Canon's latest 5.0 Megapixel compact digital still camera is the PowerShot S60. A comprehensive array of technology firsts for the S-Series includes new lens materials which allow a reduction in lens size, enabling an elegantly sleek body shape. Also new for the S-Series is the 28-100mm focal length lens with 4cm macro, simultaneous RAW and JPEG file recording, optional 2x tele-converter and a 40m depth waterproof case. The camera includes a new pre-set white balance mode for underwater photography, Print/Share button, 15 second to 1/2000 sec shutter speeds, and a new user interface.
Features:
DIGIC image processor
provides a huge capacity for complex assessment of the scene to be captured. The PowerShot S50 uses information from the zoom position, scene brightness, and other systems to determine what sort of subject is being photographed in order to optimize AF speed, exposure accuracy, and white balance performance
Movie Mode
The S60's movie mode has been upgraded to a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 (10 frames per second); it also offers 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 modes (15 frames per second). Individual movie clips are limited to 3 minutes maximum per clip (and 30 seconds maximum for 640 x 480 mode).
Custom Options
For beginners, the camera is point-and-shoot simple. Just twist the dial to Auto and start snapping pictures. The PowerShot S60 offers a myriad of setting options, including three light metering modes, white balance presets with two positions for custom settings, exposure and focus bracketing, manual focus and AF lock, aperture and shutter-speed priority, and adjustable ISO-equivalent sensitivity.
The PowerShot S60 features 13 shooting modes, and nine-point AiAF lets you focus your subject no matter where it appears in the viewfinder. For more freedom, FlexiZone AF/AE let you select which part of the frame you wish to focus on without moving your camera.
Direct Printing/Sharing
The S60 incorporates Canon's new Print/Share button that speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge enabled printers. It also offers one-touch image transfer to Windows XP, Me, 2000, and 98 computers for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet, or placement in e-mail. When connected to a Canon Compact Photo printer, a Movie Print mode divides the selected clip into equal parts and prints thumbnails of a maximum 63 equally spaced frames onto a single sheet of Postcard Size Paper.
Power and Size
To allow for a more refined look and easier use, the PowerShot S60 digital camera fashions a new, slimmer body with a redesigned smooth sliding lens cover, transforming the camera's appearance when it is opened and closed. Canon achieved this slimmer design by using the new UA wide-angle lens. The silver two-tone body provides a larger zoom lever now found on the rear of the camera so users can easily maneuver with their thumb. Additionally, the large, round control pad is located in the rear center of the camera with the "SET" button in the middle, allowing for effortless navigation and control. The camera is powered by the rechargeable lithium-ion battery NB-2LH, which provides approximately 240 shots with the LCD on and 550 shots without the LCD. It measures 4.5 x 2.2 x 1.5 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 8.1 ounces (without battery).
Underwater Possibilities
With summer approaching, Canon's new PowerShot S60 digital camera features an optional underwater housing, WP-DC40 (sold separately). Designed for capturing fabulous underwater photos while snorkeling, in the pool, or just protect the camera while boating or on the beach. For the underwater enthusiast, Canon will offer a new waterproof case weight set (WW-DC1) that is compatible with all of its underwater housings. Available in packs of four, these weights allow the camera to "stay put" for steady underwater photography.
Other features include:
- Large 1.8-inch LCD monitor
- Built-in flash with auto, on, off, manual, slow-synch, and red-eye reduction modes
- Simultaneous RAW and JPEG file recording
- 15 second to 1/2000 sec shutter speeds
- Intelligent Orientation Sensor displays your images properly rotated during playback on the LCD screen and your computer screen
