April 2011
[Japan:IXY 50S, Americas:PowerShot SD4500 IS , Europe/Asia/Oceania:IXUS 1000 HS]
World’s thinnest*10x zoom model
*Among digital cameras with a 10x optical zoom lens as of Feb. 10, 2011.
Photo 1: IXY 50S
This month’s technical report presents an overview and many of the features of the IXY 50S, which went on sale in September 2010. This new model pairs a high-sensitivity CMOS sensor with 10.00 effective megapixels and a 10x zoom lens (35mm-film equivalent focal length range: 36 – 360mm) fitted with a lens-shift image stabilizer.
Development objectives
Our IXY series of digital cameras have been very successful because they pack a host of features in a stylishly slim body, deliver excellent image quality, and embody the fun of photography.
The new IXY 50S (Photo 1) is the world’s thinnest* 10x zoom camera and the first IXY model to feature a 10x optical zoom lens.
*Among 10x optical zoom digital cameras as of Feb. 10, 2011.
Our development objective for this new model was:
» To realize a digital camera that makes recording both still images and movies fun by incorporating the most powerful IXY series zoom lens ever and including enhanced movie functions with full HDTV support.
Feature 1 — Superb image quality
First 10x optical zoom lens model in IXY series history
This new f/3.4 (wide) – f/5.6 (tele) 10x zoom lens with a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 36 – 360 mm was developed especially for the IXY 50S. It has 14 elements in 12 groups, including one low-dispersion, double-sided aspherical element and one UA single-sided aspherical element. The six-group zoom design also adds a prism element.
The optical glasses used and construction of each lens group have been optimized to deliver the high resolution suitable for the camera’s high-sensitivity sensor while packing a 10x optical zoom lens in the compact body.
The powerful zoom lens allows users to smoothly zoom in on distant subjects and to enjoy effective background bokeh.
New sliding-prism retracting lens barrel
To fit a 10X zoom into the slim body, a new sliding-prism retracting lens barrel design that slides the prism out of the way creating space for the lens to retract into the body was used. This design gives a slim 22.3mm body despite having a 10x zoom lens (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Sliding-prism retracting lens barrel
HS System brings together a high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and Canon’s proprietary DIGIC image processor for outstanding image quality and processing
The IXY 50S’s high-sensitivity sensor has more light-reception surface area per pixel than conventional sensors so that it can capture light quicker and more efficiently. Canon’s proprietary DIGIC image processor offers superb processing. The HS System combines these two devices adeptly so the camera can take beautiful, low-noise photos without noticeable camera shake or subject blurring even at high ISOs.
Smart Auto mode with 28 auto-detection scenes
In Smart Auto mode, the camera can detect among 28 scenes, including “with strong facial shadows” and “spotlights” (Table 1).
Optical image stabilizer with a stabilization gain of about four f-stops
Smart Flash optimizes flash levels and brightness for the scene
Servo AF/AE
Blink Detection warns the user when a person with their eyes closed was detected in a captured shot
i-Contrast adjusts images for the best exposure and tonal quality according the shooting scene
Table 1: Smart Auto for still images
- *1. Appears when the scene is dark and the camera is attached to a tripod or otherwise fixed.
- *2. Icons selected from the detected scenes are shown as appropriate.
- Note that in some scenes, the displayed icon may differ from the actual scene.
Feature 2 — Rich functionality
Photo 2: Movie button
First IXY model with full HDTV movie capability
The IXY 50S is the first IXY series camera that supports recording movies in 1920 x 1080 full HDTV quality. Because the camera also supports optical zooming and stereo audio recording while shooting full HDTV movies, it is possible to make highly realistic movies.
Users can enjoy the stunning impact of HDTV movies at home by connecting the camera to an HDTV-capable TV with an HDMI cable, sold separately.
Movie button starts movie recording immediately even when in a still-image shooting mode
The IXY 50S has been made easier to operate by including a Movie button, enlarging the rear panel controls, and optimizing the control layout (Photo 2).
Smart Auto Movie auto detects the shooting scene and selects the best settings
The Smart Auto Movie mode functions when the camera is in Auto mode and the user begins recording a movie by pressing the Movie button. In this mode, the camera automatically detects the shooting scene and whether people are in the frame and adjusts the settings accordingly.
The IXY 50S can detect among 21 scenes including “dark” and “spotlights” (Table 2).*
*When recording a full HDTV movie, the camera only detects scenes in certain categories.
