A few times a year, camera manufacturers unleash a blitzkrieg of new models, perhaps somehow thinking that the sheer quantity of new cameras will wow consumers into making a purchase, rather than overwhelming them with too many, sometimes not-all-that-different choices. Today it’s Canon‘s turn to unleash a horde of ravenous picture gizmos, with the company announcing no fewer than 10 additions to its PowerShot line.
“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 senior VP and general manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Consumer Imaging Group Yuichi Ishizuka, in a statement, “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.”
At the top of the heap are the new PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX200 IS. The SX1 features DSLR-like styling, 10 megapixel resolution, and the ability to shoot 1080p high-definition video, plus a 20× optical zoom and a 2.8-inch tiltable LCD screen. The smaller (and retro box-styled) SX200 offers a 12.1 megapixel resolution, a 12× optical zoom, optical image stabilization, and the ability to shoot 720p high-definition video. The SX1 should be on sale in April for a suggested price of $599.99; the SX200 should land in March for $349.99.
Canon’s PowerShot D10 aims at the outdoor enthusiast, offering 12.1 megapixels and a 3× optical zoom…plus the durable little camera is waterproof to 33 feet, freeze-proof to 14°F, and shockproof up to four feet. The D10 will also be available with a heap of accessories, but should be available in May for a suggested prove of $329.99.
Canon is also offering up a range of point-and-shoot cameras for everyday shutterbugs and the fashion-conscious: the PowerShot SD970 IS, SD960 IS, SD780 IS, and SD1200 IS Digital ELPH cameras. The SD970 sports a 12.1 megapixel resolution with 5× optical zoom and optical image stabilization, plus a 3-inch LCD display—it also sports a 720p movie mode, HDMI output, a number of automatic settings to make sure shots look their best, and a “Creative Light Effect” that tweaks out nearby lights into shapes like stars and hearts. The SD960 offers similar features but drops back to a 2.8-inch display; expect the SD970 in mid-April for $379.99, with the SD960 in March for $329.99. The SD1200 packs a 10 megapixel resolution, Canon’s “Smart Auto” technologies, and should be available in six colors this March for $229.99.
The PowerShot SD780 aims at the fashion-forward with a slim profile and trendy color choices; it offers a 12.1 megapixel resolution, 3× optical zoom, and optical image stabilization, plus a 2.5-inch LCD display. Meanwhile, the SD1200 IS aims at entry-level users with six color choices and a 10 megapixel resolution: expect both to be available in March, with the SD870 going for $279.99 and the SD1200 priced at $229.99.
But Canon isn’t content to target first-time digital camera owners with the SD1200 IS: three more models (the PowerShot A2100 IS, A1100 IS, and A480) also aim at the entry-level market segment. The A2100 offers a 12.1 megapixel resolution, 6× optical zoom, optical image stabilization, and a 3-inch display, while the A1100 scales back to a 4× optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD display. The A480 offers a 10 megapixel resolution, a 3.3× optical zoom, and a 2.5-inch LCD display. Expect to see the A2100 for $249.99 in April; the A1100 and A480 will land in March for $199.99 and $129.99, respectively.
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