Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS Launched in Singapore
Canon launched the Digital IXUS 800 IS in Singapore this week at The PC Show although local dealers have had the camera for the last several weeks. The PC Show price of S$749 S$730 is for a bundle that includes two 512MB SD memory cards (normal speed), a digital kit bag, camera case and a SD card reader. The camera promotion is running concurrently at dealers in Singapore at lower prices (less than S$700) albeit with fewer free gifts. The promotion will run through July 16th.
The 6MP Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS is the first IXUS (Elph) camera model to feature anti-shake technology. Image stabilization (IS) is built into the 4x optical zoom lens of the IXUS 800 IS greatly reducing blurry images that often result when shooting in low light at ISO 100 or ISO 200. This technology was previously available only in Canon SLR lenses or in megazoom (12x) cameras.
Why is this feature so important? The small IXUS cameras use a 1/2.5 ” type CCD sensor which produces low noise at ISO 100, acceptable noise at ISO 200, and noticeable noise at ISO 400. In low light situations (especially at full zoom), you have only 2 choices - grainy photos or slow shutter speeds. Slow shutter speeds require the use of a tripod or you end up with a SD card full of blurry photos. The image stabilization feature adds an incredible 3-stops of shutter speed for handheld photography. If you are reasonably careful, you should be able to get sharp photos down to 1/4 sec. It is interesting that Canon has decided to include image stabilization rather than moving to larger sensor.
You can download the Digital IXUS 800 IS brochure from the Canon Singapore site here.
Note: The name for this camera is PowerShot SD700 IS Digital Elph
Need a case/bag for your 800IS (SD700)? Get the Lowepro Rezo 15. It’s rated 5-stars!
See my Canon Prices (Singapore) page for updated IXUS 800 IS ’street’ prices.
Addendum July 17, 2006: dpreview.com has just posted a detailed review of the IXUS 800 IS (PowerShot SD 700 IS).
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US $139.95 End Date: Tuesday Nov-18-2008 13:19:34 PST Buy It Now for only: US $139.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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