Canon updates its image

Canon has announced its initial line-up of digital imaging products for 2004, including five digital video cameras, four digital still cameras, two inkjet printers and a multifunction printer.

At the entry-level of the digital video camera line-up is the MV700i series. All feature an 800,000 pixel CCD, 2.5in fold-out LCD display and Canon's Image Stabiliser technology. The MV700i has a 18x optical zoom; the MV730i a 20x optical zoom; and the MV750i a 22x optical zoom. The MV700i series will be available from March.

Two other digital video cameras were also launched, the MVC200i and the MVX250i. Both have a 1.3 megapixel CCD for still images, and they have a 800,000 pixel resolution for digital video. Optical zoom is 14x and 18x respectively. The MVX250i series will be available from April.

In the digital camera range, four new models have been added. The first is the PowerShot S1 IS, which sports a 3.2 megapixel CCD, 10x optical zoom and can also shoot video at 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second. It will be available from March.

For the prosumer market is the new PowerShot Pro1, with an 8 megapixel CCD and a new L-series lens specifically designed for digital cameras. The L-series lens features a 7x zoom, with a focal length of 28-200mm 35mm equivalent, and f/2.4-3.5 aperture. The PowerShot Pro1 will be available from March.

The professional market is targeted with the EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR. This features a titanium body, 8.2 megapixel CMOS and can shoot at up to 8.5 frames per second at full resolution for up to 40 consecutive frames. The EOS-1D Mark II supersedes the EOS-1D released in December 2003, and will go on sale in the second quarter of 2004.

In the printer range, three new models were released. The Bubble Jet i80 is a portable unit with a 4,800 x 1,200dpi resolution, 2-picolitre droplet size, and can print at 14ppm black and 10ppm colour. It will retail for $449 from 26 February, and a Bluetooth adapter will be available from March at $129.

For photo printing is the new Bubble Jet i990, which uses seven individual ink colours and can print at a maximum resolution of 4,800 x 2,400 with borderless prints. It is claimed to be able to print an 8 x 10in photo in around 40 seconds. The i990 will retail starting 1 March at $699.

The last of the printers launched is the imageCLASS MP390 multi-function printer. It has a 4,800 x 1,200dpi resolution, can print up to 18ppm black or 12ppm colour and incorporates a 1,200 x 2,400dpi scanner. The imageCLASS M390 will retail at $499 from 26 February.