Canon IXUS 300 HS
The Canon IXUS 300 HS (called the SD4000 IS Digital ELPH in North America) is a premium compact featuring a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 28-106mm equivalent f/2.0-5.3 lens with image stabilisation, semi-manual exposure modes and 720p HD movie recording. The new Canon IXUS 300 HS is capable of taking full-resolution stills at up to 3.7 frames per second (fps), and 2.5-megapixel photos at up to 8.4fps. The number of pictures that can be taken in a burst is limited by the memory card’s capacity only. The Canon IXUS 300 HS features a 3in PureColor II G LCD screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio, which incorporates a strong tempered glass outer layer, providing high contrast and wide-angle viewing. For moments that lend themselves to video, the Canon IXUS 300 HS offers 720p high-definition movie recording with stereo sound. The lens’ quiet drive system allows users to zoom during recording with minimum audio interference, while the optical image stabiliser can also be engaged to reduce the effects of camera shake in video footage. Extreme, fast-paced action can also be recorded using Super Slow Motion Movie mode, which captures at 240fps and plays back at a much slower 30fps, although at a meagre 320x240 pixels only. The Canon IXUS 300 HSwill be available across the UK and Ireland from the end of May 2010, priced at £379 / €419. In the USA, the camera is marketed under the name Canon Powershot SD4000 IS Digital ELPH, and retails for an estimated price of $349.99.
Canon UK Press Release
High speed, high impact – Canon delivers performance and style with the stunning new IXUS 300 HS
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 11th May 2010 – Canon today bolsters its luxury IXUS range with the launch of the incredible new IXUS 300 HS – a stylish and powerful premium compact digital camera capable of capturing outstanding stills and High Definition (HD) video. Available in blasted steel silver, matt black, glossy white or high gloss red, the new model offers a supercharged combination of speed, usability and creative control – making it perfect for those who wish to make a statement with the technology they own.
The IXUS 300 HS is the first model to feature Canon’s new HS System, combining a high-sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor with fast DIGIC 4 processing for enhanced low light performance and high-speed shooting. A bright, f/2.0 wide-angle lens provides the ability to use faster shutter speeds and make subjects stand out by creatively blurring the background, while a range of manual settings offer a new level of artistic flexibility to IXUS users who wish to explore, and develop, their photographic skills.
Fast, powerful, versatile
The IXUS 300 HS embodies the latest in luxurious, high-performance, pocketable imaging technology from Canon. The new HS System provides excellent performance in low light, making the most of the camera’s back-illuminated CMOS imaging sensor and DIGIC 4 processor, supporting a maximum ISO of 3200 at full resolution and reducing noise levels at all ISO speeds [1]. Using Low Light mode, the camera can also achieve an extended maximum speed of ISO 6400, capturing images at 2.5MP resolution and providing the ideal tools for shooting at evening events and on nights out.
The camera’s low light performance is further enhanced by a bright, f/2.0, 28mm wide-angle lens with 3.8x optical zoom, helping users to get closer to the action while allowing more light to reach the sensor. Canon’s acclaimed optical Image Stabilizer (IS) minimises the blur associated with longer exposures when shooting in low light and when zooming in to get closer to subjects. Using advanced lens-shift technology, the IS allows users to shoot sharp images even with up to 1/8th of the light that would normally be required from cameras without stabilisation – equivalent to a 3-stop advantage.
The lens’ wide maximum aperture and its manually-controlled iris also provide users with greater control over depth of field, enabling the capture of impressive portraits and striking macro shots. This level of optical performance has been achieved using the same processes and quality standards used to manufacture Canon’s series of EF professional lenses, which are used and trusted by millions of users the world over.
The HS System also enables the CMOS sensor to capture high-speed action with up to 3.7 shots per second continuous shooting at full 10.0MP resolution, or up to 8.4 shots per second at 2.5MP resolution using the High Speed Burst mode. Both high-speed shooting modes have no limit on the number of shots taken and can be used non-stop right up to card capacity, ensuring that no critical moment will ever be missed [2].
Extreme, fast-paced action can also be recorded using Super Slow Motion Movie mode, which captures at 240 frames per second (fps) and plays back at a much slower 30fps, providing a dramatic and spectacular record of fast-moving subjects.
Unique Canon design – both inside and out
The IXUS 300 HS stands out from the crowd with an angular and compact stainless steel body, providing sleek looks to match the stunning image quality.
