Our Flashback Friday articles bring back colorful, retro point-and-shoot digital cameras from the early 2000s. These chic ultracompact cameras have a fashionable aesthetic and complete portability. They also deliver a “different imaging experience” from today’s cameras. These retro P&S cameras are experiencing a renaissance among photographers of all ages. You can find them in camera stores and online retailers. Today we spotlight the Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS that debuted in February 2010.
Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS
Sleek and sophisticated with alumite finished covers, the 12.1-megapixel SD1300 IS merged standout looks with advanced technology of the time. The user-friendly camera features a Canon 28–112mm f/2.8–5.9 (equivalent), 4x optical zoom lens. It’s perfect for group photos and landscapes at its widest setting as well as portraits or shooting distant subjects using the zoom. Moreover, Canon’s optical image stabilizer (IS) counters camera shake, to prevent image blur.a
It’s 2010 advanced tech includes Smart Auto with Scene Detection technology that automatically detects the scene. Recognizing 18 different scenes, it determines a range of shooting conditions—such as portrait, landscape or macro—and applies the best settings. Further, i-Contrast analyses images for optimized exposure, adding light and detail to dark sections of images while reducing blowout in brighter areas.
Additionally, Motion Detection technology combats blur by monitoring camera shake, brightness and subject movement. It automatically sets the shutter speed and ISO to deliver blur-free results. Add to that Face Detection technology, which identifies 35 faces, so the camera captures subjects well exposed and in focus.
Other features include a 2.7-inch LCD; auto red-eye correction; as well as a FaceSelf-Timer that makes group shots and self-portraits easier. This function uses face detection to activate the shutter. Instead of you setting a timer and rushing into position, FaceSelf-Timer monitors the scene and waits for an additional face to appear before taking the photo!
The P&S also captures VGA movies at 30 fps with sound. What’s more, it has an integrated YouTube upload function (in the supplied CameraWindow software). And it supports SDHC/SDXC cards.
The PowerShot SD1300 IS came in silver, brown, pink and aqua. Measuring 3.6×2.2×0.8 inches, it weighs just 4.9 ounces. SRP at launch: $199.99.
