The new high-resolution ultracompact features a 12x zoom lens and features to make snapshots and video clips a breeze.
The Canon PowerShot Elph 350 HS (called the Ixus 275 in the UK and Australia) is the new top ultracompact in the company's lineup, replacing the 340 HS.
The HS in the name signifies the use of a high-sensitivity backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, in this case a 20-megapixel one. If that seems like overkill for a pocket camera, well, you're right. But higher resolutions still sell cameras, as do zoom lenses.
Out in front is a 12x f3.6-7.0 25-300mm lens, which is an impressive range given the camera's dimensions of 3.9 inches wide by 2.3 inches high by 0.9-inch deep (99.7 by 57.6 by 22.4mm). Canon's optical image stabilization is part of the package, too, so blur-free shooting handheld at 300mm while framing your subject on its 3-inch 460K-dot-resolution LCD is a possibility.
Built-in Wi-Fi allows for wireless picture and movie clip transfers directly to iOS or Android devices and computers as well as direct printing on Wi-Fi-enabled Canon printers. Also, with Canon's Connect app you can remotely control the camera with your smartphone or tablet. The 350 HS has active NFC built in, too, so you can tap it to your Android device for quick pairing.
Shooting options are strictly automatic here, so don't expect extensive manual controls. You will get things to automatically improve low-light shots, high-speed burst shooting at up to 10.5 frames per second and full HD movie capture.
The Canon PowerShot Elph 350 HS camera is scheduled to be available in April in black and silver for an estimated retail price of $209.99. Pricing for the UK and Australia weren't announced, but the price converts to £140 and AU$270.