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Canon releases its
new entry-level digital camera, the 3.2
Megapixel PowerShot A310. With a new
Print/Share button and extended print
functionality, the camera replaces the
PowerShot A300. Although targeted at
consumers looking for an easy-to-use camera,
many features found in Canon's high-end
cameras have been included to ensure image
quality and flexibility is maintained. These
include Canon's highly responsive and award
winning dedicated DIGIC processor for superb
colour rendering and high image quality, a
5.1x digital zoom, movie clips and 5-point
AiAF auto-focus with 5cm macro close-up.
Simplified Printing and Uploading
The PowerShot A310 is one of a number of
digital cameras announced today by Canon to
feature Canon's new Print/Share button for
single step printing and file sharing. When
the camera is connected via USB cable to any
PictBridge or Direct Print compatible photo
printer or Windows PC, a blue light on the
Print/Share button switches on to indicate
successful connection. Pushing the button
when lit instigates a print of the currently
displayed image (based on the connected
printer's default settings) or an automatic
transfer of images to the PC . The camera
transfers all images, all images not yet
transferred, or all images marked for
transfer, depending on the user setting
selected in the Camera's set up options.
Latest features
The movie recording function has been
extended to allow recording of VGA movie
clips of up to 30 seconds. Up to 3 minute
movie clips can be recorded in QVGA and
QQVGA modes. All movie clips can be cut and
edited in-camera. The PowerShot A310 also
brings a new look to the PowerShot range,
with a gold 'Chardonnay' finish sliding lens
cover, plus an embossed and ground name
logo. Free membership is included to Canon's
online CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, with 100
Megabytes of free storage space for online
album storing and sharing.
Purpose built processor
Built into the PowerShot A310 is Canon's
DIGIC processor, the dedicated image
processor now found in all Canon digital
cameras up to the EOS 10D Digital SLR. By
integrating all image processing algorithms
onto a single chip, the purpose-built DIGIC
processor has underpinned much of Canon's
success in the digital camera market by
delivering fast write times, minimal shutter
lag, optimal image definition and
consistently precise and natural colour
reproduction.
Expanded direct printing functions
The PowerShot A310 has been given
extended PC-less direct printing
functionality. When connected to a Canon
Compact Photo printer, a Movie Print mode
divides the selected clip into equal parts
and prints thumbnails of a maximum 63
equally spaced frames onto a single sheet of
Postcard Size Paper (100 x 148 mm); ideal
for freezing action sequences such as a golf
swing. An ID Photo Print function prints a
number of durable passport photograph size
images (of selected height and width) to a
single sheet.
Software
Software supplied includes browsing and
printing software ZoomBrowser EX (Windows)
and ImageBrowser (Mac). Other software
includes PhotoStitch, plus photo and movie
manipulation software ArcSoft PhotoStudio
and VideoImpression. Drivers include TWAIN
(Windows 98/2000) and WIA (Windows Me).
Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) support
allows the camera to connect to any Windows
XP and Mac OS X (v10.1/v10.2) system without
the requirement for a driver installation. |
