Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Photography
  3. News

Canon updates PowerShot line with CMOS sensors

Geoff Duncan
By

Canon is revamping its line of consumer-oriented point-and-shoot cameras, and where the company previously equipped its PowerShot and Elph units with a variety of CCD-based sensors, the company is standardizing on 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensors across the line. The four new cameras also represent a rebranding of Canon’s venerable Elph line: they all pick up an “HS” suffix to let people know they include Canon’s HS System for taking high-quality pictures in low-light situations—without a flash. Plus, all the new cameras can capture 1080p high-definition video.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

“Canon’s core philosophy when launching a camera product is to discover new and innovative ways to redefine the photographic experience,” said Canon USA executive VP and general manager Yuichi Ishizuka, in a statement. “Consumers are always looking for the most advanced technologies and these new PowerShot models combine the high-level features and overall functionality the end-user has been seeking.”

Recommended Videos

First up, the PowerShot SX230 HS includes a dedicated GPS receiver that can be used to automatically geotag photos for easy cataloging and map lookup later—and the GPS can be used to log day trips and plot a day’s route on a map, making it even easier to figure out where photos were taken after the fact. The SX230 HS also features a 14× optical zoom and optical image stabilization, a 30-inch LCD display, HDMI output, and sensitivity down to IS 3200. Expect to see it in March for a suggested price around $349.99.

Next up, the PowerShot Elph 500 HS features a 4.4× optical zoom, a 3.2-inch LCD display, optical image stabilization, HDMI output, and a host of consumer friendly features like red-eye correction, face detection, and motion detection, along with a bright ƒ/2.0 lens that enables users to get further in low light conditions without using a flash. Expect to see it towards the end of March with a suggested price of $299.99.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The PowerShot Elph 300 HS scales back to a 2.7-inch LCD but steps up to a 5× optical zoom with optical image stabilization; the camera also features a super slow-motion video mode for capturing key moments, and a high-speed burst mode for capturing action. It should land in mid-March for a suggested price of $249.99. Finally, the $199 PowerShot Elph 100 HS offers a 3-inch LCD, a 4× optical zoom with optical image stabilization and will be available in a variety of colors.


Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Best Camera Deals: Save on Canon, Panasonic, Nikon, and GoPro
fujifilm x t4 review set 2 dm 1

Whether you're looking for the best digital cameras or the best travel cameras, there are a ton of options out there, sometimes too many options, especially for those who aren't familiar with the photography world. Luckily, we've done a lot of legwork for you and collected a range of great camera deals across the spectrum, so even if you want something more sports-oriented, like a GoPro, there are a couple of deals for those too. So, let's jump right into it.
Today's Best Camera Deals
One of our favorite deals is the Canon EOS Rebel T7 going for $400, as it's one of the better DSLR cameras on the market, and it has a reasonably budget-friendly price on it, making it a great starter camera. Of course, if you've been in the game for a while and are looking for a powerful upgrade, the Sony Alpha 7R IV is one of the best full-frame cameras on the market, and while it still costs a hefty $3,200, that's still $300 off the usual $3,500 price tag. That said, if you're looking for something more portable and action-oriented, you can't go wrong with the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini, although if you're a professional content creator, the GoPro HERO9 Black 5K is probably the one to go for instead.

Do I Need a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera?
Like most things, this really depends on what you're trying to do. Mirrorless cameras have fewer internal moving parts, which generally means they can capture images quicker, so if you're taking pictures of action-packed stuff like sports or animals in the wilderness, a mirrorless camera is a great option. On the other hand, DSLR cameras are great for low-light conditions and are great for anything from portraits to landscapes. DSLRs are also cheaper and have much better battery life, as well as having a decade or two worth of lenses to choose from.

Read more
How to blur a background in photos
A person photographed with iPhone 11's portrait mode.

Introducing a background blur to your photos can draw attention to a specific subject, such as an individual in a portrait or an item in a still life, while also adding a professional flair to your image. This beautiful background blur, also known as bokeh, can be achieved even after shooting your photo, thanks to advances in editing software. This guide will walk you through the process on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

Read more
How to download Instagram photos (5 easy ways)
Instagram app running on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Instagram is amazing, and many of us use it as a record of our lives — uploading the best bits of our trips, adventures, and notable moments. But sometimes you can lose the original files of those moments, leaving the Instagram copy as the only available one . While you may be happy to leave it up there, it's a lot more convenient to have another version of it downloaded onto your phone or computer. While downloading directly from Instagram can be tricky, there are ways around it. Here are a few easy ways to download Instagram photos.

Read more