Not quite content with it’s other entries this season, Canon has further expanded the old annual offering of digital compacts by another four models. Now in ye olde line-up are the PowerShot ELPH 320 HS, ELPH 530 HS, SX260 HS, and their second offering in the all-weather market, the PowerShot D20.

From most to least interesting:

The PowerShot D20 is Canon’s second effort at a waterproof camera, and for their second go they’ve wisely gone the styling route Casio also took, and away from the oddly bulbous D10. It’s waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof to 5 feet, and freeze-proof to 14 degrees F. Beyond that, you’re looking at a 12.1 megapixel HS CMOS sensor with a DIGIC IV processor, a 5x optical zoom, GPS, and a 3″ touchscreen display. It’ll come out at right around $349.99

The SX260 HS has a 20x zoom that starts at 25mm equiv, strapped to a body a mere 1.29″ thick. The same sensor from the D20 is on-board here, so, no surprises to be had, but the processor gets a boost to a DIGIC V. Other features are 1080p video, GPS, and a continuous shooting mode of 10.3fps… for 10 frames. So, it’ll be a good second, baby. You’ll be able to have it black, green, or red for $349.99.

Down the line, we have the ELPH 530 HS, a .78″ thick box with a lens and shutter button strapped to it. With this magical box, you get a 12x zoom lens, 10 megapixel HS CMOS sensor, DIGIC V, and a 3.2″ touchscreen LCD. Oh, and did we mention it’s wi-fi enabled, letting you share pictures right from it to Flickr, Facebook, your phone, etc? Oh, well. it is. It’ll be in black or white for $349.99 (noticing a pattern here…)

Last, the PowerShot ELPH 320 HS is the “not the best, but not the worst” middle ground that’s actually the hardest to blog about. it’s well-enough specced to be attractive, with a 16.1 megapixel sensor, DIGIC V, 3.2″ touchscreen LCD, and the wi-fi inside, but otherwise doesn’t have any features that stand out. Still, for the retail price of $279.99, in black, silver, blur, or red and with those features, maybe it doesn’t need to stand out any more.

Press release and images after the jump.

New PowerShot Lineup Enables Photographers To Stay Connected While Capturing Legendary Canon Image Quality

Highlighted Features include Wi-Fi, Powerful Optical Zoom and Ruggedness

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of four PowerShot digital cameras: the ELPH 530 HS, ELPH 320 HS, SX260 HS, and D20. Photographers no longer have to sacrifice image quality for the ability to instantly share images and videos with the use of the PowerShot ELPH 530 HS and ELPH 320 HS Wi-Fi enabled cameras. The PowerShot SX260 HS camera puts Canon’s amazing optical reach into a pocket sized camera, with a 20x optical zoom (25mm to 500mm) letting you pull subjects in close. Designed for the adventurous photographer looking to take spectacular photos, the rugged PowerShot D20 camera is ideally suited for the backpacker, snowboarder or tropical-traveler.

“Canon wants to help people capture the best images possible with the ability to quickly and easily share them with the world. With new PowerShot features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, people can quickly upload and share images on social networks,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “Whether it’s a powerful zoom, Wi-Fi or waterproof features, our new PowerShot lineup empowers people to be creative with their photography. There are good enough images and there are great images, we always aim to help people capture the best images.”

Mobile Sharing with Excellent Image Quality

The Wi-Fi functionality built into the two ELPH models allow for a variety of connection options to help photographers share, upload, or back-up images. Users can connect directly to a wireless network from their camera to upload photos and videos to the Canon iMAGE GATEWAYⁱ, an online service that lets registered users store images to an online album, and then post their content to social networks such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

In March, the Canon CameraWindow application is expected to be available on the Apple App Store for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touchⁱⁱ to further enhance the connectivity options. With this App, users can transfer and save images and videos from the camera to compatible iOS devices, which can then be directly uploaded to Facebook and YouTube or emailed. Photos and videos can also be shared on-the-spot with friends and family by transmitting to another current Wi-Fi-enabled Canon camera as well. A similar app is expected to be available in May for Android devices.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS Digital Camera

