Enhanced image quality and functionality, while retaining the concept of the IXY DIGITAL

IXY DIGITAL 200

[ Japan : IXY DIGITAL 200, Americas : PowerShot S110 DIGITAL ELPH, Europe/Asia/Oceania : DIGITAL IXUS v ] This month's Technical Report presents an overview of IXY DIGITAL 200, a flat profile, ultracompact digital camera with two-megapixel charge-coupled device (CCD), and a 2x zoom lens.

Concept of development The IXY DIGITAL, introduced in May 2000, won great popularity among a wide spectrum of the camera users and became a best-selling model, a million of them were sold worldwide by the end of April 2001. Photo 1 IXY DIGITAL 200

Developed as successor to the IXY DIGITAL, the new IXY DIGITAL 200 (see Photo 1) provides greatly improved image quality and features:

• 2.11 megapixel CCD (approximately 2.02 megapixels effective) • Ultracompact, high-resolution retractable 2x optical zoom lens • Primary color filter and the New digital signal processing IC for high-speed, high-quality image processing • Comfortable, easy operation • Intelligent AE for optimum exposures • Precise white balance • Automatic noise reduction • Power-saving design • Direct prints with the dedicated Card Photo Printer • Digital zoom (2.5x) giving continuous view angle change • 20 frame-per-second movie clips at selectable resolutions up to 640x480 pixels

Feature 1: Ultracompact camera The latest design miniaturization and high-density mounting technology made possible the ultracompact body as small as the IXY DIGITAL while attaining enhanced image quality and functionality. The IXY DIGITAL 200 offers a number of new and improved features including: an ultracompact 2x zoom lens with a cross-sectional diameter of only about 20mm (see Fig. 1) when retracted; a sophisticated New digital signal processing IC; an ultrathin low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD; a compact, highly efficient light-guide flash; and the small rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Fig. 1 IXY DIGITAL 200 objective lens optical system Approx. 20mm diameter

Feature 2: Luxurious, all-metal exterior Retaining the highly acclaimed "Box and Circle" concept of the "IXY" series, the IXY DIGITAL 200 has an innovative design with minimized protrusions to attain a flat profile. The stylishly elegant exterior is formed from rigid stainless steel alloy (SUS316) with a silver color that is lighter than that of the IXY DIGITAL, and a circular hairline accent instead of a straight hairline accent for an even more luxurious appearance. Feature 3: High-resolution 2x zoom lens Based on the same optical system as that of the IXY DIGITAL, the IXY DIGITAL 200 is equipped with a 5.4 - 10.8mm 2x zoom lens (equivalent to 35 - 70mm in 35mm film format), with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 (wide angle) - f/4.0 (telephoto). The lens consists of 7 elements in 5 groups. Three high-refraction glass-molded aspherical elements and a cemented doublet lens are optimally arranged to achieve good aberration compensation, giving a high-resolution image throughout the entire range. The closest shooting distance from the front of the barrel in macro mode is 10cm at wide-angle (image field of 102mm x 76mm). Feature 4: Primary color filter and New digital signal processing IC for high-quality image processing The CCD on-chip filter for the IXY DIGITAL 200 is a primary color filter (see Fig. 2), not the complementary color filter used in the IXY DIGITAL. Although the primary color filter gives superior color reproduction, it has disadvantages in the luminance signal to noise ratio (S/N) and resolution. Satisfactory image quality cannot be obtained simply by replacing the filter alone.

