Third-generation IXY, 2.3x zoom Advanced Photo System compact camera

IXY i

High-magnification 4.2x zoom 35mm compact camera

Autoboy 155

[ Japan : IXY i, Americas : ELPH Z3, Europe/Asia/Oceania : IXUS III ] [ Japan : Autoboy 155, Americas : SURE SHOT Z155, Europe/Asia/Oceania : PRIMA SUPER 155 ] This month’s Technical Report presents overviews of the IXY i, an Advanced Photo System (IX 240) compact camera with a 2.3x zoom lens, and the Autoboy 155, a 35mm compact camera with a 4.2x zoom lens. Both models will be released this month.

Photo 1 IXY i (wide angle) Photo 2 IXY i with lens cover closed

Concept of development: IXY i The IXY i (see Photo 1) is a new model developed to achieve the following: High-quality original design • Sleek "light & slim" design with 1:2 aspect ratio • High-quality aluminum alloy exterior • LCD panel with transmitted light function Light and compact High image quality and advanced function • High-resolution 2.3x zoom lens • Precise 3-point passive AiAF • Energy-saving design • Same basic photographic functions as the IXY 320 • Five Custom Functions Key features of IXY i (1) Original light, compact design with metal exterior The IXY i moves away from the 2:3 aspect ratio "box & circle" design of the previous IXY series towards a completely different design, a 1:2 aspect ratio "light & slim" modern design which gives a lightweight camera with excellent portability. A high-quality feel is created by the sleek smooth bodylines, sliding lens cover, aluminum alloy covers and chrome-plated parts --- a "new proportion" design suitable for the third-generation IXY. (2) High-resolution 2.3x zoom lens The IXY i is equipped with a high-resolution 23.5 - 54 mm 2.3x zoom lens (equivalent to 29.4 - 67.5 mm in 35mm film format), with a maximum aperture of f/4.8 (wide angle) to f/7.6 (telephoto). The two-group zoom optical system consists of 6 elements in 6 groups (see Fig. 1), with an aspherical lens element (G6) located in the second zoom group. It provides excellent aberration compensation and outstanding high image quality over the entire range.

Fig. 1 IXY i optical system

(3) Precise 3-point passive AiAF The IXY i employs a newly developed CMOS sensor in its passive 3-point AiAF system. The 3-point AiAF uses three horizontal focus points, automatically selected from five AF sensors according to the zoom position, to accurately identify the main subject and assure that focus is on the subject. This feature ensures precise, stable focusing, even when the main subject is not in the center of the frame, preventing focus on the background instead of the main subject. These five AF sensors are integrated with the 16-zone AE sensor into a single module, achieving finer exposure control linked to focusing points and contributing to the miniaturization of the camera.

Fig. 2 IXY i viewfinder Information (H print type)

(4) Full-featured basic shooting functions Automatic exposure control is program AE utilizing the 16-zone evaluative metering sensor which evaluates the brightness of the subject. The 16-zone evaluative metering sensor couples to three focusing points, providing accurate exposure control with priority given to the main subject. When backlighting is detected, exposure compensation of +1.5 stops is automatically applied. The IXY i has a built-in, fixed light-guide flash, with a Guide No. of 9 (at ISO 100 in meters). The following five shooting modes are available: (1) Autoflash without red-eye reduction (2) Autoflash with red-eye reduction (3) Flash ON (Fires for all shots) (4) Flash OFF (Never fires) (5) Nighttime scene (Slow-sync with red-eye reduction) The maximum shutter speed is 1/660 second, while the slowest speed with slow-sync is 2 seconds. The red-eye reduction is by a mini-lamp. The IX data recording includes MRC (Mid-Roll Change) and all recorded data are listed in Table 1. (5) Five Custom Functions The IXY i offers a selection of five Custom Functions that permit the users to change the default settings at their discretion. CF-1: Real-Time Release CF-2: Flash Mode Memory CF-3: Automatic Film Rewind CF-4: Center-Point AF CF-5: Continuous Shooting The Custom Functions are all set to zero (function disabled) at the factory. To change the settings, close the lens cover, and then hold down the self-timer button on the top of the body and press the flash mode button. This sets the camera to Custom Function setting mode. Select a function by pressing the telephoto zoom/Set button while confirming the selected function on the LCD panel. Finally, press the flash mode button to change the setting display to 1 (function enabled).

