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Canon PowerShot SX200 IS   (Source: Canon)

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS  (Source: Canon)

Canon PowerShot SD970 IS  (Source: Canon)

Canon PowerShot D10   (Source: Canon)
Canon unveils it entire new point-and-shoot line for 2009 featuring cameras from low-end to high

Digital cameras have been around for many years now and have made their film based predecessors all but extinct as even professional photographers are now moving to high-end digital cameras. The migration from film-based cameras to digital units was much faster in the consumer segment.

Digital cameras are always getting better, faster, and easier to use and Canon has announced its new line of digital cameras with ten different models to choose from. The first cameras in the new line are the PowerShot SX1 IS and the SX200 IS. These are both high-end point-and-shoot cameras with high zoom levels.

The SX1 IS offers 10-megapixel resolution and incorporates a CMOS sensor and the ability to record video in 1080p resolution -- both firsts for Canon's PowerShot line. Canon's first D-SLR to do 1080p video recording was the EOS 5D announced last September. Other features include a 2.8-inch variable angle LCD, 20x wide-angle zoom with optical image stabilization and RAW + JPEG format support. A HDMI connector is built-in for watching video on TV screens. The camera will be available in April for $599.99 placing it in DSLR territory price wise.

The SX200 IS offers 12x optical zoom with a wide-angle lens equivalent to 28 to 336 mm and features optical image stabilization. The camera has 12.1-megapixel resolution, records video in 720p resolution, the rear LCD is 3-inches, and the camera comes in red, black, or blue colors. Availability is set for March at $349.99.

Canon's PowerShot D10 is a ruggedized camera that is waterproof, freeze proof, and shockproof. It offers 12.1-megapixel resolution and a 3x zoom lens with optical image stabilization. The camera can function at depths up to 33-feet, is freeze proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and can survive falls from four feet. Availability is slated for May at $329.99.

Canon's SD970 IS has a 12.1-megapixel resolution with 5x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. The LCD is 3-inches and it can record video in 720p resolution. HDMI out is featured and advanced features for artistic photos including Zoom Blur and Creative Light Effect are included. The camera will be available in April for $379.99.

The SD780 IS is a slim camera with 12.1-megapixels, 3x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD and an optical viewfinder. Video recording in 720p resolution is supported along with other advanced features. Pricing is $279.99 with availability in March.

Canon's SD1200 is an entry-level camera with 10-megapixel resolution, and smart auto features set for availability in March for $229.99. The A2100 IS has 12.1-megapixels, 6x optical zoom with image stabilization, 3-inch LCD, and more for $249.99 in April.

Rounding out the line is the A1100 IS and A480. The 1100 IS offers 12.1-megapixels, 4x optical zoom with image stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD with optical viewfinder and auto features. The camera will sell for $199.99 in March. The A480 has 10-megapixel resolution with a 3.3x optical zoom and uses the Canon DIGIC III image processor with a 2.5-inch screen. The camera will be available for $129.99 in March.

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Canonites
By jinhamasaki on 2/18/2009 11:57:46 AM , Rating: 3
Why is DT only publicizing Canon? Although always good cameras, I feel like Canon has been lacking in innovation lately. They are just pushing new models out that other people have.

Canon SX200 vs. Pany TZ-series
D10 vs. Olympus TOUGH, Pany and Fuji.




RE: Canonites
By tdawg on 2/18/2009 12:09:54 PM , Rating: 3
That D10 is hideous compared to the offerings I've seen from Olympus and Panasonic (haven't seen the Fuji). I don't think I could ever buy the Canon version.


RE: Canonites
By Yames on 2/18/2009 12:37:36 PM , Rating: 2
It may be ugly but Canon is known for its optics.


RE: Canonites
By tdawg on 2/18/2009 6:18:21 PM , Rating: 2
Oh, I'm definitely not knocking it's abilities. Canon makes some fine stuff, though in this range, the Olympus, Panasonic and Fuji options will no doubt provide comparable image quality.


RE: Canonites
By pugster on 2/18/2009 12:25:33 PM , Rating: 2
I disagree, The SX200is claims that it can shoot 720p video at 30fps, and the sx1 can shoot 1080p at 30fps. Personally I would like to see cameras that can shoot HD videos. They also put in the digic 4 processor which allows cameras to have more than 10megapixels. Let's see if the quality of the pictures and videos will be as good as they advertise.


