Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras Shop All Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras Online Canon PowerShot High-End Digital Cameras Feature Comparison Chart Click on model number in the chart below to see photo and detailed features. Click on any underlined feature on this chart for a more detailed explanation. Video Direct also sells Canon EOS Professional Digital SLRs and Canon Point-and-Shoot PowerShot Digital Cameras.

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Canon PowerShot Digital Camera Feature Explanations:

1 - MegaPixel CCD

Resolution in a digital camera determines how much detail will be in your pictures and how large a file they produce. Resolution is the number of pixels in a digital camera imaging sensor -- the more pixels, the finer the detail and the larger the file size. These PowerShots have a total of 7, 8, 10 or 12 million pixels and allow a selection of image quality modes. The best quality prints are obtained in the large superfine mode, but images that are going to be shown on a television or computer screen or emailed to someone can be created in a lower mode.

2 -SD Card Media

These Canon PowerShot digital cameras use the incredibly tiny SD memory cards. Get expanded capacity and high-speed writing from a memory card the size of a postage stamp.

3 - High-Speed USB 2.0 Connection

Part of being digital is about communication. Specifically, it's about the ability of your PowerShot camera to communicate with your computer. PowerShot cameras bring your communications into the digital universe with their cross-platform USB connection. By connecting your PowerShot to your computer (PC or Macintosh) via the included USB cable you can download your photographs at 20 times the rate of the older serial connections. With today's high-capacity storage devices, a quicker download is essential, and with the USB connection, you can now communicate at digital speed.

4 - Zoom Lens

With the all-glass aspherical Canon lenses in every PowerShot camera, you get the image quality you need. Look at the world through your mind's eye, but photograph it through a Canon lens. PowerShots come equipped with a high-quality Canon optical zoom lens, capable of shooting a wide range of images from scenery to snapshots. Built-in digital teleconverters extend the zoom range of the lens when used in conjunction with the camera's optical zoom capabilities.

5 - LCD Monitor

These PowerShots incorporate big 2.5-inch or 3-inch LCD screens for a truly eye-opening view. The high-resolution screens offer a crisp, clear picture and wider viewing angle to make shooting, playback and using the camera's menu functions especially convenient.

6 - DIGIC 4 or DIGIC III Image Processor

Canon's proprietary image processor, called DIGIC, was developed specifically for use with its line of digital cameras and combines the jobs of image processing and camera function control into one chip. Canon's DIGIC (short for Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) is much faster at image processing than a general purpose CPU because it employs parallel processing rather than the sequential, one pixel at a time processing methods used by conventional digital cameras. The extra speed of DIGIC makes it possible to incorporate higher quality signal processing algorithms than conventional digital cameras, while at the same time improving buffer performance and consuming less battery power because signal processing is completed more quickly on a per-image basis.

However, DIGIC does much more than image processing. Because it was specifically designed for use in a digital camera, it is also capable of handling nearly every digital camera function including JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of the camera. The result is a camera that offers faster and more powerful AF than ever before, faster image processing, longer battery life, and the ability to record 3-minute movie clips with sound.

Canon's exclusive DIGIC III Image Processor builds on the technological superiority of DIGIC and DIGIC II, taking image quality, performance and speed to new levels. DIGIC III provides a speedier interface for the PowerShot's SD memory card, reduces noise at high ISO settings, extends battery life with lower power consumption, offers higher definition for the LCD monitor, and empowers exciting new technologies like Face Detection AF/AE.

DIGIC 4 is Canon's most advanced image processor ever, and builds on the superb performance of its DIGIC II and DIGIC III predecessors. As the "nerve center" of the camera, DIGIC 4 brings excellence to many areas. Images have brilliant color and smoother gradations, and performance is fast and responsive. DIGIC 4 also empowers some of Canon's newest and most advanced features including Blink Detection, Face Detection, Face Detection Self-Timer and ISO 3200 for images in low light with improved noise reduction.

7 - iSAPS Technology

Over the past 68 years, Canon has accumulated a vast amount of photographic data and know-how and used it to create some of the most innovative camera products in the marketplace. Now, using that same data and know-how, Canon has developed an exclusive technology called iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) that can predict certain camera settings such as focusing distance, exposure and optimum white balance based on zoom focal length, overall light level and tonal distribution data. Canon refers to this collective data as "Photographic Space." By incorporating iSAPS technology into its PowerShot line, the cameras can analyze a scene just before the image is made and in doing so, increase the speed and precision of the camera's autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance.

8 - Built-In Flash

Each day and every situation has different lighting conditions. That's why Canon PowerShots are fitted with built-in Flash Functions. You can set the PowerShot to Autoflash, manually select your own exposure, or use the Fill Flash setting to open deep shadows on bright sunny days. And to achieve natural backgrounds with well-illuminated foreground subjects, thees camera alsos feature slow-sync speed flash mode. This makes for dramatic sunset images or sparkling nighttime cityscapes. PowerShots provide you with the potential to be more creative.

9 - E-TTL Flash Compatability

The PowerShot G11 includes a dedicated hot shoe, enabling total compatibility and control of Canon's full line of EX-series Speedlite external flashes, and is totally compatible with Canon's unique E-TTL Wireless flash system.

10 - Canon Optical Image Stabilizer Technology

The Canon Image Stabilizer uses gyroscopic sensors to detect motion and generate a corrective signal to reduce blur caused by camera movement. An image-stabilizing lens group along the optical axis is shifted in response to the detected motion, providing effective cancellation of unwanted lens movement and vibration. Result -- photos taken while zoomed in and at slower shutter speeds are not blurry, even without a tripod.

