Canon's PowerShots are my go-to cameras for best photo quality. However, when it comes to cutting-edge features or shooting options, the company tends to lag behind much of the competition. I'm still on the fence about whether this is a bad thing, but regardless, Monday it announced four PowerShots, three of them refreshes of older models as well as the new SD3500 IS. Judging by the specs, my opinion holds true.
Overall, the updated models don't appear all that different from the prior models; just some minor improvements to features, boosts in resolution (hooray, more 14-megapixel compacts), a couple new photo effects, and Eye-Fi support. The SD3500 looks good for those who like touch-screen interfaces, but otherwise it doesn't seem to break new ground for the category.
Lastly, it looks like Canon is steering clear of optical viewfinders, so if you need an ultracompact camera with one, I suggest you pick up an SD780 IS or SD1200 IS while they're still around; the SD1400 IS and SD1300 IS will replace them, respectively.
PowerShot SX210 IS
- 14 megapixels
- 14x 28mm-equivalent wide-angle lens
- 3-inch LCD
- HD video (720p) with stereo sound
- HDMI output
- Optical image stabilization
- Dynamic mode reducing camera shake while recording movies
- New Fisheye and Miniature effects
- Eye-Fi support
- SD/SDHC memory cards
- Lithium ion rechargeable battery
- Choice of black, purple, and gold
- $349.99, March 2010
PowerShot SD3500 IS
- 14 megapixels
- 5x 24mm-equivalent ultrawide-angle lens
- 3.5-inch touch-screen LCD
- HD video (720p)
- Optical image stabilization
- HDMI output
- New Fisheye and Miniature effects
- Eye-Fi support
- SD/SDHC memory cards
- Lithium ion rechargeable battery
- Choice of black, silver, and pink
- $329.99, February 2010
PowerShot SD1400 IS
- 14 megapixels
- 4x 28mm-equivalent wide-angle lens
- 2.7-inch LCD
- HD video (720p)
- Optical image stabilization
- HDMI output
- New Fisheye and Miniature effects
- SD/SDHC memory cards
- Lithium ion rechargeable battery
- Choice of pink, orange, silver, and black
- $249.99, February 2010
PowerShot SD1300 IS
- 12 megapixels
- 4x 28mm-equivalent wide-angle lens
- 2.7-inch LCD
- VGA movie mode
- Optical image stabilization
- SD/SDHC memory cards
- Lithium ion rechargeable battery
- Choice of silver, pink, green, blue, and brown
- $199.99, February 2010
For full specs and info on the new models, they're already up on Canon's site.
