Two more additions to the Canon ultra-compact line are the new five megapixel SD450 (IXUS 55) and seven megapixel SD550 (IXUS 750). Both cameras feature a new wide viewing angle 2.5" LCD monitor, DIGIC II image processor, Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries and SD card storage. They also have a surprisingly useful new feature which rotates the image in display mode depending on which orientation you are holding the camera. These models will be priced at $399 and $499 respectively.

Press Release:

Canon expands its Digital IXUS range with two stylish new models

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces two new additions to its Digital IXUS range - the Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55. As the Digital IXUS flagship, the Digital IXUS 750 maintains the style and sophistication for which Digital IXUS is renowned. The elegant ‘perpetual curve’ design returns and is available in two stunning finishes – Silver Grey and Satin Beige . Featuring a new interpretation of the iconic ‘box and circle’ design, the Digital IXUS 55 has a unique starburst design radiating from the lens ring, and is finished in silver-white palladium plating on stainless steel.

As ever, the functionality behind these new Digital IXUS models is as stunning as the cameras themselves. Both cameras boast DIGIC II processing, and a massive 2.5” LCD. The Digital IXUS 750 has 7.1 Megapixels, while the Digital IXUS 55 features 5.0 Megapixels. Both digital cameras come with 3x optical zoom.

Style statement

Each Canon Digital IXUS is a statement in style, and the Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55 are no exception. The sleek lines and graceful feel of the Digital IXUS 750’s all-metal perpetual curve body embraces IXUS luxury. In a new twist on the ‘box and circle’ design, the designers of the Digital IXUS 55 have progressed the concept even further by adding a radiantly brilliant ring around the lens, producing a starburst effect.

Large LCD with wide viewing angle

Both cameras feature an oversize 2.5” LCD display - while retaining all key controls and preserving sleek and slim bodies. The large LCD with wide viewing angle makes it easier to view and share images and movies during playback. The big LCD also makes it easier for the user to frame their shot and view menus, and is adjustable to 15 levels of brightness. New slide show functions allow review of images with stylish and contemporary transition effects applied in camera to create impressive slide shows with minimum user effort.

UA elements and Megapixels for bigger prints

The Digital IXUS 750 operates with 7.1 Megapixels, which can give detailed A2 prints, while with 5.0 Megapixels, the Digital IXUS 55 can produce quality photo prints to A3 size. The Digital IXUS 750 lens is constructed with 7 elements in 5 groups, and the Digital IXUS 55 lens is constructed with 6 elements in 5 groups. Each camera lens includes two Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical (UA) elements for true to life colours and crisp, high contrast images.

DIGIC II Processor

Both new Digital IXUS models features DIGIC II – Canon’s renowned processor ensures that the images recorded have superb resolution and colour quality, as well as giving improved camera performance overall. With 9-point AiAF, the cameras automatically focus on the subject, even when it is off-centre. iSAPS intelligence ensures that the cameras assess the scene and adjust the settings to achieve the optimum results. Three methods of exposure control can be selected; evaluative, centre-weighted, and spot; and ISO can be set to Auto, 50, 100, 200 or 400. For rapid downloading of images, the Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55 and utilise a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface.

Shooting modes and special effects

The Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55 cover a wide range of photographic situations by providing users with 15 or 14 different shooting modes, respectively. A selection can be made from Auto, Manual, Portrait, Landscape and Night Snapshot modes, or from the scene modes that now include an underwater setting, allowing users to take full advantage of the optional Waterproof Case (WP-DC80) for the Digital IXUS 750, or All Weather Case (AW-DC50) for the Digital IXUS 55. Underwater mode adjusts the white balance specifically for underwater shots, allowing capture of the most authentic colours and minimising any blue cast.

My Colors allows the expansion of creativity in digital photography. Special effects such as Color Swap or Custom Color, which allows users to select their preferred colour balance for any given shot, can be performed in-camera and viewed on the LCD while shooting stills and movies. These effects could previously only be achieved using PC software after shooting.

Intelligent orientation sensor

The Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55’s Intelligent Orientation Sensor recognises when the camera is rotated from horizontal to vertical, automatically rotating stored images for correct playback.

To help keep the camera level with the horizon and to assist with image composition, users can also opt to display gridlines on their LCD.

Other user interface options have been enhanced or added, including the new world time zone display. This allows the user to set home and destination country time zones, as well as animated displays and improved warnings for camera shake. The camera menu can also be displayed in 22 different languages.

More than just photos

The Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55 record high quality VGA movies – users can select between VGA and QVGA at 30 or 15 fps. Continuous filming is available until the file size has reached 1GB or 60 minutes – whichever is reached first. A fast frame rate of 60 fps is available, allowing for slow motion playback. Digital zoom can be employed whilst shooting, and for added effect, My Colors may also be used. Compact Movie mode, or QQVGA (160 x 120/15fps), is designed to make sharing movies via email as simple as possible.

Printing images

When used in combination with Canon’s new Compact Photo Printer SELPHY CP710 and Canon’s Ink and Paper Set (KP-108IP), prints can be produced for just 30 euro cents each. Printing via a SELPHY CP Compact Photo Printer also allows the user to print handy ID prints and movie prints.

When connected to the latest range of PictBridge compatible PIXMA printers (also released today) image enhancement is possible with functions including Noise Reduction and Vivid Photo as well as the new Face Brightener feature.

Printing of images without having to connect to a PC is made simpler via the Print/Share button, which also acts as an easy upload button for Windows XP and Mac OS X.

Comprehensive software

The Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55 come bundled with the following Canon Software:

• ZoomBrowser EX 5.5, PhotoRecord 2.2 (Windows), ImageBrowser 5.5 (Macintosh): For easy image download, storage and retrieval, as well as management of image layout and printing.
• PhotoStitch 3.1: Creates stunning panoramas and can be used with Windows and Macintosh.
• Movie Edit Task: For editing and enhancement of movie footage.

Also included is PhotoStudio, the photo manipulation software by ArcSoft.

Purchasers of both the Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55 are eligible for membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY , where they can upload images and customise their camera settings.

The bundled software supports Windows 98 (SE), ME, 2000 (SP4), XP (SP1/3) and Macintosh OS X v10.2-v10.3. Both cameras support PTP for driverless transfer to supported Windows XP or Macintosh OS X.

Accessories

The Digital IXUS 750 can be accessorised with a Waterproof Case (WP-DC80), and ACK900 for mains power. Accessories for the Digital IXUS 55 include an All Weather Case (AW-DC50), and AC Adapter Kit (ACK-DC10). Stylish soft cases, befitting each camera’s design, are also available (Digital IXUS 750: DCC-70 and SC-DC20 and Digital IXUS 55: DCC-60). Both the Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55 are compatible with SD and MMC memory cards. The Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55 come complete with 32 MB and 16 MB Canon SD cards respectively.

Canon SD450 / SD550 specifications

Additional images

Canon PowerShot SD450 / IXUS 55	Canon PowerShot SD550 / IXUS 750