDK for your camera from this page

Once you've got all your stuff together, you're ready to load CHDK up:

1. Copy the PS.fir and Diskboot.bin from your downloaded ZIP file to the root of your SD card (not in a folder)

2. Turn on your camera in "Play" Mode

3. Press "Menu", and select the menu item "Firm Update" and confirm

For instructions for automatically booting into CHDK, check here.

Again, since this is not an actual firmware upgrade, you can just pop out the SD card and batteries should anything go awry. When you put the batteries back in and restart your camera, you'll revert to where you started.

Installing CHDK isn't quite like getting a new camera, but it's a sure value-add to your trusty old one. For more information, hit up CHDK. [CHDK Wiki Home Page]

Dealzmodo Hacks are intended to help you sustain your crippling gadget addiction through tighter times. If you come across any on your own that are particularly useful, send it to our tips line (Subject: Dealzmodo Hack). Check back every Monday and Thursday for free, DIY tricks to breathe new life into hardware that you already own.

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<![CDATA[Canon PowerShot G10 14.7MP Flagship Camera Goes Wide-Angle]]> Canon's updated its high-end G series with the new PowerShot G10 model, one of the best lines out there for that murky area between point-and-shoot convenience and DSLR image quality. The new G10 comes with Canon's new DIGIC 4 image processor, a 28mm wide-angle image stabilized lens, 5x optical zoom, 14.7 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen. And don't worry, they kept RAW mode. It'll be available in October for $500, and if it's really as good as the G9 (or better!), it'll be worth every penny.

CANON U.S.A. COMBINES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WITH A PROFESSIONAL STYLE DESIGN IN ITS LATEST ADDITION OF HIGH-END G-SERIES CAMERAS
Canon PowerShot G10 Digital Camera, the Flagship of the PowerShot line, Boasts Uncompromising Specs and High-Quality, Making It a Must-Have for the Advanced Amateurs

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the newest addition to its top-of-the line PowerShot G-series digital cameras. The PowerShot G10 digital camera offers serious amateur shooters and professional photographers several essential ingredients for a flagship model, including Canon's new DIGIC 4 image processor, 28mm Optical Image Stabilized lens and RAW mode. This trilogy of style, performance and image quality is an ideal professional complement for anyone seeking the photo quality of a DSLR, combined with the convenient size of a point-and-shoot.

As the successor model to the popular PowerShot G9 digital camera, the PowerShot G10 digital camera is loaded with Canon's latest technologies, including a long-anticipated 28 mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom, 14.7 megapixels and 3.0-inch Pure Color LCD II screen.

"With exquisite image quality, the latest image processor and advanced functionality, the Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera brings an elevated level of performance and usability to the PowerShot line," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "By enhancing key technologies in this camera, including our proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor, Canon has merged the functions typically found in a DSLR with a smaller body form to provide affordable and portable options to photo enthusiasts of all types."

Control Options
The controller wheel is equipped with a dedicated Exposure Compensation Dial, which allows quick and intuitive adjustment of exposure compensation and the "My Menu" function for registering five user-selected options from the shooting menu, as well as 26 shooting modes. Additionally, the Custom Mode better allows the user to record two types of shooting parameter settings, thus offering the ability to arrange their most often used settings on their LCD display. A host of accessory options are offered, including the remote switch, Macro Ring Lite and Macro Twin Lite (when used with an additional attachment, available in January 2009). Now consumers can utilize similar accessories found in the Canon EOS line, therefore expanding a user's ability to customize.

Canon DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, a proprietary technology, accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality.

One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs. Additionally, the processor's high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash. The new Intelligent Contrast Correction function automatically improves image quality in high-contrast shooting situations.

The Genuine Canon Face Detection technology has evolved even further, thanks to DIGIC 4. Improved features include the ability to recognize human faces at most angles. Another innovation is the Face Detection Self-Timer, which automatically takes a photo two seconds after a new face enters the scene.

