Canon re-energises its Digital IXUS compact camera range with two new models: the Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS, which replace the Digital IXUS 960 IS and Digital IXUS 860 IS respectively. The 14.7 MP Digital IXUS 980 IS blends technical excellence with a unique, stylish black or silver design. Powered by Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 processor, it combines advanced auto features with Manual control. The Digital IXUS 980 IS offers exquisite styling and a premium build quality, finished in a choice of two colours: black or silver. A high quality lens with 3.7x zoom ensures versatility and superb results when shooting both stills and movies. Canon’s renowned optical Image Stabilizer technology counteracts camera shake for outstanding image quality. The first Digital IXUS with Manual Control, the Digital IXUS 980 IS allows shooting in more demanding conditions, or creative experimentation. A further 20 automatic modes include QuickShot, for extra-responsive shooting of fast moving objects or fleeting events. Incorporating the latest in image processing technology, DIGIC 4 delivers extraordinary noise reduction. The result is richly detailed, clean images, even when shooting at high ISO speeds. DIGIC 4 also drives exceptional processing speeds and responsive operation. Great people shots are assured with the latest Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB, even for faces on angles and far away. Face Select & Track optimises settings for a chosen person, while FaceSelf-Timer waits for you to enter the frame for great group shots. Auto Red-Eye Correction eliminates red eyes during shooting and playback. The Digital IXUS 980 IS combats blur with High ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology, which ascertains movement of both camera and subject to set the optimum ISO. Servo AF tracks moving subjects to ensure they remain in focus.

The high-quality 10.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 870 IS - finished in gold or silver - commands attention. Take panoramic shots with a 4x wide-angle zoom, and replay in stunning detail on the 3.0” PureColor LCD II. Sleek and sophisticated in gold or silver, the Digital IXUS 870 IS boasts an exceptional build quality. The 10.0 Megapixel sensor captures the finest of detail, for superb large-scale prints and creative cropping possibilities. The 4x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom lens lets you capture more in your frame – ideal for sweeping landscapes or group photos. Canon’s renowned optical Image Stabilizer technology counteracts camera shake for outstanding image quality. Incorporating the latest in image processing technology, DIGIC 4 delivers extraordinary noise reduction. The result is richly detailed, clean images, even when shooting at high ISO speeds. DIGIC 4 also drives exceptional processing speeds and responsive operation. Great people shots are assured with the latest Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB, even for faces at angles and far away. Face Select & Track optimises settings for a chosen person, while FaceSelf-Timer waits for you to enter the frame for great group shots. Auto Red-Eye Correction eliminates red eyes during shooting and playback. The Digital IXUS 870 IS combats potential blur with High ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology, which ascertains movement of both camera and subject to set the optimum ISO, whatever the shooting situation. Servo AF tracks moving subjects to ensure they remain in focus. i-Contrast analyses a scene during shooting or playback, then automatically boosts brightness. The result is improved contrast with retained detail in tricky lighting conditions. The generous 3.0" PureColor LCD II offers exceptional contrast and colour rendition, plus a wide viewing angle for easier framing, playback and menu navigation – even at angles and in bright sunlight. 19 shooting modes - including a new Sunset mode, for stunning photos at sundown - deliver great results in tricky lighting conditions.

Carl Zeiss is expanding its successful line of SLR lenses: ZE lenses with EF bayonet for all analog and digital EOS camera models. As with all EF lenses, the new ZE lenses from Carl Zeiss transfer all information exclusively via electronic contacts. This means that all exposure modes such as programmed auto exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual setting are supported. The camera’s automatic focus confirmation also remains available to an unlimited extent with these manual focus lenses. With digital SLRs, the lens data and all exposure data can also be accessed via the camera’s EXIF file. Even E-TTL flash metering is supported. The first lenses to be available will be the Planar T* 1.4/50 ZE and the Planar T* 1.4/85 ZE in the last quarter of this year. Further focal lengths will be added to the line within the next few months.

Canon strengthens its line-up of EF-series lenses with the introduction of a new fast aperture prime lens: the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM. Replacing the EF 24mm f/1.4L USM, the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM has been completely redesigned to provide an exacting partner lens to Canon’s new EOS digital SLRs, the EOS 50D and the EOS 5D MKII. Featuring a 13-element, 10-group lens, the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM is designed to achieve the highest standards of image quality. Two high-precision GMo aspheric lenses are employed to correct various forms of aberration such as curvature of field and distortion, with a floating mechanism ensuring crisp corner-to-corner detail throughout the focal range. In addition, two UD lenses reduce the chromatic aberration common in wide-angle lenses. A fast, ultra-large maximum aperture of f/1.4 delivers excellent low-light performance, with the circular aperture offering the potential for creative out-of-focus highlights. A focal length of 24mm and a USM focus motor providing full-time manual focus also make the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM ideal for situations where a wide-angle, high-performance lens is required. Reflections off a digital camera’s image sensor can compromise images with ghosting and flare. To help reduce this, the inside of EF 24mm f1.4L II USM’s front element is treated with Canon’s new Sub Wavelength structure Coating. Developed specifically to work with Canon optics, this anti-reflective coating helps reduce flare and ghosting - for consistently crisp, undistorted images. Weighing just 650g, the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM is designed to withstand the rigours of even the most testing shooting environment – with Canon’s advanced weather and dust sealing making it the perfect choice for photojournalists and landscape photographers.