Updating a variety of its PowerShot digital cameras, Canon has introduced five new SX and ELPH-series compact cameras that share a focus on connectivity, image quality, and zoom reach. Complementing these new models is the introduction of the unique Connect Station CS100; a tap-to-transfer storage device that permits wireless backup and storage of photos and movies. Finally, Canon is also announcing a new kit featuring the full-frame EOS 6D DSLR along with the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
PowerShot SX710 HS
Differentiating itself from the pack, the SX710 HS is the sole member of this release to feature Canon's newer DIGIC 6 image processor, along with a 20.3MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor. These two technologies form the Canon HS SYSTEM, to ensure clear results in less-than-ideal lighting, along with sensitivity to ISO 3200 and 6 fps continuous shooting. When compared to its predecessor, this new version's main upgrade is the 25% increase in resolution over the SX700 HS's 16.1MP sensor. Full HD 1080p video recording is supported up to 60 fps, and a 3.0" 922k-dot LCD is available for monitoring and image review. The built-in 30x zoom lens offers a 25-750mm equivalent focal-length range, and Intelligent IS image stabilization compensates for camera shake using eight shooting-specific modes, such as Panning IS, Macro (Hybrid IS), and Dynamic IS. Additionally, common to many of the new PowerShots, the SX710 HS features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC and is also compatible with the new Connect Station CS100 for automated tap-to-transfer backing up of imagery.
PowerShot SX610 HS
The SX610 HS shares many of the features of the SX710, including a 25% increase in resolution over its predecessor, the SX610 HS; however, it features the DIGIC 4+ image processor and a slightly shorter 18x zoom lens, which provides a 25-450mm equivalent focal length. The 20.2MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor and processor again form the HS SYSTEM, which avails sensitivity to ISO 3200 and a top shooting rate of 7.2 fps. Full HD 1080p recording at 30 fps is supported, a 3.0" 922k-dot LCD is incorporated in the sleek design, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC again enables compatibility with CS100 for wireless storing of imagery.
PowerShot SX530 HS
Featuring a more ergonomic design than the other new PowerShots here, the SX530 HS is the long-zoom member with its 24-1200mm equivalent focal length range. Succeeding the SX510 HS, this new version ups the zoom magnification from 42x to 50x, and incorporates the same Intelligent IS image stabilization system to ensure sharper results for both stills and video. A 16MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor realize sensitivity to ISO 3200 and shooting up to 10 fps, as well as full HD video recording at 30p. Zoom Framing Assist helps to maintain consistent compositions with moving subjects at longer focal lengths, and a 3.0" 461k-dot enables clear monitoring and image playback. Additionally, this model also features the same Wi-Fi connectivity as the two aforementioned cameras, as well as the compatibility with the CS100.
PowerShot ELPH 170 IS and PowerShot ELPH 160
Moving into the even more compact, ELPH-series of point-and-shoots, the ELPH 170 IS and ELPH 160 are characterized by a 20MP 1/2.3" CCD image sensor, DIGIC 4+ image processor, HD 720p video recording, sensitivity to ISO 1600, and shooting up to 2.2 fps. Additionally, and most importantly, both cameras sport a truly pocketable form factor, measuring less than an inch thick and approximately 4" wide. The two cameras differ in terms of which lens they feature: the ELPH 160 has an 8x zoom that covers a 28-224mm equivalent focal-length range, and the ELPH 170 IS features a longer 12x zoom to provide a 25-300mm equivalent range. Also, the ELPH 170 IS distinguishes itself through the inclusion of Intelligent IS image stabilization to minimize the appearance of camera shake.
Connect Station CS100
One common feature throughout all of the new PowerShot point-and-shoots is their compatibility with the newly announced Connect Station CS100. This remote storage device utilizes the cameras’ NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity, and can also directly accept SD cards or a USB 2.0 connection from Canon cameras released since 2010, to store photos for on-the-go backups. The CS100 provides 1TB of storage for your photos or videos and can also function as a veritable hub for you to view your imagery via an HDMI-connected monitor, transfer files to another mobile device, send photos to a wireless printer, and view or transfer imager from your smartphone, tablet, or PC using a web browser. Additionally, the CS100 itself can be backed up to additional external drives via USB.
Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Besides the lineup of new PowerShots being released, Canon has also announced a new DSLR kit featuring the full-frame EOS 6D and the recently introduced EF 24-104mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This lens is the first full-frame-compatible lens to feature Canon’s smooth, near-silent STM autofocus motor, which should serve to benefit the 6D’s 1080p video recording abilities. The lens also pairs well with the 6D, due to its lighter weight, when compared to the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens.