Canon announce PowerShot Pro1

Canon announce PowerShot Pro1
Digital compact aimed at professionals

Canon will introduce an 8.0 Megapixel PowerShot Pro1, as the flagship of the PowerShot range. Targeted at professional and highly advanced photographers, the camera will be the first digital compact model from Canon to be fitted with a Canon professional L-series lens - the 7.2-50.8mm f/2.4-3.5 (28-200mm 35mm film equivalent) USM. An abundance of features generally reserved for Canon's high-end digital SLR cameras include RAW file recording and a hybrid AF system, combining TTL and external metering focusing systems for fast and precise auto-focus. The PowerShot Pro1 can shoot at 2.5 frames per second, and has shutter speeds from 15 seconds to 1/4000 second. The photographer is handed full control over all focus points and exposure variables. Twelve shooting modes, including two custom modes, cover a broad range of shooting situations. The camera's purpose built DIGIC processor delivers high-speed, noise free and extremely accurate colour rendition and image processing. This is the first PowerShot model to support both sRGB and Adobe RGB colour spaces. Advanced photographers will recognize the PowerShot Pro1 as a system camera, with complete access to Canon's Speedlite EX flash range, close-up lenses and an optical tele-converter lens.
"The PowerShot Pro1 is the professional's compact," said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. "With its combination of L-series lens, 8 Megapixel resolution and DIGIC processor, this camera reaches far into the domain of professional digital SLRs. The PowerShot Pro1 further establishes Canon as the undisputed leader in digital camera technology".

The bright red line on the PowerShot Pro1 lens barrel is the mark of a Canon professional range L-series lens, representing the highest standard for optical performance and engineering excellence as demanded by professionals. This mark is reserved for only the finest Canon lenses, until now only seen at the top end of Canon's interchangeable SLR EF lens range and the XM2, Canon's professional digital camcorder. The 28-200mm L USM lens incorporates both fluorite and UD (ultra-low dispersion) elements for unrivaled sharpness of image. Canon say the optical characteristics of fluorite allows their engineers to push past the theoretical limits of optical glass, eradicating the effects of secondary chromatic aberrations that degrade the image quality of even the finest glass lenses. The iris type circular aperture creates an elegant background blur while a neutral density filter allows for larger apertures in bright conditions.

The PowerShot Pro1's zoom is driven by a tiny ultrasonic motor (USM). The motor uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive a tiny rotor that is powerful and highly responsive, delivering fast and precise zoom control. The motor's good holding torque also allows the zoom to be stopped quickly, accurately and firmly at the required zoom position.

The camera has a new Hybrid AF system that combines contrast detection TTL focusing and external triangulation focusing to deliver perfect auto-focus control. Contrast detection focusing can be precise but slow, while external metering is fast but can lack accuracy. The PowerShot Pro1 first uses triangulation to move the lenses focusing element into an approximately correct position. TTL contrast detection focusing is then used for final fine-tuning. The result is the best of both systems for fast and precise focusing. FlexiZone AF/AE means the auto-focus point is selectable from either fixed centre or anywhere in the frame. The AF system includes AF lock, manual focus and a closest focusing distance of just 3cm at Super Macro mode. A single-function button on the rear of the camera switches from AF to manual focus mode, changing the function of the lens zoom ring to a focus ring.

Metering modes include Evaluative, Centre-weighted Average, and Spot (centre or focusing frame linked). Exposure features include an AE lock, +/- 2EV compensation in 1/3 stop increments and AE bracketing, while a range of ISO settings (Auto/ISO 50/100/200/400 equivalent) provides flexibility in a range of lighting conditions.

The PowerShot Pro1 features a high resolution 235k-pixel, Poly-Silicon TFT, 2.0" vari-angle LCD, with a selectable mirror image (reversed laterally) display. A 2x -10x playback zoom allows accurate checking of focus and detail. An intelligent orientation sensor automatically rotates images when required before review. The camera also features a large, high-resolution 0.44" 235k-pixel EVF electronic viewfinder positioned directly above the lens, a familiar location for SLR users.

Like all of Canon's latest digital cameras, the PowerShot Pro1 is PictBridge compliant, allowing for direct printing without a PC to any compatible printer, regardless of brand. The camera records 3-minute movie clips at QVGA and QQVGA and 30-second clips at VGA. PAL/NTSC selectable video outs allow real time monitoring during studio work. An intervalometer takes up to 100 shots in 1 to 60 minute increments.

The camera is compatible with the full range of Speedlite flashes, including the MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite and MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite flash units. An built-in retractable flash offers three levels of manual power adjustment, while 13 levels of adjustment are available with external Speedlites. Lens accessories include a 1.5x tele-converter to extend focal range beyond 300mm and a close-up lens. Included with the camera is a 64MB high-speed CF card, flare preventing hood, filter adapter ring and rechargeable Li-ion battery (BP-511A) and charger. Up to 420 shots are delivered from a single battery charge.

Software and CANON iMAGE GATEWAY access
The software supplied with the PowerShot Pro1 includes browsing and printing software ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Mac). Also included is PhotoStitch for merging multiple images to create wide panoramas, plus photo and movie manipulation software ArcSoft PhotoStudio and VideoImpression. Drivers are included for Windows 98/2000/Windows Me, while Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) support allows the camera to connect to any Windows XP or Mac OS X (v10.1/v10.2) operating system without the need for driver installation.
Camera ownership entitles the purchaser to 100Mb free storage space on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, a password-protected online gallery where albums can be stored and shared and camera settings (such as shutter sounds and start up image) can be personalised.