Availability and Pricing
Scheduled to be available in October, the PowerShot G10 digital camera will have an estimated selling price of $499.99*. Kit contents will include a battery, charger, neck strap, USB and A/V interface cables, Canon Digital Solutions Software CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty.

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<![CDATA[JD Power Announces the Best Cameras of 2008]]> JD Power and Associates just released the results of its latest camera survey, culling the responses of over 8,000 digital camera buyers between April of 2007 and March of 2008. They split the categories into DSLRs, Point and Shoots, Premium Point and Shoots, and Ultra Slims. Hit the jump to see the list of winners.

DSLR:
(two-way tie)
-Canon EOS Digital SLR
-Nikon D Series

Point and shoot:
-Fujifilm Finepix S Series

Premium Point and Shoot:
(two-way tie)
-Canon PowerShot G Series
-Lumix (Panasonic) DMC-TZ Series

Ultra Slim:
-Sony Cyber-Shot T Series

Head on over to Hot Hardware to see the rest of the survey results in detail and feel free to use the comments to let us know how correct/insane these results are. [Hot Hardware]

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<![CDATA[The Ultimate Cheap Camera Battlemodo]]> I have a confession to make: I've never owned a digital camera. I've played around plenty with friend's point-and-shoots, and I have picked up a DSLR on occasion too. But I never saw the point of paying $300 for something my iPhone could pretty much do well enough. Now that summer's coming up and the price of high-megapixel cameras is going down, though, I figure it might be time to pick one out for myself—on the cheap. Let someone else waste money, I want to know what's good at $150 and not a penny more. I'm gonna be picky: I only want a camera that can take shots that make me look like a photography genius while in truth I'm a photography dumbass, but still, the key is to keep the price down. I tried out five $150-and-under cameras, and here's what I found:

kodak.jpgKodak EasyShare M853 ($150 , 8.2MP) - The Best UI
The Good: The UI is clean and straightforward. On-screen menus explain the different options very clearly. The color in outdoor, well-lit settings was very accurate. Macro shots were clear.
The Bad: For such a great UI, I was surprised at the mediocrity of certain features. The most problematic issue I found was the M853 wouldn't mount to my Mac. Neither iPhoto nor Image Capture recognized it as a USB mass-storage device. The display is too small to get a decent field of vision. There are few options for taking manual shots, and the buttons used for these limited options aren't labeled. The M853 had the worst battery life of any camera I tried. Low light/no flash situations yielded poor pictures.
The Verdict: A beginner will be taking pictures right away, but it's not worth the frustration that comes later.

nikon.jpgNikon CoolPix L18 ($140 , 8MP) - The Easiest to Use
The Good: The CoolPix is so simple that it pretty much has two modes: Auto and Easy Auto. No pure manual mode exists, but there are some scene options available if you need something more specific. Outdoor pictures as well as close up macro shots looked good. Most of all, I really loved the 3" LCD display—larger than any other I tested.
The Bad: It may be too simple for people who like to tinker with their shots. You can adjust exposure and ISO, but the options don't help very much and you may not have as much control over your pictures as you'd like. Low light shots came out very blurry. I am not fans of AA batteries in cameras, and this one takes two.
The Verdict: This camera is a no-brainer for those with no-brains. It's pretty much the digital equivalent of a disposable camera—decent pictures for a decent price.

canon.jpgCanon PowerShot A580 ($150 , 8MP) - The No-Frills Camera
The Good: This camera takes pictures and it takes them well. Outdoor pictures came out bright and colorful, and turned out best when we were able to get a clear shot of the subject without background distractions. Manual options are comprehensive and show changes live, allowing you to see your alterations. The A580 took the clearest pictures of any of the cameras in dim light/flash free situations.
The Bad: It's bulky and unattractive. Pictures taken from a distance were out of focus and came out bad. The UI is cumbersome. Indoor, well-lit, no flash macro shots did not come out well (though maybe that's asking too much). It too runs on AAs, which I have avoided buying since 2002.
The Verdict: If you want the best pictures you can get in this price range, the A580 is a good choice. If you want to win the $150-and-under point-and-shoot beauty contest, you better keep shopping.

