IXY DIGITAL 50/40

First compact digital cameras with DIGIC II

IXY DIGITAL 50/40

[ Japan : IXY DIGITAL 50, Americas : PowerShot SD300 DIGITAL ELPH, Europe/Asia/Oceania : DIGITAL IXUS 40 ] [ Japan : IXY DIGITAL 40, Americas : PowerShot SD200 DIGITAL ELPH, Europe/Asia/Oceania : DIGITAL IXUS 30 ] This month's Technical Report introduces the IXY DIGITAL 50 with a 4.0-megapixel CCD and the IXY DIGITAL 40 with a 3.2-megapixel CCD, which were released in October 2004. Both are equipped with DIGIC II and a high-resolution zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 35 - 105mm) in ultra-slim compact bodies.

Photo 1 IXY DIGITAL 50 (left), IXY DIGITAL 40 (right)

Concept of development Canon has released a total of 12 models in the IXY DIGITAL series, from the first ''IXY DIGITAL'' released in spring 2000, through the ''IXY DIGITAL 500/450'' released in spring 2004. The IXY DIGITAL 50 and the IXY DIGITAL 40 (see Photo 1) are new models representing the next-generation IXY DIGITAL with the following development concepts: A more compact and stylish digital camera while retaining the IXY DIGITAL series concept Feature 1: High grade design and ultra slim compact body Refreshing body design showing each models individuality While retaining the basic ''Box & Circle'' design concept of the IXY DIGITAL series, the IXY DIGITAL 50/40 have differing designs to express the individuality of each model. The IXY DIGITAL 50 uses a new chemical surface treatment that produces a smooth feel and radiant whiteness. A mirror luster treatment is applied to the top and sides, which gives beautiful luster to the body. The IXY DIGITAL 40 has gently curved body surfaces, giving a sleek and elegant impression. By employing an aluminum/magnesium alloy for the front and rear covers, the camera has achieved both a beautiful feel and robust body. And a circular wave pattern around the lens barrel was designed with the image of ''ripples on the water,'' symbolizing the quiet but steady influence the IXY DIGITAL 40 will have on the world. Ultra-compact, ultra-light body The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 employ a host of Canon's miniaturization technologies realizing smaller and thinner components and ultrahigh-density packaging. Thanks to this, the smallest and lightest body in the IXY DIGITAL series has been achieved (see Fig. 1) (except for the IXY DIGITAL L / L2 with single focal length lens). Above all, multiple ICs have been combined into a single package with SiP (System in Package) technology, significantly reducing the mounting area.

Fig. 1 IXY DIGITAL 50 Internal Structure

Newly developed ultra-thin battery pack To further promote compactness, Canon developed the dedicated NB-4L battery pack. Compared to the NB-3L, the NB-4L is about 35% smaller while the capacity is only about 4% lower (760 mAh). Supports SD Memory Card Ultra-compact, highly-efficient and reliable built-in light guide flash Feature 2: High image quality High quality image processing with DIGIC II, digital imaging engine The IXY DIGITAL 50 and the IXY DIGITAL 40 are the first compact digital cameras incorporating Canon's proprietary DIGIC II digital imaging engine for signal processing. Compared to the previous DIGIC, DIGIC II has increased its processing capacity severalfold for more precise processing. As a result, both cameras have not only remarkably improved in color gradation, resolution, and color reproduction, but also achieved comfortable operability including quick start-up, smooth continuous shooting, high-speed AF, and high-speed playback and forwarding. CCD sensor with 4.0 million effective pixels (approx.) for the IXY DIGITAL 50 and 3.2 million effective pixels (approx.) for the IXY DIGITAL 40 The IXY DIGITAL 50 features a CCD with about 4.0 million effective pixels and the IXY DIGITAL 40 features a CCD with about 3.2 million effective pixels. Together with the primary color filter, the IXY DIGITAL 50 produces high-resolution with up to 2272 x 1704 pixels. Ultra-compact 3x zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 35 - 105mm) The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 employ a new 3x zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 35 - 105mm) with a f/2.8-f/4.9 aperture. To achieve compactness, the IXY DIGITAL 50/40 have adopted two ultra-high refractive index glass molded aspherical lenses called “UA lens,” which was first employed by the PowerShot S70/S60. As a result, both cameras have realized an ultra compact optical unit despite the 3x zoom lens. The cross-sectional diameter of the optical unit is about the same diameter as a euro 1 cent coin (see Fig. 2). The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 have a macro function that allows users to focus as close as 3cm from the subject at the wide end. The field of view is 37x 27 mm.

Fig. 2 Shooting Lens

High-speed AF and precise AE/AWB based on iSAPS technology and incorporating SI sensor Precise white balance with five preset positions and manual adjustment Wide range of ISO equivalent speed settings including the high image quality ISO 50 Feature 3: Advanced functions Scene Modes The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 feature the Scene Modes function which was first incorporated in the PowerShot A85/A75. This function allows users to handle various shooting conditions simply and effectively by selecting the appropriate shooting mode. Available modes and descriptions are shown in Table 1.

Mode Description Trims the center of an image and enlarges it with the digital zoom, so that the subject can be photographed larger than in the normal macro mode. Produces a soft effect when photographing people. Minimizes camera shake when shooting human subjects against twilight or night backgrounds without using a tripod. Allows the user to capture subjects that move around, such as children and pets, without missing photo opportunities. Prevents camera shake and maintains the subject’s true color when shooting under artificial lighting, such as tungsten lighting. Exposure is regulated to reduce flash use as much as possible. Uses an optimal white balance setting for underwater photography to reduce bluish tones and record images with natural hues. For underwater photography, use the separately sold ''All Weather Case AW-DC30.''

