TX200

Sony has announced three more cameras, the Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V, DSC-WX70 and DSC-WX50.

The TX200V features a newly developed 18.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, which Sony says is the highest-resolution currently offered in the point and shoot market, and a new BIONZ processor, which work together to deliver extremely low noise, notes the company.

The camera also offers autofocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daytime and 0.25 seconds in low-light situations.

Additionally, the TX200V has a new reinforced glass design with a 3.3-inch (8.3 cm) Xtra Fine TruBlack OLED wide touch-screen. It is also water-proof (up to 5 m or approx.16 feet), dust-proof and freeze-proof (up to 14^oF), and features a “Photo Creativity” interface to let users adjust creative settings to produce unique, custom-styled photos.

The WX70 and WX50 models each are equipped with a 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, with the WX70 featuring a 3.0-inch LCD touch-screen and the WX50 featuring a slightly smaller 2.7-inch LCD screen.

WX50

Each of the new cameras features a new “Extra High Sensitivity” technology which Sony says minimizes unwanted noise in low-light shooting conditions.

They also have “Clear Image Zoom” technology, which extends the optical zoom by 2x at full camera resolution.

The three cameras also offer image stabilization during video and still shooting. Using technology borrowed from the Sony Handycam lineup, the “Optical Steady Shot Active Mode” is said to “drastically” reduce blurring caused by camera shake. All models can shoot video in Full HD resolution.

Additional features include nine “Picture Effect” options, “Dual Record” capabilities, 3D shooting modes (3D Still Image, 3D Sweep Panorama and Sweep Multi Angle), and shooting speeds up to 10 fps burst mode.

The DSC-TX200V will be available in silver, red, and violet.

Features include: 18.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom beginning at 26 mm (equivalent), “Extra High Sensitivity,” fast AF speed, slim reinforced glass design with 3.3-inch (8.3 cm) Xtra Fine Tru-Black OLED wide touch-screen, waterproof (up to 5 m,16 feet), dustproof and freeze-proof (up to 14^oF), Full HD movie shooting capability (1920×1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode, plus Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options.

The DSC-WX70 will be available in silver, black, pink, violet, and white.

WX70

Features include: 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch LCD touch screen, 5x optical zoom beginning at 25 mm (equivalent), “Extra High Sensitivity,” Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode, as well as 9 total “Picture Effects” options.

The DSC-WX50 will be available in silver and black.

Features include: 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 2.7-inch LCD screen, 5x optical zoom beginning at 25 mm (equivalent), “Extra High Sensitivity,” Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode, and 9 total “Picture Effects” options.

W650

Three new point and shoot cameras from Sony, the DSC-W610, DSC-W620 and DSC-W650.

The cameras feature Sony’s new 360° Sweep Panorama mode. Users can capture seamless 360 degree panoramic images with one easy “press and sweep” motion. Multiple images are automatically stitched together to create a panoramic photo.

“Intelligent Auto” mode allows the cameras to automatically optimize camera settings based on the external environment, analyzing focus, lighting, subjects and more, selecting the appropriate scene mode.

To reduce image blur, the W610 and W620 feature SteadyShot image stabilization. The W650 offers enhanced Optical SteadyShot and also boasts a 16.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor.

The W620 and W650 also feature HD Movie mode (720p) as well as four “Picture Effect” options which can be used to create customized, artistic images. Effects include Toy Camera, Partial Colour, Pop Colour and Soft High-key.

W620

The W610 camera, available in silver, black, pink, green, and blue, will cost approximately $125.

Features include: 14.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor, 4x optical zoom beginning at 26 mm (equivalent), 2.7-inch LCD screen.

W610

The W620 will be available in silver, black and red in February for approximately $140.

Features include: 14.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor, 5x optical zoom beginning at 28 mm (equivalent), 2.7 inch LCD screen, 4 “Picture Effects,” HD Movie mode (720p).

The W650 camera will be available in silver, black and red in February for approximately $180.

Features include: 16.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor, 5x optical zoom lens beginning at 25 mm (equivalent), 3.0-inch LCD screen, 4 “Picture Effects,” HD Movie mode (720p) enhanced with Optical SteadyShot Active Mode.