sony.jpgSony Cyber-shot DSC-S750 ($150 , 7.2MP) - The Fiddler's Delight
The Good: Pictures on the S750 turned out bright and crisp. Outdoor shots looked good, and so did indoor macro shots. Plenty of manual options put you in control of the pictures you take.
The Bad: It helps to have some experience with digital cameras if you want to get the most out of the Cyber-shot. The auto mode is fine, but the manual options are the stars of the show. The scene modes are few and located on the camera dial itself, not a menu, adding some awkwardness. Low light shots were blurry. It uses Sony's proprietary Memory Stick, and not SD, a big no-no in my book.
The Verdict: The Cyber-shot is a very complete camera, it takes good pictures in different situations, has many options as well as a solid UI. I think it's worth learning all of the features on the camera; after all, this will be an investment, and it could improve my photo-taking skills.

ge.jpgGE A735 ($100, 7MP) - The Cheapest
The Good: The A735 is seriously cheap—$40 to $50 less than the rest—and holds its own when it comes to features. Manual mode is full of options. Bright light pictures had rich, deep colors.
The Bad: Most pictures didn't come out well and were very dark. Indoor and low-light situations were blurry and unfocused. The UI is a mess, way too many options and not easy to figure out. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't want no stinking AA batteries!
The Verdict: If you're super-broke, wait until you save up some more and get something nicer than this. It will take pictures, but you won't be happy with most of them.

The Final Word: Point-and-shoots in this price range will never be masterful at taking great pictures. However, if you don't have the money or desire to make the DSLR investment, or even spring for the next step up, you don't have to be stuck with junky pictures or a junky camera. There are different things I liked about each one I tested, especially the screen on the Nikon and the picture quality of the Canon. But for the best all around package, I'd spend my hard-earned $150 on the Cyber-shot DSC-S750.

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<![CDATA[Canon Refreshes Powershot Digital Camera Line]]> Canon's Powershot range just got three new members, all packing 10MP sensors. The SD890 IS (IXUS 970 in Europe), will have a maximum 5x optical zoom and 2.5-inch display. The updated snapper will retail at $399, and boasts face detection, image stabilization and an ISO 3200 mode. The SD790 IS (IXUS 90) will retail at $349; the monetary saving brings a larger 3-inch screen and a lesser, 3x optical zoom. Finally, the SD770 IS (IXUS 85) will have a 2.5-inch display, retail at $299 and offer a smaller 2.5-inch display. Jump for the press release.

Press Release CANON'S TRENDSETTING TRIO OF NEW DIGITAL ELPH SUPERMODELS INSPIRE FRESH EXPRESSIONS OF INDIVIDUAL STYLE, VISION & TRUE IMAGING INNOVATION From Sensuous Flowing Contours, Hot Highlights and Finely Chiseled Lines That Beg to Be Held and Beheld, the Optically Image-Stabilized, 10-Megapixel PowerShot SD890 IS, SD790 IS and SD770 IS Digital ELPH Cameras Raise The Resolution, Beat The Blur, and Quicken The Pulse

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 12, 2008 - Whether capturing spur-of-the moment inspirations or momentous family occasions, Canon U.S.A.'s newest additions to the PowerShot line-up: SD890 IS, SD790 IS and SD770 IS Digital ELPH cameras continue to provide intelligent, easy-to-use features, resulting in fantastic photos. Integrated Canon technologies such as Motion Detection Technology, Optical Image Stabilization, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, and Canon's proprietary DIGIC III imaging processor, along with the inherent style of the ELPH line; make them the ideal accessory for capturing a night out on the town or an intimate social gathering.

