• First back-illuminated CMOS sensor Canon camera
• Other features

Photo: Canon

Canon have taken the old Canon S90 digital camera and revamped it with some low-light sensitivity to come up with the Canon Powershot SD4000 IS. The digital camera forms part of Canon’s new Digital ELPH series and contains a better camera sensor than the one used in the S90 digital camera for dark settings.

First back-illuminated CMOS sensor Canon camera

It’s the first time that Canon has used a back illuminated CMOS sensor, opening the Canon SD4000 to a brand new world of photographic opportunities with new features like high speed frame capture at 8.4 fps and high speed movie shooting mode at 240 fps. The main feature which Canon are really pushing is the camera’s new larger lens aperture measuring in at f/2.0 which allows more light into the camera allowing for the camera to be used in tough low light environments.

Other features

Other new features to be included on the SD4000 which missed out on the S90 are the ability to capture video in HD at 720p and also in slow motion. Also included is ‘aperture and shooter-priority modes’ but the camera doesn’t allow for manual control and no RAW shooting. Also removed from the new Canon digital camera is the control dial on the camera which made the Canon S90 a real joy to use.

The Canon Powershot SD4000 IS can be fully personalized and is available in red, black or silver. The digital camera is currently being planned for release towards the end of May and should go for sale at around $349 (about £235). Another limited edition Canon digital camera will be made available by Canon later on in the year. However, it seems that the Canon SD4000 is already facing stiff competition from the Sony Alpha series which was recently launched and offers the same type of low light sensitivity shooting. Full specs are available here.