PowerShot G1 X Mark II heads Canon's compact camera line-up

With its large 1.5-inch type sensor and 24-120-mm F2.0-F3.9 lens, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II is the latest flagship compact camera from Canon, and it could be something special. It also boasts built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, a tilt-able touchscreen and promises to deliver the sort of image quality normally associated with interchangeable lens cameras and DSLRs.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

Following on from the original PowerShot G1 X, the updated version also squeezes in a much larger sensor than is usual for an optical zoom compact camera. This time it's a 1.5-inch type (18.7 x 14.0 mm) CMOS sensor which has a default 12.8 megapixel resolution in 3:2 ratio, but it also shoots 4:3 ratio at 13.1 megapixel.

The sensor is paired with a 5x F2-F3.9 optical zoom lens which gives a 35-mm-format focal length equivalent of 24-120-mm. It's capable of macro shooting at a distance of as little as 5 cm (1.97 inches) and features a 9-blade aperture for a pleasing background blur. The camera also makes use of Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor.

As you would expect from an enthusiast-focused camera, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II is able to shoot in RAW or JPEG, and records Full HD video at 1080p 30 fps. It has an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 and can shoot full resolution stills at a respectable 5.2 fps. There's also built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy remote shooting, sharing and backing up.

While it's a compact camera by name, the G1 X Mark II is only likely to fit in the biggest of trouser pockets … it measures a chunky 116.3 x 74.0 x 66.2 mm (4.6 x 2.9 x 2.6 inches). As such it's targeted at DSLR or mirrorless shooters who want to travel light, but without giving up too much in image quality. Around the back there's a tilt-able three-inch touchscreen LCD with 1,040k dots – but for people who prefer composing shots with a viewfinder, the camera is compatible with the EVF-DC1 electronic viewfinder.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II is due to go on sale in March for a price of US$800

PowerShot D30

Capable of shooting underwater at depths of 25 meters (82 ft) the Canon PowerShot D30 is billed as the world’s deepest waterproof compact camera. The rugged camera is also shockproof for drops of up to 2.0m (6.5 ft), freeze proof to -10°C (14°F), and dust-proof. Clearly aimed at people with an active lifestyle, it also has built-in GPS.

The 12 megapixel 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS sensor is paired with a 5x optical zoom F3.9-F4.8 lens which give the 35-mm-format focal length equivalent of 28-140-mm. On the rear of the PowerShot D30 is a three-inch LCD with 461k dots and the camera can shoot Full HD video at 1080p 30 fps.

Due to be released in April, the PowerShot D30 will cost $330.

PowerShot SX700 HS

The PowerShot SX700 HS is Canon's s slimmest camera ever to include a 30x optical zoom. In this case it offers a stabilized 25-750-mm (equivalent) F3.2-F6.9 lens, which retracts into the camera body measuring just 34.8 mm (1.37 inches) deep. This is paired with a 16.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS sensor and Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor.

There are a selection of manual shooting modes available, and the SX700 HS is also capable of shooting Full HD video at 1080p 60 fps. Wi-Fi with NFC support makes it easy to set up for remote shooting or sharing with compatible smartphones and tablets. On the rear of the camera there's a three-inch LCD monitor with 922k dots.

The PowerShot SX700 HS is due to sell for $350 when it becomes available in March.

Product pages: PowerShot G1 X Mark II, D30, SX700 HS