Canon has introduced three new design-oriented digital cameras. The 7.1- and 5-megapixel PowerShot SD550 and SD450 Digital ELPH models have 2.5-inch LCD viewing screens, while maintaining their slim profiles.

Additional features of the new models include 3x optical zoom lenses, four new scene modes, compositional grid lines, 30 fps VGA/60 fps QVGA movie recording with sound, movie playback at varying speeds, slide show transition effects and menu shortcuts.

Also new is the SD30 Digital ELPH, with a 5-megapixel CCD, a retractable 2.4x optical zoom lens (38-90mm equivalent) and 4x digital zoom. The SD30 also features a 1.8-inch LCD screen, 16 shooting modes and three movie modes.

The three new models include Digic II imaging processors, designed to enhance picture definition, vibrancy and quality while increasing the speed of the cameras' startup, autofocus, shutter response, playback and image processing speed.

The PowerShot SD550 and SD450 Digital ELPH cameras will sell for $499 and $399, respectively. The SD30 Digital ELPH camera has an estimated price of $399.