A Summary of Canon’s Pre-PMA Announcements

Although the show doesn’t start for another 12 days, Canon (like other manufacturers) is taking advantage of the PMA show to attract attention to its new digital cameras. Most of the ten new cameras feature Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor, which improves camera performance and image quality. One of the new features made possible by this chip is Canon's new Smart AUTO, which selects the appropriate camera settings based on shooting conditions.  Smart AUTO uses data from Canon's Optical Image Stabilization, Genuine Face Detection, and Motion Detection Technologies to select the correct settings.

Another new addition to the PowerShot line is Blink Detection Technology. Instead of preventing you from taking a photo, Canon’s Blink Detection Technology lets you know when you need to reshoot an image. A final new advancement with select PowerShot cameras is Active Display. With Active Display, you can browse pictures by gently shaking the camera instead of scrolling through photos using a control dial. Here’s a closer look at all of the new cameras from Canon:

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and SX200 IS Digital Cameras

The 10MP Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera incorporates a CMOS image sensor and 1080p Full HD Movie mode. Still images can be captured with a 20x wide-angle Optical Zoom lens (equivalent to 28-560 mm) with Optical Image Stabilization. For viewing, the camera offers a 2.8-inch vari-angle wide-format LCD. What's more, this camera can shoot in RAW format as well as RAW + JPEG. The camera can also play back video and view photos on an HDTV, thanks to a built-in HDMI connector. The PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera is scheduled to be available in April for approximately $599.99.

The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS has a powerful 12x Optical Zoom lens with a wide-angle view (28-336 mm equivalent) and Optical Image Stabilization. The SX200 will come in three colors (black, blue, and red). This 12.1MP camera also offers a large 3-inch LCD screen with wide-angle viewing and the ability to record movies using 720p HD Movie Mode. Look for the PowerShot SX200 IS Digital Camera at the end of March for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

Canon PowerShot D10 Digital Camera

If you’re looking for a waterproof, freeze proof, and shockproof camera, then Canon’s new PowerShot D10 might be for you. The first of its kind from Canon, the PowerShot D10 offers 12.1MP resolution along with a 3x optically stabilized zoom lens. This camera can withstand depths up to 33-feet deep, is freeze proof from 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and shockproof up to four feet. An optional accessory kit will be available for this camera. It will include a customized strap, face plates, and a carabineer hook. The PowerShot D10 IS Digital Camera will be available in early May for around $329.99.

Canon PowerShot SD970 IS, SD960 IS, SD780 IS, and SD1200 IS Digital ELPH Cameras

The Canon PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH comes with 12.1-Megapixels, a 5x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, and a 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen. Additional features include Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology, Active Display, and 720p HD Movie Mode with built-in HDMI connector. What's more, the PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH offers creative and fun effects such as Zoom Blur and Creative Light Effect. Zoom Blur lets you zoom during an exposure. The Creative Light Effect converts the light from light bulbs and sparks from fireworks into various shapes, such as stars and hearts. Look for the PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH in mid-April for an estimated retail price of $379.99.

Available in four hues, including silver, blue, pink, and gold, the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH has a simple button layout, wide-screen 2.8-inch PureColor LCD II screen, Active Display, and an improved user interface. This camera also offers Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology, 12.1-Megapixel resolution, a wide-angle lens (28-112 mm equivalent), and 4x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization. The PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH Camera can shoot 720p HD video and offers an on-camera HDMI connector for easy playback on an HDTV. The PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH Camera is scheduled to be available in early March for approximately $329.99.

The ultra-slim Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH will be available in black, red, silver, or gold body colors. It offers 12.1-Megapixels, 3x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization, and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II screen with optical viewfinder. Additional features include Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology, and 720p HD Movie Mode with built-in HDMI connector. The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH Camera will be available in mid-March for about $279.99.

An entry-level ELPH model, the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS comes in six bright colors. It features Smart AUTO and 10.0-Megapixels of resolution. This camera will be available in mid-March for an estimated retail price of $229.99.

Canon PowerShot A2100 IS, A1100 IS and A480 Digital Cameras

For convenience, the PowerShot A-Series line is powered by two AA batteries. The Canon PowerShot A2100 IS features a 12.1MP sensor with a 6x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization. It has a 3.0-inch LCD screen and Smart AUTO.  This camera will be available in early-April for $249.99.

For the color-conscious consumer, the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS is available in gray, blue, pink, and green. Features include 12.1-Megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, large 2.5-inch LCD screen with Optical Viewfinder, and Smart AUTO. The PowerShot A1100 IS Digital Camera is scheduled to be available in March for about $199.99.

The Canon PowerShot A480 targets budget-minded consumers with an estimated price of $129.99. This camera offers a 10.0-Megapixel sensor, 3.3x Optical Zoom, Canon's DIGIC III imaging processor, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. This camera is scheduled to be available in March.