Fig. 3 IXY i LCD panel (normally displays only the required information)

Photo 3 IXY i back view

(6) Energy-saving design enabling twice as many images as the IXY 320 Thanks to a newly developed, highly efficient flash charging circuit, the IXY i can take as many as 20 rolls of 25-exposure film (at normal temperature with 50% built-in flash use), almost twice as many as the IXY 320. (7) Remote control shooting The IXY i has a built-in remote control receiver which works with the IXY-compatible remote controller RC-5, enabling remote control with 2-second remote shutter release up to five meters distant.

Photo 4 Autoboy 155 (wide angle) Photo 5 Autoboy 155 (telephoto)

Concept of development: Autoboy 155 The Autoboy 155 (see Photo 4) is newly developed to offer the following features: High-resolution 4.2x zoom lens High-quality design • "Sharp & soft" design • High-quality aluminum alloy exterior Light and compact Advanced functions and comfortable operation • Precise 3-point passive AiAF • New built-in AE/AF sensor • Simple operation • Built-in dioptric adjustment mechanism Key features of Autoboy 155 (1) High-resolution 4.2x zoom lens The Autoboy 155 is equipped with a high-resolution 37 - 155 mm 4.2x zoom lens, with a maximum aperture of f/4.8 (wide angle) to f/11.7 (telephoto). The four-group zoom optical system consists of 11 elements in 10 groups (see Fig. 5). An aspherical lens element (G5) located in the third zoom group controls spherical aberration, and the combination of negative and positive lenses in the second group contributes to the well-controlled chromatic aberration, resulting in the high image quality throughout the entire range.

Fig. 5 Autoboy 155 optical system

(2) High-quality design with metallic exterior The design of the Autoboy 155 is obviously different from the "box & circle" design of such models as the IXY and the Autoboy Luna series. The design concept of the Autoboy 155 is "sharp & soft," with aluminum front cover and lens barrel, engraved logo, delicate spiral pattern on the front cover, and a transparent green accent on the grip. With this new "sharp & soft" design, the Autoboy 155 achieves a sophisticated appearance denoting high quality and precision workmanship. (3) Light and Compact Even with its high-magnification 4.2x zoom lens, the Autoboy 155 measures only 112 mm (W) x 59.5 mm (H) x 48.3 mm (D) with a weight of 225g, drastically lighter and more compact than the 3.6x zoom Autoboy SII (133 x 70 x 64.8 mm / 345g). (4) Precise 3-point passive AiAF The Autoboy 155 features a newly developed CMOS sensor in its passive 3-point AiAF system. The 3-point AiAF uses three horizontal focus points, automatically selected from seven AF sensors according to the zoom position, to accurately identify the main subject and assure that focus is on the subject. This feature ensures precise, stable focusing, even when the main subject is not in the center of the frame. As in the IXY i, these AF sensors are integrated with the 16-zone AE sensor (see Fig. 4) into a single module, achieving finer exposure control linked to focusing points and contributing to the miniaturization of the camera.

Fig. 4 16-zone evaluative metering sensor configuration

(5) Advanced functions and comfortable operation The Autoboy 155 offers seven shooting modes (see Photo 6) to facilitate the optimum exposure in all shooting conditions:

• Built-in light-guide zoom flash with a maximum Guide No. of 14.7 (at ISO 100 in meters) • Speedy zoom for stress-free shooting (from wide-angle to telephoto: about 2.5 seconds) • Highly visible indicators and controls grouped on the back, and simple operation • The large Best shot dial on back allows the users to select the shooting mode best suited to the specific shooting conditions. The operating information is displayed clearly on the large LCD panel. • Personal mode allows users to make their own Personal Best shot mode by customizing Flash and AE mode functions. • Manual +1.5-stop / -1.5-stop exposure compensation • Effective built-in spot metering which reliably adjusts the focus and exposure at the center point of the viewfinder.

