May 07, 2007: My email client on my laptop is set up to show me the first few words of the subject line of incoming messages. Today, I got a start when I saw the beginning of a message that read “BREAKING NEWS…”

I have to admit that ever since 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina those words make me nervous. What was it this time? Terrorism? War? Floods?

I nervously opened the email to find that the BREAKING NEWS was the release of two new Canon cameras that make incremental improvements over their predecessors.

The Canon S5 replaces the S3. A lot of people loved that camera, but not me.  My main problem with it is that I don’t like the electronic viewfinder, which I find hard to see. The LCD screen is better, but it’s a little small.

However, it does take good pictures and exceptional videos for a still camera. The new version at least features a bigger LCD along with a bunch of other goodies, including face detection and improved autofocus. 

The SD850 replaces the SD700 (why it’s not the SD750, I don’t know) with more megapixels, face detection focusing and, yes, improved autofocus, too. 

They’re on the homepage now at Cameratown.

Here’s some of what Canon had to say about this BREAKING NEWS. Not surprisingly, they’ve very excited about their new cameras, too:

From soccer moms snapping still photos and movie clips of their kids from the sidelines with a single digital camera to party-goers wanting to capture important moments on the social scene with a discreet digital camera that can unobtrusively slip into a clutch purse or shirt pocket, Canon’s market-leading line of PowerShot cameras fits any lifestyle. Adding to the breadth of an already auspicious product portfolio, Canon U.S.A., Inc. is proud to announce the PowerShot S5 IS and PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH cameras.
Along with a full complement of the trendsetting style elements featured in the current PowerShot lineup, the new models add a dash of technical advancements including Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Face Detection technology, in-camera Red-eye Correction and 8.0-megapixel resolution. Users will now have all the features needed to assure that once-in-a-lifetime moments will be vibrantly and vividly saved for years to come.

“The PowerShot S5 IS digital camera meets the demands of active family photographers and discerning photo hobbyists looking for high-end features and maximum photo flexibility, while maintaining the light weight, trim profile and affordability of a point and shoot digital camera,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “With a broad range of features and a powerful ultra-zoom lens, it is no coincidence that the PowerShot S5 IS digital camera’s look and feel evokes the sense of a small, lightweight SLR.”

The PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH camera also has an impressive array of top-tier photo features including an advanced ultra-compact zoom lens and optical viewfinder to easily capture, record and share brilliant images under a full range of shooting conditions, all within a curvaceous, eye-catching compact design.

“The PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH camera continues the strong tradition of Digital ELPH imaging excellence and eye-catching style. Created out of Canon’s intimate understanding of the camera user’s needs and wants, the PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH camera delivers the most up-to-date innovations in camera engineering and design. Our new product lineup provides an unmatched scope of offerings for consumers needing a digital camera with superior functions and style, backed by the Canon legacy of superior quality,” added Mr. Ishizuka.

I love Canon, but can someone tell them that the reference to “soccer moms” is a little dated? Luckily, the cameras sound pretty cutting-edge.

Scott

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 at 7:02 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.