Las Vegas, NV—Engineered to deliver high-quality images and HD video, plus featuring built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing, Canon USA’s just-announced PowerShot point-and-shoot compact cameras include the super-zoom SX540 HS and SX420 IS models and three slim, stylish Elph cameras—the PowerShot Elph 360 HS, 190 IS and Elph 180.
In addition, the company unveiled a premium compact, the PowerShot G3 X for photographers looking for DSLR features and quality in a compact, dust- and water-resistant body. The new G-series camera employs a large, one-inch, 20.2 megapixel High Sensitivity CMOS sensor and a Digic 6 image processor to deliver an ISO range of 125–12,800, low-light performance, 5.9-frames-per-sec (fps) continuous shooting and Full HD video recording. Its 24–600mm (equivalent), bright f/2.8–5.6, 25x optical zoom lens helps bring the action in close, while an improved five-axis, intelligent image stabilization (IS) system is designed for virtually shake-free images.
The PowerShot G3 X also features controls and menu operation inherited from Canon’s EOS digital SLR cameras—a first for the PowerShot G series. Controls include an autoexposure (AE) lock button, autofocus (AF) selection button and drive/AF button. It supports both manual exposure control and the user’s choice of RAW, JPEG or RAW+JPEG capture formats. For quick camera setting, Canon added a programmable continuous ring on the lens, an exposure compensation dial and mode dial on top, and a rear control dial. The camera has a 3.2-inch, 1.62-million-dot, capacitive touch-panel LCD screen that tilts up 180º for capturing selfies and creative low-angle shots and tilts down 45º for overhead shots. In addition, an optional electronic viewfinder with 2.36MP resolution and an adjustable viewing angle is available.
Other G3 X features include: a high-speed autofocus system with 31 widely spread AF points to help capture fast-action shots; built-in Wi-Fi capabilities; Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick pairing to Android devices; and Canon’s star mode to capture starry night skies, star trails mode and star time-lapse movie mode, which makes video clips that show movement of the stars against a static background. Canon’s PowerShot G3 X is scheduled to be available in July 2015 for a suggested retail price of $999.99.
PowerShot SX540 HS. Boasting a 50x optical zoom lens (24–1200mm equivalent) with an optical image stabilizer, the SX540 HS uses a 20.3MP High Sensitivity CMOS sensor paired to a Digic 6 processor to deliver high resolution combined with low-light performance. An improved zoom framing assist feature controls the lens, making it easier to identify the main subject, even when it is moving. It also has a lock button option for subject tracking. For transferring images and video, there’s a
Wi-Fi button and NFC technology. A dedicated movie button enables users to record 1080p Full HD video at an improved rate of up to 60 fps in MP4 format with stereo sound. Other features include: story highlights, which automatically compiles images into a highlight reel in-camera; a 3-inch, 461K-dot LCD screen; and hybrid auto mode for recording video clips before each still that are compiled to make a short highlight reel. The PowerShot SX540 HS is scheduled to ship March 2016 for $399.99.
PowerShot SX420 IS. With a 42x optical zoom lens (24–1008mm equivalent) and optical IS, this model also offers a dedicated Wi-Fi button and NFC. Other featured are: a 20
MP sensor; a Digic 4+ processor; a 3-inch, 230K-dot LCD; smart auto mode that selects the proper settings based on predefined shooting situations; 720p HD video capture in MP4 format; scene modes such as fisheye, toy camera and monochrome effects; and eco mode to reduce power consumption. It will be released in February 2016 for $299.99.
PowerShot Elph 360HS. This slim model has a 12x optical zoom lens with optical IS, a 20.2MP CMOS sensor and a Digic 4+ image processor. It, too, features a dedicated Wi-Fi button, NFC, a 3-inch LCD, as well as hybrid auto and story highlights modes.
In addition to stills, it records 1080p Full HD video. It will ship in February in a choice of black, silver or purple. $209.99.
PowerShot Elph 190 IS. Offering a 10x optical zoom lens with optical IS and a 20MP CCD sensor, this model records 720p HD video. Other features include: a Wi-Fi button; NFC technology; smart auto mode; scene modes; and eco mode to preserve battery life. It will retail in February in black, red and blue bodies. $159.99.
PowerShot Elph 180. This basic model provides an 8x optical zoom lens, 20MP CCD sensor, 720p HD video capabilities, smart auto mode, scene modes and eco mode. It also includes an
auto-zoom feature that automatically zooms in to frame subjects and keep them in focus. It will ship in February in silver and red. $119.99. usa.canon.com