Veloce III

Manfrotto has released three new sizes to the Stile collection. The three new bags are specifically designed for the e-reader, netbook and tablet user who wants a camera bag with space for their photographic and personal tech gear.

The Veloce III holds a DSLR (with or without battery grip and up to an attached 70-200 mm lens) plus 1-2 extra lenses plus flash and small or medium tripod as well as personal gear and tablet, netbook or e-reader.

Unica III

The Unica III holds a compact DSLR with kit lens attached and up to a 13-inch laptop as well as personal gear. This Unica size features one full main interior compartment rather than a separate bottom compartment.

Agile III

The Agile II holds a compact DSLR with up to an attached 18-105 mm lens and 1-2 extra lenses plus netbook, tablet or e-reader in a designated rear padded compartment. There’s also room for personal gear and small tripod or monopod that can be attached to the bag.

The lens covers focal lengths from 28 to 560 mm (equivalent), with macro shooting down to 1 cm from the subject. The camera’s Intelligent Zoom function further extends the zoom range to approximately 144X – approximately 4032 mm equivalent – “without compromising image quality,” says the company.

There are two shutter-release buttons and zoom levers on its grip, covering both horizontal and vertical shooting. The camera automatically adjusts its on-screen display by detecting vertical alignment. The VS20 even offers dual tripod sockets, allowing the user to securely set the camera up on a tripod for both horizontal and vertical shooting.

Image sensor delivers approximately 16.0 effective megapixels.

There are three anti-shake modes. The CCD-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism; Digital SR mode, where the camera automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400 for faster shutter speeds; and Movie SR mode which compensates for camera shake and delivers a narrower angle of view.

The VS20 has Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions over the entire image field. It selects one of 15 shooting modes (including Blue Sky and Sunset) and optimizes various camera settings (such as sensitivity and shutter speed).

With the addition of three new modes (Handheld Night Snap, Fish-eye and Sketch), the VS20 offers an even greater range of creative options. Visual-effect modes allow you to take pictures while confirming the level of filtering effect on the LCD monitor.

The camera’s Face Recognition AF & AE function offers a new face recall function, which puts priority on a pre-registered face when optimizing focus and exposure settings. As well, Smile Capture mode automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile. The Blink Detection function warns when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

The VS20 captures high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels), with an independent movie recording button on its back panel. There are three new digital filters (Fish-eye, Miniature and Sketch mode).

A 3.0-inch LCD monitor is treated with AG (Anti-Glare) coating which also blocks stains such as fingerprints.

Other features include: Digital level and 48-segment grid display functions; wireless remote-control shooting using an optional remote controller; new Stretch filter to extend a particular portion of an image for an eye-catching visual effect; 13 digital filters, including newly added Sketch mode; choice of three image ratios (4:3, 16:9 and 1:1); D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in an image; Digital Panorama mode to create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images; included image viewing, editing and filing software.

The Optio VS20 will be available in February in a choice of black or white.

Corel suggests AfterShot Pro is a powerful and affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and ACD Systems ACDSee Pro.

Based on technology from Corel’s acquisition of Bibble Labs, the new software runs on Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

Fully multithreaded and optimized for multi-core and multi-CPU computers, AfterShot Pro delivers fast RAW processing and incredibly colour-accurate images with regular support for an ever-increasing number of major camera manufacturers and models, states Corel.

It is claimed to offers workflow capabilities enabling you to work with photos virtually any way you want, such as quickly accessing images from existing file folders or memory cards or importing them into searchable catalogues.

Corel AfterShot Pro is designed for speed and allows those with and without the latest hardware to process their images fast. AfterShot Pro is fully multithreaded and optimized for multi-core computers by taking advantage of every CPU at its disposal to maximize the speed of onscreen preview, adjustment and output generation.

Whether reviewing, adjusting or exporting RAW, JPEG or TIFF images, lets you create custom or even portable catalogues that can be moved to another computer, or if you already organize your photos in folders on your computer, you aren’t required to catalogue them at all.

