Canon USA, Inc. announced Tuesday two new models of its Digital ELPH cameras line. The main difference between the two is essentially the image sensor resolution and price.
Available in October for US$299.99 the compact, 3.2 megapixel PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH features a 35-105mm 3x optical/3.2x Digital/10x combined zoom lens. The 4.0 megapixel PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH camera (photo below) features a 35 - 105mm 3x optical/3.6x digital/11x combined zoom lens and will be available in November for US$399.99.
The new cameras replace the current PowerShot SD110 model. Aside from smaller sizes and better resolution, they both offer faster startup at 1.3 seconds versus 2.6 for the SD110.
Both models have 2.0-inch optical LCD screens, 13 shooting modes, through the lens (TTL) 9-point AiAF autofocus and an Intelligent Orientation Sensor that provides the user with a horizontal image during playback, even if the picture was taken vertically.
Both cameras have Canonis new Fast Frame Rate Movie Mode, which records movies at 60 frames-per-second (fps). At 320 x 240 pixels, users can record up to one minute of fast action or sports clips, allowing consumers to analyze their golf or tennis swing in slow motion, as an example. The cameras also feature additional movie modes, including 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixels at either 30 or 15 fps for the full capacity of the memory card and a compact movie setting of 160 x 120 pixels at 15 fps for a maximum of three minutes recording.
The other noticeable difference between the two is their appearance. The PowerShot SD200 has an aluminum body, while the SD300 features a stainless steel body.