Table 1 Scene Modes List

Digital Macro mode In addition to the normal macro mode, the IXY DIGITAL 50/40 offer the Digital Macro mode to provide further magnification. This mode allows users to shoot at 3 to 10cm from the subject at the wide end by using the digital zoom function. The field of view is 10.2 x 7.5mm at the maximum magnification (IXY DIGITAL 50). Full range of movie features Thanks to DIGIC II, the IXY DIGITAL 50/40 have remarkably enhanced the movie shooting functions (see Table 2). Both cameras are the world's first* digital cameras that achieved 60fps (frames/sec.) movie shooting in Fast Frame Rate mode, producing smooth images when shooting a fast-moving subject. Also, the playback mode has been enhanced with the additions of 1/5 fps, 1/2 fps, and 1 fps slow motion playback modes. * As of October 2004

Mode Recording Pixels Frame Rate (for Recording) Purposes Standard 640×480 320×240 30fps 15fps For general shooting. Fast frame rate 320×240 60fps For shooting fast moving subjects, such as those in sports scenes. Compact 160×120 15fps For e-mail attachments, or when available free space on the SD memory card is low.

Table 2 Movie Mode (for Recording)

9-point AiAF or 1-point AF can be selected Three light metering modes Photo effect modes Shutter speed of 15 to 1/1500 seconds with noise reduction Histogram display of playback image Direct Transfer (Windows only) Digital zoom continuously changes angle of view ON/OFF selection of AF-assist Beam Index Playback of 9 images Rec. review Audio annotation recording of up to 60 seconds Feature 4: Comfortable operation Large 2.0'' LCD monitor The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 have an oversized 2.0'' LCD monitor that allows users to comfortably frame a shot. In addition, each multiple image on the monitor in the index playback mode is displayed larger, making image searches considerably easier. Picture coverage is 100%. Enhanced UI display The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 have completely renewed the design of the LCD monitor UI display (see Fig. 3). Especially with the menu display, enlarged characters and icons and the animation display of frequently used setting items have enhanced operability.

Fig. 3 UI Display

Playback/Forwarding of magnified images The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 are capable of magnifying still images in the playback mode by approximately 2 to 10 times for confirmation of details as well as advancing and reversing through images at the same level of magnification. This function is helpful when selecting the best shot from multiple shots taken in continuous shooting mode. Clock Display mode The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 have improved the Clock Display mode which was first introduced in the IXY DIGITAL L. The cameras can display time even with the lens retracted, enabling users to use them instead of a watch. In addition, the clock display orientation changes according to the camera's orientation, vertical or horizontal (see Fig. 4). The display color also changes (12-color variations) when the camera is shaken lightly.

(Horizontal position) (Vertical position)

Fig. 4 Example of Clock Display

UI supporting 21 languages The number of UI languages displayed on the LCD monitor has been increased to 21, allowing more users to operate in their native languages. Power-saving function (auto power down and display off) Mute mode Self-timer (2 or 10 seconds) Feature 5: Full range of printing features and digital communication Layout printing with PictBridge connection The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 support ''Layout Printing,'' one of the specifications in the PictBridge standard. This allows users to lay out the specified number of images (2, 4, 8, 9, 16 or 20 images*) on a single paper to print (see Fig.5). *The number of images and layout styles available depend on the printer specification.

Fig. 5 Layout Print (Example of 9-up Layout)

Print/Share Button The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 support direct printing, enabling users to print out high-quality images by simply connecting the camera to the newly released SELPHY series CP500/400 and DS700 Compact Photo Printers, the previous CP series printers, or PIXUS direct-printing compatible printers using the dedicated cable. For this direct printing, the IXY DIGITAL 50/40 feature Print/Share button, allowing users to print even more easily and instinctively. The Print/Share button lights or blinks blue to provide easy operating guidance. Postcard Date Imprint mode The IXY DIGITAL 50/40 have Postcard Date Imprint mode, a shooting mode that provides optimal image processing for printing in postcard size or smaller. ID Photo Print Movie Print Exif 2.2 support ''My Camera''function Bundled with a comprehensive package of software applications Compatible with USB (PTP) Interface Feature6: System accessories All Weather Case submersible to 3 meters As an option, the All Weather Case AW-DC30 is available. This small, light case is waterproofed down to 3 meters. It is convenient for use at the beach or on the ski slopes. Ultra-fast, large-capacity SD memory card An optional 512 MB SD memory card with fast data-writing speed is provided for long-duration movie shooting. This card is capable of recording 640 x 480 high image quality movies at 30 fps for up to 4 min. and 9 sec. This issue of the Technical Report introduces the IXY DIGITAL 50/40. Table 3 depicts the major specifications of the IXY DIGITAL 50/40, while Fig. 6 shows the names of the IXY DIGITAL 50's exterior controls and parts. The IXY DIGITAL 50 Kit comes as shown in Photo 2. There is no recommended retail price. Along with the IXY DIGITAL 50/40, Canon has also released the IXY DIGITAL L2 with a 5.0- megapixel CCD and 4 new color variations (see Photo 3). Table 3 Major Specifications Comparison between IXY DIGITAL 50 and IXY DIGITAL 40 Fig. 6 IXY DIGITAL 50 Nomenclature

Photo 2 IXY DIGITAL 50 Kit

Photo 3 IXY DIGITAL L2