Direct Printing to Canon Card Photo Printer CP-10, 3x Optical Zoom Lens, Built-in Flash and Precision Autofocus Make the PowerShot A10 and A20 a Great Value at Any Level of Expertise

February 11, 2001 - Canon U.S.A., Inc. is providing a new generation of consumers with a fun and affordable way to experience digital photography with the introduction of the PowerShot A10 and A20 digital cameras. Their compact size and light weight (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches, 8.8 ounces), along with features usually found only in higher priced digital camera models, make the PowerShot A10 and A20 the perfect choice for consumers who are making the transition from analog to digital imaging. In addition, both cameras are capable of creating credit card-sized prints as well as stickers using Canon's new CP-10 printer, adding hours of photographic fun and providing another way for consumers to share their images with friends and family.

Nearly identical in appearance, both new cameras share a wealth of features designed to make digital photography easy and satisfying for all users from beginners to advanced amateurs, with the main difference between them being their maximum resolution. The PowerShot A20 has a 2.1 megapixel CCD while the PowerShot A10 features a 1.3 megapixel CCD. Both cameras incorporate a newly developed 3x optical zoom lens and offer features and image quality normally found in more expensive models, such as a primary color filter and adaptive signal processing for maximum image quality, high-precision auto white balance, exposure sensitivity automatically set according to brightness, three point AiAF autofocusing system for precise and simple focusing, shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1500 second and a built-in flash with slow-sync functions for creative photography in low light. The PowerShot A10 will also be available in a Photo Print Kit which will include the new CP-10 printer.

"It has always been Canon's desire to provide consumers with the widest choice of high-quality, affordable cameras," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager of Canon's Photographic products Group. "The addition of the A10 and A20 to our existing line of PowerShot-series cameras will offer a new generation of digital camera users an affordable way to discover how exciting and fun digital imaging can be," Mr. Hashimoto added.

Direct Printing with Card Photo Printer CP-10

A new digital signal processing IC in the PowerShot A10 and A20 cameras enables high-speed image processing and rapid data transfer through the cameras' USB interface. The PowerShot A10 and A20 take advantage of this feature by offering a Direct Print mode that enables users to print hard-copy images using Canon's new CP-10 printer. The
CP-10 makes printing from digital files simple and fun by allowing users to control all print settings directly from the camera's LCD monitor. Printer data is then transferred to the CP-10 directly through a dedicated interface cable. The new, ultra-compact printer produces beautiful, 300 x 300 dpi credit card-sized color prints in as little as 56 seconds. The CP-10 can also be used to print eight miniature copies of the same image on one sticker sheet, adding a new dimension of fun for everyone. Each sticker measures approximately 0.9 x 0.7-inches.

High-resolution 3x Optical Zoom Lens

The PowerShot A10 and A20 cameras are equipped with a newly-developed 5.4-16.2mm f/2.7-4.8 (equivalent to 35-105mm in 35mm format) 3x zoom lens which is ideal for a wide range of picture-taking situations from landscapes to portraits. The all-glass lens is designed using 9 elements in 7 groups, including one highly-refractive, glass-molded aspherical element. The aspherical element effectively suppresses distortion and provides high resolution.

Powered by AA-Batteries

To help reduce the overall size of other PowerShot-series cameras, Canon elected to use lithium-ion batteries. However, the PowerShot A10 and A20 are powered by four AA-size batteries. This decision was based on the type of consumers interested in these new cameras and also because AA batteries are relatively inexpensive and much more readily available when compared to other batteries, making their replacement more economical and convenient.

Additional Camera Features

The PowerShot A10 and A20 both feature three-point AiAF autofocus system for fast and accurate focusing, exposure compensation up to +/- 2 stops in 1/3-stop increments, and Auto White Balance with manual overrides for various types of light such as daylight, cloudy, tungsten and fluorescent.


The new cameras also include shutter speed capabilities from 1 second to 1/1500 second; an improved primary color filter array with adaptive signal processing for outstanding color reproduction; automatic ISO adjustment based on the brightness of the scene; a selection of 9 image quality (resolution/compression) modes; a real-image optical zoom viewfinder; single and continuous shooting up to 1.7 frames per second; Macro and infinity modes for close-ups and landscapes; Auto Play mode for slide shows; DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) support; Stitch Assist for panoramic images and a built-in flash unit with red-eye reduction and slow-sync modes for greater flash flexibility. The PowerShot A20 is also equipped with switchable NTSC/PAL video output.

Image Management Software

Bundled with a comprehensive suite of programs enabling image management, editing, compositing and printing, the PowerShot A10 and A20 come with Apple QuickTime 4.1, Canon RemoteCapture 1.3, and PhotoStitch 3.1 for both Macintosh and Windows, as well as Canon ZoomBrowser EX 2.6, PhotoRecord 1.2 and WIA and TWAIN drivers for Windows, plus ImageBrowser 1.6 and a Photoshop-compatible plug-in for the Mac. Features integrated in both ZoomBrowser EX 2.6 and ImageBrowser 1.6 include TimeTunnel and SlideShowMaker. When using ZoomBrowser EX 2.6 or ImageBrowser 1.6, users can take advantage of new and improved features for auto layout printing, self-running full-screen slide shows, and automated preparation of images for use as e-mail attachments.

Accessories and Availability

A number of new and exciting accessories are available for the PowerShot A10 and A20 cameras including a Wide Conversion Lens (WC-DC52) that, when attached to the A10 or A20, create a wide angle effect equivalent to 24.5mm (35mm format). The conversion Lens Adapter (LA-DC52) is required for use with the wide angle adapter. In addition, the camera's will also accept Canon's 250D close-up lens along with any 52mm filter for special effects.

A new underwater housing will allow the camera's to go as deep as 100 feet and is ideal for the beach and in any weather condition. A compact power adapter and rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and charger will also be available. The Canon PowerShot A10 and A20, as well as the PowerShot A10 Photo Print Kit will be available at authorized Canon dealers in the second quarter, 2001 and have the following suggested retail prices:

PowerShot A10 $499.*
PowerShot A20 $599.*
CPK-A10 Photo Print Kit $699.*


*All prices subject to change without notice.


About Canon U.S.A.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions that give people the Know How to access the latest technology. The company's comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital and analog copiers (color and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems, and facsimile machines; camcorders, cameras and lenses; and semiconductor, broadcast and medical equipment. Canon employs 12,000 people at more than 30 facilities throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.


# # #


All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.