The Canon IXUS i7 zoom will be available from October 2006 for £249.00 / € 359.99. (known as the Canon SD40 in the United States).

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today launches the Digital IXUS i7 zoom, a stylish upgrade to its ultra-compact Digital IXUS i zoom. Available in four new colours, the 7.1 Megapixel Digital IXUS i7 zoom incorporates a 2.4x optical zoom and Canon’s new DIGIC III processor . In addition to rapid performance and improved image rendering, DIGIC III significantly reduces noise at speeds up to ISO 1600. The processor also brings Canon’s Face Detection AF/AE1 system to the Digital IXUS i7 zoom. This new technology automatically detects the faces of up to nine subjects within a frame and intelligently tailors focus and exposure to optimize the result, making it perfect for use at parties and other social situations.

The Digital IXUS i7 zoom features:
- Slim design in four new colours
- 7.1 Megapixels and 2.4x optical zoom
- DIGIC III with Noise Reduction Technology and Face Detection AF/AE
- Extra telephoto reach with Safety Zoom
- 17 shooting modes, including movies
- ISO 1600
- My Colours photo effects
- Camera Station with Wireless Controller for easy charging, direct printing, PC connection and AV out
- Vertical shutter release for portrait orientation shooting

Eye Catching
The ultra compact Digital IXUS i7 zoom (96.1 x 45.1 x 23.9 mm) can be carried comfortably and conveniently in pockets or small bags. With an all-metal body available in four chic colours - Denim Blue, Steel Grey, Sepia and Sizzling Pink – there is a Digital IXUS i7 zoom to suit each user’s individual style. A 7.1 Megapixel sensor gives the user great cropping capabilities while capturing enough fine detail to guarantee high quality at large print sizes.

Safety Zoom
Canon’s new Safety Zoom has been included in the Digital IXUS i7 zoom, giving users a feature that offers greater telephoto reach and better results when framing distant subjects. By using Safety Zoom, the photographer can expand the possible zoom magnification when shooting smaller size images without worrying about reduced image quality.

DIGIC III with Face Detection AF/AE
Improved responsiveness and colour rendering is driven by Canon’s new DIGIC III image processor. The processor also brings increased noise reduction, extending the camera’s ISO range to ISO 1600.
Utilising Canon’s new hardware-based Face Detection AF/AE technology, the Digital IXUS i7 zoom is ideal for parties and other social events. The system is capable of detecting up to nine faces within a frame and optimising focus and exposure accordingly. In situations where there is strong backlighting, Face Detection AF/AE will automatically use fill-in flash to correctly expose the human subject(s) while maintaining the correct exposure for the background. The camera automatically recognises and reverts back to the 9-point AiAF system when the intended focus of attention is not a face.

Creative Shooting
Boasting 17 different shooting modes – including Special Scene modes and movie modes – the camera gives the user a wide variety of creative options. A new Aquarium scene mode optimises colours and controls the flash and ISO when photographing underwater life in glass tanks.

Image Management and printing
Image management is made easier by My Category , an addition that automatically assigns each photo with a category – People, Scenery or Event – depending on the shooting mode used and whether Face Detection was activated. These customisable categories are also recognised by Canon’s software package, ZoomBrowser EX, which is included for easy PC-based image management.

One-touch direct printing and uploading is made possible with the camera’s Print/Share button, which also acts as a vertical shutter release to make portrait shooting easier. Canon’s unique Intelligent Orientation Sensor automatically rotates any vertically shot images or movies (VGA at 30fps and QVGA up to 60fps) to the correct orientation for LCD, TV or PC playback.

Camera Station
The Digital IXUS i7 zoom comes with a convenient Camera Station dock that serves as a base for quick and easy printing, PC uploads and battery charging. The dock’s Wireless Controller gives the user the ability to control slideshows and movie playback on the TV, straight from the camera’s AV Out connection.