Dumb question

[Captain Jim]

Can I assume (you know what happens when you assume) that for example an A590 is a newer model than say an A570 and so on?
I get sooooo confused with all the different models & letters.

[Jon]

Well, the A590's a newer model than the A570, and generally the A5xx models have progressed that way; the A6xx have also. But when you get into the SD models all bets are off (and don't get me started on the three different family names they give them depending on whether they're North America, Japan, or everywhere else!).

[Captain Jim]

Alright...what are SD Models & how do the various models differ. Do the letters actually mean something?

[Jon]

Well, every SD model ever made uses SD cards, so maybe . . . OTOH, outside North America they're not called "SD", but are just part of the "Digital Ixus" line; in Japan they're part of the "IXY" line along with all the other models bearing the "Elph" tag in the Americas.

[Captain Jim]

But my A590 uses an SD card so why wouldn't that be an SD series......I'm so confused.....LOL

[Jon]

The SD series are basically the devolution of the earlier S series. Aside from the universal use of SD cards , other characteristics are the use of a lithium rechargeable (not unique to the SD, but every A-series camera uses AA cells) battery and, until the SD990, no direct control over the shutter speed or aperture.

[denncald]

You can explore all of Canon's Powershot series at this link;

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113

The A series use AA batteries, as was mentioned above. The SD series are small, shirtpocket sizes usually, and do not have some of the manual controls available in the A series (except the SD990 now offers a fully manual mode).

The G and S series have more features on them, such as longer zooms, more manual controls, and fit more of a prosumer concept (cross between a professional model and a consumer model).

Dennis