Why do Canon cameras have more than one name?
2007/05/25 10:50:02
With the help of your Web site I've decided my new camera will be a Canon Digital IXUS 800. However, I've also seen it referred to as a Powershot SD 700. Some cameras have PowerShot on the front (tending to be a bit cheaper) and some have IXUS. Is there a difference?
-- Submitted by: Kay
Answer by:
Mary Lojkine
Canon uses different model names in different regions, based on the likes and dislikes of the relevant markets. For example, the Canon EOS 400D is the Canon Digital Rebel XTi in the US and the Canon EOS Kiss Digital X in Japan.
The marketing department also has a difficult relationship with numbers. When it launched the first EOS (film) SLR, back in 1987, it was called the EOS 650 -- because 650 is, obviously, a completely logical starting point for a new range of cameras. Although you can find meaningful patterns in some product categories, it's best not to read too much into any of the names and numbers.
In Australia (and the UK), Canon uses both PowerShot and Digital IXUS for digital compact cameras, whereas in the US it has PowerShot and PowerShot SD ranges. The numbering system also changes, so our Digital IXUS 800 IS is the equivalent of the American PowerShot SD 700 IS.
The two cameras are basically the same, although there may be some small differences in terms of charging voltage, accessories and so on. Your main concern should be the warranty, because the US camera will come with a US warranty. We asked a Canon representative to clarify the situation and were told that most Canon products purchased within Australia, including digital compact and digital SLR cameras, are sold with an Australian warranty.
This means that a product purchased in Australia, which has an Australian warranty, could be repaired in Australia under the terms of that warranty. However, many Canon products sold elsewhere in the world are intended specifically for those markets. Because there can be variances in specification, parts, voltage, operating protocols etc, an American or European warranty, for example, would not be valid in Australia.
"We strongly advise consumers who want to buy their product on the Internet to ensure the terms of their purchase (eg price, country of origin, warranty) are very clear, and that they are happy with those terms, before committing."
So, assuming you aren't planning on moving to the US, the Digital IXUS 800 IS will be easier to get hold of and offer you greater peace of mind.
You might also like to consider the Digital IXUS 850 IS, a follow-up model that has a wider lens and a higher resolution of 7.1 megapixels. To further complicate your life, Canon has recently announced the Digital IXUS 950 IS, an 8-megapixel model with a similar lens to the Digital IXUS 800 IS.
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Maureen
20/06/2007 05:11 PM
Thank you Mary. I am an Australian volunteer working in central Viet Nam for two years and within the first month have had my camera, iPod and VOIP phone stolen from my house. I am looking at replacement cameras available here in Hue but using reviews from Australia and the USA for guidance. Is a Canon IXUS 75 the same as a Powershot SD 750?
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