The flagship of the ELPH line, the .78 inches thick ELPH 530 HS camera has the classic style of the original ELPH design while also being Wi-Fi enabled and packing an amazing 12x optical zoom lens to capture great shots from a distance. Canon’s HS SYSTEM has been included where the 10-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor will work in tandem with the camera’s DIGIC 5 image processor to help produce high-quality images in low-light conditions. The ELPH 530 HS will also shoot 1080p Full HD video helping capture footage in crystal clear clarity. This new model sports a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen for simple and intuitive operation and menu navigation, Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes, Face ID for optimal images of up to 12 registered subjects and the Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) function. The camera will be available in black or white for an estimated retail price of $349.99 and is expected to ship in April.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS Digital Camera

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS camera makes the perfect on-the-go camera for the young and active photographer, with Wi-Fi connectivity for easy uploading of memorable moments. The HS SYSTEM has also been included on this model with the 16.1 megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS and DIGIC 5 image processor working together to produce high-quality, low-light images. For those users who value high-quality video, the camera has 1080p Full HD capabilities as well. A 5x-Optical Zoom 24mm wide-angle lens will help expand the shooting capabilities of the camera and a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen for simple and intuitive operation and menu navigation. This camera will also feature Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes and Face ID in addition to Intelligent IS. The camera will be available in four eye-catching colors (black, silver, blue and red) for an estimated retail price of $279.99 and is expected to ship in March.

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Digital Camera

Canon’s PowerShot SX260 HS camera delivers a powerful 20x Optical Zoom and 25mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilization delivers stunning images from up close or at a distance and measuring just 1.29-inches thick. The camera’s impressive zoom is accompanied by Canon’s HS SYSTEM for improved low-light shooting with a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor. Combining this incredible zoom and high-image quality will allow photographers of all levels to capture great photos or 1080p Full HD video up close and at a distance, all in one portable, powerful digital camera. The Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes and Face ID has also been included in this incredibly diverse yet compact device. The camera also includes Intelligent IS and GPS photo tagging with location and elevation information to help plot exactly where your travels have taken you. Adding to the feature-set is High-Speed Burst HQ allowing for approximately 10 high-resolution shots to be captured at a continuous rate at 10.3 frames per second. The camera will be available in three colors – black, green and red – and is expected to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

Canon PowerShot D20 Digital Camera:

Waterproofⁱⁱⁱ, shock-proof,^iv and freeze-proof^v the PowerShot D20 is built with the active photographer in mind. Outfitted with an easy-to-access button, the camera enables users to switch from normal photo mode to snow or underwater mode, even with gloves on. To help make the underwater photos as great as those captured on dry land, the camera has a built-in underwater macro mode producing amazing pictures up close while diving or snorkeling. When recording video, the camera includes wind reduction technology to help capture clear audio even in breezy conditions. It touts an impressive array of features including the HS SYSTEM incorporating a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, 1080p Full HD video and a 5x optical zoom lens. Also included is a 3.0-inch LCD screen, GPS-capabilities allowing users to track their locations and tag each photo with latitude, longitude, and elevation information and Intelligent IS.^vi The PowerShot D20 camera is expected to ship in May 2012 for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

For more information about the new Canon PowerShot cameras go to:www.usa.canon.com/powershot

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

###

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

ⁱ Canon iMAGE GATEWAY Online Photo Album available starting February 14, 2012. One-time registration will be required.

ⁱⁱ Compatible with iOS 4.3 or later versions.

ⁱⁱⁱ Down to 33 feet

^iv Up to 5 feet

^v As low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit

^vi GPS functions will not operate while the camera is under water.

From the bottom up, we find ourselves starting with the L “Lifestyle” series of entry-level compacts. And one S. But we’ll let that slide for now. These are the cheaper, budget-conscious models,and they are also the ones that still use AAs for power, if you’re into that sort of thing. As usual, the marketing speak in these releases is just amazing, so, far be it for us to deprive you of the joy, we’ll introduce each model with Nikon’s promo line. Starting with:

COOLPIX L810: Zoom That Goes the Distance

And that distance is 26x (22.5mm-585mm). while 585mm isn’t the most ridiculous zoom we’ve seen on a point-and-shoot this season, it’s certainly a pretty big number to see on an entry model. Other things you can see here will be VR, 19 scene modes, 720p, a 3″ 921,000 dot LCD, and a $279.95 price tag sometime this month. You can pick it up in black, red, or blue.

COOLPIX L26: The Simple Way to Great Photos and Movies

The other true L entry is aimed squarely at the idiot-box end of the spectrum, and its focus is on letting it handle everything and letting you focus on just shooting whatever strikes your fancy. There’s a 5x (26mm-130mm) zoom, 720p, and a 3″ LCD of unspecified resolution to help you in that quest, along with a price tag of a mere $119.95. You’ll find it in red, black, or silver.

