wide-angle lens
This month's Technical Report introduces the PowerShot S80, featuring an 8.0-megapixel CCD and 3.6x optical zoom lens, released in October 2005.
Concept of development
The PowerShot S series, which packs the high image quality and many advanced features of the PowerShot G series into a compact body, is a versatile digital camera very popular series among a wide range of users.
The PowerShot S80 (Photo 1) is the latest model of the PowerShot S series, with a 3.6x zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 28-100mm) and advanced image quality, functionality and design. The features of the camera are as follows:
Feature 1: Advanced form
High-grade exterior
The body of the PowerShot S80 is finished in black and silver, giving a rugged look.
The PowerShot S80 body aspect ratio is changed from 1:2 of the PowerShot S70/S60 to 1:1.8 for a more compact look (Fig. 1).
Robust material
The PowerShot S80 is very solid look and metallic texture, using a combination of aluminum magnesium alloy and glossy aluminum.
Smooth sliding lens cover
The PowerShot S80 lens cover action is much smoother, providing luxuriously comfortable operation.
Feature 2: New generation lens
3.6x zoom lens (28-100mm)
Like the PowerShot S70/S60, the PowerShot S80 employs 3.6x retractable zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 28-100mm) with an f/2.8-f/5.3 aperture. With the adoption of the ultra-high refractive index molded glass aspherical lens (UA lens) in the front lens group, the lens remains compact despite the wide 28mm focal length (Fig. 2).
| Fig. 2 Optical System |
Macro function offers close shooting range of 4cm
Shooting at 4cm from the subject at the wide-angle end produces a shooting area of 65mm x 49mm.
Feature 3: High image quality
CCD sensor with 8-million effective pixels
The PowerShot S80 features a CCD with about 8.0-million effective pixels (total pixels: about 8.3 million). This sensor, together with the primary color filter, produces high resolution and fine color reproduction with up to 3264 x 2448 pixels.
High-quality image processing with the DIGIC II digital imaging engine
The PowerShot S80 uses Canon's proprietary ''DIGIC II'' digital imaging engine for signal processing. As a result, the camera gives better color gradation, resolution and reproduction than previous models.
9-position White balance
With further enhanced colorimetric algorithm and color signal processing, the PowerShot S80 has more accurate white balance control.
High-speed AF and precise AE/AWB based on iSAPS technology
Iris diaphragm gives precise aperture control
Wide range of ISO equivalent speeds including the high image quality ISO 50
Feature 4: Advanced functions
XGA size movie recording
The PowerShot S80 is the first digital camera to offer movie recording function at XGA size (1024 x 768 pixels). Continuous recording at 15 fps is possible until the memory card is full (max. 1GB)*.
In addition, VGA size (640 x 480 pixels), QVGA size (320 x 240 pixels) and QQVGA size (160 x 120 pixels) are also available (Fig. 3).
The PowerShot S80 also allows AE lock, exposure shift and digital zoom as well as AE or white balance adjustment during movie recording.
*Recording may stop before the memory card is full depending on the type of the memory card.
Grid display facilitates alignment
The PowerShot S80 can display grid lines allowing accurate horizontal and vertical alignment in the LCD monitor while shooting (Fig. 4).
Real-time histogram display
While shooting, the histogram in the LCD monitor shows the brightness distribution of the subject in real-time.
Playback with correct vertical/horizontal camera orientation
Playback can be set so vertical images are displayed correctly when the camera is held vertically. (Previous models showed verticals reduced to fit in the horizontal frame.) (Fig. 5).
Digital Macro
In addition to the normal macro, the PowerShot S80 has a ''Digital Macro'' function to provide further magnification. When using Digital Macro, only the center of the image is used with the digital zoom function.
The field of view is 17mm x 13mm at maximum magnification.
My Colors
The PowerShot S80 employs the ''My Colors'' function, originally introduced in the IXY DIGITAL 600 and IXY DIGITAL 55 (please refer to the April 2005 Technical Report).
