Canon Intros 10 New PowerShot Cameras

By Chris Maxcer

Canon’s new PowerShot digital camera lineup for spring 2009 boasts 10 new models, offering consumers a range of form factors, features, and prices. The hottest of the bunch is the 10 megapixel, PowerShot SX1 IS 20x superzoom with full HD 1080p video recording. The SX1 IS was previously only (and inexplicably) available in some international markets. Superzoom enthusiasts will be able to snag one in the United States as soon as April.

Other standouts include the SX200 IS, which is a pocketable powerhouse that offers a respectable 12x optical zoom lens and a 720p HD movie mode, and the new waterproof, freeze proof, and shockproof PowerShot D10. It’s an ugly thing — seriously — but it looks tough.

Canon says that most of its PowerShot cameras for 2009 feature the company’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor, which is a chip that “paves the way for a host of features” including Canon’s new Smart AUTO, which helps the cameras intelligently select the proper camera settings based on the specific shooting conditions of each scene.

Using data derived from Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization, Genuine Face Detection and Motion Detection Technologies, Canon says Smart AUTO automatically adjusts settings, including brightness and hue, during various shooting situations.

Another new feature with some models is Canon’s Blink Detection Technology, which uses the Face Detection function to display an icon after shooting with a warning that someone’s eyes were closed — hence the “blink”. It’s a handy feature for quick snapshots and family gatherings alike.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera is a 10.0 megapixel unit that features a CMOS image sensor and 1080p HD widescreen movie mode. Other superzooms only offer 720p HD movie recording or even lower. The lens is a 20x wide-angle optical zoom lens (equivalent to 28-560 mm) with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization.

The backside boasts a 2.8-inch vari-angle wide-format LCD for on-camera viewing and editing. The previous international version limited shooters to JPEG images, but Canon has upgraded the firmware to include RAW shooting (and previous owners will be able to download a free upgrade).

It has a handy built-in HDMI connector, which makes it easy to plug into HDTVs. It’ll ship in April for about $599, which seems a bit steep compared to most other superzooms on the market. Still, the SX1 IS has two microphones for stereo audio recording in movie mode, an

d it has one button that launches the SX1 above its competitors: it boasts an easy-to-find, easy-to-press red recording button that will let you start recording movies instantly — there’s no need to fumble with a dial to find and select a little video camera icon. This button is wicked cool. No doubt about that.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

For those who would rather have a more pocketable camera than the superzoom form factor allows, Canon’s SX200 IS offers a 12x Optical Zoom lens and wide-angle lens (28-336 mm equivalent) with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization. This 12.1 megapixel camera also features a 720p HD movie mode. It’s available in black, blue, and red, and it’ll ship at the end of March for about $349.

Canon PowerShot D10

For consumers looking for a rugged camera, Canon’s new D10 should be able to handle poor treatment in foul weather — it’s waterproof, freeze proof, and shockproof. The first of its kind for Canon, the D10 comes equipped with a 12.1 megapixel resolution and a 3x Optically Stabilized Zoom lens. You can dunk it in water down to 33 feet under, and it’s freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The D10 looks like a rounded funky sort of oval, and while you might want to toss it around the beach like a football, it’s only shockproof to a four-foot drop. The color is a sickly tealish sort of color, but Canon says it’ll have some optional accessory straps, face plates, and a carabineer for it. You can snag one in May for about $329.

Canon PowerShot SD970 IS, SD960 IS, and SD780 IS

These Canon PowerShots offer a nice set of features in attractive colors at reasonable price points. The 12.1 megapixel SD970 has a 5x Optical Zoom lens with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization, a 3.0-inch LCD screen, Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology, and a 720p HD Movie Mode with built-in HDMI connector for easy HDTV viewing. It also has an interesting Zoom Blur effect that lets users zoom during exposure to create a haze-like effect to the image. It will be available in mid-April for about $379.

The SD960 comes in four subtle hues, including silver, blue, pinkand gold, and is equipped with a simple button layout. It, too, has Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology, a 12.1 megapixel resolution, shoots 720p HD video, and has an HDMI port. Its wide-angle lens will zoom to 4x, with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization. It will be available in early March for about $329.99.

The SD780 has a slim form and drops the Optical Zoom down to 3x. It comes in black, red, silver, or gold and will be available in mid-March for about $279.

Canon PowerShot SD1200, A2100 IS, A1100 IS and A480 Digital Cameras

Canon introduced four other new entry-level models –the PowerShot SD1200, A2100 IS, A1100 IS and A480. They are all solid point-and-shoots. Enough said.

Amazon.com Hover Links:

• Canon PowerShot SX1IS 10 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch LCD
• Canon PowerShot SX200IS 12 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD LCD (Black)
• Canon PowerShot SD970IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD LCD (Silver)
• Canon PowerShot SD960IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch LCD (Silver)
• Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Deep Red)
• Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Orange)

Filed Under: Camera & Video • Featured

Tags: Canon • D10 • PowerShot • SD970 • SX1 • SX200