Primary color filter Complementary color filter

Fig. 2 Comparison of filter array

To compensate for the demerits of the primary color filter, the IXY DIGITAL 200 incorporates the "New digital signal processing IC," developed independently by Canon, in which all functions necessary for image processing are integrated onto one chip. As the signal processing in the new IC runs along with the originally developed algorithm which is optimized for the primary color filter, it eliminates false colors and improves image resolution. Further improvements are made in this New digital signal processing IC, including high-speed compression and expansion circuits for JPEG, and a high-speed color filter interface circuit. These enable the camera to satisfy two opposing technological requirements, high-speed processing and high-quality image in a concurrent and highly effective manner. Feature 5: High-resolution 2.11 megapixel CCD with a CF Card as its recording media • CCD with approximately 2.11 megapixels Like the IXY DIGITAL, the IXY DIGITAL 200 uses a 1/2.7", 2.11 megapixel CCD which can record a 1,600 x 1,200 pixel high-quality image. The 8 MB CompactFlash(CF)card that comes with the camera allows from about 7 (Large/Superfine mode) to 87 (Small/Normal mode) images to be recorded. • Intelligent AE for optimum exposure Compared with film, a CCD requires very precise exposure control since it has narrower latitude. Even a slight exposure error will eliminate highlight or shadow detail, resulting in lower image quality. The IXY DIGITAL 200 employs the "Intelligent AE System" to achieve stable and optimum exposure in a wide variety of picture-taking situations. • Precise white balance Very faithful color reproduction is realized by dividing the scene into over a hundred thousand blocks; evaluating color based on the white balance data collected from each block; and computing the color matrix using the integral color temperature table. In addition to the TTL Auto setting, preset settings for Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, and Fluorescent are available. • Automatic exposure optimization and noise reduction Normally with a CCD, the longer the exposure is, the more noise the image will have. With the IXY DIGITAL 200, the camera sets the optimum exposure sensitivity up to ISO 150 equivalent automatically in low light condition to prevent camera shake. Together with the automatic noise reduction, this minimizes image degradation. • Superfine mode The Superfine mode lowers the compression ratio in the JPEG format. Using the Superfine mode, there is no noticeable image degradation resulting from image compression under normal shooting conditions. Feature 6: Advanced functions and comfortable operation • Nine image quality modes The IXY DIGITAL 200 offers the user a choice of nine modes while the IXY DIGITAL has only three modes. Users can select the image quality mode that best suits their needs from three pixel modes (Large/Medium/Small) and three compression ratios (Superfine/Fine/Normal), introduced in the IXY DIGITAL 300. • Digital zoom with continuous variation of image angle (2.5x) As with the IXY DIGITAL 300, the IXY DIGITAL 200 has a seamless digital zoom. The lens zooms optically from wide to the telephoto, and then it enters the digital zoom range. The lens remains at the telephoto position while the CCD’s reading area is gradually reduced to the center portion. This permits the smooth transition from the optical zoom (2x) to the digital zoom (2.5x); preventing sudden decrease in image quality. Thanks to the high-speed signal processing capability of the New digital signal processing IC, the digital zoom speed is equal to the optical zoom speed, giving continuous zoom up to the total magnification of 5x. • Direct print by the dedicated printer The IXY DIGITAL 200's direct print mode enables the users to print out high-quality images by simply connecting the camera to the newly developed Card Photo Printer "CP-10 (see Photo 2)" with an interface cable, and operation is easily controlled from the camera.

• Comfortable, stress-free operation High-speed processing by the New digital signal processing IC together with a large capacity buffer memory enables a short shooting interval of 1.7 sec, shortened startup time, reduced release time lag by 0.05 seconds (from when the shutter button is fully pressed until the exposure starts), and smooth scrolling of playback images. Photo 2 Card Photo Printer CP-10

Feature 7: 40 percent increase in number of frames over the IXY DIGITAL The IXY DIGITAL 200 uses rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-1L) for the power supply, which was also used in the IXY DIGITAL. Large-scale energy conservation such as the power-saving design of the New digital signal processing IC, reduction of power consumption by the LCD monitor backlight, and increased efficiency of the DC/DC converter, allows the camera to capture up to 120 frames (approximately 40% increase over the IXY DIGITAL) with the LCD monitor ON, and as many as 270 frames with the LCD monitor OFF. Continuous playback for as long as 85 minutes is also possible. Feature 8: Others • Built-in compact, highly efficient light-guide flash • Real-image optical zoom viewfinder • Color LCD viewfinder with 100% picture coverage • Recording/Playback of movie clips with sound The IXY DIGITAL 200 can record high-quality movie clips with sound faster than any other camera in its class at the VGA size (640 x 480 pixels) at 20 frames/sec., or it can record 160 x 120 pixels, 20 frames/sec. clips up to approximately 30 seconds long. • Compatible with the USB Interface • Switching output between worldwide video systems (NTSC/PAL) The IXY DIGITAL 200 offers the video signal output compatible with both NTSC and PAL, makes it is possible for the users to verify images on the TV monitor where they stay while traveling worldwide for business or pleasure.