COOLPIX S30: No Muss, No Fuss – Ready for Action

The sheep in wolf’s clothing of the group, this is apparently a Stylish mid-series body day-tripping as a budget entry. But don’t worry, it came prepared for some rough encounters, and is drop proof to a toddler-friendly 2.6 feet, and waterproof to 9.8 feet, which should keep it safe from the odd stumble and spill. Otherwise, there’s 10 megapixels, a 3x zoom of indeterminate range, and some unspecified HD movie recording, which we’re guessing is 720p like the others. This model is also a mere $119.95, and will come in white, blue, or pink.

Next up the ladder is the S-series (like Capcom, the S is for Stylish). This is what most people think of when they think of point-and-shoots. Also, the use of proprietary rechargeable batteries means this line tends to be a bit trimmer than the one we just covered, for those of you who prefer pockets and purses to bags.

A Fashionable Zoom for Any Occasion

This tagline is for the entry point here, the Coolpix S3300, which answers the apparently very specific call for “a cost-efficient 16.0-megapixel camera with a 6x (26mm-156mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens.” To which we can only say: OK. 19 scene modes, optical VR, and 720p video round out the package, which’ll set you back $139.95 in silver, black, pink, purple, or red.

The Touch Screen to Set Trends

So are we introduced to the Coolpix S4300, which is eerily similar to the S3300 there, except with a 3″ 460,000 dot touchscreen on back, and a different body design. It’ll run $169.95 in plum, black, silver, red, or white.

The Super-Zoom Goes Super Thin

And that super zoom in question is the Coolpix S6300, which has a 10x optical VR zoom mounted to a 16 megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor (you know, that knew sensor type that does better in low-light than the traditional compact sensors do). We finally see an upgrade to 1080p video at this point, and a 180 or 360 degree easy sweep panroama mode pops up, along with a few creative shooting modes. The S6300 will set you back all of $199.95 and come in red, silver, black, or blue.

The Ultra-Zoom That Fits in a Carry-on

The top of the S lineup is the S9300, and to earn its crown, you’ll find it’s an inch and a half thick shooter that nonetheless has an 18x optical ZR zoom (25mm-450mm), the same 16mp BSI CMOS sensor from above, 1080p, and built-in GPS. Aimed at people who like traveling, it’ll leave a little room in your vacation budget, setting you back only $349.95 in black, silver, or red.

And then,we get to the P-series (P is for Power, or Performance, or Professional). And this year’s refresh is so far two models deep: the zoomy P510, and the f1.8 graced P310.

The New COOLPIX P510: Setting a Higher Zoom Standard

Remember how the L810′s 585mm equiv wasn’t the biggest we’d seen? Well, the P510 turns out a better effort, packing a 42x optical VR zoom that ambitiously covers 24 – 1000mm equivalent. Combined with a 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, about 5fps continuous shooting, 1080p, manual controls, built-in GPS, and a 3″ 921,000 dot vari-angle LCD, and you can probably figure out where the $429.95 price tag comes from. Hey, you even get a choice of red or black.

The New COOLPIX P310: Low Light, No Problem

And, for the “but, I want a camera that fits in my pocket” crowd, the S310 goes back to a compact body, and in exchange for the much more timid 4.2x zoom (24-100mm), you get an aperture starting at f1.8 on the wide end. You also get full manual controls and built-in HDR, but no raw here. A zoom-memory button is also on board, giving you quick access to popular prime lengths in that zoom range with no guessing. Otherwise, if you guessed it probably has a 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS and a 3″ 921,000 LCD, well, you win the prize. And since we’re out of prizes, you reward is the knowledge that this camera will run $329.95, and Henry Ford would nod approvingly at your color options: black. Or black, we suppose. And, for those of you feeling a bit wild: black.

The W610 starts us off with some pretty typical entry specs: 14megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom (28-114mm equiv), 2.7″ LCD, face detection, smile detection, blink detection, sweep panorama, dynamic range optimizer, and a rather curious “Natural Flash.” And five colors: green, black, blue, red, silver. No HD video, though. VGA only. Price will be $109.99 for this one.

