New Canon PowerShots

Canon on Thursday announced four new cameras in the company's PowerShot line, which occupy the mid-range field of ultra-compact and 'prosumer' models, according to Electronista. All four use Canon's new DIGIC III processor, which Canon says will add hardware-based face detection, improve color accuracy and movie mode quality, and reduces noise at high ISO settings. The 7.1-megapixel SD40, an update to the style-oriented SD30, is designed to be narrow and thin enough to carry in a small bag and, while limited to 2.4X optical zoom, has a high ISO 1600 sensitivity suitable for low light. It will ship in October for an unspecified price in four distinct colors. Canon's SD800 IS, due in October for $450, is the first SD-series camera to include a wide-angle lens for panoramic shots; it also features image stabilization, a 7.1-megapixel sensor, and a 3.8X optical zoom.

The SD900, with a unique titantium body, forgoes image stabilization, but adds an improved 10-megapixel sensor and a more conventional 3X lens as well as features a 1024x768, 15fps movie mode that emphasizes image detail over fluid motion. It will ship later this month for $450 as well. Finally, the PowerShot G7, the new high-end model in the G-series prosumer line, features a 10-megapixel sensor but has the added benefit of a 6X optical zoom lens with an image stabilizer and a hot-shoe for Canon's Speedlite series of stand-alone camera flashes. Canon's G7 will arrive in early October for $550.

by MacNN Staff