Canon refreshes point and shoot lineup with PowerShot G11 and more

[DCR Staff]

Canon this morning took the wraps off of their new digital camera lineup; rumors and leaked images had been showing the new PowerShot G11 for the past day or so. The G11 wasn't the only new model introduced, however, as six new cameras were introduced, spanning the lineup from low-end pocketables to advanced point and shoots.

The camera manufacturer was quick to point out that while each of the new cameras has a different featureset and intended market stratum, they do share a number of interesting and exciting new features. The best part of the new point and shoot lineup is that all of the cameras feature built-in optical image stabilization, making handheld shots easier to capture than ever before. Additionally, the new cameras feature the latest revision of Canon's imaging engine, their DIGIC 4 processor. They've also improved on the cameras' auto picture modes; "Smart AUTO" technology now analyzes moving faces and up to 22 different shooting environments for clear, crisp photographs.

Canon PowerShot G11
Canon's G series has long been the star of the company's point and shoot lineup, and the new G11 represents a refinement of the previous offering, the PowerShot G10.  A big difference between the G10 and the G11 is that the G11 actually features new 10 megapixel High Sensitivity sensor instead of the 14.7 megapixel imager on board the previous model.

A quick rundown of the spec sheet includes:

• 5x optical zoom 28mm wide angle zoom lens
• 2.8 inch vari-angle LCD
• Customizable control ring

We snagged some quick hands-on time with the G11 this morning.

The PowerShot G11 will become available in October with a retail price sticker of $499.99.

Canon PowerShot S90
The PowerShot S90 will offer a bright f/2.0 lens and the same 10.0 megapixel High Sensitivity sensor on-board the PowerShot G11. Stylewise, it borrows its looks from the ELPH line of digital compacts, but slides into the S series lineup with higher-end functionality including RAW + JPEG shooting.

Look for these features in the new S90:

• 3.8x optically stabilized zoom lens with 28mm wide angle
• 3.0 inch LCD 
• Customizable control ring

Canon PowerShot SX20 and SX120
The PowerShot SX20 and SX120 enter canon's high zoom SX series.

Canon PowerShot SX20

The SX20 offers step-up performance with 20x optical zoom, 12.1 megapixel sensor and 720p HD video recording. Around back, a 2.5 inch vari-angle LCD offers some flexibility for challenging shooting situations. Like the SX120, it will be powered by a pair of AA batteries.

Canon PowerShot SX120

The PowerShot SX120 features a 10.0 megapixel sensor, 10x optical zoom, and larger 3.0 inch LCD. Both new SX series cameras will debut in September. The SX20 will start at $399.99 and the SX120 at $249.99.

Canon PowerShot SD980 IS and SD940 IS
The PowerShot SD980 IS and SD940 bring the ELPH line into new territory with touch screen operation. They keep in step with the style aesthetic of the PowerShot SD780 and both feature a 12.1 megapixel sensor.

The PowerShot SD980 will sport a 3.0 inch touch panel, 720p HD video recording capability, and a24mm wide angle 5x optical zoom lens. It will make its debut in October with a price of $329.99.

The PowerShot SD940 will also offer 720p HD video recording as well as a slightly smaller 2.7 inch touch LCD. A 4x optical zoom lens is also on board. It should arrive in September to the tune of $299.99.

Related Articles:

• Canon PowerShot G10 Review
• Canon PowerShot A2100 IS Review
• Canon announces Hybrid Image Stabilizer

[leaftye]

Canon is definitely going in the right direction with the processor in the new G11. Hopefully more manufacturers follow their lead.

[KCook]

No kidding! Gutsy move on Canon's part to downsized the Mp for the G11. Geeze, I sure hope the S90 flash doesn't insist on popping up like the SX200.

Kelly

[J.R.]

I think it's a great move, and yeah, leaf, I hope we see some other guys follow suit. I'd much rather high cleaner images over higher resolution.

[AaronM]

Geeze, I sure hope the S90 flash doesn't insist on popping up like the SX200.

According to specs on some other site there is a "no flash ever" mode. That coupled with the AF assist light will hopefully do away with the insistant flash...
A

[KCook]

Cool, I'm all for an f/2 lens!!!

[Andy Stanton]

The s90 almost enables me forgive Canon for doing away with the the full featured "A" series cameras.

[J.R.]

The s90 almost enables me forgive Canon for doing away with the the full featured "A" series cameras.

I am annoyed at the lack of 720p video, though.

[AaronM]

I am annoyed at the lack of 720p video, though.

So here's a question, would you pay more, even if it was only $50, for a theoretical s90v with 720p (let's say either 24fps or 30)?

I ask as someone who doesn't care about video at all. I guess I'm trying to figure out if having HD video was a "they should have it" or a "I would pay money for this" feature...

A

[J.R.]

So here's a question, would you pay more, even if it was only $50, for a theoretical s90v with 720p (let's say either 24fps or 30)?

I ask as someone who doesn't care about video at all. I guess I'm trying to figure out if having HD video was a "they should have it" or a "I would pay money for this" feature...

A

I'm not sure, but it's definitely something I'd consider. The biggest reason I'd want video in something like that is because I already have a dSLR for most of my still shots; I'd want video for when I was out doing stuff with friends, a time I'd be more likely to shove a P&S in my bag or pocket instead of my k2000.

Thinking about it further, if it were a choice between two equivalent cameras and one offered 720p and the other didn't for $50, I'd probably take it.