The W620 is up next, and features the return of pretty much all of the above, except the lens moves up to a 5x zoom (28-140mm equiv), and the video mode goes up to 720p. You do lose some color choices here, though, with only black, red, and silver being offered. Still, if that’s fine by you, you can pick up that better lens and movie mode for a mere $10 over the W 610, or $119.99.

Lastly, we skip a few numbers ahead to the W650. And, as you might assume from such a jump, the features leap forward a bit as well. You get to keep the 5x 28-140mm zoom, but you upgrade to 16.1 megapixels. The movie mode remains stuck at 720p, but optical image stabilization makes an appearance finally. You also get a 3″ LCD. Firmware-wise, all the usual and previously mentioned Sony technologies stick around, so you can detect blinks and sweep panoramas to your heart’s content.  at least, you can if you don’t mind black, silver, or red and a $139.99 price tag, that is.

The VG-160 is the littler bro to the VG-320, at least in name. in style, it’s much more a traditional card-style compact. It’s got 14 megapixels, a 5x optical zoom (26-130mm). All pretty stalwart specs. It’s got a vaguely worded “dual image stabilization mode”, which might include sensor-shift as part of it. Either way, it gets a price point one penny under a hundred, at $99.99 initial retail. Colors here are orange, red, black, or silver.

Up next is the newest ultra-zoom (it’s like a super zoom, but with more zoom to zoom), the SP-620UZ. Interestingly, despite having the UZ moniker, this camera actually has less zoom than the plain-old SZ camera that was announced, and at this point the UZ is just telling you it uses the chunkier body style that once-upon-a-time imitated DSLRs, but has now got a different flair to it. Anyway, it’s a 21x zoom (25-525 equiv), and 16 megapixels behind that. The vaguely worded dual image stabilization strikes again, and a guded multiple shot 3D mode creeps in. If you guessed it probably has art filters, then you’ve obviously caught the hang of every Olympus camera announced since the E-P1. Street price for this guy is going to be $199.99, and you can have silver or black.

And last up is the very neat-o looking SZ-12 (seriously, Olympus has really upped its industrial design the past couple years. I approve.) This guy’s got 24x zoom (25-600mm), which ought be enough for pretty much anything. There’s a more conservative 14 megapixel sensor here, which is less good for tight crops but should help high-ISO noise a bit. The vaguely worded dual-IS once more strikes, and at this point I’m just assuming it includes sensor-shift, since it’s be unfathomable not to on a lens this size 9which makes the VG-160 up there even more enticing at that low price point). It can also chug along at a nice 7 frames-per-second. Everything else gets a yadda yadda (3″ LCD, art filters, etc), so, it’s really the lens’ show here. Well, that and the “retro-chic ‘smart grip’,” which does look pretty neat, though we’ll have to get our actual hands on it to confirm ergonomics. Price here is also $199.99, and you can have black, silver, or red.

With the all-weather (waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof) market being one of the fastest growing ones right now, it’d be easy to forget that Olympus is really the oldest player in the game. At least, until you look at yet another entry for them, where their many years of refinement to the style and design become a bit more apparent. Such is the case with the TG-320, a mere “mid-grade” entry into their famous Tough series.

As a cost-conscious model, it features a mere 14 megapixels, a 3.6x optical zoom (28-102mm equiv, f3.5-5), a 2.7″ LCD, waterproofiness (what? that should totally be a word) to 10 ft, shockproof to 5 ft, and freezeproof to 14 degrees F. In other words, about everything you need to survive every day life, be that bars, kids, or kayaking. All for a street price of  $179.99. And, if you’ve been waiting for just such a refresh to the Tough line, you can preorder it on our site now in red or blue. Or read the press release after the jump, if you like.

WORRY-FREE IMAGES OF LIFE’S SPONTANEOUS ADVENTURES ARE POSSIBLE WITH THE NEW OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-320

Active Families Appreciate an Ultra Durable, Affordable Camera 
That Can Keep Up With Them

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus adds to its TOUGH line of rugged digital cameras today with the new 14-megapixel, 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom lens (28-102mm equivalent*), Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof and Dustproof Olympus TG-320. Whether they’re in the water or enjoying the snow, families and active consumers want an affordable camera they can trust to endure all of life’s spontaneous moments and capture superior images anytime.

The rugged Olympus TG-320 is designed to take the hard knocks of everyday life, so you know that the memories it captures will be protected. It can handle five-foot drops to the hard ground, operate in freezing snowstorms (to 14 degrees Fahrenheit), and swim with fish (Waterproof to 10 feet) – lethal conditions for most other digital cameras. With Underwater HD Video, the TG-320 offers the reliability of the ideal vacation camera.

