Canon Releases a Bunch of New Point and Shoot Cameras...Again [Archive]

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Jason Dunn

08-28-2009, 07:30 PM

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.canon.ca/english/index-pressrelease.asp?lng=en&cat=1&id=754&arc=0' target='_blank'>http://www.canon.ca/english/index-p...=1&id=754&arc=0</a> </div>OK, I've given up: I just can't keep up with Canon's release schedule for cameras. So the best I can do is tell you what they're doing, and show you what they look like, and leave the analysis up to you. ;-) This info comes from Canon Canada, so the prices below are in CAD. Looking at all the specs, it's clear that Canon has finally caught up with offering 720p video on a bunch of models, and they're keen on the concept of touch screens. Looking over this list, does anything catch your eye?<img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1251483272.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /> Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera"The PowerShot G-series has long been the flagship of the PowerShot line. The new Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera further adds to the legacy of this award-winning series with its advanced features, variety of shooting modes and compatible EOS accessories which help to enhance one's photographic creativity. Designed for those looking for a pocket-sized camera with SLR functionality, this new powerful camera is ideal for the consumer who is looking to capture beautiful landscapes and professional portraits by offering:<ul><li>A 10.0-Megapixel High Sensitivity System to capture images with a powerful 5x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization. Additionally, a 28mm (equivalent to 28-140 mm) wide-angle lens helps to get large groups into one shot at events such as a family reunion.</li><li>A 7.1-centimetre vari-angle PureColor System LCD, new to the G-series, allowing for easier on-camera previewing and reviewing of images from nearly every angle, while still incorporating the optical viewfinder found on previous models.</li><li>Scheduled to be available in October, estimated price of $599.99."</li></ul><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1251483441.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Canon PowerShot S90 Digital Camera"For the professional photographer or advanced amateur interested in a versatile point and shoot camera, the PowerShot S90 provides a wealth of advanced technologies to capture those can't-miss moments. Other features of this camera include:<ul><li>A 10.0-Megapixel High Sensitivity System with a 3.8x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilization.</li><li>A customizable control ring for easy access and operation of manual or other creative shooting settings.</li><li>A large 7.6-centimetre PureColor System LCD for even greater true life colour reproduction.</li><li>Scheduled to be available in October, estimated price of $529.99." <MORE /></li></ul><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1251483558.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera"Featuring: <ul><li>A 12.1-Megapixel sensor with a high-powered 20x wide-angle Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilizer to help reduce camera shake and achieve magnificent images whether up close or far away.</li><li>The ability to shoot superb 720p (30 fps) HD video with HDMI output to share high-quality videos of memorable moments with family and friends.</li><li>A 6.4-centimetre vari-angle PureColor System LCD allowing for easy on-camera viewing of images and menus at nearly every angle while also having a viewfinder.</li><li>AA batteries for easy power-up and replacement.</li><li>Scheduled to be available in September, estimated price of $499.99."</li></ul><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1251483672.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Canon PowerShot SX120 IS Digital Camera"Featuring:<ul><li>A 10.0-Megapixel sensor with a 10x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization helps to ensure images will be clear and how they were meant to be captured.</li><li>A large 7.6-centimetre LCD allows for easy on-camera previewing and reviewing of menus and images.</li><li>Easy Mode to make picture taking a snap! It gives you the peace of mind when shooting and simplifies camera operation.</li><li>Scheduled to be available in September, estimated price of $299.99."</li></ul><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1251483784.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Digital ELPH Camera"Featuring:<ul><li>A large 7.6-centimetre touch panel PureColor System LCD with a cutting-edge interface for easy navigating through images and menus.</li><li>720p HD video shooting capabilities plus HDMI output connector for easy playback of video and photos on HDTV's to share with friends and family.</li><li>A 5x Optical Zoom lens with an ultra-wide 24mm lens, plus Optical Image Stabilization, great for vast landscapes and capturing a large group of friends at a red carpet event.</li><li>The 12.1-Megapixel sensor to help ensure superb image quality.</li><li>Four distinguished colours; silver, blue, purple and gold.</li><li>Scheduled to be available in September, estimated price of $399.99."</li></ul><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1251483886.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Canon PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH Camera"Featuring:<ul><li>A 12.1-Megapixel sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization offering versatility when shooting in the field.</li><li>720p HD movie shooting capabilities plus HDMI output connector for easy playback of video and photos on an HDTV.</li><li>A large, crisp 6.9-centimetre PureColor System LCD with a wide viewing angle, great for sharing photos and video with friends.</li><li>Timeless colours of muted metallics in blue, black, silver and brown to match any mood.</li><li>Scheduled to be available in September, estimated price of $349.99."</li></ul>