Table 2: Smart Auto for movies
- *1. Appears when the scene is dark and the camera is attached to a tripod or otherwise fixed.
- Note that in some scenes, the displayed icon may differ from the actual scene.
Miniature Effect movie mode creates miniature-model effects and ”Keystone Kops” effects
The IXY 50S allows the Miniature Effect to be used with movies, which applies a blurring gradient to the top and bottom or left and right of the photo without affecting the center section. Users can set the blurring range and the shooting speed for playback and enjoy movies with comical Keystone Kop-like movements of familiar views and other fresh impressions (Photo 3).*
*Audio cannot be recorded in this mode.
Photo 3: Miniature Effect for movies
- *The only movie recording size options are 1280 x 720 and 640 x 480.
- *The shooting speed for playback can be selected from 5x, 10x, and 20x.
Super Slow Motion captures in slow motion actions too fast for the naked eye
Wide variety of scene modes
The IXY 50S comes with a multitude of shooting modes that harness the CMOS sensor’s strengths.
High-speed Burst
This mode lets users shoot continuously at approximately 8.8 shots per second.* It is ideal for capturing easy-to-miss sports plays or frolicking pets (Photo 4).
*The number of recording pixels is fixed at about 2.5 megapixels.
Photo 4: High-speed Burst mode
Best Image Selection
In this mode, the camera takes five consecutive shots, but records only the one shot it considers the best to the memory card.*
*The number of recording pixels is fixed at about 2.5 megapixels.
Photo 5: Handheld Night Scene mode
Handheld Night Scene
This mode can capture beautiful night scenes without using a tripod by taking several consecutive shots and combining them in-camera into one precise composite image (Photo 5).
Miniature Effect and Fish-eye Effect modes for easy and fun special effect photos
Low Light mode automatically sets the ISO speed between 125 and 6400 for beautiful looking photos even in dark scenes*
*The number of recording pixels is fixed at 2.5 approximately megapixels.
Smart Shutter
Smart Shutter is a single scene mode that combines the previous Face Self-timer, Smile, and Wink Self-timer modes.
Both the Smile and Wink Self-timer modes make use of the face detection function. In Smile mode, the camera will automatically release the shutter when it is ready to shoot and the main face in the frame smiles. In Wink Self-timer mode, after the shutter button has been fully depressed to engage the mode, the camera will automatically release the shutter about two seconds after detecting that the main face in the frame has winked.
My Colors for adjusting colors before or after shooting
Useful guide overlay for checking photo compositions
Safety Shift
Adjustable AF frame size
Histogram
Feature 3 — Comfortable operations
Figure 2: 3.0”, wide aspect ratio, PureColor G LCD monitor
3.0”, 230,000-dot LCD monitor
The IXY 50S comes with a 3.0”, wide aspect ratio, 230,000-dot PureColor G LCD monitor with enhanced color reproduction.
Thanks to a strong reinforced glass protective layer, it is tougher and slimmer than previous monitors (Figure 2).
Menu and mode guidance display
When the control dial (arrow keys dial) is lightly touched, a description of the shooting mode or the currently selected function is displayed on the LCD monitor.
Smart Shuffle: instructs the camera to select and display four images similar to the currently displayed playback image
Scroll Playback: enables effortless image scrolling
Special Effect Transitions and Slideshows: apply effects when switching between playback images
Filtered Playback: displays only images in the selected category or with the selected date stamp
Trimming
Feature 4 — High-end design that shines like jewelry
Photo 6: Color variations
Photo 7: Soft cases
The IXY 50S is constructed with a cutting-edge design that trims away all excess. The design also makes the camera shine like a piece of jewelry. A top coat has been applied to the front cover to give it a deep, glossy texture suitable for the IXY series’ top-of-the-line model. The rear cover has been finished in a lighter shade to give the camera a casual feel and an even slimmer appearance. The camera is available in three body colors — brown, pink, and silver (Photo 6).
Soft case
The special IXC-410 soft case is available as an option to protect the camera*. It is available in three colors to match the camera’s color. (Photo 7).
*The IXC-410 soft case is available only in Japan.Feature 5 — Enhanced printing options and digital communications
Select images for printing with DPOF
PictBridge support
Able to make use of the Canon iMAGE GATEWAY Website
HDMI mini connector
Feature 6 — Array of system accessories
Photo 8: NB-9L battery pack
Photo 9: IXY 50S and its kit components
New NB-9L battery pack
The IXY 50S uses the newly developed NB-9L battery pack. The battery pack has been rounded to fit into the slim body (Photo 8).