Throw the Olympus TG-320 in your backpack before heading out into the wild for the weekend; bring it along with your snorkeling gear to capture crisp, clear high-definition video of marine life at the touch of a button; even hand it off to the kids at family events to let them express their own unique vision. You won’t have to worry about accidents spoiling the fun.

Add more dimension to your photographs by shooting dynamic 3D photos in any mode from macro to landscape, and even under water. Express your inner artist with the Olympus TG-320’s in-camera Magic Art Filters that enable users to enhance and customize images as they’re being captured.

When you’re back from your adventures, the camera’s HDMI Control makes playback a breeze. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV’s remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your couch.

* 35mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus TG-320 will be available in February and ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-42B), Audio/Video Cable, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty Card.
Estimated Street Price: $179.99 (Available in red or blue)
For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: www.getolympus.com.

“NEW OLYMPUS VR-340 PROVES BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP.” Thus starts Olympus’ press release for the new VR-340, a stylish upgrade to the also stylish VR-320 of yester-year. Key specs are a 16 megapixel sensor (up two megapixels from the 320) and a 10x superwide 24-240mm equiv zoom (down 2.5x from the 320). Otherwise, you’ve got a metal body, a 3″ rear LCD, nine art filters, the usual compliment of auto scene modes and auto-focus trickery, sensor shift image stabilization, and ISOs up to 1600. In your choice of black, white, silver, red, or purple. All for a very pocket-friendly anticipated cost of $149.99. If you’re in the market for just such a camera, you can put in for what ought to be a very short preorder wait here.

You can also read the press release after the jump.

NEW OLYMPUS VR-340 PROVES BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

Slim, Stylish and Full of Features, the Olympus VR-340 Offers a Powerful 10x Zoom and Cutting-Edge Performance Inside Its Sleek Metal Casing

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus today announces the launch of a new V Series camera that once again proves you can have an affordable, great-looking camera with advanced digital technology all packed into an exquisitely attractive slim metal casing. Whether you’re out for a night on the town, a birthday dinner with friends or a weekend stroll, the Olympus VR-340’s 10x super wide optical zoom lens (24-240mm equivalent*) is ready to capture and share superb close-ups and group shots of life’s most important moments, like births or weddings.

The Olympus VR-340 includes all the technology you’d expect from more expensive compact cameras, including a standout 16-megapixel sensor, AF Illuminator and higher ISO for shooting in low light, designed to enhance your shots.

Add style and artistic flair to your photos with nine Magic Art Filters that work with videos and still photos alike. The new Beauty Make-up mode enhances the look of faces in your shots. Laid out like a cosmetic toolbox, it lets you apply everything from eyeliner and eye shadow to rouge for skin blemishes. You can even lift cheekbones and morph your subjects to give them a cover-model look.

A simple, one-touch button allows you to record video clips with amazing clarity in high-definition, right from your camera. With sophisticated AF tracking, you can have confidence in capturing fast moving subjects like kids & pets. Simply preview and share all of your images on the Olympus VR-340’s large 3.0-inch, high-resolution LCD for proof that this camera’s beauty is more than skin deep.

*35mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus VR-340 will be available in March and ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Audio/Video Cable, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty Card.

Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (Available in white, silver, black, purple and red).

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: www.getolympus.com.

On that 1.85x CMOS sensor you’ll find 14.3 megapixels capable of ISOs 100-12,800 in Program mode, and in front of it you’ll find a 4x optical zoom (28-112mm equiv, f2.8-5.6, minimum f16), and around back there’s a 3″ 922,000 dot tilt-swivel LCD. Otherwise, it’s about what you’d expect from this class of compact. There’s full manual controls, controls wheels, mode dials, and raw support. Oh, and there’s 1080p video, too, just in case you thought for a moment a new camera could dare come out without a video mode (silly you).

The other note here is the price tag. The PowerShot G1 X will debut at $799.99 next month. Yup. $800. For those of you not looking to drop that much on a compact, the G12 is remaining in the line-up at the more conservative $500, but it’ll still have that much, much smaller 1/2.3″ sensor compared to this new G entry. Press release after the jump.