Browse and search your photos with ease using the powerful metadata features. Easily find your images with automatically imported EXIF data such as camera settings, lenses and dates. Add your own keywords, ratings, labels and tags or use industry-standard IPTC Metadata, such as captions and copyright. Tailor metadata sets to display only the information you want to see or use presets to attach information to your photos for easy searching.

Refine and enhance your photos without ever altering your original image. Apply intelligent automatic or manual adjustments – including complete exposure and tone control, colour correction, white balance, noise reduction, curves and levels, lens correction, etc.

Unique regions and layers capabilities give control over image adjustments by letting you apply them exactly where you want them.

AfterShot Pro lets you to bring your image into Corel’s PaintShop Pro, Adobe Photoshop or the image editor of your choice from directly within the application.

Batch processing lets you rename multiple files, apply adjustments to groups of similar files with the same settings, or convert and export files to one or more pre-defined image formats and sizes.

Corel AfterShot Pro is available as an electronic download from Corel, and is expected to be available in stores later this month. Cost is $99.99, less if you upgrade.

Lumix FH8

Panasonic’s 16.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FH8 and 14.1-megapixel DMC-FH4 and FH6, are slim, compact cameras.

These still cameras also can record 720p High Definition (HD) video. The FH4 and FH6 shoot HD video in Motion JPEG format while the FH8 records HD video in MP4 format. The latter also uses a dedicated video button.

Equipped with a Leica DC Vario-Summarit lens, the FH8 and FH6 deliver 5x optical zoom with f/2.5 brightness. Panasonic says these lenses offer exceptional optical performance, minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations, suppressing ghosting and flare.

The 5x optical zoom increases to the equivalent of 10x with the iA Zoom (Intelligent Auto Zoom) function with minimum deterioration of image quality, says the company, thanks to Intelligent Resolution technology.

The image-processing Venus Engine and Sonic Speed AF combine with a quick camera start-up time to offer a high-speed response time.

The FH series features image effects. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot horizontal or vertical panoramic images by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying for the effect of a panoramic photo.

Available on the FH6 and FH8, the Beauty Retouch function allows giving photos a variety of cosmetic effects, Auto Retouch adjusts contrast and brightness levels to give photos a different look.

The FH8 also adds Miniature Effect mode where peripherals are defocused, and saturation and contrast are emphasized to make the picture look like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, for a “comical” effect.

The FH8 offers a 3-inch LCD screen, while the FH4 and FH6 are slightly more compact with a 2.7-inch LCD screen. The Intelligent LCD screens on both models are equipped with automatic backlight adjustment.

In addition, both models offer Image Uploader which lets users instantly share images and videos on Facebook or YouTube via computer.

The FH8 also allows USB charging or conventional AC adapter charging methods.

In iA mode users can automatically activate a suite of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change. As part of iA mode, the FH8 features AF Tracking, making it easy to lock on subjects in a frame and keep them in focus – even as they move.

All models include, in iA: MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilization), Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Intelligent Exposure.

The Lumix FH8 will be available in March in black and violet for a manufacturer’s suggested price of $169.99. The Lumix FH6 will be available in March for $149.99, and the Lumix FH4 will be available in April for $119.99. The FH6 and FH8 will be available in black only.

Lumix SZ1

The Lumix SZ1 combines a 10x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with a slim and compact body.

The SZ1 has 16.1-megapixels and features 720p HD video recording capabilities.

Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically chooses the best camera settings.

The camera features two new shooting modes – Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying the photos for the effect of a panoramic photo.

The SZ1 also features an auto retouch function to adjust contrast and brightness for a “different” look.

In iA mode, a suite of technologies – including AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, MEGA O.I.S., Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure – are automatically engaged and the camera chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment.

Other features:

• 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD that automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment’s lighting

• USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply

• Dedicated video record button which lets users instantly start recording a video without having to make any extra settings. Additionally, the full 10x optical zoom is available in video recording mode

• High-quality stereo sound via Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. The stereo zoom microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function helps to block noise from background wind.

The Lumix SZ1 will be available in March in black, red and blue. Pricing is to be announced.

VG-160

Two more cameras from Olympus, the “ultra-affordable” VG-160 and slim VR-340.