Photo 6 Autoboy 155 back view

(6) Built-in dioptric adjustment mechanism The real-image zoom viewfinder incorporates –2.5 to +0.5 dioptric adjustment, enabling the users to get a clear image in the viewfinder.

Fig. 6 Autoboy 155 viewfinder information

(7) Remote control shooting The built-in remote control receiver function, with the RC-5 transmitter, enables remote control with 2-second remote release up to five meters distant. This issue of the Technical Report introduces the IXY i and the Autoboy 155. Tables 1 and 2 list major specifications of each model, while Figs. 7 and 8 show names of exterior parts.

Fig. 7 IXY i Nomenclature

Fig. 8 Autoboy 155 Nomenclature

Table 1 IXY i major specifications

Specification IXY i Lens 23.5-54 mm f/4.8-7.6 (135 format equivalent focal length) (29.4-67.5 mm) Zoom ratio (x) 2.3 Focusing range (m) 0.45-Inf. Maximum image magnification (x) 0.14 Autofocus (AF) Type Passive 3-point AiAF Center-point focusing AF steps 215 Viewfinder Type Real-image zoom viewfinder Magnification (x) 0.3-0.7 Coverage (%) 86 Eyesight adjustment (dpt) -1 (fixed) Eye point (mm) 15 Shutter speed Maximum (Sec) 1/660 Minimum (Sec) 2 Built-in flash Guide No.(ISO100•m) 9 Coupling range (ISO200•m) W: 0.45-4.5 T: 0.45-2.8 Autoflash in low light Autoflash in backlight Red-eye reduction Automatic backlight exposure compensation (+1.5 stops) IX data record Date Title Print format Cartridge loading direction Flash on/off Subject brightness Magnification Artificial lighting source Flash exposure Lighting conditions (Front / Back) Print quantity Wireless remote control receiver MRC (Mid-Roll Change) capability Film type validation display Safety lock for cartridge chamber cover LCD panel illumination Custom Functions Battery life (Cartridges of 25-exposure films with 50% flash usage in normal temperature) 20 Battery CR2 x 1 Exterior finish Material Aluminum alloy Color Silver Dimensions (mm) Width 98 Height 50 Depth 33.4 Weight (w/o battery, g) 150 Price in Japan (excluding tax, Yen) 43,000 Wireless remote controller / carrying case / strap Released in Japan March, 2002

Table 2 Autoboy 155 major specifications

Specification Autoboy 155 Lens 37-155 mm f/4.8-11.7 Zoom ratio (x) 4.2 Focusing range (m) Normal W: 0.6-Inf. T: 0.75-Inf. Close-up 0.48-Inf. Maximum image magnification (x) 0.25 Autofocus (AF) Type Passive 3-point AiAF Center-point focusing AF steps 293 Viewfinder Type Real-image zoom viewfinder Magnification (x) 0.42-1.53 Coverage (%) W: 83 / T: 86 Eyesight adjustment (dpt) -2.5 to +0.5 Eye point (mm) 15 Shutter speed Maximum (Sec) 1/790 Minimum (Sec) 4 Built-in flash Guide No. (ISO100•m) W: 10.7 / T: 14.7 Coupling range (ISO200•m) W: 0.6-5.3 T: 0.75-3.0 Autoflash in low light Autoflash in backlight Red-eye reduction Automatic backlight exposure compensation (+1.5 stops) Manual exposure compensation (+1.5/-1.5 stops) Best shot dial Real time release - Continuous shooting Wireless remote control receiver LCD panel illumination - Custom Functions - Panorama function - Data imprinting Date Captions Battery life (Cartridges of 24-exposure films with 50% flash usage in normal temperature) 18 Battery CR123A x 1 Exterior finish Material Aluminum alloy Color Silve Dimensions (mm) Width 112 Height 59.5 Depth 48.3 Weight (w/o battery, g) 225 Price in Japan (excluding tax, Yen) 43,000 Wireless remote controller / carrying case / strap Released in Japan March, 2002