The Canon Digital IXUS WIRELESS is announced today. The Canon IXUS WIRELESS features automatic wireless image transfer, wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC and ships with a wireless print adapter. A 5 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, 2 inch LCD display and 14 shooting modes complete the specification. The Digital IXUS WIRELESS will be available from January 2006 for £399.00 / €599.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

When Canon launched its first IXUS camera the result was instantaneous; the name became synonymous with style, elegance and class leading technology. Now, Canon strengthens IXUS’ iconic status with the launch of its first wireless enabled digital compact camera – the Digital IXUS WIRELESS.

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its first wireless digital compact camera, the Digital IXUS WIRELESS. Bringing IXUS style and performance to the wireless age, the camera’s Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) support offers users a new level of flexibility and convenience in digital photography. The Digital IXUS WIRELESS supports several innovative features, including automatic wireless image transfer and wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC. It comes supplied with the Wireless Printer Adapter (WA-1E)  for out-of-the-box wireless direct printing to PictBridge compatible printer.

A sleek new Slit & Frame design complements the camera’s wireless capabilities while staying true to the iconic IXUS style. Appealing to admirers of high-tech elegance, the compact Digital IXUS WIRELESS sports a silver finish and incorporates a stylish blue LED that illuminates during wireless communication. Image quality is assured with a 5.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, a compact 3x optical zoom Ultra-high refractive index Aspherical (UA) lens and Canon’s second generation DIGIC II image processor. Other features include a bright 2.0” LCD display and 14 shooting modes for creative photography.

“With wireless technology extending beyond the office to personal home networks, Canon expects Wi-Fi support to be the next big trend in the digital photography market,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The Digital IXUS WIRELESS delivers the freedom and ease-of-use that consumers expect from wireless devices.” 

Wireless convenience
The Digital IXUS WIRELESS offers hassle-free wireless communication for printing and transferring images from any room in the house . The camera can be registered easily and quickly with up to eight target devices, including wireless access points, allowing for integration with existing wireless home networks.  Key wireless features include:

· Wireless direct printing: The supplied Wireless Print Adapter plugs into the camera’s PictBridge port and is pre-registered for instant wireless direct printing to PictBridge compatible printers2, including the SELPHY CP range of portable Compact Photo printers. Users can also connect wirelessly via PC1 and configure to print automatically to a USB connected photo printer.
· Auto Transfer mode: The camera automatically transfers each image as soon as it is taken and the supplied software displays the images on the PC as they are received, allowing for real-time full screen viewing with friends.
· Wireless Remote Capture: Enables users to wirelessly control camera shooting functions from the PC1 – ideal for candid party shots or home wildlife photography.

Security
The Digital IXUS WIRELESS uses a secure communication system to prevent eavesdropping or interception of wireless transmissions. In addition to the industry standard WEP, the camera employs WPA-PSK with TKIP/AES encryption for enhanced data security.

Resolution and optics
Featuring a 5.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, the Digital IXUS WIRELESS provides enough resolution for detailed photo prints up to A3 size.  The camera’s 3x optical zoom lens (35–105mm equivalent) includes two Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical (UA) elements, allowing the camera to retain a slender profile without compromising on picture quality.

Visionary technology
The camera’s DIGIC II processor, also found in Canon’s professional EOS series of Digital SLR cameras, ensures fast responsive camera performance and image rendering. DIGIC II powers the camera’s 9-point AiAF for accurate auto focusing even when subjects are off-centre. Canon’s iSAPS technology assesses the scene and adjusts camera settings before every shot to achieve optimum results.

Shooting modes and special effects
With 14 shooting modes, the camera is designed to deliver great results in a wide range of situations. A selection can be made from Auto, Manual, Digital Macro, Portrait, Stitch Assist and Night Snapshot modes, or from the six Scene Modes. Movie mode allows users to record extra long (up to 1 GB in size ) high quality 30fps VGA movie clips with sound. With Canon’s My Colours feature, users of the Digital IXUS WIRELESS can become more creative in their digital photography. Special effects such as Colour Swap or Custom Colour, which allows users to select their preferred colour balance (reds, greens, blues and skin tones) for any given shot, can be performed in-camera and viewed on the LCD while shooting stills and movies.

Playback features
Canon’s Intelligent Orientation Sensor technology recognises when the camera is rotated from horizontal to vertical, automatically rotating stored images for correct playback. Contemporary Slide Shows can also be created in camera for seamless viewing of captured images on the camera’s bright 2.0” LCD screen or on a TV using the AV connection (cable supplied).

Software and CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
The Digital IXUS WIRELESS comes bundled with a comprehensive software suite, including Canon’s ZoomBrowser EX 5.5 (Windows) and ImageBrowser 5.5 (Mac) for editing and organising photos, movies and slide shows. The software package also includes easy printing software PhotoRecord 2.2, PhotoStitch, and ArcSoft’s photo manipulation software, PhotoStudio. The user-friendly Canon Wireless Camera Setup utility1 contains simple step-by-step instructions for quick and easy setup of target devices.

Purchasers of the camera are eligible for membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY , which offers 100 MB of online space for uploading and sharing images. Membership also allows users to download start-up images and sounds to customise their My Camera settings.

Supported operating systems are Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000 (SP4), XP (SP1/2) and Mac OS X v10.2-v10.4. Wireless communication software is compatible only with Windows XP SP2. The camera supports PTP for wired, driverless transfer to supported Windows XP or Mac OS X.

Accessories
A complete range of optional accessories is available to complement the Digital IXUS WIRELESS, including:
§ A stylish leather Soft Case DCC-500
§ High Power Flash HF-DC1
§ Battery Charger CB-2LVE
§ Ultra-thin Battery Pack NB-4L
§ AC Adapter kit ACK-DC20 for mains power

The camera is compatible with MMC/SD cards, and comes supplied with a 16 MB Canon SD card.

Pricing, availability and reader enquiries
The Digital IXUS WIRELESS will be available from January 2006 for   £399.00 RRP inc. VAT / €599.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Reader enquiries
UK – 08705 143723 / www.canon.co.uk    
Eire – (01) 2052400 / www.canon.ie