Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces its latest high performance compact digital still cameras, the PowerShot A620 and PowerShot A610. With 7.1 and 5.0 Megapixels, respectively, the cameras incorporate a host of high-end features normally reserved for G-series PowerShots. DIGIC II processors drive a fast, responsive performance, and – in combination with the cameras’ 4x optical zoom lenses – deliver superior image quality. A wide range of manual, automatic and special scene modes offer flexibility, creative control, and simplicity when required.
The cameras also feature a 2.0” vari-angle LCD, My Colors, and a macro mode that allows photographers to get as close as 1 cm. VGA movies at 30 fps can be created with both models. A complete range of optional accessories, including wide and tele-converters and waterproof case, extends shooting flexibility. A comprehensive software suite is provided as standard. The A620 and A610 are both equipped with a Print/Share button, PictBridge printing as well as ID Photo Print and Movie Print . USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connections provide for high-speed transfer of image data.
"We regard the PowerShot A620 and PowerShot A610 as mini-G cameras – offering G-series performance, but retaining an A-series price," said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "With an impressive range of high-end features, these cameras offer photography enthusiasts advanced control and flexibility."
Improved resolution, zoom and image quality
Replacing the popular PowerShot A95, the new cameras have been given a serious performance boost. While the A610 features a 5.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, the A620 boasts 7.1 Megapixels – both delivering image quality suitable for detailed photo prints up to A3 size and allowing substantial cropping without loss of print quality.
Precision Canon zoom lenses in these new cameras follow the design and construction of G-series lenses, with eight elements in seven groups, and incorporating two aspherical elements. The upgrade to a 4x optical zoom provides a 35–140 mm focal length (35 mm equivalent). With a maximum aperture range of f/2.8 (W) to f/4.1 (T), the lenses are impressively bright at the telephoto end. In addition, focusing performance in low light has improved by up to 2-stops, resulting in greater freedom when shooting in dim conditions.
The lenses’ spectral characteristics have been optimised specifically for the configuration of the lens and sensor, providing accurate colours and significantly reducing the chromatic aberrations (such as purple fringing) often found with lower quality lenses.
Advanced processing and focussing
The addition of Canon’s advanced DIGIC II image processor results in faster and more responsive cameras that deliver improved image quality. Focusing time has been cut by around 60%, and shutter lag is negligible at no more than 0.1 seconds. Smooth continuous shooting is now available at approximately 1.9 fps (A620) and approximately 2.4 fps (A610). With DIGIC II’s superior assessment of white balance, colour rendition accuracy is increased.