Canon U.S.A. Introduces The Highest Image Quality Powershot Digital Camera, The G1 X, And Feature-Packed ELPH Series Cameras

 

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 9, 2012 – Continuing to revolutionize the digital camera market, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the introduction of a new flagship PowerShot model, the PowerShot G1 X, in addition to two stylish PowerShot ELPH models, the ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS. The PowerShot G1 X camera will feature a 1.5-inch, 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the largest sensor to date for a PowerShot model, delivering approximately nine times more light sensitivity and helping to produce amazing depth-of-field and high-quality images in tough low-light conditions. For those users looking for a camera with advanced features in a compact form both the PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, the world’s thinnest 12x optical zoom with a 28mm lens¹, and PowerShot ELPH 110 HS feature a sleek design and compelling creative capabilities.

“The new additions to our PowerShot lineup further demonstrate Canon’s commitment to delivering users innovative imaging products,” said Yuichi Ishizuka executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “These sleek and compact cameras bring together powerful features, intuitive controls and unrivaled portability while maintaining high image quality.”

The Power of DIGIC 5

Living up to its reputation as a leader in the digital camera marketplace, Canon has incorporated the DIGIC 5 image processor into the HS SYSTEM for all three models. Achieving better quality images in low-light settings, boasting faster operation and providing improved color accuracy, the DIGIC 5 image processor ensures users are able to produce high-quality images in the most difficult of lighting conditions. The processor will also enable the PowerShot G1 X camera to utilize the High-Speed Burst HQ² feature allowing photographers to shoot images at high speeds at full resolution to capture the perfect moving shot. Additionally, to ensure images are crisp and clear, advanced noise reduction and a smarter multi-area White Balance can be utilized to achieve accurate color reproduction for a balanced image.

Advanced Smart AUTO

Advanced Smart AUTO, available in the PowerShot ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS, can detect up to 58 scenes varying from non-human moving subjects to people, landscapes, pets and vehicles, helping the camera determine the best mode of shooting. This technology has been enhanced to include a new Face ID feature, allowing users to register up to 12 people on the camera and have the camera recognize and prioritize each person. When registering individuals on the camera, users can take up to five images of a subject at various angles or facial expressions and enter their name and birth date. This allows the camera to make one of three age distinctions: Babies (0 to 1 year old), Children (2 to 12 years old) or Adults (13 years or older). Based on these different groups, the camera will give focus priority to the youngest recognized group in the frame and makes the images searchable as well with the ability to view only those images of a particular person.

Further additions to this new feature are Smile Recognition and Sleeping Face Recognition. With Smile Recognition, the camera will take three consecutive shots of a scene such as a smiling baby or of grandparents at a family get together and select the best out of the three for the final image. For Sleeping Face Recognition the flash, assist beam and sound is turned off for that precious moment to be captured while not disturbing one’s sleep.

PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera

Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for the highest image quality in a compact, point-and-shoot design, the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera features the largest sensor to date for a Canon point-and-shoot model. The camera has a brand new, large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm), 14.3-megapixel High-Sensitivity Canon CMOS sensor, delivering shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range, an ISO range of up to 12800 and incredible light gathering ability helping to ensure brilliant images in even tough low-light conditions. Featuring an amazing Canon lens with 4X Optical Zoom, an aperture of f/2.8 to f/16 for beautiful images when shooting portraits and amazing clarity when shooting landscapes along with wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm, the PowerShot G1 X camera makes certain that users will have the right optics for most any situation. Further adding to the EOS-like feature set of this new model is 14-bit, RAW+JPEG shooting and compatibility with accessories such as Speedlite, Macro Twin Lite or the Macro Ring Light flashes. HDR Shooting has been included to ensure the best possible shot is captured as well. The PowerShot G1 X camera also shoots in Full HD 1080p video ensuring memorable moments are captured in the highest quality.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X camera has a bright, large 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD with 922,000 dots of resolution providing photographers with the highest quality available in a point-and-shoot. The inclusion of the Mode Dial on the top of the camera and the Front Dial helps provide more intuitive control of the camera.

The estimated selling price of the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera is $799.99 and is scheduled to be available in February.

PowerShot ELPH 520 HS Digital Camera

The feature-packed Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera resurrects the original PowerShot ELPH design with a more contemporary and radiant look and feel. This new stylish model has a 10.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor along with a 12X Optical Zoom lens, ISO range of up to 3200 and wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm. For photographers on the move, this camera also has Full HD 1080p video capture capabilities, a 3.0-inch LCD for easy viewing of images and High-Speed Burst mode where images are continuously captured at 6.8 frames per second.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera will be available in black, silver, red and blue in March with an estimated selling price of $299.99.

