Background

The Canon Powershot Pro1 was the first installment in the Powershot series. It was introduced in 2004 and was discontinued in 2006.

The Powershot Pro1 features a seven times optical zoom and captures images at 8.0 megapixels. It was the first fixed lens camera that featured a Canon L series lens. This is significant because the L series lenses, normally found in Canon’s electro-focus cameras, are more durable and feature higher optic quality than the lenses found in Canon’s lower-end cameras.

One of Powershot Pro1’s key features is its auto-focus capabilities. The auto-focus system uses through-the-lens passive phase detection. This works by using a beam splitter to direct light to the AF sensor. The value read by the sensor is then used to determine whether the desired object is in the front or back focus position. Another useful feature is the remote sensor which allows the user to operate the camera from approximately 5 meters away using a wireless controller.

The Powershot Pro1 also has a self timer, embedded speaker and microphone, view finder, and SD card slot. These features placed it at the top of the camera hierarchy at the time of its release.

At the top of the camera there is a tiny screen, seven buttons, a knob, and a flash mount.

These controls are used to access the camera’s several features.

The back of the device consists of an LCD screen, viewfinder, six buttons, a knob, and battery/SD card compartment. The LCD screen allows the user to display photos and videos immediately after capturing the media, the viewfinder is used to assist the user in directing the camera toward the desired target, the buttons and knob are used to change device settings, and the battery/ SD card compartments allow the user to use the camera without the power adapter and store several gigabytes of media, respectively.

Identification

The PowerShot Pro1 features the labels: “Canon” directly above the lens, “PowerShot Pro1” and “8.0 Megapixels” to the left of the lens, and “7x Optical Zoom” at the bottom of the camera to the left of the lens. The model number can be found on the bottom of the camera. It is printed in black text contrasted with a white background.

Additional Information

Amazon

Wikipedia: Canon Powershot Pro1

Canon’s Official Website

Digital Photography Review

Shuttertalk Review