11 - Direct Print

Equipped with a Direct Print function, these PowerShots allow you to create high-quality prints without a computer. To print, you simply plug the camera directly into one of Canon's compact digital printers -- like the Canon Card Photo Printer CP-330 -- or Exif 2.2-compatible Bubble Jet Direct Photo Printers like the S830D and S530D. During Direct Printing, cropping capability also allows you to expand and print a selected area of an image.

12 - Selectable Light Metering

Selectable Light Metering offers 3 settings. In the Evaluative setting, linked to the focusing point, the camera reads multiple points across the frame for optimal overall exposure. The Spot Metering setting concentrates on a single area of the image for greater precision in high contrast situations. Centerweighted Averaging Metering, with emphasis on the center of the viewfinder, averages metering out over the entire picture area.

13 - Autofocus System

In fully automatic modes, the camera defaults to a 9-point AiAF system that evaluates a much larger percentage of the picture area than the 3-point system used in earlier models. This makes it easier and quicker for the camera to detect the main subject, even when it is considerably off-center. In semi-automatic and manual modes, all these PowerShots offer Flexizone AF/AE, which enables the photographer to place a single focusing point almost anywhere in the picture area for maximum creative control.

14 - DV-Quality / HD Movies / Full HD Movie

Many PowerShot digital cameras record movies at DV-Quality with VGA resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). Individual movie clips can last as long as 60 minutes or produce file sizes up to 4GB on an SDHC media card.

PowerShot cameras with 720p HD movie also give you the ultimate convenience of owning an advanced still camera that also creates superb movies. HD Movies with 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps captures your memories with dazzling clarity, realism and brilliance. Enjoy HD movies on your HDTV by connecting directly to a high-definition monitor with the mini-HDMI connector. Experience Full HD with no degradation of image or audio in the signal. The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS with Full HD movie gives you Full HD 1920 x 1080 recording.

15 - RAW File Format, Simultaneous JPEG and RAW Image Capture

Select PowerShots offer you the choice to shoot in uncompressed RAW format. This gives you the highest possible resolution and offers no-compromise creative control in post-processing. When RAW images are transferred to a computer, they can then be edited using image adjustment programs like Canon's DPP software, meaning parameters like white balance, sharpness, color space and more can be applied post-shooting. These PowerShots can also be set to record both JPEG and RAW images simultaneously, providing JPEG image files that can be printed and shared immediately, while saving the RAW file for archiving and later use.

As for another advantage of shooting in RAW format, you can control noise that tends to occur when shooting high speed or long exposure (Adaptive Noise Control level between 0 and 10). The RAW images can be sharper than JPEG images. With RAW files, no matter what setting is used for a shot, parameters such as color balance, noise reduction, exposure and sharpness can be revisited and changed on a computer screen. These PowerShots are designed to speedily process image data, capturing both JPEG and RAW images simultaneously so each image is saved quickly and the camera is ready to capture another shot right away. You can enjoy image quality and performance on par with professional digital SLR cameras without the bulk.

16 - ISO 1600 Sensitivity

The PowertShot S3 IS' Image Stabilizer technology and ISO 800 sensitivity keep images rock steady, even in low light and when zooming with the 12x optical zoom lens. Thanks to the DIGIC III chip's more aggressive noise reduction, the newest PowerShot digital cameras are able to shoot at ISO equivalent speed ratings from 80 to as high as 1600. This increased sensitivity at the top-end allows users to select faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing camera shake and subject blur during hand held low-light photography.

17 - Advanced Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB Technology With Face Detection Self-Timer

Your most cherished image often feature faces, and Canon's advanced Face Detection Technology gives every face its best chance to shine. With Canon's Advanced Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB function, select PowerShots can detect, lock on, and track up to 35 human faces in a scene. It can even detect profiles. 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, white balance 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.

Face Detection Self-Timer waits for the photographer to get on-camera before it takes the shot. For instance, to include photographer's face in a group shot, there's no need to rush in. Just put the camera on a stand or tripod, and specify Face Self-Timer, and the camera will wait for the photographer's face to get on-camera before it takes the shot. Face Detection AF finds faces, tracks them as you frame your shot, then delivers perfect focus. Face Detection AE makes all your group shots better by concentrating exposure on your subjects' faces, not their clothes or the background. Face Detection FE adjusts the flash exposure based on the location of the faces in the frame. Face Detection WB detects the faces in the shot and concentrates auto white balance on them, for the best possible skin tones.

18 - Servo AF

One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button halfway, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs.

19 - Intelligent Contrast Correction

DIGIC 4 also makes possible the new i-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast Correction) system, which controls the compensation level in pixel units to brighten dark areas while leaving bright areas unchanged for better images where the main subject is dark, and more natural transition.

20 - Motion Detection Technology

Canon's Motion Detection Technology makes it easier than ever to capture a clear, sharp image every time. As you compose your photos and snap away, it automatically optimizes ISO settings based on change of brightness and frame interval information, and motion detected by Optical Image Stabilizer, Face Detection, AE function and AF technology. All you need is to set High ISO Auto mode and the result is stunning photos with every shot.

21 - Waterproof To 33 Feet, Cold Resistant And Shockproof Up To 4 Feet

Life can take you almost anywhere. So Canon engineered a digital camera durable enough to go where you go and produce the kind of awe-inspiring images that will earn your respect. It's the PowerShot D10 and it is no ordinary digital camera. This unique camera is waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters) so you can take it scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing. It's freezeproof and can withstand extremes of temperature from 14-104°F so it's also ideal for snowboarding, mountaineering and more. Plus, it's shockproof, so when the going gets rough, the D10 will keep going strong.

Waterproofing: 10m (IEC/JIS protection class "IP8X" equivalent).
Dustproofing: IEC/JIS protection class "IP6X" equivalent.
Shock-resistance: The shock-resistant testing methods are unique to this product, and do not guarantee against damage or malfunction of the product.