Canon has updated its PowerShot camera line-up by adding wireless connectivity to a number of its popular models. Devices like the G16, S120 and SX510 HS bring Wi-Fi connectivity to previously un-connected product lines, while the Powershot N Facebook adds a dedicated Facebook connect button to the original for instant sharing of images and videos.
Canon PowerShot G16
Following on from the PowerShot G15, the new camera features a 12 megapixel 1/1.7 inch CMOS sensor and a 6.1-30.5-mm f/1.8-2.8 lens (giving a 35-mm focal length equivalent of 28-140-mm). This means that, at first glance, the G16 doesn't appear to be that much of an upgrade to its enthusiast-focused predecessor. However, there have been several key improvements.
A new DIGIC 6 image processor allows for improved low-light image quality, while the camera can now shoot at much-improved continuous speeds of up to 12.2 fps (dropping to 9.3 fps after the first five shots). Autofocus times have also been improved and video performance has received a boost, with the G16 now able to record Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps (compared to 24 fps with the G15).
But it's the inclusion of Wi-Fi ability which is possibly the biggest upgrade to the G-series shooter. This enables users to transfer images and videos to social networking sites through the Canon Image Gateway, or wirelessly connect to iOS and Android devices using the Canon CameraWindow app.
The Canon PowerShot G16 is due to be available in October for a price of US$550.
Canon PowerShot S120
As with the G16, the headlne improvements to the PowerShot S120 (over the S110) are the inclusion of Wi-Fi and the DIGIC 6 image processor. As such the new camera still features a 12 megapixel 1/1.7 inch CMOS sensor and a 5.2–26-mm f/2.0-5.9 lens (giving a 35-mm format equivalent of 24–120-mm).
Improving the low light performance of the S120, the new DIGIC 6 image processor also allows for a continuous shooting speed of up to 12.1 fps (dropping to 9.4 fps from the sixth shot). The camera is said to have significantly faster auto-focusing speeds than the S110 and is also able to record Full HD video at 1080p 60 fps.
As you might expect, the new Wi-Fi ability of the S120 allows for the usual sharing of images and video via the the Canon Image Gateway or the iOS and Android apps.
The Canon PowerShot S120 is set to go on sale in October for a retail price of $450.
Canon PowerShot SX510 HS
The new SX510 (an update to the SX500 IS) differs from the upgrades seen in the G16 and S120. Because, while it's gained the same wireless ability as the other new cameras, Canon has opted to continue using a DIGIC 4 image processor in the super-zoom.
But while Canon has also stuck with the same 4.3-129.0-mm lens (giving a 35-mm format equivalent of 24-720-mm) as the SX500 IS, the PowerShot SX510 HS now features a 12 megapixel 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor, rather than the 16 megapixel CCD sensor. Autofocus is also said to have been given a boost, and the camera can record Full HD video at 1080p 24 fps.
A new Zoom Framing Assist feature is said to help photographers automatically maintain the correct distance from the subject by using face recognition to track and capture them.
The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS is scheduled to be available in September for $250.
Canon PowerShot N Facebook
Because the original Powershot N already packed Wi-Fi connectivity into its oddly-square body, there was less to add in this round of primarily wireless upgrades. As a result, Canon has opted to introduce a dedicated Facebook button.
Otherwise working in the same way as the original Canon Powershot N, the new Facebook version means that users can post to the social network via the new button. After a one-time set-up, the button will take users to their Facebook page for sharing images or video. It's worth remembering that because the camera is Wi-Fi rather than 3G/4G like the Samsung Galaxy Camera, you'll need a Wi-Fi connection to do this.
The Canon Powershot N Facebook will go on sale as a US Canon Direct exclusive in September, at a price of $300.
Product page: Canon