Canon marks a decade of IXUS digital cameras with the outstanding IXUS 1000 HS

Available in silver, brown and pink, the Ixus 1000 HS is one of the most advanced IXUS models to date, exemplifying the innovation that has been consistently present in every generation of the IXUS series. A compact but powerful 10x optical zoom lens makes it the slimmest super zoom camera of its kind anywhere in the world  while Full HD video capture allows users to record smooth, 1080p movies. It’s also the second IXUS to feature the HS System, combining a high-sensitivity, 10.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor with powerful DIGIC 4 processing to provide fantastic all-round image quality and high-speed shooting.

A perfect combination of performance and portability, the advanced feature-set of the IXUS 1000 HS helps users to get the perfect shot every time. The exceptionally compact 10x optical zoom lens showcases the pioneering optical expertise trusted by millions of Canon owners world-wide, ensuring the benefits of a high zoom lens are not lost for the sake of pocketability. As a result of unique engineering, the IXUS 1000 HS offers both – boasting a slim profile that will comfortably fit into a pocket or handbag. A highly-effective optical Image Stabilizer designed with advanced lens-shift technology allows users to capture sharp images in darker conditions or when the zoom is extended, providing the perfect tool for consistently capturing clearly defined, blur-free images. A new, intelligent Handheld Night Scene mode also makes it easy to take beautiful night shots without a tripod, combining several shots taken in succession into one sharp and optimally-exposed picture.

The integrated HS System ensures excellent performance in low light, taking advantage of the 10.0MP high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processor to provide premium image quality and up to 60% lower noise levels at all ISO speeds . The camera also supports a maximum ISO speed of 3200 at full resolution, while an extended maximum speed of ISO 6400 is available at 2.5MP resolution, allowing the camera to capture the natural ambience of dimly-lit environments without the flash.

The HS System also enables high-speed, non-stop action to be recorded until either the shutter button is released or the memory card becomes full. Up to 3.7 shots per second continuous shooting at full 10.0MP resolution, captures fast-moving subjects in maximum detail, and up to 8.8 shots per second at 2.5MP resolution in High-speed Burst mode means users will never miss a moment’s action. With Best Image Selection, users can let the camera choose the best image from a selection of five 2.5MP high-speed shots, reducing time spent flicking through hundreds of similar images to find the ones to keep.  Extreme, fast-paced scenes can also be recorded using the Super Slow Motion Movie mode, which captures at 240 frames per second (fps) and plays back at 30fps, providing a dramatic, and often spectacular, perspective on the subject.

The advanced video performance of the Ixus 1000 HS is among the best in Canon’s compact range, shooting HD movies in full 1920x1080p resolution. Full HD movies are captured at 24 frames per second, providing a smooth, cinematic account of the action being recorded, while stereo sound complements the pictures with clear, CD-quality audio.

The lens’ quiet motor allows users to use the optical zoom in Movie mode with minimum audio interference, and a Dynamic Image Stabilizer mode reduces the distracting camera shake effect produced when recording video while moving.

Smart Auto in Movie mode immediately identifies the shooting scene and selects the optimal settings for 21 different situations so the user doesn’t have to. The Miniature Mode in movies adds a completely new dimension to video footage – shooting at low frame rates with designated portions of the picture blurred for dramatic and compelling miniature-style, timelapse videos. The integrated HDMI-mini port provides an instant way to share images and video directly on any HDMI-compatible screen, including HDTVs.

True to the IXUS heritage, a highly compact body houses an advanced feature-set, packing the extensive range of technologies into a sleek, glossy exterior. The all-metal design provides the outstanding build-quality uniformly associated with the IXUS range, while a subtle, angular design, with easy-to-reach controls, makes the camera even easier to handle.

A 7.6 cm (3.0”) PureColor II G LCD screen incorporates a tempered glass outer layer, providing a high contrast, wide viewing angle ideal for shooting large groups or subjects from awkward angles. The 16:9 widescreen display also allows users to frame and play back HD video footage in full screen without black borders at the top and bottom of the picture, providing the perfect companion to the Full HD movie capture.

The IXUS 1000 HS also helps beginners explore and develop their creative side, with a range of technologies that make it easy to capture striking shots. Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology provides the best results in all conditions, intelligently detecting the scene and selecting the optimum settings from 28 variables – currently the highest number of scenes detected and displayed in the market. Smart Flash Exposure also controls flash levels according to shooting conditions, providing the right amount of flash to ensure perfectly exposed shots in all situations, from dimly-lit rooms to bright sunlight.

A range of creative shooting modes make taking exciting shots both easy and fun. Fish-eye Effect mimics the distortion of a fish-eye lens, and Miniature Effect makes subjects appear like small-scale models. Easy self-portraits are provided by Smart Shutter, which uses Face Detection Technology to trigger the shutter using a smile or a wink of the eye. Using FaceSelf-Timer, users can also set the camera to shoot automatically after detecting a new face in the frame – allowing the photographer to become part of the picture.

Easy, wireless content transfers are supported by integrated Eye-Fi connected functions, allowing remote uploads to image sharing websites such as Canon iMAGE GATEWAY. The camera features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface, and will disable the automatic power-down function when the Eye-Fi card transmits data – allowing users to transfer content easily and without interruption.

Owners of the IXUS 1000 HS can join the Canon iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage capacity, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.