RE: Canonites
By jinhamasaki on 2/18/2009 5:54:30 PM , Rating: 2
The TZ7 shoots in AVCHD Lite 720p at 60fps with Dolby Digital Stereo AND zooming during movies. That's not to mention the slightly faster lens, smaller, and cheaper than the SX200.

And DIGIC is just Canon's processor, Pany's is Venus Engine, Fuji is EXR just to name a few...


RE: Canonites
By shabby on 2/18/2009 10:37:15 PM , Rating: 2
I thought the tz7(zs3) will cost 399?


RE: Canonites
By Belard on 2/19/2009 5:49:37 AM , Rating: 2
Canon doesn't have much to improve on. They haven't changed their interface in 8 years. Sony, Nikon - they have different interfaces between current models, much less year after year.

So with Canon, I can pick up any of their cameras or someone elses and know how to use it... ;)

The new models look nice.

BTW, the best the on camera reviews is the one and only http://www.dpreview.com Where a typical review on a camera is about 24 pages.


from Canon's website...
By Dreifort on 2/18/2009 10:06:31 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Most PowerShot cameras for 2009 feature Canon's exclusive DIGIC 4 Image Processor, with proprietary technology which accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including improved signal processing speed and higher image quality. This new chip paves the way for a host of features including Canon's new Smart AUTO. Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper camera settings based on the specific shooting conditions of each scene, ensuring that all images are accurately focused, exposed, stabilized and white-balanced before the shutter is even pressed. Using data derived from Canon's Optical Image Stabilization, Genuine Face Detection and Motion Detection Technologies, Smart AUTO automatically adjusts a multitude of settings including brightness and hue, during various shooting situations. Another enhancement available with select PowerShot models is Blink Detection Technology, which uses the Face Detection function to display an icon after shooting with a warning that someone's eyes were closed (such as when blinking) during shooting. Unlike other systems which prevent users from taking a photo, Canon's Blink Detection Technology lets users know immediately whether there's any need to reshoot the image, thus providing a far more intuitive experience.

A third technological advancement with select PowerShot cameras is Active Display, which is used for quickly switching between images during playback. Instead of culling through a long line of images, via a control dial, Active Display advances pictures simply with a gentle shake of the wrist, making the viewing and sharing of pictures more fun and enjoyable.

"The power of the Canon PowerShot series is its ability to enhance consumers' enjoyment of photography through its unique combination of ease-of-use, affordability, and personalization," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "We are excited about this year's PowerShot line-up because Canon's cameras are loaded with advanced technologies and design options, thus enabling consumers to have the ultimate photographic experience."




RE: from Canon's website...
By StevoLincolnite on 2/18/2009 10:26:25 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
A third technological advancement with select PowerShot cameras is Active Display, which is used for quickly switching between images during playback. Instead of culling through a long line of images, via a control dial, Active Display advances pictures simply with a gentle shake of the wrist, making the viewing and sharing of pictures more fun and enjoyable.


I think allot of companies have realized from the success of the Wii that new input methods are a cool and good way to sell more units if used in a versatile and functional way.

Still, my Sony Ericsson W910i has that same shake function for music control, walking around changing music like that makes people look at you as if you are some weirdo, and it's hardly functional because I have to hold a button down for the shake function to work.

Still, progress is progress... I might actually buy a digital camera one of these days. :P


RE: from Canon's website...
By Moishe on 2/18/2009 10:46:12 AM , Rating: 2
Canon makes very nice cameras. I've owned two and both have been top-notch


really new?
By Visual on 2/18/2009 11:46:48 AM , Rating: 2
I am confused about this... it appears that the sx1 and some similar sx10 is models have been available for some time already.
So what is up with their announcement now?




RE: really new?
By aLeoN on 2/18/2009 12:53:19 PM , Rating: 2
The SX10 has been out since Sept, yes. The SX1 however was never announced for the US till now.


the next big feature?
By Visual on 2/18/2009 11:35:00 AM , Rating: 2
I am happy to see at last a camera that doesn't sacrifice its zoom or auto-focus abilities in video mode, and reaching full hd as well. I think I'll be buying it soon.

