Canon is one of the best selling brands worldwide, and the Powershot series defines Canon in today's digital camera markets. Launched in 1995, the first Powershots were quite primitive compared to the cameras we have today. However, at that time, digital cameras were an amazing innovation. Though high-priced and crude, the cameras were purchased by professionals and those who could afford them. Soon, Canon realised the inherent of digital cameras, and lowered prices, targeting home users and amateur photographers.
In 1998, the Powershot A-series was launched. These were easy-to-use point and click cameras with very basic features and specifications. For example, the very first model in the A series, the A5, was a 1 megapixel camera that came with a fixed 2-inch Lcd screen, a 35mm lens and compact Flash (Cf) memory cards. It did not have zoom capabilities. The next model, the A5 Zoom, had the same features as the A5, but the lens was movable, allowing users to pan and zoom.
Progressively, each subsequent model was redesigned and improved upon. Better hand-grips, sufficient body design, more light-weight cameras, higher resolution photographs, Better zoom capabilities, improved Lcd display screens, new features, Better compatibility with computers, file sharing features, auto-focus, image stabilization and face-detection or red-eye allowance were added to subsequent models. The A series became insanely popular.
Canon simultaneously released the D series, the E series, the G series and the S series. These were aimed at distinct customer groups - the S series was for professionals, the G series for semi-professionals, the D and E series for amateurs and home-users. The S series was expanded to contain wide-angle and ultra-zoom cameras with interchangeable lenses and very developed features. Though expensive, these cameras offer very high photo quality, and suit the needs of professional photographers.
The history of the Powershot series is very interesting. The transition from the primitive A5 cameras to the S series powered by the Digic Iv processor is fascinating.