The 14-megapixel VG-160 sports a 5x optical zoom (26-130 mm equivalent) packed into a slim body (19.3 mm deep), with in-camera Magic Art filters, HD Video and iAuto.

There’s a 3.0-inch LCD, AF Tracking, shadow adjustment technology and face detection.

Intelligent Auto (iAuto) automatically recognizes shooting conditions that match any of 29 built-in scene modes, such as self-portrait, landscape & night + portrait, and then adjusts the focus and exposure.

A single one-touch HD Video button means you can start recording in 720p High-Definition without changing menu settings.

Built-in digital image stabilization works with both stills and videos.

Joining Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Fish Eye, and Soft Focus Magic Art filters are Punk, which creates a two-tone image with a classic Punk Rock feel; Watercolour, which transforms images into frame-worthy paintings; and Sparkle, which adds a special twinkle to your photos.

The Olympus VG-160 will be available in February in silver, black, red, and orange, with an estimated street price of $99.99.

VR-340

The VR-340 has a 10x optical zoom lens (24-240 mm equivalent), 16-megapixel sensor, AF Illuminator and higher ISO for shooting in low light.

Nine Magic Art filters work with video and stills. The new Beauty Make-up mode enhances the look of faces; it lets you apply everything from eyeliner and eye shadow to rouge for skin blemishes. You can even lift cheekbones and morph your subjects.

There’s a one-touch video record button, AF tracking and 3.0-inch LCD.

The Olympus VR-340 will be available in March in white, silver, black, purple, and red, with an estimated street price of $149.99.

SP-620UZ

The SP-620UZ has a 21x optical zoom lens (25-525 mm equivalent), Multi-Motion movie  image stabilization which minimizes camera shake even when the user is moving, and Dual Image stabilization.

It uses a 16-megapixel CCD sensor.

In-camera Magic Art filters can be applied to both stills and videos.

Beauty Make-up mode will let you apply everything from eyeliner to eye shadow and rouge. You can even lift cheekbones and morph your subjects into cover-models.

With 3D image capture, the SP-620UZ combines two photos of the same subject from different angles to generate 3D images for viewing on a 3D-compatible monitor or television.

The camera is Eye-Fi card compatible.

It has a 3.0-inch LCD.

The SP-620UZ will be available this month carrying an estimated street price of $199.99; available in silver and black.

SZ-14

The slim SZ-14, a compact superzoom, gas a 24x optical zoom lens (25-600 mm equivalent) and two forms of image stabilization.

A new, retro-chic “smart grip” at the front of the camera combined with built-in Dual Image stabilization, helps cut blur caused by camera shake in both stills and HD 720p video.

The camera offers 14-megapixel resolution, delivers 7 frames per second (fps) sequential shooting, and has Telephoto Macro.

Also included are 11 Magic Filters including the new Fragmented filter to transform an average shot into a collage of tiles that look as if the original picture had been cut up and reassembled.

There’s a 3-inch LCD, the camera is Eye-Fi card compatible, and there’s an HDMI cable connection.

The Olympus SZ-14 will be available in March – in silver, black and red – at an estimated street price of $199.99.

TG-320

Olympus adds to its Tough line of rugged digital cameras with the 14-megapixel, 3.6x optical zoom lens (28-102 mm equivalent), waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof  TG-320.

It can handle five-foot drops to the hard ground, operate in freezing snowstorms (to -10C), and handle submersion to 3 metres.

It features Underwater HD video.

It will shoot 3D photos in any mode from macro to landscape, and even under water.

Several in-camera Magic Art filters enhance and customize images as they’re being captured.

The camera offers HDMI control.

The Olympus TG-320 will be available in red or blue in February with an estimated street price of $179.99.

The company says the X-Pro1 is a “custom developed camera” designed to “carve out a distinct position in the premium camera category.”

There’s no price on it as yet (expect that to be announced by the end of the month), but note the X100 has a suggested price of about $1,200, and the newly-announced Black Edition clocks in at about $1,700, although that’s a limited edition model.

So, what do we have?

A unique, trendy retro look, and high quality finish.

Add in a brand new, custom-developed, 16-megapixel, APS-C, X-Trans CMOS sensor, incorporating a newly developed filter array and Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR Processor technology.

