Canon's PowerShot DIGITAL ELPH (DIGITAL IXUS) series digital cameras package high image quality and high functionality in a compact body. Their slim and lightweight bodies are made possible by the development of an ultracompact lens unit utilizing Canon's advanced optical technologies.

For example, the PowerShot SD600 DIGITAL ELPH (DIGITAL IXUS 60) incorporates a 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 5.8-17.4 mm (equivalent to 35-105 mm in 35 mm film format) within a space measuring 20.2 mm in depth. The lens unit employs two proprietary glass-molded (GMo) UA (Ultra high refractive index Aspherical) lens elements within a five-group/six-element configuration. Since UA lenses have a significantly higher refractive index than ordinary aspherical lenses, the lens unit could realize an unparalleled compact size. Revising the aperture, shutter and lens-barrel structure also contributed to the achievement of a smaller lens unit. The total size of lens unit is small enough to fit onto a one-cent euro coin (16.25 mm in diameter).

But this ultracompact lens unit isn't just small. In addition to an aspherical lens element, it incorporates an optimal combination of lenses with various optical characteristics, such as two lenses with different optical characteristics bonded together, to deliver the clear, sharp images that are the hallmark of Canon camera lenses.