New Canons feature fifth-generation image processor

September 16, 2011: Canon Australia has announced the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS (pictured below right) , the first to feature Canon’s latest DiG!C 5 Image Processor.

‘DiG!C 5 is revolutionary, contributing a range of enhancements including better noise reduction, automation capabilities, better white balance and faster continuous shooting,’ said James Lai, assistant brand manager, Digital Cameras, Canon Australia.

‘With the technological improvements in white balance and noise reduction capabilities, users can capture beautiful, natural-looking colours, even in difficult lighting situations.’

In addition to faster shooting speeds (the PowerShot S100 – pictured left – captures 9.6 fps and the PowerShot SX40 HS captures 10.3 fps), Canon says the DiG!C 5 Image Processor delivers clear, sharp images even when the main subject and background are lit with different light sources.

With DiG!C 5’s improved noise reduction function, only noise is suppressed while maintaining the image resolution even when shooting at high ISO speeds. It also corrects the greenish tint caused by mercury-vapour lamps or fluorescent lights.

Optical Image Stabilisation has been further enhanced with Intelligent Image Stabilisation (IS) which automatically controls blurring by reducing the effects of hand-held camera shake. At the press of a shutter button, the camera automatically selects the optimum IS for each scene, recognising a selection of six scenes: normal photos; macro shooting; shooting while walking; using a tripod; panning; and shooting with a telephoto zoom.

The new cameras also featuring Full HD movie recording capabilities at a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, so users can enjoy sharing movies with the whole family at the highest quality on their TV.

The Movie Digest feature records four seconds of video prior to a photo being taken, and then automatically edits the day’s unexpected events into one short movie. Switching between photo and video recording is quick and easy with the ‘Movie Button’.

The PowerShot S100, an upgrade from the PowerShot S95, features a relatively large (1/1.7-inch) 12-megapixel CMOS Sensor.

It also features a newly-designed f2.0, 24mm lens with 5x zoom. The f2 widest aperture allows for good low-light shooting without flash.

It also features manual controls and a customised control ring for the quick adjustment of shooting settings. GPS functionality allows users to to track and display their ‘photo route’ on Google Maps for online travel albums and blogs.

The PowerShot SX40 HS has a 35x Optical Zoom supported by Intelligent IS.

‘The Intelligent IS, which automatically selects the ideal IS setting to counter camera shake, makes a significant and noticeable difference to hand-held shooting results when using the high-zoom range,’ said Mr Lai.

It has a 12-megapixel sensor and a zoom range of 24-840mm focal length.

Along with Full HD Movie Recording, the PowerShot SX40 HS boasts a 2.7-inch Vari Angle LCD screen.

The PowerShot S100 will be available from November, and the PowerShot SX40 HS in October. Local pricing has not been supplied.