The company says this will give you “superlative” image quality.

There’s more, including a new hybrid viewfinder and three prime interchangeable Fujinon lenses.

What’s this new sensor all about?

Fuji says the X-Trans CMOS sensor is capable of delivering resolution superior to that found in other APS-C sensors.

The new colour filter array means the sensor does not need an optical low-pass filter. While the optical low-pass filter is indispensable for the reduction of moiré and false colour generated by conventional sensors, it also degrades resolution.

Fujifilm says its newly-developed colour filter array is inspired by the random arrangement of fine film grain, removing the need for an optical low-pass filter.

In the array, RGB pixels are arranged in 6×6 pixel sets with high aperiodicity (randomness). Increasing the degree of randomness eliminates the fundamental cause of moiré and false colours – a problem occuring in conventional arrays when shooting stripes and other repeating patterns.

The presence of an R, G and B pixel in every vertical and horizontal pixel series minimizes the generation of false colours and delivers higher colour reproduction, says the company.

As a result, a more powerful processor is required to process the image signal data. So we have the EXR Processor Pro. This technology, touts Fuji, will maximize the full potential of the sensor, delivering high speed and high precision image processing.

Fuji has a history of producing quality lenses for both broadcast TV and medium format cameras. This expertise has been applied to three compact XF Fujinon fast aperture prime lenses – to start with.

The f/2 XF18 mm F2 R (27 mm equivalent), f/1.4 XF 35 mm F1.4 R (53 mm equivalent), and f/2.4 XF 60 mm F2.4 R Macro (90 mm equivalent) are said to offer precise control over depth-of-field and deliver excellent bokeh effects thanks to the design of the molded aperture diaphragm blades. The blades are curved to create a circular image at all aperture settings, while the very edges of each blade are meticulously rounded off rather than simply cut off, which delivers a sharper image.

Each lens has a high-quality metal barrel and detailed exposure setting in 1/3 step increments using an aperture ring.

More lenses are promised, included a tele.

Specifically designed to maximize the mirrorless design of the body, the X-Mount has a short flange back distance of just 17.7 mm. This means the rear lens elements are as close as possible to the sensor. The wide opening allows the lens to be mounted deeper within the body – up to 7.5 mm (approximately) from the mount surface – reducing the back focus distance of each lens to the minimum possible, achieving high resolution to the edge of the image, the company promises.

First introduced in its X100 digital, the hybrid viewfinder has the ability to instantly switch between an optical viewfinder and electronic viewfinder.

For the brightest viewing image, and to keep shutter lag to a minimum, users can choose optical. Those wanting focus confirmation, exposure information, white balance information and depth of field indicators can switch to electronic.

The electronic viewfinder provides “Live View.”

This fusion of technologies allows users to compose images through a bright viewfinder yet overlay vital picture-taking information when required.

There’s a switch on the camera’s front for changing between the two viewfinders.

When attaching an XF-series lens on the X-Pro1, both the viewfinder magnification and bright frame size automatically switch to support the lens focal length. Viewfinder magnification switches to 0.37x for the 18 mm lens, and to 0.60x when the 35 mm or 60 mm lens is mounted.

The camera also gives you the freedom to manually set a focal distance and switch between viewfinder magnifications.

The X-Pro1 has a magnesium alloy chassis and improved user interface, with “exact and deliberate” placement of the buttons as well as precision-milled dials. The top and base are made from die-cast aluminum alloy, and, for those who notice things like this, precise engraving on the top-plate and hand-enameled lettering on the lenses.

The shutter speed dial and exposure compensation control are precision-milled from solid metal. The shutter speed dial lock mechanism and the recessed exposure compensation dial are designed to prevent accidental movement of settings.

The knurled finish on the sides of the dials features rows of minutely milled squared pyramids for grip and confidence.

The lightweight, precision-milled lens hood (included with the lens) has been exclusively designed and machined from aluminum for the XF lens. Its compact size delivers superb light shading performance in a design the company says perfectly matches X-Pro1 styling.