I wonder, when will we see the next big step in digital photography, namely HDR. It will make the various ISO levels redundant and allow the best possible results under any amount of light... I can't understand why all cameras aren't using it already, actually.




Canon G10 P&S
By Jansen (blog) on 2/18/2009 12:09:36 PM , Rating: 2
I'm using a Canon G10 P&S right now that I bought at Christmas, when I read the headline I thought the G11 was being announced...

Damn good camera too, for those who want prosumer features without going to a D-SLR.




SX1-IS vs. SX10-IS
By protosv on 2/19/2009 10:09:49 AM , Rating: 2
Don't see how the upcoming SX1 is any better than the SX10 that's out now, and goes for about $350 on newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
With the exception of being able to shoot HD video and an HDMI linkup, the optics appear to be the same. Those features hardly seem worth $250 extra to me....can anyone clarify?




Canon refresh
By wallijonn on 2/19/2009 11:12:39 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
The SX200 IS offers 12x optical zoom with a wide-angle lens equivalent to 28 to 336 mm and features optical image stabilization. The camera has 12.1-megapixel resolution, records video in 720p resolution, the rear LCD is 3-inches, and the camera comes in red, black, or blue colors. Availability is set for March at $349.99.


I Wanted the SX100 (since refreshed to the SX110 and now the SX200) but for a lack of a real viewfinder I decided to go with the $110 (on sale) 590IS.

12.1 MP means nothing if the sensor hasn't been upgraded and is still too noisy. Give me the sensor from an SLR and I'd be interested. $349.99 may look like a nice price but is it $100 better than the SX110? Will the 3" LCD screen wash out in bright sunlight? Can it be used with polarized prescription glasses? How hard will it be to hand hold at the farthest telephoto setting? Is the flash only good to 8 feet? Does it eat alkaline batteries? If it has a proprietary battery will I need to buy one each year at $100 each?




lemme see...
By DeepBlue1975 on 2/18/2009 5:07:17 PM , Rating: 1
Canon sx1 is = $599.

My newly bought alpha 300dslr with live view = $599 with the kit lens, which is no sludge from what I could see.

Add the possibility to buy some good lenses in the future... And then I find the pricing of this a little tough to digest, unless you absolutely need the 560mm equiv zoom on the SX1, which of course will be quite more expensive than the camera itself on a dslr lens with that range and acceptable quality.

Any way, superzooms usually are marred by either CA or lack of detail at the furthest zooming level, which makes it leess than ideal.

My previous cam was a fuji 6000fd, which is great for a non dslr, but I need the flexibility of slrs.




Sony wins this round
By VoodooChicken on 2/18/09, Rating: -1
RE: Sony wins this round
By Barfo on 2/18/2009 11:08:53 AM , Rating: 3
In addition to Sony's pushing its proprietary storage formats which aren't compatible with most products from the rest of the industry, great value indeed.


RE: Sony wins this round
By shabby on 2/18/2009 10:42:44 PM , Rating: 2
I bought a sony camera couple months ago and couldn't believe how pricey those memory sticks were.
Luckily you can find these memory pro due to microsd adapters on ebay for a couple bucks, turn's any microsd card into a memory stick for half the price.


RE: Sony wins this round
By VoodooChicken on 2/19/2009 12:03:43 PM , Rating: 2
you mean like Apple?

My current Sony works great for me, but it's bulky and not very portable. I do have a hi-def Canon camcorder, which also works great for me. But the cameras being hawked in this article do not meet my needs or desires as well as the Sony lineup mentioned the other day.
I don't know entirely what you mean about proprietary storage formats unless you mean memory stick. I've never had a problem with mine, I switch between Memory Stick Duo or microSD depending on the device, but you know what? My laptop and my desktop all play nice with everybody, so I guess I'm just lucky that way.


RE: Sony wins this round
By Suomynona on 2/18/2009 11:26:35 AM , Rating: 2
Yeah, I would buy one if they weren't still trying to shove Memory Stick down people's throats.


RE: Sony wins this round
By zif on 2/19/2009 12:29:58 AM , Rating: 1
"Nowadays, security guys break the Mac every single day. Every single day, they come out with a total exploit, your machine can be taken over totally. I dare anybody to do that once a month on the Windows machine." -- Bill Gates











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