A 7.5 cm (3.0”) PureColor II G LCD screen incorporates a strong tempered glass outer layer, providing high contrast and wide-angle viewing that makes it ideal for shooting large groups or subjects from awkward angles. Its wide, 16:9 aspect ratio also allows users to frame and play back HD video footage in full screen without black borders at the top and bottom of the picture.
A touch-sensitive scroll wheel makes navigating menus and browsing through images quick, easy and fun. On-screen “Hints & Tips” are also featured within the user interface, coaching users through the different camera settings and offering helpful guidance on the camera’s extensive range of features.
Make your mark with creative shooting
The IXUS 300 HS enables even the most inexperienced photographers to explore their creative side, offering a range of modes and functions that make it easy to capture striking images. Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology provides the best results in all conditions, intelligently detecting the scene and selecting the optimum settings from 22 variables. Smart Flash Exposure also controls flash levels according to shooting conditions, providing the right amount of flash to ensure perfectly exposed shots in all situations.
A range of new and creative shooting modes make taking exciting shots both easy and fun. Fish-eye Effect mimics the distortion of a fish-eye lens, with three effect levels to choose from, whilst Miniature Effect makes subjects appear like miniature-scale models. Easy self-portraits are provided by Smart Shutter, which uses
Face Detection Technology to allow users to trigger the shutter using a smile or a wink of the eye. Using FaceSelf-Timer, users can also set the camera to shoot automatically after detecting a new face in the frame. For more advanced users requiring additional levels of creative control, the IXUS 300 HS offers manual control over shutter speed or aperture settings in Tv and Av modes respectively.
HD video capture – added flexibility in one stylish package
For moments that lend themselves to video, the IXUS 300 HS offers 720p high definition movie recording with high quality stereo sound. The lens’ quiet drive system allows users to zoom during recording with minimum audio interference, while the optical Image Stabilizer can also be engaged to reduce the effects of camera shake in video footage. An integrated HDMI-mini port makes it straightforward to share images, allowing pictures and video to be viewed directly on any HDMI-compatible screen, including HDTVs.
For users who want to transfer content wirelessly, the IXUS 300 HS includes Eye-Fi connected functions. The camera features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface, on-screen icons, and will disable the automatic power-down function when the Eye-Fi card transmits data – allowing users to transfer content easily and without interruption [3].
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories
Owners of the IXUS 300 HS can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage capacity, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
IXUS 300 HS key features:
* High performance IXUS in a stunning stainless steel body
* 10.0 Megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS
* Bright f/2.0, 28mm, 3.8x genuine Canon lens with optical Image Stabilizer
* HS System with DIGIC 4 for fast shooting and low noise in low light
* 240 fps Super Slow Motion Movie. High-speed Burst: 8.4 shots/sec [4]
* Wide 7.5 cm (3.0”) PureColor II G LCD with enhanced strength and visibility
* Smart Auto and Smart Flash Exposure for great photos in all situations
* HD movies (720p) with optical zoom, stereo sound and HDMI
* Creative shooting with P, Av and Tv modes, Low Light, Fish-eye and Miniature Effect
* Smart Shutter with Smile, Wink Self-Timer and FaceSelf-Timer
The IXUS 300 HS is compatible with a range of IXUS accessories including flash units, and a soft leather case is also available to complement and protect the unique design.
Pricing & Availability
The IXUS 300 HS, black and silver, are available nationwide from the end of May 2010 priced at £379.00 / €419.00 RRP inc. VAT.
The IXUS 300 HS (white) is exclusively on sale at Jessops and is available from the end of May 2010.
The IXUS 300 HS (red) is exclusively on sale at John Lewis and is available from the end of May 2010.
[1] When compared to models not featuring a high sensitivity sensor.
[2] Shooting speed varies depending on storage card speed, zoom position, shooting condition and settings. As the number of images captured continuously increases shooting speed might drop.
[3] This product is not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with the card manufacturer.
Also note that approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with the card manufacturer.
[4] Some high-speed modes output at reduced resolution. See specifications for details.