Diameters of the aperture and focus rings of the three XF-series interchangeable lenses are only slightly larger than the barrel for sleek uniformity of design. Precision machined from metal, the reassuring click of the aperture ring at each setting and the comfortable torque resistance when operating the focus ring enhances the shooting experience.

(Are you drooling, or gagging? There’s more.)

The synthetic leather finish offers resistance to the elements, while an original manufacturing process produces a texture with the look and feel of authentic leather, says the company.

The natural fit of the eyepiece is claimed to provide excellent shielding from light leakage. An optional dioptic adjustment lens can also be attached.

But does it take pictures? Heck, yeah.

Through advanced digital processing, the X-Pro1 can simulate film-like multiple exposures by simply selecting the Multiple Exposure mode and taking the first shot. By viewing the image through the Hybrid Multi Viewfinder (to give its full, official name) or on the LCD screen, the photographer can see how the finished multiple exposure will look, then precisely frame the second shot.

Further enhancements have been made to film simulation modes with the new professional colour negative film modes (Pro Neg. Std and Pro Neg. Hi) designed for X-Pro1 users working in the studio. The X-Pro1 also offers film simulation bracketing, along with AE, Dynamic and ISO bracketing; plus the ability to capture the colours and tonal qualities of Fujifilm emulsions (vibrant Velvia, soft skin Astia, natural Provia).

Replicating the effects of monochrome film photography, the camera lets you use colour filters to expand your photographic interpretation. Heighten contrast with the yellow and red filter, or brighten greens and deepen reds with the green filter. For those after a more nostalgic theme, there is also a sepia filter.

There are premium accessory options, sold separately: HG-XPro1 hand grip;

EF-X20 shoe mount flash, with auto and manual operation and built-in diffuser; LC-XPro1 leather case; 39 mm and 52 mm protective filters.

The company also has an adapter in the works to allow X-Pro1 owners to use M mount lenses.

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 will be available in February.

G1 X

Canon has introduced a new flagship PowerShot camera, the G1 X, as well as two PowerShot ELPH models, the ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS.

The G1 X camera features a 3.8 cm (1.5-inch), 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the largest sensor to date for a PowerShot model, delivering approximately nine times more light sensitivity, says Canon, for improved low-light operation.

The 520 HS is calimed to be the world’s thinnest 12x optical zoom camera (starting at  28 mm), and the 110 HS features a sleek design and compelling creative capabilities.

Canon has incorporated the DIGIC 5 image processor into all three models.

Achieving better quality images in low-light settings, boasting faster operation and providing improved colour accuracy, the Canon says 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 G1 X camera to use the High-Speed Burst HQ² feature; this allows shooting images at high speeds at full resolution. Additionally, advanced noise reduction and a smarter multi-area white balance can be used to achieve accurate colour reproduction for a balanced image.
Advanced Smart Auto, available in the 520 HS and 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, children or adults. Based on these 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 are turned off for that precious moment to be captured while not disturbing one’s sleep.

The G1 X, says Canon, is ideal for enthusiasts looking for the highest image quality in a compact, point-and-shoot design. It features the largest sensor to date for a Canon point-and-shoot model. The camera has a brand new 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 what the company terms an “incredible light gathering ability” for bright images in even tough low-light conditions.

The cameras has a 4X Canon optical zoom, minimum aperture of f/2.8, and wide-angle capabilities starting at 28 mm (equivalent).

There’s also 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.

The G1 X camera shoots in Full HD 1080p video and has a 7.6 cm (3.0-inch) vari-angle LCD.

There’s a mode dial on the camera’s top, and a front dial.

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

ELPH 520 HS

The PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera resurrects the original PowerShot ELPH design with a more contemporary look and feel.

This new 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 28 mm.

This camera also has Full HD 1080p video capture capabilities, a 7.6 cm (3.0-inch) LCD, and high-speed burst mode for images capture 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 $329.99.

Canon’s PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera comes in black, silver, red, blue, green, and pink) and is aimed at new photographers.

It has a 5X optical zoom lens and wide-angle capabilities beginning at 24 mm.

The camera also features a16-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, ISO range of up to 3200, 7.6 cm (3.0-inch) wide LCD and Full HD 1080p video capture, as well as high-speed burst mode 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.

ELPH 110 HS