Canon targets "tweens" with PowerShot E1

[David Rasnake]

Canon has launched a new series of low-cost PowerShot models aimed at capturing the attention of younger shooters and others looking for a colorful, inexpensive, high-spec compact.

The 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot E1 is designed to appeal to pre-teens and teenagers with its color options and retro styling, but offers a level of specification that promises the potential, at least, for better than average image quality.

A 4x (35-140mm) optically stabilized Canon zoom lens handles optical duties, backed up by a 2.5-inch LCD with 115,000 dot resolution. The E1 provides an optical viewfinder as well.

DIGIC III processing supports the E1's face detection system, complete with its own dedicated button on a back panel that shares much in common with the previous generation of PowerShot models.

Styling closely resembles Canon's reshaped "A" line, with smooth transitions and retro-inspired color schemes. The E1 uses available-anywhere AA batteries for a convenient power solution that's traveler- and kid-friendly.

An "Easy" auto mode and several scene modes continue this accessibility theme, making the E1 unintimidating for those new to picture taking.

Admittedly, the E1 looks a little silly and toy-like to earn it much respect around here, but with a well-round package of Canon technologies under the hood, we're betting performance will be just fine all the same. Kudos to Canon for including optical image stabilization, plenty of resolution, and basically the full load of DIGIC III soft features in a novice-focused camera like the E1.

Priced at a suggested $199 and available in mid-September, the PowerShot E1 will come in three colors: blue, white, and pink.

Canon PowerShot E1 Specifications:

Sensor	10.0 megapixel (effective), 1/2.33" CCD
Zoom	4x (35-140mm) zoom, f/2.7-5.6
LCD/Viewfinder	2.5", 115K-pixel TFT LCD
Sensitivity	ISO 80-3200
Shutter Speed	15-1/1600 seconds
Shooting Modes	Easy, Program, Scene, Movie
Scene Presets	Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, ISO 3200, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Metering Modes	Multi, Center, Spot, Face Detection
Focus Modes	9-Point AF, Face Detection AF
Drive Modes	Normal, Continuous, Self-Timer
Flash Modes	Auto, Forced On, Slow Synchro, FE Lock, Forced Off, Red-Eye Reduction
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG
Max. Image Size	3648 x 2736
Max. Video Size	640x480, 30 fps
Zoom During Video	Not Specified
Battery	2 AA batteries
Connections	USB, AV output
Additional Features	Face Detection, iSAPS, optical image stabilization, DIGIC III processor

[Jerry Jackson]

$199 ... or free with the purchase of a Malibu Barbi playset!

[Tinderbox (UK)]

Looks good but not for $199

[David Rasnake]

$199 ... or free with the purchase of a Malibu Barbi playset!

Ok, I'll give credit where credit is due: that was funny.

If the MSRP is $199, expect that the thing will sell for closer to $150 based on Canon's usual way of operating. Still may be too much, however.

dr

[Andy Stanton]

I don't believe this is going to sell well priced at $200. For the same price a young person could have a sleek Sony W120, Nikon S210 or Panasonic FS3.

This could be a very successful camera if priced correctly.

[David Rasnake]

Note the striking similarities, though, between this and the A1000 IS, which is priced $50 more. I believe them to be the same camera entirely, yet if you're a self-respect lacking adult, you can save $50 by going the E1 route.

How much something looks like a bargain depends mostly on which side you're looking from, I suppose...

dr