Canon’s newest camera, the IXUS i7, is literally changing the face of digital cameras. The 7.1 Megapixel CCD camera has a 2.4x optical zoom and 1.8 inch LCD Screen. The metal-clad camera is designed for compact use, like a pocket or small bag. It also comes in four different colors including steel gray, denim blue, dark brown, and sizzling pink.

Canon’s Face Detection AF/AE system is connected to the Digital IXUS i7 zoom in order to make people’s faces be clearer than ever with its Auto Focus and Auto Exposure. This process can automatically detect the faces of nine subjects within a frame and adjusts for a clearer, sharper picture. The camera automatically fills in the flash for strong backlighting by adjusting the exposure on the individual faces. This makes the camera ideal for parties and group photos.

Another feature is the Safety Zoom, designed to give maximum zoom magnification in shooting smaller size image without the reduced image quality. It also features 17 different shooting modes, as well as special scenes and movie modes.

Image management is handled with a special program called My Category, a method of cataloguing the shots by people, scenery, or event. These categories can be customized, but they also can be automatic, depending on the shooting mode and face detection activation. Also, the one-touch direct printing is easily managed with the camera’s Print/Share button that also acts as the shutter release. The Intelligent Orientation Sensor can automatically rotate any vertically shot photo and adjust them for the correct playback on LCD, TV, or PC.

The IXUS i7 also comes complete with a docking station that is useful as a base for printing out images. It can also use image transfer technology to beam straight into your television. The included remote control also gives you more power to select an image, or create a slideshow.

The Canon IXUS i7 should be available in October 2006, at about $470 USD.