Development objectives
The IXY Digital 810 IS, released in April 2007, won acclaim from all quarters for its flowing curve design, its 8-megapixel CCD sensor, and its 4x zoom lens with a lens shift image stabilizer-a first for the IXY Digital series.
As the successor to the IXY Digital 810 IS, the 820 IS was upgraded with a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, the DIGIC III imaging engine, and a 5x zoom lens with a lens shift image stabilizer. Our development objective for the new model was:
• To realize a high-quality, feature-rich digital camera with a sleek, stylish appearance based on a graceful, carefree theme
Feature 1 : High-grade design and compact body
• Curvature design
The IXY Digital 820 IS continues the IXY curvature design introduced with the IXY Digital 600, to create a beautifully contoured exterior. The front surface of the camera is shaped to gradually recede toward the grip end, and the varying curved surfaces are finished to give the image of being wrapped in a robe (Photo 2).
• Compact design
The design employs a new integrated connector for digital, audio and video to save space. And by consolidating Canon's miniaturizing technology-to reduce the size and weight of structural elements-with System-in-Package (SiP) and other very-high-density mounting technologies, we managed to shave 10 grams off the weight of the previous model. This despite outfitting the camera with a high-resolution 5x zoom lens with a lens shift image stabilizer.
Feature 2 : Superb image quality
• 10.0- megapixel CCD sensor
The camera's 10.0-megapixel (effective pixel count) CCD sensor, in combination with the RGB filter for superior color reproduction, renders outstanding images as large as 3648 × 2736 pixels.
• 37-185mm (35mm-film equivalent) 5x zoom lens
Recently, many users have asked for a higher power zoom lens in the IXY Digital series. We listened and equipped the IXY Digital 820 IS with a new 39-185mm (35mm-film equivalent) f/3.2 (wide)-f/5.7 (tele) 5x zoom lens-the most powerful zoom lens in the IXY series' history (Figure 1).
We used a four-group zoom configuration-a first for the IXY Digital series-and two UA lens elements (glass-molded aspherical elements using ultra-high refractive index glass) to achieve excellent image fidelity and low distortion while greatly shortening the overall optical length.
Additionally, in Macro mode at the wide-angle end, the lens permits shooting of subjects as close as 2cm. The field of view at this range is 30 × 22mm.
• Lens shift image stabilizer
Like the IXY Digital 810 IS, the 820 IS comes with a lens shift image stabilizer to minimize the effects of camera shake while shooting on image quality.
On the new model, we upgraded the gyrosensor that detects camera shake along with the circuitry and control ICs that distinguish and process camera-shake signals. And with the further addition of a new algorithm, the unit gives stability roughly equivalent to a shutter-speed four steps higher- the most of any Canon compact camera.
• DIGIC III imaging engine provides high-end image processing
The IXY Digital 820 IS features the DIGIC III imaging engine, which powers the signal processing for noise reduction at high ISO speeds and the face-detect function as well as accelerates the memory-card interface speed.
• Precise AE and AWB based on iSAPS technology
Feature 3 : Rich functionality
• Face detect white balance
We included a new white balance mode on the IXY Digital 820 IS that adjusts the white balance based on the tones of faces within the frame. This mode alleviates the problem of unnatural facial colors occurring in scenes with a dominant color.
• Auto red-eye correction during shooting
Previous models had red-eye correction that worked during playback to fix red-eye problems caused by flash photography. The IXY Digital 820 IS, however, comes with a function that corrects red-eye automatically while shooting. When this function detects red-eye in a captured image, it automatically corrects the problem before writing the image to the memory card.
Of course the 820 IS still has playback red-eye correction as a backup in case red-eye correction did not function during shooting or was not selected.
• High ISO Auto with motion detection technology
High ISO Auto is an ISO speed setting that effectively reduces camera shake and subject blurring. For the IXY Digital 820 IS, we added more intelligence to this setting so the camera can determine a better balance between reducing camera shake/subject blurring and maintaining image quality.
The High ISO Auto can now determine:
(1) subject brightness and peripheral brightness;
(2) subject movement ;
(3) face movement; and
(4) camera shake.
More specifically, in High ISO Auto mode the camera uses motion detection technology to determine the degree of subject motion and camera shake.
If the subject is stationary and there is only a slight amount of camera shake, the camera will prioritize image quality and keep the ISO speed increase as small as possible. But if the subject is in motion or if the camera shake is quite large, the camera will raise the ISO speed substantially and increase the shutter speed to counter the camera shake or subject blurring.