• Bundled with a comprehensive package of software application programs (see Fig. 3)

ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser allows images taken with the digital camera to be imported into and managed on a computer. The program also has functions for editing of images such as color, brightness and contrast adjustments, and retouching with image cropping. It enables on-screen slide shows, e-mail support, and Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) editing.

Fig. 3 Application software diagram

PhotoRecord automates the layout of multiple images and prints them out through Bubble Jet printers. It is also compatible with perforated borderless printing paper. With PhotoStitch, any number of images can merged horizontally or vertically to create an appealing high-resolution panoramic picture (see Photo 3).

Photo 3 Panoramic image

When connecting the IXY DIGITAL 200 to a computer with the dedicated USB cable, RemoteCapture permits the users to control the camera through the computer. Various shooting settings for white balance, exposure compensation, etc. are also possible via the PC. Other useful software and drivers are also bundled with the camera. • Fits into All-weather case AW-PS200 The IXY DIGITAL 200 also fits into the All-weather case AW-PS200 originally developed for the IXY DIGITAL. This issue of the Technical Report introduces the IXY DIGITAL 200. Table 1 depicts the comparison of major specifications among the IXY DIGITAL 200, the IXY DIGITAL and the IXY DIGITAL 300, while Fig. 4 shows the names of exterior parts of the IXY DIGITAL 200. The recommended retail price in Japan for the kit displayed in Photo 4 is 72,000 yen before tax.

Fig. 4 Nomenclature

Photo 4 Contents of the IXY DIGITAL 200 kit (From top left) IXY DIGITAL 200 / Application software and driver / CF Card (8MB) / Wrist strap / Battery charger / Battery pack / AV cable / Interface cable

Table 1 Comparison of major specifications among IXY DIGITAL 200, IXY DIGITAL and IXY DIGITAL 300

Items IXY DIGITAL IXY DIGITAL 200 IXY DIGITAL 300 Image sensor 2.11 megapixel, 1/2.7 in. CCD Filter array Complementary color filter Primary color filter Sensitivity ISO 100 equivalent ISO 100 - 150 equivalent * Storage media CompactFlash card Lens (35mm film equivalent) 5.4(W) - 10.8(T)mm (35-70mm) f/2.8(W)-4(T) 5.4(W) - 16.2(T) mm (35-105mm) f/2.7(W) - 4.7(T) Optical zoom 2x 3x Digital zoom Digital Teleconverter (2x / 4x) 2.5x Autofocus TTL 3-point AiAF Focusing range (normal) 57cm - infinity 76cm - infinity Macro range (measured from front of lens barrel) W 10 - 57cm 16 - 76cm T 27 - 57cm 26 - 76cm Optical viewfinder Real-image LCD monitor 1.5 in. low-temperature polysilicon TFT color Light metering method Center-weighted metering Evaluative metering (linked to focusing point) Shooting modes Auto/manual/ stitch assist Auto/manual/ stitch assist/movie Exposure control Program AE Shutter type Mechanical + electronic Shutter speed 1 - 1/1500 sec. Exposure compensation +/- 2 EV (1/3 steps) Flash range W 0.27 - 3.0m 0.26 - 3.5m T 0.27 - 2.0m 0.26 - 2.0m File format DCF White balance TTL auto/preset (daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent) Recording pixels L 1,600 x 1,200 M -- 1,024 x 768 S 640 x 480 Image modes Superfine•L / Fine•L / Fine•S (Superfine/Fine/Normal) x (L/M/S) 9 modes Interfaces USB USB / AV out Power sources Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-1L), Compact power adapter (CA-PS500) Dimensions (mm) Width 87mm 94.8mm Height 57mm 62.5mm Depth 26.9mm 29.9mm Weight (without accessories) 190g 240g

* Gain up to ISO 150 equivalent automatically in low-light condition.