"The Canon PowerShot SD890 IS, SD790 IS and SD770 IS Digital ELPH cameras carry on the trend-setting traditions and extend the boundaries of technological ease and the individual sense of style that has always been at the heart of the ELPH line up," states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon continues to draw upon its 70 years of imaging excellence and photographic expertise to develop new technological advancements, as well as create stylish form factors as seen in the iconic box and circle design of ELPH cameras."

Inspired Elegance and Excellence:

PowerShot SD890 IS Digital ELPH Camera
This PowerShot SD890 IS Digital ELPH camera is a prime example of Canon quality, from the tip of its 5x optically image stabilized, zoom lens to the big and brilliant 2.5 inch PureColor II LCD display embedded in the camera's contoured back. Indeed, it is that very 5x zoom lens that expands the user flexibility by expanding the focusing range from a maximum wide-angle equivalent of a 37mm lens to its maximum optical telephoto equivalent of a 185mm lens. Ideal for capturing everything from broad sweeping vistas to intimate close-ups, the PowerShot SD890 IS Digital ELPH model is also capable of securing macro images from less than an inch away from the subject, making extraordinary, high-resolution nature shots as elementary as point and shoot.

From the moment it appears in a user's hand, it is clear that this Digital ELPH camera is like none that have come before. From the body's clean lines and smooth, matte silver finish to the topside metallic robe that highlights and accentuates the camera's curves, the 10-megapixel PowerShot SD890 IS Digital ELPH camera's alluring proposition is one of beauty, versatility and ability.

This camera's multi-control dial enables the user to simply switch between shooting modes, settings and even images during playback, with easily understandable mode icons displayed on the camera's 2.5-inch PureColor II LCD display. There's even a traditional optical viewfinder for the purists who prefer it.

PowerShot SD790 IS Digital ELPH Camera
The 10-megapixel PowerShot SD790 IS Digital ELPH camera's optically image stabilized 3x zoom has a focusing range from a wide-angle equivalent of 35mm to a maximum telephoto equivalent of 105mm. Like the PowerShot SD890 IS Digital ELPH camera, the SD790 IS Digital ELPH camera features the quick and easy-to-use multi-control dial.

Though smaller than a deck of playing cards, the PowerShot SD790 IS Digital ELPH camera conveys a cool, substantial look and feel, thanks to its solid, yet streamlined, chiseled design. Adding to its appeal is the camera's large and highly visible, three-inch PureColor LCD II display, with an adjacent multi-control dial and new button configuration that combine to form a flat control panel.

PowerShot SD770 IS Digital ELPH Camera
The PowerShot SD770 IS Digital ELPH camera's classic box and circle design has characterized the Digital ELPH look for more than a decade. This 10-megapixel model boasts the thinnest body of any optically image stabilized ELPH model ever produced, featuring a slimmer yet higher capacity battery pack, that with the camera's power-saving improvements, actually increases the number of photos that can be taken on a single charge to approximately 300 images.

Among the key features of the PowerShot SD770 IS Digital ELPH camera are a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II screen and an optical viewfinder as well as the same optically image stabilized 3x zoom as its more senior sibling, the PowerShot SD790 IS Digital ELPH camera. The PowerShot SD770 IS Digital ELPH camera is offered in the classic matte silver finish with high gloss highlights around the lens barrel and topside edge, and the reprise of Canon's sleek and striking two-tone finish that incorporates matte black highlights around the lens barrel and circle along the camera edge.

Inspired Innovation: Shared Advancements:

Beating The Blur
Among the significant technological advances shared on the new PowerShot SD890 IS, SD790 IS and SD770 IS Digital ELPH cameras is Canon's intelligent anti-blur system. Developed by linking four of Canon's most cutting-edge achievements: Optical Image Stabilization, Motion Detection technology, Hi-ISO Auto and Noise Reduction technology, the result is consistently sharp and clear pictures, even when the shooting conditions and circumstances may not be ideal.

