Ten new digcams debuted by Canon

By John Mello on February 24, 2009 10:24 AM

A slew of new point-and-shoot digital cameras have been introduced by Canon—most of them with the company's powerful Digic 4 image processor and a Smart Auto feature that intelligently analyzes a scene and finds the optimal focus, exposure, image stabilization and white balance for it.

Some models also have face detection, motion detection and post shot blink detection, which alerts a shutterbug after a picture is captured that someone in the image blinked. One knock against typical blink detection is that it prevents a shot from being taken if it detects hooded orbs. That can leave many a clickster wondering if there's something broken in their new camera or just plain irritated that nothing happens when they press the shutter button.

Another neat treat in some of these new offerings is something that Canon's calling Active Display. It lets a photog page through photos in a camera with a simple wrist shake.

The priciest shooter of the new bunch is the 10-megapixel SX1 IS (photo above). It has a 20x optical zoom (28-560mm equivalent) and optical image stabilization. It can shoot 1080p HD video and has an HDMI interface. What's more, it shoots RAW and JPEG stills. The unit, which has a 2.8-inch LCD, is headed for retail shelves in April at $599.99.

Another addition to Canon's PowerShot line is the SX200 IS, a 12MP snapper with a 12x optical zoom (28-336mm equivalent) and optical image stabilization. Offered in black, blue and red, the unit has a three-inch LCD and supports 720p HD video capture. The SX200 is scheduled to reach retailers next month at $349.99.
	With the introduction of the PowerShot D10, Canon is entering the toughcam market. The 12MP unit is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and shockproof. It has a 3x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. The D10 is expected to sell for $329.99 when it reaches retailers May.
Also joining Canon's 2009 point and shoot camera lineup are four new Digtial Elphs. The SD970 IS is a 12.1MP shooter with a 5x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. Sporting a three-inch LCD, the unit has Smart Auto and blink detection. It also has two creative twists—zoom blur and creative light. Zoom blur lets you move the zoom while firing the shutter. That can create some interesting vortex effects in a shot. Creative light will turn points of light in a shot into star flares and other interesting effects. The SD970 is pegged for market arrival in April at $379.99.
	A smaller 4x optical zoom (28-112mm equivalent) is incorporated into the new 12.1MP SD 660 IS. The unit has optical image image stabilization and is offered in silver, black, pink and gold. Its LCD is slightly smaller than the 970's—2.8 inches—but it also supports Smart Auto and blink detection. Equipped with an HDMI socket, the snapper can shoot 720p HD video. It's slated to be available in March at $329.99.
The SD780 Digital Elph is another 12.1MP bytecam that will be offered in black, red, silver and gold. It has a 3x optical zoom and optiical image stabilization. Its LCD measures 2.5 inches diagonally and it, too, supports blink detection and Smart Auto, as well as 720p HD video capture and HDMI. Look for it next month at $279.99.
	For the color conscious, Canon is vending the 10MP SD1200 IS, which will come in dark and light gray, blue, pink, green and orange. Smart Auto is also part of the package which will go on sale next month at $229.99.
Canon is also beefing up its A Series cameras. The 12.1MP A2100 IS, which, as do all the new additions to this group, run on AA batteries, has a 6x optical zoom and optical image stabilization, supports Smart Auto and has three-inch LCD. It will be a late bloomer, coming to market in April at $249.99.
	The 12.1MP A1100 IS will be offered in gray, blue, green and pink. It has a 4x optical zoom, optical image stabilization and a 2.5-inch display. Look for it next month at $199.99.
Rounding out Canon's 2009 point-and-shoot lineup is the economically priced 10MP A480, which is the only one of the new models that uses the old Digic III processor. Offered in red, blue, silver and black, it has a 3.3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD. Consumers can expect to see the unit in March for $129.99.