• AF-point zoom view
We added a new function that gives an expanded view of the AF point when Face Detect AF or Center AF is selected (Figure 2).
This function is particularly useful in Face Detect AF mode-when it is linked with the face-detect function-because it zooms in on the face, allowing the user to clearly see the facial expression. This function is also helpful for macro shooting because the focus can be confirmed more precisely.
• Sunset mode
We added the new Sunset mode to the camera's Special Scene modes. The Sunset mode is optimized for shooting scenes against sunset backdrops where it is desirable to preserve the sunset's reddish tones (Photo 3).
• Cropping
We added a cropping function to the IXY Digital 820 IS that allows the user to crop images to any size. The user can adjust the cropping frame to any size or position. When the camera detects a person in a shot, it will display the cropping frame around the face, making it easier to crop shots with the face centered (Figure 3).
After cropping, the image can be saved in M1, M2, M3, or S size.*
*Recording sizes larger than the cropped image cannot be selected.
• Safety Zoom mode
• Auto Category/My Category
• ISO 3200 shooting mode
• Resume playback function
• My Colors for retouching
• Wide mode for shooting with a 16:9 aspect ratio
• Smooth continuous shooting
• Custom self-timer setting permitting the time and number of frames to be specified
• Range setting for batch printing/deletion
• Histogram display for captured images
• Record sound memos up to 60 seconds long
Feature 4 : Comfortable operation
• Control dial
The 820 IS is the first IXY Digital camera to include a control dial (Photo 4). Rotating the dial with your finger makes it much faster to select modes or search through images.
• Definable Print/Share button
We made it possible to preset a function for the Print/Share button that can be accessed while in a shooting mode.
Table 1 lists the functions that can be assigned to the Print/Share button. They include the Face Select & Track function, where the AF point tracks a selected face in the frame.
| (Not assigned) |
| Face Select and Track |
| Exposure Compensation |
| White Balance |
| Custom White Balance |
| Red-Eye Correction (Shooting) |
| Digital Tele-converter |
| Display Overlay |
| Movies |
| Display Off |
| Play Sound Effect |
• PureColor LCD II screen
The 820 IS has a PureColor LCD II monitor, which provides a wide viewing angle, high contrast, and excellent color reproduction. Thanks to its size, at 2.5 inches, and resolution, about 230,000 dots, this monitor provides comfortable framing while shooting as well as greater convenience when searching for images because even indexed thumbnail images can be seen clearly.The monitor has two additional features.
The LCD booster function increases the monitor's brightness so images can be viewed more easily outdoors or in other bright locations, and the night view option depicts subjects brightly on the monitor at night or in other dark locations where the subject is difficult to see on the monitor.
• 3:2 Guide
• Magnified image scrolling in playback
• Battery power indication
• Clock Display mode that can be viewed during playback
• Power-saving functions (Auto power down, display off)
• Mute mode
Feature 5 : Enhanced print functions and digital communications
• Print list settings in playback mode
We made it possible to add images to the print list during playback with a simple press of the Print/Share button (Figure 4).
• Print list notice when connecting to a printer
The LCD monitor displays printing assistance when a camera with a pending print list is connected to a printer (SELPHY series or other compatible printer). The reserved images can be printed right away (Figure 5).
• Layout printing (print multiple images on one sheet)
• PictBridge compatible
• ID photo print
• Exif 2.2 compatible
Feature 6 : Extensive line of camera accessories
• High-capacity battery pack
The IXY Digital 820 IS uses the NB-5L battery pack, which has a rated capacity of 1120mAh despite its compact size. The camera can take about 320 frames on a full charge (measured with CIPA standards).
• Support for high-speed, high-capacity memory cards
In addition to the high-capacity SDHC memory cards, the 820 IS also supports MMCplus cards and HC MMCplus cards.
• HF-DC1 high-power flash unit
This concludes this month's look at the new IXY Digital 820 IS. Table 2 lists the camera's main specifications. The camera is sold with the kit shown in Photo 5. No recommended retail price is set.
On a further note, Canon has released seven new compact cameras for spring 2008. These include the IXY Digital 20 IS (Photo 6), which comes in five color variations and features a 8.0-megapixel CCD sensor and a 3x zoom lens with a lens shift image stabilizer, and the PowerShot A590 IS (Photo 7), which is equipped with a 8.0-megapixel CCD sensor, a 4x zoom lens with a lens shift image stabilizer, and the new Easy mode.