Canon Debuts Touchscreen PowerShot Camera, Refreshes S-Series

Canon has taken the wraps off six new PowerShot digital cameras, including the 10 megapixel PowerShot G11 with a vari-angle LCD display.

Canon has introduced six new cameras in its PowerShot line, including the new flagship G11 aimed at both professional and “pro-sumer” photographers and a bevy of consumer-friendly PowerShots in a revived S-series of cameras—including the first PowerShot camera to sport a touchscreen display.

“With the introduction of these new PowerShot cameras, consumers will have a wide array of choices when looking to upgrade and enhance their photography experience,” said Canon USA’s senior VP for consumer imaging Yuichi Ishizuka, in a statement. “Professional and entry-level users alike will now have the opportunity to choose the camera which best suits both their photographic and personal style at the same time.”

First up the new PowerShot G11 aims at both professional photographers and experienced digital shutterbugs looking for a few more options. The G11 sports 1 10 megapixel resolution and 5× optical zoom, along with a 2.8-inch vari-angle LCD display that lets photographers frame a shot from almost any angle. The G11 puts ISO and exposure controls on easily-accessible dials, does JPEG+RAW shooting, and the camera works with a wide range of Canon accessories—yes, that means it has a hotshoe. Expect to see the G11 in October for a suggested price of $499.99.

Next up, the compact PowerShot S90 point-and-shoot camera sports a 10 megapixel resolution, 3.8× optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD display, and optical image stabilization. But the S90 also carries features that might appeal to experienced photographers, like JPEG+RAW support and a customizable control ring that gives users easy access to manual settings. The S90 should land in October for an estimated price of $429.99.

The PowerShot SX20 IS sports a DSLR-like look, a 12.1-megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD display, and a whopping 20× optical zoom—along with optical image stabilization to help make those high-zoom shots clear. The SX20 can also shoot 720p high-definition video and runs off AA batteries for those times when you’re a long way from a power outlet. The SX20 should be available in September for a suggested price of $399.99.

Meanwhile, the PowerShot SX120 IS offers a slightly more compact frame, a 10 megapixel sensor, a 10× optical zoom, and a 3-inch LCD display, along with an “easy mode” to simplify camera operation for common types of shots. Like the SX120 it runs off AA batteries. Expect to see it in September for a suggested retail price of $249.99

Finally, Canon is introducing the PowerShot SD980 IS and SD940 Digital Elph cameras, new members of the company’s successful line of point-and-shoot cameras. The SD980 marks the first time a PowerShot camera has touted a touch-screen: the SD980 bears a 3-inch touchscreen panel an a “cutting edge” interface for navigating through settings and images. The SD980 also sports a 12.1 megapixel resolution, 5× optical zoom, and the ability to shoot 720p video. Meanwhile, the SD940 can also boasts a 12.1 megapixel resolution and the ability to shoot 720p video—but the SD940 also has an HDMI output. The SD940 also offers a 4× optical zoom, a 2.7-inch (non-touchscreen) LCD display. Both the SD980 and SD940 will be available in a variety of colors; expect the SD980 in October for a suggested price of $329.99, while the SD940 should land in September for a suggested price of $299.99.