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Canon’s new PowerShots are basic, but a powerful model is in the works

By Les Shu February 5, 2015

Canon is heading into the 2015 CP+ camera show in Japan with two new PowerShot models, the SX410 IS megazoom (bridge) camera and the pocket Elph 350 HS. The company is also teasing us with a new high-end PowerShot that’s currently in development: the G3 X.

Ideal for vacations, the SX410 IS is a budget-friendly megazoom that has a 40x optical zoom lens – a first in an entry-level camera from Canon. The camera uses a 20-megapixel CCD sensor, so it can only shoot videos up to 720p. There are plenty of auto modes, but there’s no Wi-Fi. The camera will come in red or black, and will sell for $280 in March 2015.

HR_SX410IS_BLACK_3Q_CL

There’s nothing radical about the Elph 350 HS. It has the familiar Elph boxy design, and it’s easy to pocket. This new flagship Elph is a step-up from the 340 HS, with a higher-megapixel CMOS sensor (20.2, versus 16). Zoom remains at 12x. The camera has Wi-Fi and NFC; the predecessor also has wireless connectivity, but Canon says newer models are using an improved version. Unfortunately, we weren’t impressed with the 340 HS, so we’re keeping our expectations low for this updated model. The 350 HS will sell for $210, and come in black or silver.

HR_ELPH350HS_BLACK_3Q_CL

What we are really excited about is the G3 X. From the specs, it looks like Canon could be positioning it as a Sony Cyber-shot RX10 and Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 bridge camera competitor. The G3 X has that familiar boxy-but-tough look of Canon’s advanced G-series. It has a 1-inch sensor and a long 25x optical zoom lens. The camera looks like it’s a step-up from the G7 X, a camera that packs a lot of power and that we love. Details are scarce, but this is one model to watch.

PowerShot G3 X

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canon powershot g7x mark2 sx720 hs markii featured

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PowerShot G7 X Mark II
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