Canon’s TX1 PowerShot – 7.1 MPX, 10x optical zoom, Image Stabilizer and VGA movies at 30 fps

Canon has announced the latest state-of-the-art compact digital still and video camera - the 7.1 megapixel PowerShot TX1 offers 10x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer and can shoot VGA (640 x 480 pixels) movies at 30 fps (in a traditional 4:3 aspect ratio) and can capture high-resolution still images while recording movies, helping to ensure that milestone memories are preserved for picture frames, photo albums and e-mail sharing as well as for video viewing. The TX1 features an enhanced Canon DiG!C III image processor with innovative technology including in-camera red-eye correction and improved Face Detection with Flash Exposure. The enhanced DiG!C III processor enables in-camera red-eye correction with the touch of a button. Available next month, the US$500 TX1 is the size of a deck of playing cards, making it ideal as a permanent companion.

This TX1 even adds a 30 fps High Definition (HD) 720p widescreen (16:9) capability to its movie mode at the press of a button. What's more, the PowerShot TX1 digital camera has easy connectivity to play its movies or high quality stills back on high-def TVs, thanks to Canon's thoughtful inclusion of a convenient component video output terminal.

"We developed the PowerShot TX1 digital camera for people who appreciate its vast technological advances in both still and movie digital imaging and developed one, very compact, very powerful, very easy to use camera that provides high-resolution still images and HD movie capabilities as well," states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The PowerShot TX1 digital camera is the fulfillment of Canon's innovative thinking and vision that mixes the best of photography and video features like never before."

Optical Image Stabilization

Given the impressive and extensive range of the PowerShot TX1 digital camera's 10x optical zoom lens (39mm -390mm equivalent), Canon included its advanced optical image stabilization (OIS) system that helps to significantly reduce the blurring effects of camera shake that can occur at long zoom settings or during long exposures. Superior to electronic IS systems that simply use software to mask movement, this OIS system actually shifts the lens to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images and smooth movies, when the camera is hand-held or in low-light conditions.

DIGIC III

The "brain" of this new PowerShot camera is DIGIC III, the newest iteration of Canon's ultra-efficient (and proprietary) image processor. The new gold standard on all new Canon cameras, the DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels including faster start up, autofocus and shutter response times, improved image quality and more efficient power consumption; resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

Advanced Face Detection and Red-Eye Correction

With Canon's new Face Detection AF/AE/FE function, the camera can detect, lock on, and track multiple human faces in a scene. The face detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces (based on Canon's Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to help ensure the best possible results for even easier picture taking moments. The result is flattering portraits and group shots where all of the subjects are in clearer focus and accurately exposed. Compared to previous Canon cameras with Face Detection technology, the PowerShot TX1 digital camera adds several improvements, including the ability to use the function for movies as well as still images, the ability to detect faces that are further away or not aimed directly at the camera, and better control of flash exposure.

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