Canon U.S.A: Press Release
DESIGN MEETS FUNCTIONALITY WITH THE NEW CANON POWERSHOT DIGITAL ELPH CAMERA: THE POWERSHOT SD4000 IS DIGITAL ELPH CAMERA
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., May 11, 2010 – Placing top-level Canon features in a modern, stylish frame, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the newest addition to the PowerShot Digital ELPH camera series- the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS Digital ELPH camera. This new powerhouse point-and-shoot camera is the first of the Digital ELPH series to offer a high-sensitivity system, known as Canon’s HS SYSTEM, with a CMOS sensor and bright f/2.0 lens. Offering consumers the most enhanced image quality available in an ELPH series camera, these features help to capture those wonderful moments in low-light conditions. The PowerShot SD4000 IS Digital ELPH camera also has high definition (HD) movie-shooting capabilities, providing an additional option for cataloging memorable events. Primarily, the new PowerShot SD4000 IS is great for any user with an attention for up-to-date functionality and style.
Whether attending a relative’s sunset wedding or meeting friends in a dimly lit restaurant, these are times where the new PowerShot SD4000 IS showcases its best attributes. The new 10-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, in conjunction with the DIGIC 4 image processor creates Canon’s HS SYSTEM to enhance image quality in low-light situations and helps reduce noise at high ISO speeds. Along with Canon’s HS SYSTEM, the f/2.0 lens allows more light to enter, permitting higher shutter speeds, for further reducing the effect of camera shake and increasing image sharpness and quality. In addition, the combination of Canon’s HS SYSTEM and the f/2.0 lens enables users to take photos without a flash, resulting in a more natural look while providing greater depth of field, making it an exemplary tool for portrait photography. In addition, the PowerShot SD4000 IS has the fastest high-speed burst rate to date* in a Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH camera with 8.4 frames per second (fps). New to the ELPH cameras, the PowerShot SD4000 IS has aperture and shutter controls allowing for enhanced flexibility and creative control, making this camera great for shooters who are interested in getting even more out of their photography.
“With the introduction of the new PowerShot SD4000 IS, Canon is putting the power of high-quality photography in an ultra-compact size to amplify the experience and quality customers see when shooting with a Canon camera,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The two functions in the HS SYSTEM allow our customers to capture the clearest pictures in any setting, resulting in more of a professional look.”
For the Design-Centric
A treat for the eyes, the PowerShot SD4000 IS has beautifully crafted curves, texture and a modern look that appeals to a design-savvy user. With all of its new features, the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS elevates the current ELPH series, offering advanced settings in a polished, sculpted, compact frame, making it an essential item to tote anywhere.
Get Creative with HD Movie
The addition of the HD Movie feature in the new PowerShot SD4000 IS is one of the most distinguished characteristics that make this camera a must-have for anyone. This dual-purpose camera allows users to creatively compose video, helping to capture unforgettable moments from a child’s first baseball game to a son or daughter walking up to the podium on Graduation Day. Users can also have more fun with HD movie footage by using the My Color function, composed of Color Swap and Color Accent options. In addition, video content is easily downloaded from the camera via USB connection and can be easily played back on your HDTV via an HDMI output connector.
Timing is Everything
As an added bonus, the new Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS has a new Super Slow Motion movie function that allows users to record video at a very high frame rate, possessing the appearance of slow motion when played back at regular speed. The Super Slow Motion movie function captures a subject at 240 frames-per-second (fps), and later plays back the footage at 30 fps, allowing each moment of footage to be appreciated in super slow motion while maintaining great image quality.
Additional Features
* A 3.0-inch wide angle (28mm equivalent) wide screen LCD allows for easy on-camera previewing and reviewing of menus and images.
* A 3.8X optical zoom with optical image stabilization helps to ensure images will be clear and how they were meant to be captured.
* Support of the high-spec SDXC memory cards with the maximum storage of two terabytes (TB) in SDA standard.
* Eye-Fi memory card connectivity, where wireless data can directly transfer to PCs.
* New scene modes, such as miniature and fish-eye effects help to increase overall creativity.
* Smart Shutter technology, which automatically takes pictures when a person smiles or winks; resulting in less re-takes.
The new Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS is available in three different color variations: red, black and silver. In addition, while supplies last, there will be an exclusive, limited edition white PowerShot SD4000 IS model available direct from Canon (www.shop.usa.canon.com). Scheduled to be available at the end of May, the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS Digital ELPH camera retails for an estimated price of $349.99.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of “100 Best Global Brands.” Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. 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/rss.
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