Canon has today announced the ultra-compact four megapixel PowerShot SD10 Digital Elph / (Digital IXUS i. The SD10 has a four megapixel CCD and a fixed focal length lens. It has an ultra-compact metal body which will be available in four colors; White, Bronze, Silver and Black. The SD10 is only the second Canon digital camera to use SD card for storage.Also available will be the AW-DC10 weatherproof case. "This is the camera everybody wants to play with - and nobody wants to put down," says Hiroshi Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "It comes packed with all the technology needed to look after the photography - so Digital IXUS i owners can concentrate on looking after the fun". We have some exclusive hands-on pictures with the IXUS i.

Press Release (Canon Europe):

New coloured Digital IXUS i from Canon - the world's hippest camera?

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 12 September, 2003. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the Digital IXUS i, the most petite and undeniably chic new member of the legendary IXUS collection. Its take anywhere size, irresistible finishes and a silky feel are designed to appeal to those for whom a sense of aesthetic is not important; it is mandatory. Four new colours and refined finishes are available - Pearl White, Classic Bronze, Platinum Silver and Piano Black.

Half the size of many mobile phones and weighing in at just 100g , this all-metal bodied 4.0 Megapixel dynamo packs 180 second video clips, a 32MB SD memory card and a 5.7x digital zoom. Plenty of advanced technology is on hand, specifically designed to deliver great images during spontaneous use. For lab-quality prints without the PC, PictBridge support allows direct connection to any compatible photo printer. An optional all-weather case - submersible to 3m - is available for beach use, water skiing, snorkelling and surfing.

"This is the camera everybody wants to play with - and nobody wants to put down," says Hiroshi Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "It comes packed with all the technology needed to look after the photography - so Digital IXUS i owners can concentrate on looking after the fun".

Seriously small, seriously advanced

Digital IXUS i might be tiny but it packs plenty of processing muscle. Purpose-built DIGIC (Digital Image Core) circuitry allows for uncompromisingly accurate and precise processing of complex white balance and colour rendition algorithms. This results in superb natural colour reproduction, even for photographers with neither the time nor the inclination to fiddle with lots of settings.

Photographer's assistant

Even before the shutter release is pressed, iSAPS (intelligent scene analysis based on photographic space) technology is analysing the scene and making camera adjustments to deliver fast focusing and perfect exposures. For compulsive and instinctive in-focus shooting, the Quick Shot function does away with the time lag between pressing the shutter release and actual release.

Prints on the move

By connecting the IXUS i direct to Canon's battery powered Card Photo Printer CP-300, users can enjoy instant, portable lab-quality prints - anywhere, anytime.

Expanding digital world

Automatic membership to Canon's web portal CiG (CANON iMAGE GATEWAY) gives every Digital IXUS i customer 100MB of album space on the web for storing and sharing favorite photographs and albums - a private online photo gallery. Function icons, themes and sound effects can also be downloaded so the camera's look and feel is always fresh.

Canon PowerShot SD10 (Digital IXUS i) specifications

Canon Digital IXUS i (PowerShot SD10) hands-on pictures