Canon PowerShot SD990 IS, SD880 IS join Digital ELPH series

[David Rasnake]

Two new ultracompact cameras, the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and SD880 IS, will soon be joining the ranks of Digital ELPH models sold by the manufacturer.

The Canon PowerShot SD990 IS is Canon's highest resolution ultracompact to date, featuring a 14.7 megapixel sensor.

A 3.7x stabilized Canon lens handles optical chores on the new PowerShot, which also offers a Quick Shot Mode designed to provide high-speed response and quick shutter speeds for freezing action.

In addition to black and silver models, a limited-edition red version of the SD990 commemorating the production of Canon's 100 millionth PowerShot, will also be available.

In replacing the venerable SD870, the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS has some big shoes to fill in the world of small cameras.

Building on the success of one of the most popular ultracompacts of all time, the SD880's specs sheet expands to include a 4x optically stabilized, wide-angle zoom and a 10.0 megapixel sensor.

A unique button array is joined on the SD880's back panel by a 3.0 inch PureColor LCD II.

Both cameras enjoy the benefits of Canon's latest processor, DIGIC IV. Most notably, face detection has been improved to provide more accurate recognition of faces in profile and better tracking. Canon is also boasting substantive improvements to noise reduction algorithm, making the latest PowerShot SD models more flexible than ever when making images in low light.

Likewise, Canon is the latest manufacturer to advertise a form of dynamic range correction or shadow/highlight control. In this case, Canon's DIGIC IV powered Intelligent Contrast Correction "automatically improves image quality in high contrast shooting situations," according to the manufacturer.

Both models go on sale next month. The SD990 is priced at $399.99, with the SD880 coming in at $299.99.

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Specifications:

Sensor	14.7 megapixel, 1/1.7" CCD
Lens/Zoom	3.7x (36-133mm) zoom lens, f/2.8-5.8
LCD/Viewfinder	2.5", 230K-pixel PureColor II LCD; optical viewfinder
Sensitivity	ISO 80-1600
Shutter Speed	15-1/1600 seconds
Shooting Modes	Auto, Manual, Program, Scene, Quick, Movie
Scene Presets	Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Indoor, Underwater, Digital Macro, Color Accent, Color Swap, Stitch Assist
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Manual
Metering Modes	Evaluative, Center, Spot
Focus Modes	AiAF, Spot AF (Center or Face Detect and Track)
Drive Modes	Normal, Continuous, Self Timer
Flash Modes	Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, Slow Sync, Red-Eye Reduction
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG, MOV
Max. Image Size	4416x3312
Max. Video Size	640x480, 30 fps
Zoom During Video	Not Specified
Battery	Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Connections	USB 2.0, AV output
Additional Features	Face Detection, Motion Detection, Optical Image Stabilization, DIGIC VI Processor

Canon PowerShot SD880 IS Specifications:

Sensor	10.0 megapixel, 1/2.3" CCD
Lens/Zoom	4x (28-112mm) zoom lens, f/2.8-5.8
LCD/Viewfinder	3.0", 230K-pixel PureColor II LCD; optical viewfinder
Sensitivity	ISO 80-1600
Shutter Speed	15-1/1600 seconds
Shooting Modes	Auto, Manual, Program, Scene, Movie
Scene Presets	Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Indoor, Underwater, Digital Macro, Color Accent, Color Swap, Stitch Assist
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Manual
Metering Modes	Evaluative, Center, Spot
Focus Modes	AiAF, Spot AF (Center or Face Detect and Track)
Drive Modes	Normal, Continuous, Self Timer
Flash Modes	Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, Slow Sync, Red-Eye Reduction
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG, MOV
Max. Image Size	3648x2736
Max. Video Size	640x480, 30 fps
Zoom During Video	Not Specified
Battery	Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Connections	USB 2.0, AV output
Additional Features	Face Detection, Motion Detection, Optical Image Stabilization, DIGIC VI Processor

[KCook]

A unique button array is joined on the SD880's back panel by a 3.0 inch PureColor LCD II.

When you get the chance ask the Canon reps how they expect us to hold the SD880 with one hand and not trigger one of those buttons with the right thumb?!?!

wude Kelly