Taking high-quality images with a pocket camera has always been a challenge, but technology is catching up. The case in point are the three newly revealed models in Canon’s PowerShot line, headlined by the 20.2-megapixel PowerShot G7 X.
PowerShot G7 X
The compact metal-bodied G7 X is aimed at the photographer who needs something a bit more compact, but with a full suite of features. According to Canon, it’s the company's first compact point-and-shoot camera with a one-inch (12.8 x 9.6 mm), 20.2-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DSLR features, along with touchscreen controls for fast adjustments. Like the PowerShot G1 X Mark II announced earlier this year, it uses Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor, which is billed as capable of capturing very fine details faithfully. Also on board is a 4.2 x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-100mm) engineered for the sensor with a maximum aperture range of f/1.8, plus a nine-blade curved aperture diaphragm for blurred backgrounds even at full-zoom range.
On the back of the G7 X is a new multi-angle high-resolution three-inch capacitive touch LCD panel. The camera’s high-speed autofocus with 31 autofocus points works with the shooting speed of 6.5 frames a second for up to 700 frames at full resolution. The autofocus also has a touch function, which allows for the quick selection of a focus point on the screen.
The G7 X comes with a wide selection of modes along with manual control, a programmable lens control ring, exposure compensation dial, and two customizable buttons. On the video front, it has full high-definition up to 1080/60p, and there is built-in Wi-Fi to send images directly to compatible devices.
PowerShot SX60 HS
The first thing that catches the eye about the SX60 HS is its new EOS-style hand grip. The next is the 65 x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization. It’s the latest of the Canon SX high-power zoom lineup and boasts a 16.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor backed up by a DIGIC 6 Image processor as well as eight-mode shake correction technology. It handles automatic or full-manual focus and exposure control, and has a built-in stereo microphone.
Like the G7 X, the SX60 HS has 1080/60p video and built-in Wi-Fi. There’s also a choice of a three-inch vari-angle LCD screen or a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. In addition, it features Canon's Face Detection and Tracking autofocus system, full-resolution continuous shooting up to 6.4 frames per second, 58 different pre-defined scenes for still shots, and 21 settings for video.
The SX60 HS also has a Zoom Framing Assist function that recalls previous zoom positions, zooms out to locate a subject, then back to the previous position when the button is released. It can even zoom automatically on a chosen subject if it moves towards or away from the shooter.
PowerShot N21
The most economical of the three, the N21 has a flip-up 2.8-inch LCD touchscreen for taking selfies using the new Self Portrait mode, as well as Wi-Fi for sharing images. The optics are an 8 x zoom lens serving a 16.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC 6 Image processor.
The N2 also has a new shutter ring that acts as an all-round release, allowing the camera to be held in various positions. There’s also a Creative Shot mode for splicing together and editing videos in-camera, as well as 58 predefined scenes for still shots and 21 for video.
The PowerShot G7 X will be available in October for US$699.99. The SX60 is also on sale in October for US$549.99, and the US$299.99 N2 is scheduled for a December release.
The video below outlines the features of the PowerShot G7 X.
Source: Canon
