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Canon PowerShot Pro1

New level of sophistication takes over the top spot in the PowerShot line.

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Page 1:Intro and Highlights

Review First Posted: 05/14/2004

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8.0-megapixel CCD for 3,264 x 2,448 pixel images
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7x optical zoom lens, 28-200mm equiv., f/2.4-3.5 (First L-series lens in a PowerShot!)
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Auto, Scene Program, Program, and Manual exposure modes
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Unique tilt/swivel LCD panel
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EVF/LCD works down to very low light levels

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Manufacturer Overview

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The PowerShot Pro1 is the latest in a long and highly popular line of Canon digicams. Canon U.S.A. has long been a dominant player in the film and digital camera markets, well-known for their high-quality optics, technical innovations, and aggressive product development. Over the last few years, they've developed a powerful lineup of digital cameras, ranging from surprisingly feature-rich entry-level models, all the way to the extreme high end of professional digital SLRs. At the high end of their consumer line, the PowerShot G2, G3, and G5 have been perennial favorites on the Imaging Resource website, while at the lower end, last year's PowerShot A70 was the most popular camera on the entire site. In the SLR realm, they revolutionized the industry in 2003 with the introduction of the Digital Rebel, the first d-SLR to sell for under $1000. With the introduction of the 8 megapixel Pro1, the PowerShot line has a new flagship model, with a unique 7x zoom lens, ultrasonic focus motor, and an EVF/LCD viewfinder combination. Read on for all the details!

High Points

  • 8.0-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as high as 3,264 x 2,448 pixels.
  • Electronic viewfinder (EVF) and 2.0-inch, color LCD monitor with swivel design.
  • 7x optical zoom, 7.2-50.8mm f/2.4-3.4 lens (equivalent to a 28-200mm lens on a 35mm camera) with auto and manual focus.
  • First L-series lens used in a PowerShot camera, includes Fluorite, UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and Aspherical elements.
  • Ultrasonic focus and zoom motor.
  • Continuously adjustable AF area, and focus bracketing mode.
  • Digital telephoto as high as 3.2x.
  • Full Automatic, Program AE, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual exposure modes, as well as three preset exposure modes, Stitch Assist, Movie mode, and two user-programmable modes.
  • Manually adjustable aperture settings from f/2.4 to f/8, depending on zoom setting.
  • Built-in neutral-density filter can be switched in via the shooting menu. (Standard brightness decreased to 1/8.)
  • Manually adjustable shutter speed settings from 1/4,000 to 15 seconds.
  • Variable light sensitivity: Auto, 50, 100, 200, or 400 ISO equivalents.
  • Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average and Spot metering modes, with an adjustable Spot area.
  • Spot metering optionally tied to adjustable AF area.
  • White Balance adjustment with nine settings, including two separate "custom" options.
  • Built-in flash with five operating modes, flash metering is TTL (through the lens).
  • External flash hot shoe.
  • Flash system supports full wireless capabilities of EOS speedlights, via optional Canon wireless transmitter.
  • Flash system supports optional ringlight and Macro Twin Light accessory flash units.
  • Continuous Shooting (normal and high-speed), Stitch-Assist, Auto Exposure Bracketing, and Movie recording modes.
  • Contrast, Sharpness, and Saturation adjustment.
  • Vivid Color, Neutral Color, Low Sharpening, B&W, and Sepia options.
  • Remote control and utilities for operating the camera from a computer.
  • JPEG and RAW still image file formats, movies saved as AVI / Motion JPEGs.
  • Images saved to CompactFlash Type I or II memory cards.
  • DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
  • USB cable for high-speed connection to a computer.
  • Canon Digital Camera software included, as well as ArcSoft Camera Suite 2.0.
  • Powered by Canon BP-511A rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, with CG-580 charger included.

 

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