Canon unveils new compact camera and camcorder line-up

Following 2010’s expansion of Canon’s video range, both professional and consumer camcorder lines are further enhanced. The new range includes the professional XA10, as well a raft of consumer models, including the LEGRIA HF G10 – the first of a new Legria HF G-series. New, enhanced HD models also launch into Legria HF M-series and the Legria HF R-series, while the Legria FS400 series launches as Canon’s smallest-ever standard definition camcorders. With outstanding image quality and a greater breadth of creative options, video professionals, enthusiasts and amateurs can capture stunning Full HD video.

Offering a compact camera for everyone, the popular Canon PowerShot A-series combines leading optical technology with stand-out style in five new, easy-to-use models – the PowerShot A3300 IS, PowerShot A3200 IS, PowerShot A2200, PowerShot A1200 and PowerShot A800. HD video has also been introduced for the first time in the PowerShot A-series, with select models featuring 720p resolution video capture. Miniature Effect can also be used in Movie mode, creating the impression of time-lapse footage of scale models.

The majority of the PowerShot A-series is now powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor – delivering ultra-fast operation, image quality and enhanced functionality. Four of the new models, the PowerShot A3200 IS, PowerShot A3300 IS, PowerShot A1200 and PowerShot A2200 also offer six creative filters, allowing users to instantly add a different perspective to images – making experimenting with photography even more fun.

Live View Control allows users to change basic settings on-screen, seeing the effects of these changes before the image is captured. Tracking Auto Focus (AF) also allows moving subjects to remain pin-sharp from the moment they are identified, right until the shutter is released.

The affordable PowerShot A800 is the perfect first camera, offering a simple button layout, Smart Auto technology and intuitive shooting modes, effortlessly capturing high quality images. The PowerShot A1200 is a versatile compact featuring new Blur Reduction mode, a wide-angle lens and an optical viewfinder for entry-level users who prefer to compose their images in a more traditional way.

The Lithium-ion battery-powered PowerShot A2200 is slim and attractive, with a 4x wide-angle zoom and a host of shooting functions that make it easy to take excellent-quality, creative images. At the top of the A-series are the PowerShot A3200 IS, which boasts a sleek metal body with wide-angle 5x zoom lens and Dynamic IS, and the PowerShot A3300 IS, a super high-resolution, 16MP model with a 5x zoom lens and Dynamic IS, encased in a chic metal chassis.

The new PowerShot A-series features high resolution sensors to capture exquisite detail and enable more exciting compositions through creative cropping. The PowerShot A3300 IS features the highest resolution sensor ever found in a Canon compact camera, while all models, excluding the PowerShot A800, feature 28mm wide-angle lenses with either Blur Reduction mode or optical Image Stabilizer technology for sharper, blur-free shots in challenging conditions. Smart Auto also makes capturing the moment even easier with 32 scenes detected by all models apart from the entry-level PowerShot A800, which identifies 19 scenes.

In a first for Canon’s PowerShot A-series, the new PowerShot A3200 IS, PowerShot A3300 IS, PowerShot A1200 and PowerShot A2200 now offer 720p high-definition (HD) video capture. Introduced to the PowerShot A-series for the first time, the ability to shoot HD movies enables users to record special moments in superb quality, which can be shared with friends and family on any HD screen. The PowerShot A3200 IS and PowerShot A3300 IS also feature Canon’s Dynamic Image Stabilizer to ensure shake-free video – even when filming on the move.

New to Canon’s growing range of file-based professional camcorders is the XA10, a highly compact model offering a leading combination of signature Canon image quality, professional audio features and full manual control. Sitting at the top of the Legria range, the new Legria HF G10 encourages video enthusiasts to take their creative video to the next level with technologies and features derived from Canon’s professional models.

The Legria HF M41, Legria HF M46 and Legria HF M406 continue the success of the popular Legria HF M-series – a range of all-round family camcorders ideal for those who want great quality HD movies in a compact model they can take anywhere.  For those looking for value, Canon’s entry-level HD camcorders have also received significant upgrades. The Legria HF R28 , Legria HF R26 and Legria HF R206 offer an unrivalled combination of unique features, value and signature Canon quality, making all models ideal for users taking their first steps into HD video. Completing the line-up are the Legria FS46 and Legria FS406 – affordable, convenient camcorders that are ideal for users looking for excellent image quality in standard definition. 

Designed to provide outstanding image quality and ease of use side-by-side, Canon’s new camcorder line-up is packed with leading technologies and exciting creative features, making it easy for users to shoot and share stunning HD movies. 

A range of professional technologies have been implemented in more models than ever before, providing leading performance. Canon’s HD CMOS Pro sensor, a professional CMOS sensor that provides exceptional image capture, is featured in the new XA10 professional model, as well as a selection of premium consumer models, including the Legria HF G10, Legria HF M41, Legria HF M46 and Legria HF M406. Providing enhanced low-light performance and wide dynamic range, HD CMOS Pro is a significant addition to Canon’s camcorder range – offering unparalleled image quality in all conditions.

As well as the new Canon HD CMOS Pro sensor, the XA10, Legria HF G10 and Legria HF M41, Legria HF M46 and Legria HF M406 also feature new Cinema-Look Filters, Story Creator mode and Touch Decoration – a range of functions designed to help users to shoot videos that are fun, interesting and creative.

With Story Creator, the user first chooses a theme, after which the camcorder provides a selection of suggested scenes that could be captured to create the perfect movie. ‘Travel’ is ideal for holidays, whilst ‘Kids & Pets’ captures precious family moments. These step-by-step guides take the hard work out of building a story, making it easier and more fun to create interesting and dynamic movies.

One of eight Cinema-Look Filters allow users to instantly change the ambiance of a scene to while Touch Decoration (also available in the Legria HF R28, Legria HF R26 and Legria HF R206) helps users to personalise their movies easily in-camcorder, with no PC or complex editing software required.