My Colors allows the user to customize the colors of the subject before shooting. It makes it possible for the user to change colors on the LCD monitor in real-time while shooting rather than retouching later.
Smooth continuous shooting
Thanks to DIGIC II, the improved data transfer speed into the memory card enables continuous shooting at a constant speed* until the memory card is full.
*The speed may vary depending on the number of pixels being recorded and the type of the memory card.
Jump to folder function
The ''Jump to Folder'' function is enhanced to display at once the first image contained in the present folder or in the immediately preceding folder, in addition to jumping over 10 or 100 images at a time or jumping to the image specified by date or to a movie.
Image playback/forwarding with effects
Special effects can be applied to displayed images during playback, either in image forwarding or slideshow (Fig. 6).
World Clock function
The PowerShot S80 incorporates the World Clock function, allowing the user to set local dates and times easily on vacation or business trips (Fig. 7).
Special Scene Mode
Night Display function
Safety Shift function ensures optimum exposure control
ON/OFF selection of AF-assist Beam
Hold option for reviewing recorded images
FlexiZone
First-curtain or second-curtain flash sync
Two bracketing functions (AE/Focus)
Interval shooting function
Audio annotation of up to 60 seconds can be appended during replay
Twenty-two language support
Feature 5: Comfortable operation
Controller wheel
For better operability, the PowerShot S80 is the first Canon compact digital camera to employ the rotating controller wheel. With the controller wheel, quick operations such as menu selection and image forwarding are possible.
The operability of the PowerShot S80 is further improved by incorporating the multi control dial and FUNC./SET button into the controller wheel (Fig. 8).
The PowerShot S80 startup time* is much quicker than the PowerShot S70. Startup time is about 1.7 sec. with the LCD monitor on or about 1.6 sec. with the LCD monitor off. This compares to about 2.8 sec. and about 2.3 sec. for the PowerShot S70.
*Startup time is defined as the time from when the lens cover is open completely until the camera is ready to make an exposure.
2.5'' LCD monitor
The PowerShot S80 employs a large 2.5'' LCD monitor. Thanks to its wide viewing angle, off-center visibility is excellent.
User interface (UI display) with enhanced visibility
When switching shooting mode or making settings with the multi control dial, animated icons makes the setting details easily understood.
Easier ISO speed setting
With the PowerShot S80, ISO speed can be set or changed more easily with the controller wheel.
Feature 6: Full range of print features
PictBridge supported
The PowerShot S80 supports the PictBridge standard. In addition, it supports optional standards of ''print with shooting data,'' ''8'' x 10''/10'' x 12'' paper size'' and ''Image optimizer (face brightness adjustment)''.
Movie Print (single frame)
In addition to the Movie Print function which allows users to print an index print on a single sheet of a series of sequential frames selected from a recorded movie at fairly regular intervals, another Movie Print function to print a single selected frame is possible.
Print/Share Button
ID Photo Print
Feature 7: System accessories
Waterproof case WP-DC1 (Photo 2)
Even when the waterproof case is attached, most controller wheel operations are possible with the Print/Share button and multi control dial instead. With the case, the PowerShot S80 is submersible to 40 meters.
Battery charger CB-2LW
The CB-2LW was newly developed as dedicated battery charger for the battery pack NB-2LH. Compared to the existing battery charger CB-2LT, it is considerably lighter and more compact.
Wide converter WC-DC10 (Photo 3)
For wider angle shooting, the wide converter WC-DC10 is available, reducing the focal length of the master lens to about 22.4mm (35mm film equivalent).
Tele-converter TC-DC10 enabling shooting at 200mm focal length (approx., 35mm equivalent)
High-Power flash HF-DC1 for high power flash shooting
This issue of the Technical Report introduces the PowerShot S80. Table 1 shows Major Specifications Comparison between the PowerShot S80 and the PowerShot S70.
The PowerShot S80 Kit comes as shown in Photo 4. There is no recommended retail price.