Eye-Fi card support
The IXY 50S supports wireless communications using an Eye-Fi card — a memory card with wireless LAN connectivity — for wireless transfers to computers or online photo services.*
*The IXY 50S does not guarantee Eye-Fi card operation (i.e., wireless communications). Many countries require special permission or authorization to use Eye-Fi cards. Unauthorized use of Eye-Fi cards is not condoned.
Accepts SDXC memory cards
Exif 2.3 support
This completes our look at the IXY 50S this month. Table 3 lists the camera’s main specifications, and Photo 9 illustrates the kit components that come with the camera. There is no suggested retail price for the IXY 50S.
| IXY 50S | |
|---|---|
| Imaging sensor (CMOS) | ~10.00 effective megapixels, high-sensitivity type (~10.60 total megapixels) |
| Color filter type | RGB |
| Photographic lens (35mm-film equivalent) |
36 - 360mm, f/3.4 (wide) - f/5.6 (tele), 10x zoom |
| Digital zoom | ~4.0x (~40x max. zoom when combined with the optical zoom) |
| LCD monitor | 3.0 type (TFT color LCD, ~230,000 dots, wide viewing angle, and excellent color reproduction), brightness adjustment, Quick-bright LCD |
| Autofocus | Single (Continuous in Auto mode) / Continuous, Servo AF, Servo AE, Face Detect / Center |
| Focusing range | Auto mode: 1cm to infinity (wide) / 1m to infinity (tele), Macro mode: 1 to 50cm (wide) |
| Shutter | Mechanical shutter + electronic shutter |
| Shutter speeds | 1/4000 – 1 sec., 1/4000 to 15 sec. (total shutter speed range from all shooting modes) |
| Light metering methods | Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot (fixed to center) |
| Exposure compensation | ±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments |
| ISO speeds (Standard Output Sensitivity / Recommended Exposure Index) |
Auto, ISO 125 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 /3200*(when in P shooting mode) *To ISO 6400 in Low Light mode |
| Flash ranges | 30cm - 3.5m (wide), 1.0 - 2.0 m (tele), (when ISO speed is set to Auto) |
| White balance | Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom |
| Shooting modes | Auto, P, Portrait, Kids & Pets, Smart Shutter,*1 High-speed Burst, Best Image Selection, Handheld Night Scene, Low Light, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Beach, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Long Shutter, Stitch Assist, Movie*2 *1. Smile, Wink Self-timer, Face Self-timer *2. Standard, Super Slow Motion, Miniature Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap |
| Continuous shooting |
~3.7 shots/sec. in P mode, ~8.8 shots/sec. in High-speed Burst mode* *Speed varies depending on zoom position.Continuous shooting speed may slow down after taking a certain number of continuous shots. |
| Recording pixels (still images) | Large: 3648 × 2736, Medium 1: 2816 × 2112, Medium 2: 1600 × 1200, Small: 640 × 480, Widescreen: 3648 x 2048 Fixed at 1824 x 1368 in High-speed Burst, Best Image Selection, and Low Light modes |
| Compression ratios (still images) | Fine, Normal |
| Movies | Standard / Color Accent / Color Swap: 1920 x 1080 (24 fps*1),1280 x 720 (30 fps*2), 640 x 480 (30 fps*2), 320 x 240 (30 fps*2) Super Slow Motion: 320 x 240*3 Miniature Effect: 1280 x 720,*3 640 x 480*4 *1. Actual speed is 23.976 fps *2. Actual speed is 29.97 fps *3. Recorded at 240 fps (actual speed is 239.76 fps), played back at 30 fps*2 *4. Recorded at either 1.5, 3, or 6 fps, played back at 30 fps*2 |
| Recording media | SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card, MMC card, MMCplus card, HC MMCplus card |
| Color space | Standard (sRGB) |
| File format | Compliant with Design rule for Camera File system and DPOF |
| Data types | Still images: Exif 2.3 (JPEG), Movies: MOV (video: H.264, audio: Linear PCM (stereo)) |
| Power supply | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery: NB-9L AC adapter kit: ACK-DC70 (sold separately) |
| Dimensions (CIPA compliant) | 101.3 × 58.5 × 22.3mm |
| Weight (CIPA compliant) | ~190 grams (including battery pack and memory card) / ~167 grams (body only) |
Table 3: Specifications of the IXY 50S
