35x ultra-zoom and enhanced low-light performance – Canon introduces the PowerShot SX40 HS

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 15th September 2011 – Canon today unveils the latest addition to its range of powerful, ultra-zoom compact cameras. Combining an incredible 35x ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, full manual control and Full HD movie capture, the PowerShot SX40 HS is ideal for photographers who want the flexibility and control of a DSLR and the versatility of a huge focal range packed into a compact body.

Providing outstanding image quality, the PowerShot SX40 HS is among the first PowerShot models to feature Canon’s new DIGIC 5 image processor which boosts the performance of the HS System and offers advanced shooting options as well as supporting Full HD (1080p) movie capture. The amazing zoom range allows any subject to be captured with ease, from high-speed action at the racetrack to distant wildlife on the African plains and abstract close-ups. New Intelligent IS technology also ensures still images are crisp, and video footage is smooth and clear. Ultra-powerful, ultra-zoom The PowerShot SX40 HS is incredibly versatile, capturing subjects near and far with amazing precision thanks to one of the most powerful zooms on the market, which draws on the same optical expertise behind Canon’s industry-leading professional lenses.  The versatile 35x zoom, with Ultrasonic and Voice Coil Motors (USM & VCM) to ensure fast, silent zooming and focusing, extends from a 24mm ultra-wide-angle to a maximum telephoto range of 840mm, enabling users to capture wide-angle shots of stunning landscapes as well as portraits and distant action. The 4.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer has also been enhanced with new Intelligent IS technology that detects the shooting situation and automatically applies the most appropriate image stabilisation settings from seven possible modes[1].  For example, Panning IS is enabled when following the action of a racetrack, ensuring the IS system stabilises in only one direction, while Macro IS with Hybrid IS technology is perfect for shooting clear close-ups. Powered IS uses Canon camcorder technology to make it easy to film distant subjects with the long zoom, and Tripod mode switches off the Image Stabilizer when the camera is on a stable surface or attached to a tripod. Raising the bar for image quality The PowerShot SX40 HS is the latest model to feature the HS System, combining a high-sensitivity back-illuminated 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with Canon’s new breed of image processor to capture beautiful, low noise images in all conditions. The new DIGIC 5 image processor offers even more advanced noise reduction technology, giving up to 75% less noise[2] at all ISO levels and producing more natural, blur-free results without needing to use a tripod or the flash. New Multi-area White Balance can make images look more natural by detecting situations where there are two different light sources and then applying area-specific white balance correction. For example, when shooting a casual portrait with flash inside a room lit with tungsten lighting, the camera will apply tungsten white balance on the background and flash white balance on the face, ensuring both the subject and the background keep their natural colours.  High speed, high drama The new DIGIC 5 processor takes the high-speed shooting capabilities of the 12.1MP CMOS sensor to a new level, enabling photographers to capture every moment in stunning detail and quality. Photographers shooting fast-paced action can choose between shooting full resolution photos continuously to card capacity at 2.4 shots/sec., or with the new High-speed Burst HQ mode, a high-speed sequence of up to 8 full resolution shots can be captured at 10.3 shots/sec. Alternatively, experiment with Super Slow Motion Movie – shooting VGA resolution video at 120fps (or QVGA resolution at 240fps) and playing it back at a fraction of the real speed[3] - to add dramatic flair or analyse a goal or golf swing. For even greater support when shooting after dark without a tripod, Handheld Night Scene captures a high-speed sequence of shots, combining the image data to produce one well-exposed shot with minimal blur. Full HD movies – shoot and share with ease The dedicated movie button allows photographers to become videographers instantly, switching from high quality stills to Full HD (1080p) video at 24fps with stereo sound for fantastic home movies. The USM and VCM on the huge telephoto lens enable the PowerShot SX40 HS to zoom and focus quickly and silently, allowing photographers to make use of the full focal range whilst filming. Sharing and editing your home movies also couldn’t be easier. The PowerShot SX40 HS supports the Apple iFrame Movie format, allowing video clips to be imported and immediately edited in common software programs, simplifying and accelerating the post-production process. Frame and view your footage on the 6.8 cm (2.7”) vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD screen, alternatively, share your footage and photos on the big screen, straight from the camera’s HDMI port. You can also use the remote control of an HDMI-CEC compatible HDTV to browse the camera from the comfort of your sofa – perfect for sharing holiday snaps or home movies with friends and family. Manual control and creative support For more advanced users, the PowerShot SX40 HS offers the complete flexibility of full manual control. On-screen Hints & Tips can also be engaged to guide beginners through the different camera settings, helping to develop their photographic skills with every new shot. Smart Auto has also been enhanced, detecting up to 32 different scenes[4] and automatically adjusting the camera settings to capture the best possible image. Tracking AF allows the photographer to select an object and track it as it moves around the frame, ensuring off-centre compositions are perfectly in focus at the moment the photo is taken. To add creative flair to every shot, the PowerShot SX40 HS also features a range of Creative Filters including Fish-eye Effect, Super Vivid, Poster Effect and Miniature Effect which also extends to movies. Toy Camera Effect recreates the nostalgic effects of a pin-hole camera and Monochrome produces shots in black and white, sepia and blue tones. Further extending its creative possibilities, the PowerShot SX40 HS can be used with Canon Speedlite EX flash units as well as a lens filter adapter and other accessories. This provides Canon compact camera users with many of the benefits of the EOS DSLR System, combined with the unsurpassed versatility of this model’s incredible zoom range. Join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY community Owners of the PowerShot SX40 HS can also join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. The CANON iMAGE GATEWAY Online Photo Album provides up to 2GB of personal storage capacity - enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. PowerShot SX40 HS – key features : • 35x ultra wide-angle zoom with USM • Image Stabilizer (4.5-stop). Intelligent IS • HS System (12.1 MP) with DIGIC 5 • Full HD, HDMI • 6.8 cm (2.7") vari-angle LCD, EVF • Smart Auto, Multi-area WB • High-speed Burst HQ • Manual modes • Zoom Framing Assist • Range of accessories Pricing & Availability The PowerShot SX40 HS is available from October 2011, priced at £459/€529 RRP incl. VAT. [1] Normal IS, Dynamic IS, Powered IS, Panning IS, Macro IS, Tripod mode, Dynamic Macro IS [2] Compared to the previous Canon DIGIC 4 processor [3] QVGA movies (320x240) play back at 1/8 of real speed, VGA movies (640x480) play back at 1/4 of real speed [4] 21 scenes detected in Movie mode