Canon's PowerShot A100, which has direct print capabilities and is described as the entry point to the company's digital camera line-up, is now available in the Middle East.

"Digital is rapidly becoming the format for choice for consumers in the Middle East," said Gordon Jones, president of Canon Middle East. "While 35mm traditional cameras are still extremely popular with those who want the image fidelity of film, many of our customers love the convenience of digital... you can swap images easily over the Internet, and Canon's direct print technology makes producing hardcopy prints quick and easy. The new PowerShot A100 gives buyers Canon quality, at a really affordable price."

Canon image processing expertise in the PowerShot A100 optimises output from the 1.2M pixel CCD sensor to create images that are ideal for use on websites or emailing. The bright F2.8 lens ensures pictures that are clear and sharp.

"Packed with Canon's innovative technology, this camera makes it unbelievably simple to take great digital photos. An example of this is the latest intelligent three-point focusing system, AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus), featured in the A100," Canon said in a press release.

"With AiAF the subject is always in focus, no matter where they are in the frame: simply point and shoot for great digital images. The PowerShot A100 is not just a still camera; it is also capable of capturing short video clips for memories that last just a little longer.

"Going digital means easy connectivity between the camera and the PC's USB port for a new way to enjoy a whole new world of digital imaging. Canon's software suite for PC/Mac includes user-friendly Canon ZoomBrowser EX, PhotoStitch and PhotoRecord.

"The PowerShot A100 takes advantage of Canon's pioneering technology by being directly connectable to the ground-breaking Canon Direct Printers."

The card photo printer CP-10 is ideally suited for credit card-size prints and stickers while the new CP-100 also has the capability for printing 10x15 cm photos.

"Canon's direct printers CP-100 and CP-10 are the easiest way to get superb photo prints from a Canon digital camera in no time at all. By simply connecting the digital camera to the direct printer by means of a dedicated cable and selecting an image, a perfect print can up to 10x15cm in size be created and passed around in just over 80 seconds," the company said.

The PowerShot A100 supports Exif Print.

Canon is a world-leading innovator and manufacturer of advanced, market-driven imaging solutions for individuals and businesses. The company operates in two clearly defined markets: consumer business solutions (colour and black & white copiers, colour laser beam printers, document image management systems, projector and software solution) and consumer imaging product (photo, video and digital camera products, printers, scanners, fax, personal copiers and calculators).

Canon employs more than 80,000 people around the world.