Canon chose Tuesday night to reveal its 2009 PowerShot cameras, starting with its high-end, long zoom models. The 10-megapixel SX1 IS is the company's new range-topping camera with a 20X, 28-560mm wide-angle lens and draws on the newer DIGIC 4 imaging chip to make it one of the first non-DSLR Canon units to record video at 1080p. Built-in HDMI output, a hot shoe and the ability to shoot simultaneously in RAW and JPEG similarly put the camera closer to the professional level, though normal light sensitivity is limited to ISO 1,600 with a special boost to 3,200.
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
The SX200 IS is a balance between the SX1 and more conventional cameras; although it lacks the hot shoe and conforms to a typical compact body, it has a DSLR-like pop-up flash, a 12-megapixel sensor, and a 12X, 28-336mm lens. It slightly less capable 720p video recording but has the same ISO 1,600 sensitivity as its premium counterpart.
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS
Canon delivers the SX200 IS first, bringing three different colors to shops in late March for $350. The SX1 IS appears the month after for $600.
The A1100 IS stands as a similar upgrade to the A1000 IS with a jump once again to 12 megapixels and to the same DIGIC 4 plus matching software features as the A2100 IS. Canon's main sacrifices versus the A2000-series cameras are a shorter-ranged 4X lens and a smaller 2.5-inch LCD.
Canon PowerShot A2100 IS
Finishing Canon's updates, the A480 replaces the A470 as the starter camera. Like the European version, a new shape makes it about 25 percent smaller than the old camera while still getting easier controls. It scales back in zoom from 4X to 3.3X but leaps from 7 megapixels to 10 while also picking up color options that were absent in the past.
Canon PowerShot A1100 IS
PowerShot A480 and A1100 IS models roll out first and will be ready in March for $130 and $200 respectively; the A2100 IS ships in April for $250.
Source: electronista
