Canon gets sensitive with latest launch

Has Canon been getting in touch with its feminine side, I wondered as I read the latest press release from the digital camera giant. Well its latest range of cameras certainly have, as they all claim to offer high sensitivity. Okay, it has more to do with producing excellent images regardless of lighting conditions, rather than making an attempt to understand all your little whims and foibles, and coming up with more than a box of chocolates and a last-minute bunch of blooms from the garage on your anniversary.

No, the HS System means that all of the latest cameras to be released – the PowerShot SX230 HS and PowerShot SX220 HS, the IXUS 310 H, the IXUS 220 HS and the IXUS 115 HS, should all be capable of delivering high-quality images whether you’re taking snaps of mates on a night out, or recording a beautiful sunset on holiday.

The two PowerShot superzoom models are aimed at holidaymakers and travellers, with the SX230 having the added bonus of being the first Canon camera to feature GPS tagging and logging. This means that it collects location data from satellites and then geotags your pictures with details about where they were taken. The images can then be displayed on maps in the likes of Google Maps, Flickr and Picasa.

It also has a massive 14x optical zoom, which should enable you to take all the pictures you want to take while you’re away, without the need for extra lenses and gadgetry. The PowerShot SX230 HS comes in pink, blue and black and the metal body of the PowerShot SX220 HS is available in purple and grey. The cameras will be available from mid-March and prices have yet to be confirmed, although the SX230 HS will be $350 when it comes out in the US.

The IXUS 310 HS, meanwhile, has an enhanced intuitive touch interface as well as an ultra-wide angle 24mm lens with an f/2.0 maximum aperture. The IXUS 220 HS has an ultra-wide 24mm 5x optical zoom lens houses in a slimline chassis, while the entry level market is the target market for the IXUS 115 HS. All have features including Full HD movies and high-speed shooting.

The IXUS 310 HS’ stainless steel body comes in a choice of silver, brown, pink and gold, while the IXUS 220 HS is available in silver, black and red. The IXUS 115 HS has a metal body that comes in silver, grey, pink and blue.

The IXUS 115 HS is available from early February 2011, priced at £179, while the IXUS 220 HS will be on sale from mid-February, priced at £199.00

The IXUS 310 HS will be on sale from early March, priced at £299.

All the new models have the benefit of creative filters such as Miniature Effect (for both video and stills), Monochrome, and Toy Camera, for lots of fun when taking snaps, while more experienced photographers gain a grasp of control with both shutter speed and aperture control.

For the ultimate point-and-shoot camera, Canon has included Smart Auto – which is capable of detecting 32 different scenes, and selecting the correct settings for you – this facility is also offered when you’re recording video. And if you like to take lots of pictures, Canon now offers Best Image Selection, which will choose the best one for you before deleting the rest – great for saving time when you’re out and about.

If you’re buying a new camera with your summer holidays in mind, the PowerShot cameras and the IXUS 220 and 115 will both fit in an optional waterproof case that is suitable for diving up to 40m, while you can also buy a cheaper case for the two Ixus models that is suitable for depths of up to 3m, so will suit snorkellers and swimmers.