Canon has added five new PowerShot cameras to its 2015 line-up. Aimed at refreshing the entry-level end of the firm's compact camera offering, the new models include pocketable point-and-shoots, compact super-zooms and a bridge camera which boasts a massive 24-1200-mm equivalent lens.
Three of the newly-announced cameras are part of Canon's SX Series, meaning that despite coming in a variety of shapes and styles they each feature super-zoom lenses. The new SX cameras all use 1/2.3-inch type CMOS sensors, feature built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing, optical image stabilization to help reduce the number of blurred shots, and are capable of recording Full HD 1080p video footage.
The most pocketable of the trio is the PowerShot SX610 HS which is styled like a small compact camera but still packs a 25-450-mm equivalent F3.8-F6.9 lens, and a 20.2-megapixel sensor. On the back is a 3-inch LCD with 922k dots, and the camera offers a number of features aimed at beginner photographers like Auto Zoom, which helps frame a subject. This model will come in red, white or black.
Moving up slightly in size, the PowerShot SX710 HS (above) also features a longer 25-750-mm equivalent F3.2-F6.9 zoom lens. This is paired with a 20.3-megapixel sensor, and Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor for improved low-light performance. On the back is a 3-inch 922k-dot LCD, and the SX710 HS can record Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps, compared to the maximum 30 fps of the SX610 HS.
The remaining update to the SX line is the PowerShot SX530 HS, a DSLR-styled bridge camera which boasts a huge 24-1200 mm equivalent F3.4-F6.5 lens. However, while the SX530 HS is bigger and more expensive than the other new SX models, its specifications aren't better across the board. For example, its sensor is of the 16-megapixel variety, and the camera uses the DIGIC 4+ image processor.
The rear 3-inch LCD on the SX530 HS only has 461k dots compared to the higher resolution of its stable-mates. Full HD 1080p video recording is also limited to a maximum frame-rate of 30 fps. This means the massive zoom is the main reason to opt for the SX530 HS over the other SX cameras.
Also announced were two PowerShot ELPH cameras, the ELPH 160 and ELPH 170 IS, which are designed to appeal to users who want a small and reasonably stylish compact camera that's easy to use. The pair share a number of key specifications, including 20-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, 2.7-inch LCD monitors with 230k dots, and HD 720p recording which maxes out at 25 fps.
Indeed the main difference between the budget-friendly cameras is the lens. The ELPH 160 has a 28-224-mm equivalent F3.2-F6.9, while the ELPH 170 IS (above) has a more versatile 25-300-mm F3.6-F7 which goes both wider and longer, and has the benefit of optical image stabilization to help when shooting at telephoto lengths or with slower shutter speeds. Color options also differ with the ELPH 160 coming in black, white, silver and red, while the ELPH 170 IS will be available in blue, silver and black.
All of the new PowerShot cameras will hit stores in February, with prices of US$250 for the SX610 HS, $350 for the SX710 HS and $430 for the SX530 HS. The ELPH cameras will set you back $120 for the ELPH 160 and $150 for the ELPH 170 IS.
Product pages: PowerShot SX530 HS, SX710 HS, SX610, ELPH 170 IS, ELPH 160