PowerShot ELPH 110 HS Digital Camera

Canon’s PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera comes in a variety of fun, bright colors (black, silver, red, blue, green and pink) and is the ideal camera for new photographers. With a 5X Optical Zoom lens and wide-angle capabilities beginning at 24mm, this camera provides the user with the ability to fit an entire landscape or a specific area of a subject into one shot. The camera also features a16-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor, ISO range of up to 3200, 3.0-inch wide LCD and Full HD 1080p video capture for brilliant, high resolution quality. High-Speed Burst mode has also been included for continuous shooting up to 5.8 frames per second.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera is scheduled to be available in February with an estimated selling price of $249.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

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Specifications subject to change without notice.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

¹ This information as of January 9, 2012

² The PowerShot G1 X camera’s continuous shooting speed at high resolution is approximately 4.5 shots at 6 frames per second.

The X-S1 is a sort of superzoom, except the built-in lens uses a knurled zoom ring for manual zoom, a la DSLRs. This type of camera used to be more common, notably in Olympus’ old Camedia UZ series cameras. The X100 used a fixed lens and APS-C sensor, the X10 switch to a 2/3″ sensor and moved up to 4x zoom. The X-S1 is the superzoom pal to the X10 in that regard, it also uses the 2/3″ sensor, but pushes the zoom factor up to 26x with a 24-624mm f2.8-5.6 lens.

You look at things through a high-rez EVF with 1.4 million dots, or on the 3″ tilting LCD with 460,000 dots. To help justify its high price tag, the shutter lag is reported to be a mere 0.01 seconds, and you’ll get image stabilization, PASM, raw, and SD, SDHC, and SDXC support too.

The X-S1 will be available around this month-ish, and cost right around $800 to add to your own kit.

That’s a lot of announcements, so, let me just talk about a couple highlights from the crop:

First up, the top of the compact line, the Finepix F770EXR. This is the top model in a line-up of three closely related siblings, and it features a 16 megapixel 1/2″ EXR sensor, 25-500mm 20x optical zoom lens, 3″ 460,000 dot LCD, built-in GPS, and raw. Also on board is sensor-shift image stabilization and 1080 HD video.

It’s got a metal body in black and red, and will run somewhere around $380.

Up next we have the HS30EXR, the top model in Fuji’s new superzoom line-up. This particular series of superzooms stick to the older “bridge” camera aesthetic that more closely resembles a DSLR than the expectations of a point and shoot. As suggested by the category name, the HS30EXR has a massive zoom, a 24-720mm equivalent 30x monster strapped to a 16 megapixel 1/2″ EXR sensor (just like the F770EXR). The HS30EXR has a .26″ electronic viewfinder with 920,000 dots of resolution, a 3″ LCD with 460,000 dots resolution, and it can record raw. It’s got a smaller brother that’s similarly spec’ed but lowers the viewfinder quality and uses AAs. Both bodies record 1080 HD at 30fps and have sensor-shift image stabilization.

The HS30EXR will run right around $500 when it hits the market.

Next up is the Z1000EXR, which is the update to a line I’ve always been a bit fond of, if for no other reason than their style. While the looks are no longer as unique and striking as they were back in the first and second generations, the Z series remains a well-spec’ed line of  deck-of-cards style compacts.

If you hadn’t guessed form the name, that 16 megapixel EXR sensor is found here, too, this time married to a 5x optical zoom. There’s a 3.5″ touchscreen LCD running the show around back, and it’s got some wifi capabilities that can share photos to any Android or iOS phone or tablet running their free transfer software.

No word on price here yet, but there’ll be four colors: pink, green, white, and tan.

Last up on the highlight-o-rama is Finepix FP150, top of the waterproof, rugged trio. The XP150 is dustproof, waterproof to 16.5′, shockproof to 5′, and freeze proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. all that protects a 14 megapixel CMOS sensor and a 28-140mm 5x optical zoom with dual image-shift stabilization. There’s a redesigned double lock door protecting your card and batteries (and, presumably, all the other guts too). The XP150 ups all that by adding GPS and an electronic compass into the mess, and you’ll be able to pick it up for around $280 in black or “holy crap where did I lose that?” orange.