Canon announces the Digital IXUS 400

It's taking a major step forward, moving up to 4 megapixels. It's the smallest 4 megapixel 3x zoom compact in Canon's line-up, and continues the IXUS tradition of stunning design and outstanding build quality.

A stainless steel shell protects the camera, while a new finish, "Super Hard Cerabrite", mixes metals and ceramics to produce a tough cool-toned exterior that is visually stunning. The classic Digital IXUS design features a chrome ring around the cameras 36-108mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-4.9 3x zoom lens, while a strap-lug peels around the curved body edge to become part of a stylishly simple artwork.

All function
Typical of the high technology that is a hallmark of Canon cameras, the Digital IXUS 400 features an amazing 9-point AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus) system that can automatically detect a subject within a wide area of the frame. Digital IXUS 400 users will also benefit from shutter speeds of 15-1/2000sec and a maximum continuous shooting speed of 2.5 frames per second in still photo mode.

Digital IXUS 400 is more than just a still camera; it is capable of capturing movie clips of up to 3 minutes and records sound with all movies. Voice annotations allow you to tag each picture with a 60-second voice memo.

Light fantastic
Fitted with Canon's unique and powerful DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) processor the Digital IXUS 400 offers excellent colour rendition, accurate white balance in all conditions and extremely accurate focusing and exposure. Users are able to select from evaluative, centre weighted and spot metering modes depending on the subject matter, and may even choose to set shutter speeds and apertures manually. An ISO range of 50-400 ensures practical shutter speeds in a wide variety of lighting situations, while a multi-functional built-in flash offers a maximum reach of 3.5m in Auto ISO mode.

Intelligent playback and direct printing
Reviewing pictures is fast and easy, the 10x playback zoom is available for checking image details. In addition the camera's playback modes provide a histogram display for users to check exposure and contrast levels in images stored on the memory card. A built-in orientation sensor automatically rotates portrait pictures, and these images remain rotated when downloaded, saving time during in-computer image processing
The Canon Digital IXUS 400 supports Canon's Direct Print system for direct connection to Bubble Jet and CP printers. The camera allows the quantity of prints to be selected in-camera, as well as cropping and print size options. Users of the Digital IXUS 400 will automatically gain access to the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY online photo service, where images can be stored and shared on-line. The service also provides the opportunity to customise the camera with sounds and start-up images.

Power, accessories and software
Powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack the Digital IXUS 400 offers excellent battery life and is capable of recording up to 420 images from a single charge. The camera comes complete with a NB-1LH battery, charger, USB cable, A/V cable and a 32MB CompactFlash memory card. The software included is Canon's ZoomBrowser EX (Windows), Image Browser (Mac), PhotoRecord, PhotoStitch and RemoteCapture software. As the camera is PTP compatible no additional drivers are needed in Windows XP or MAC OS X environments.

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