Canon ELPH Z3 APS Camera

Measuring 3.9 x 2.0 x 1.3-inches and weighing only 5.3 ounces, the new ELPH Z3 is so small it can be taken everywhere. The exterior is made from aluminum alloy and chrome-plated parts and houses some of the most advanced camera features found in any Advanced Photo System camera. The Z3 incorporates a 23.5-54mm f/4.8-7.6 zoom lens (29.4-67.5mm equivalent with 35mm). The lens is constructed using 6 elements in 6 groups, including a molded aspherical lens element. This optical design contributes to the camera's small size and provides excellent image quality over the entire range of the zoom lens.

The ELPH Z3 uses a newly-developed 7-zone, 3-point AiAF CMOS passive autofocus system which can immediately identify the main subject without the need to lock focus and recompose the image. The AF system is designed to evaluate 3 focusing points from a total of seven in 3 stages according to the zoom position and as shooting conditions change. In order to achieve even greater efficiency and performance, a 13-segment exposure metering system is integrated onto the same chip as the autofocus sensor. The multi-segment design enables the Z3 to detect backlight and compensate for it when necessary.

The camera's built-in Light Guide flash automatically fires in low light and backlit conditions. The flash provides even illumination throughout the camera's zoom range and can be set to any one of five modes, including AUTO (with and without red-eye reduction), Flash ON, Flash OFF and Slow-Sync for combining flash photography with natural light. By using one of the camera's Custom Functions, any one of the five flash functions can be set as the default mode.

Two new Custom Functions have been added to the Z3 model. Now users can set the camera for "Center 1-Point Focusing" and "Continuous Shooting" at 0.8 frames per second. Additionally, the camera includes a large LCD panel that can be illuminated for easy viewing of camera settings in low light. By pushing a button, the LCD panel will remain illuminated for approximately 10 seconds.

Advanced Photo System features of the Canon ELPH Z3 include: a real-image viewfinder with built-in masks for producing three Print Aspect Ratios ("C" or Classic, "HDTV" or wide-angle and "P" or Panorama); easy drop-in film loading; and Magnetic Information Exchange (IX), which allows specific information to be written or read by the camera with any Advanced Photo System film cartridge. Magnetic IX features include Mid-Roll Change (MRC); Print Quantity designation; date and time-recording capabilities for backprinting without infringing on the elements within the photograph; and Print Quality Improvement (PQI) for outstanding photofinishing prints.

The Canon ELPH Z3 Advanced Photo System camera will be available in March for $260.

SOURCE Businesswire