Canon's DIGIC Image Processor significantly enhances Canon's 
digital camera performance in a number of areas. The DIGIC 
processor packs almost every function needed in a digital camera 
into one chip: JPEG compression/ expansion; memory-card control; 
LCD/Video control/processing; imaging control (control of CCD periphery); 
AE, AF, AWB control and more. By combining super-fast signal 
architecture and a high capacity buffer, Canon's DIGIC Imaging Processor 
can perform advanced, high precision data computations at lightening speeds.

The result is enhanced picture quality, with beautifully rich colour 
rendition and far fewer white saturation problems. And DIGIC's 
unequaled precision delivers clear, noise free images that are 
demonstrably superior. 

Other benefits from DIGIC's superior processing speed include 
improved auto-focus accuracy, super-fast camera response and continuous 
shooting capability unmatched by other digital cameras. As well, 
large-capacity buffering, low power consumption and longer battery 
all stem from DIGIC's processing speed.

Canon iSAPS

Orientation Sensor + Evaluative Metering

FlexiZone AF/AE Control

FlexiZone AF/AE Control is new to the PowerShot G3 and S45. It allows 
for the flexible selection of an AF/AE frame within a portion of the 
image. This frame can be moved to one of almost 300 positions.

9-point AiAF

Canon's previous 3-point AiAF has now been expanded to nine points 
in a 3 x 3 rectangle. The camera will highlight the active AF points 
on the camera screen when AF lock is achieved.

The Digic II processor is much speedier than the G5's Digic I.

The ultra-high performance DIGIC II imaging engine speeds up the 
processing, compression, display and write times for each image, 
all with low power consumption.

New Signal processing algorithms work with multichannel signals 
from the sensor and the high-speed DDR-SDRAM 
(Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) buffer to 
deliver dramatically improved camera response.

The results are remarkable speed increases in camera control, 
fast auto-focus, extended high quality movies, rapid start-up times, 
quicker direct printing and data transfer, faster frame rates and larger 
maximum bursts. Playback is as fast as flicking through an album; 
you will never again experience the frustration of staring at the 
camera LCD screen waiting for images to appear.

Higher Image Quality

With the DIGIC II Image Processor on board, photographers can 
expect precise, natural colours and spot-on white balance in any number 
of lighting situations.

DIGIC II handles all the complex algorithms required for accurate 
colour rendering and enhanced image quality, precision white balance 
and metering. Colour reproduction is significantly better, with more 
natural rendition of bright, high-saturation subjects; more precise 
auto white balance and wider dynamic range in highlight areas. 
Colour accuracy and noise performance in low light have also been much 
improved.

Prior to DIGIC II, three separate chips were required to run the camera. 
With the advent of DIGIC II the abilities of those three chips were 
consolidated into a single chip. The reduction in parts has led to 
an overall more compact design.

Digic III delivering superior image quality, ultra-responsive 
performance and extended battery life. DIGIC III provides a speedier 
interface for the G7's SD memory card as well as higher definition for 
its LCD monitor.

DIGIC III also empowers new Face Detection AF/AE, which finds all 
the faces in the frame and sets the most suitable focus point, when the 
shutter button is depressed half-way. Exposure and flash are controlled 
to ensure proper illumination of both the faces and the overall scene, 
eliminating the common problem of darkened or overexposed faces.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology 
developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of 
thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC III Image 
Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and 
white balance.

Canon claims improvements such as:

    * Much faster image processing when compared to previous processors
    * Improved noise reduction in high-ISO images
    * Improved performance while handling larger 14-bit RAW images
    * Live Face Detection AF during Live View
    * H.264 1080p encoding.

Nikon D3

Nikon D700 $2260

12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor

For most people, the D300 is just as good. The biggest difference is 
speed for shooting action, and inferior low-light performance. 

Nikon D300S $1500

The D300S is a compact DX format professional SLR that extends the options 
for photographers who value creative flexibility. 
It boasts a highly sensitive 12.3 mega-pixel CMOS sensor and supports a 
phenomenal 7fps continuous shooting.

Nikon P7000

Nikon D90

Nikon D70

Nikon D5000

Nikon D3000