Jason Dunn

08-28-2009, 10:28 PM

That G11 looks great, but no HD video on it? Bah! :mad:

randalllewis

08-29-2009, 07:22 PM

I have owned several G series Canon's over the years but switched to the S, now SX, series when they ditched the swivel LCD on the G series. I am always finding uses for that swivel LCD, so I am pleased to see it remains on the SX 20. I currently have an S5. I thought the SX10, the original replacement for the S5 was a really minor update. The SX20 interests me a lot- particularly the HD capability. I don't know why Canon alternates so often between black and silver on its models and the new SX20 has a bit of both, but not too much silver in my opinion.

Since buying my S5, I have not used my old MiniDV video recorder. The S5 does a good job with video and it is easy to alternate between photo and video modes. That plus the storage capability of 4 or 8GB SDHC cards means that I just find no need for a video recorder. If the SX20- with HD video- implements this as well as the S5 did, I'm certain I'll own one soon.

My small, back-up digital, which we call my wife's camera- is the Canon A1000, a tiny 10 megapixel wonder. I don't see anything in the new line-up that would cause me to give it up.

Jason Dunn

08-31-2009, 02:05 AM

Since buying my S5, I have not used my old MiniDV video recorder.

That's pretty common - I know that since the birth of my son I've busted out the 1080p Canon HF100 exactly once...all other video has been captured at 720p using my Panasonic ZS3. Sure, it's not as high-quality, but it's so much smaller and convenient. :)

Lee Yuan Sheng

08-31-2009, 03:46 PM

Heh, Jason, something has to be said for convenience. I can't remember if you are going to get the D300s though; if you are, will you be trying to use that for your son's videos?

Canon dropping down to 10 megapixels for the G11 and bringing back the S-series in the S90 with the G11 sensor is a two-prong approach towards combating the problem that is the Panasonic LX3. The G11 is more full-featured like the swivel LCD, but not as small with a slower lens. The S90 is smaller than the LX3, offers that funky ring control round the lens, and features a lens that starts at f/2 like the LX3 and has a greater telephoto range (though it loses speed very quickly and is not as wide as the LX3's lens).

Panasonic's LX3 has been doing phenomenally well. I hear stories of it being out of stock in every major camera shop here in a week after a new shipment arrives... and those stories have been going on for months!

randalllewis

08-31-2009, 07:09 PM

The G11 is more full-featured like the swivel LCD, but not as small with a slower lens.

Thanks for pointing this reversal out. I hadn't caught it in skimming the news release because I was more focused on the SX 20. I thought it was a big mistake for Canon to ditch the swivel LCD on the G series. It pushed me to the S series- now SX- when I wanted to upgrade my old G6. It sure seems that Canon is admitting without acknowledging that it made some mistakes with the G10. For me, however, I will probably stay with the SX series. I guess Canon doesn't really care as long as I don't migrate to Nikon.

Jason Dunn

08-31-2009, 07:14 PM

Heh, Jason, something has to be said for convenience.

Yup, that's exactly what I was saying: the Canon HF100 has better quality, but it's more convenient for me to grab the smaller, lighter Panasonic ZS3.

I can't remember if you are going to get the D300s though; if you are, will you be trying to use that for your son's videos?

I've asked Nikon Canada for a review loaner - not sure where I am on the list, so no idea when I'll get it. I'm keen on giving it a try though...

Jerry Raia

11-26-2009, 08:28 AM

I got the S90 for the pocket. Quite nice. :)