The most common cause of blurry pictures is actual camera shake. This can be caused by anything from a photographer's unsteady hands to movement in a car along a bumpy road to shots where the zoom lens is extended to a maximum telephoto length or even dimly lit conditions without benefit of flash that causes the shutter to stay open longer in order to admit enough light to make a proper exposure. Canon's proprietary Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) physically compensates for camera movement and shake by actually shifting the lens (unlike other Image Stabilization systems that merely mask the undesirable movement electronically).

Adding to these ELPH cameras' anti-blur effectiveness, Canon's Motion Detection Technology is linked to the camera's High ISO Auto mode. This improves image clarity by raising ISO speeds (and shutter speeds) for fast-moving subjects (such as a child hitting a baseball from home plate and then running towards first base) or lowering ISO speeds to reduce noise when the subject is stationary. In short, when this impressively intuitive technology detects movement it automatically raises the ISO just enough to reduce image blur. When no movement is detected, it optimally lowers the ISO to reduce noise.

Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology
All three PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras feature the latest and most advanced generation of Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, thus ensuring that up-to nine forward-looking faces in the frame - whether posed for a family portrait, candidly capturing friends and fun, or spontaneously snapping a toddler's expression of triumphant glee as two halting steps - are in focus and properly exposed, with or without flash. In addition to focus and exposure control, the camera's Face Detection feature captures truer, more accurately lit skin tones (and hence more beautifully rendered pictures) thanks to Canon's improved Face Detection White Balance. There's also a new optional "AF Point Zoom" feature that digitally enlarges the face of the main subject on the camera's LCD screen to make it easy to determine the optimum timing for clicking the shutter to capture the moment.

In-Camera Image Enhancement
Canon Digital ELPH cameras offer an array of in-camera processing features that once required tweaking with computer-based photo software. Now, newly developed Automatic Red Eye Correction can be engaged while shooting, minimizing the need for correction before printing or sharing images.

With Canon's Image Inspection Tool, users can review pictures recently taken on the camera's bright, brilliant and easy-to-read 230,000-pixel PureColor LCD II display by zooming in to ensure that the subjects are in focus and to check for such picture-damning details as closed eyes or inappropriate expressions. What's more, with the digital EPH camera line's Trimming Function, users can easily crop images, centering and creating memorable close-ups whether they are smiling faces or iconic cityscapes.

DIGIC III Imaging Processor
The "brain" in every new Canon digital camera is Canon's proprietary DIGIC III imaging processor. This exclusive chip is responsible for the camera's higher performance levels including faster start up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long lag competitors far behind. What's more, the DIGIC III processor improves both the image quality and the cameras' power consumption, extending the battery life under typical shooting conditions.

In the Boxes
The PowerShot SD890 IS, SD790 IS and SD770 IS Digital ELPH cameras are scheduled to be in stores early April, end of March and mid-April respectively. Each of these new, camera kits include a battery pack and charger, a 32MB SD memory card, a USB interface cable, an AV cable, a wrist strap, and Canon's software suite. Each kit carries an estimated retail price of $399.99,* $349.99* and $299.99* respectively.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

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<![CDATA[Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS: Entry-Level Elph Gets Image Stabilizer and Five Color Choices]]> Last year, Canon's entry-level Digital Elph was the 7-megapixel PowerShot SD1000. Priced at $250, it was thin and pretty but not quite a powerhouse. This year, the SD1100 IS adds image stabilization without growing more than a millimeter in thickness, and bumps the sensor up to 8 megapixels.

There are behind-the-scenes improvements too, including motion detection for better low-light handling and spot white balance enhanced by face recognition. But the real selling point here is fashion: the SD1100 IS will come in brown, silver, gold, blue and pink. We're told many dealers will be carrying the full lineup, too, so you won't have to go on a wild goose chase to track down the pink one—hate for you to get stuck with the blue one, but hey, maybe she likes blue. [Canon]

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