Canon reveals new IXUS 300 HS compact camera

 

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Posted on 11 May 2010 at 13:13

Canon has announced the IXUS 300 HS, a new addition to the company's luxury compact camera range, which the company claims has 'excellent' low-light performance thanks to a new 10 megapixel sensor.

The IXUS 300 HS is the first model to use Canon's new HS system, which combines a high-sensitivity back-illuminated 1/2.33in CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 4 image processor and a bright f/2.0-5.3 28-105mm (effective) wide-angle lens. This includes a 3.8x optical zoom and Canon's lens-shift image stabilisation technology.

The result is a maximum ISO of 3200 at full resolution with noise reduction at all speeds. The fast maximum aperture also enables much higher shutter speeds and the claimed 3-stop IS system will help in very low-light conditions. What's more, using a new low-light mode, the ISO range can be extended to ISO 6400, but at a reduced 2.5 megapixel resolution, for those extreme situations.

In addition, there are a range of manual settings to give users "a new level of artistic flexibility" if they wish to explore and develop their photographic skills. The HS system also enables the CMOS sensor to capture high-speed action at 3.7 shots per second at the full 10 megapixel resolution, or up to 8.4 shots per second at 2.5 megapixels using the High Speed Burst mode.

There's also a Super Slow Motion Movie mode, which captures at 240 fps and plays back at 30 fps to provide a "dramatic and spectacular record" of fast-moving subjects, but is only recorded at a 320x240 resolution, somewhat limiting its appeal. There are also the more familiar movie modes we've come to expect from modern compact cameras, including support for 720p at 30 fps.

The IXUS 300 HS's body is made from stainless steel to give it that premium feel and there's a 3.0in PureColor II G LCD on the back. Canon hasn't taken up the opportunity to use a touch-screen and has instead used a touch-sensitive scroll wheel to help users quickly navigate through menus and images - it'll be interesting to see how this works when we get our hands on a sample for review.

It'll be available in a variety of colours - steel silver, matt black, glossy white or high gloss red - with a recommended retail price of £379.00 inc VAT, starting from the end of May 2010.

Author: Tim Smalley