Canon U.S.A. Inc. on Wednesday introduced is new PowerShot A80 digital camera. The 4-megapixel digital camera features a 3X optical zoom and supports PictBridge, a new multi-vendor standard for direct printing. The camera is headed for retailers in October and carries a list price of US$499.
The PowerShot A80 weighs 8.8 ounces and uses AA-sized batteries and CompactFlash Type I flash media to store images. It can download files to iPhoto directly through Mac OS X using a USB cable.
The camera sports a 14-mode command dial and an integrated LCD monitor that’s viewable up to 270 degrees, according to Canon. It also includes an “Intelligent Orientation Sensor” that automatically rotates vertical-format shots. The camera also features iSAPS (an acronym for “Intelligent Space Analysis based on Photographic Space”), a technology developed by Canon that adjusts focusing distance, exposure and white balance based on zoom focal length, light level and tonal data.
PictBridge enables digital cameras to print directly to compatible printers without needing to download images to a computer first. In addition to PictBridge, the PowerShot A80 supports direct printing to any Canon dye-sub or Bubble Jet Direct-compatible printer.