eK-gadgets info

Canon has finally brought the PowerShot SX1 IS to US shores. This camera, introduced in Europe last year shares the same design and lens as the PowerShot SX10, but the similarities end there. The SX1 features a 10 Megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD (1080p) video recording, a rotating widescreen LCD display, and an HDMI port. It’s not cheap, but for those who want what sounds like the ultimate hybrid camera, it may be worth the dough. Here’s the full story:

PowerShot SX1 IS 

• 10 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• F2.8-5.7, 20X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 - 560 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• 2.8″ widescreen LCD display (230k pixels) that can flip to the side and rotate; also features an electronic viewfinder
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• Full manual controls
• RAW image format supported; those of you who already own the camera will be able to add this feature via a firmware update
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames/second
• Can record video at 1920 x 1080 — that’s 1080p, aka Full HD — at 30 frames/second, with stereo sound
  • Records until 4GB file size limit is reached, which takes about 12 minutes at 1080p
  • Uses efficient H.264 codec
  • Dedicated movie recording button
• Face detection with auto redeye correction
• Hot shoe for external flash
• Wireless remote control included
• HDMI port for connecting to an HDTV
• SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus slot (no card included)
• Uses four AA batteries; 420 shots per charge using NiMH rechargeables
• Ships in April for $599

Next up is the PowerShot SX200 IS, which seems to be Canon’s answer to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. Here are the details on this compact ultra zoom camera:

PowerShot SX200 IS

• 12.1 Megapixel CCD
• F3.4-5.3, 12X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 - 336 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• 3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• DIGIC 4 processor
• Compact body (by ultra zoom standards) comes in black, blue, and red
• Full manual controls
• Smart Auto mode selects one of 18 scene modes automatically
• Face Detection with auto redeye correction; Blink Detection feature warns you if your subject had their eyes closed in the photo you just took
• Records movies at 1280 x 720 (720p) at 30 frames/second using H.264 codec; time limit is around 20 mins
• HDMI output
• SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus slot (no card included)
• Uses NB-5L li-ion battery; 280 shots per charge
• Ships in April for $350

And now for something completely different. The PowerShot D10 is Canon’s first everything-proof camera — water, shock, and freeze proof, to be exact. It seems like everyone is introducing one of these in 2009! In my humble opinion, the D30 is the most, umm, homely looking camera in this category. Here are its specs:

PowerShot D10

• 12.1 Megapixel CCD
• F2.8-4.9, 3X optical zoom lens, 35 - 105 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• Waterproof to 33 feet; shockproof from 4 feet; freezeproof to 14F
• 2.5″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• DIGIC 4 processor
• Same Smart Auto and face/blink detection features as above
• Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) using H.264 codec; max recording time approx. 46 mins
• SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus slot (no card included)
• Uses NB-6L li-ion battery; 220 shots per charge
• Optional faceplates (orange, camouflage, gray) and numerous camera straps are available
• Ships in April for $330

PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH 

• 12.1 Megapixel CCD
• F2.8-5.8, 4X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 - 112 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• Compact and stylish body comes in blue, silver, pink, and gold
• 2.8″ widescreen LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• DIGIC 4 processor
• Point-and-shoot operation, with same Smart Auto and face/blink detection features as described above
• New Active Display technology lets you move through photos in playback mode by gently shaking the camera; you can advance through images by tilting the camera: the more tilt, the faster it goes
• Records movies at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) for up to 20 mins
• SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus slot (no card included)
• HDMI output
• Optional underwater case
• Uses NB-4L li-ion battery; 200 shots per charge
• Ships in April for $330

PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH  changes:

• F3.2-5.8, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 37 - 185 mm
• High resolution (non-widescreen) 3-inch LCD with 461,000 pixels
• “Zoom Blur” feature zooms in while taking a picture for a “great effect”; Creative Light Effect feature turns bright light sources into stars, hearts, etc.
• Uses NB-5L li-ion battery; 270 shots per charge
• Only comes in one color; no underwater case available
• Priced at $380

PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH 

• 12.1 Megapixel CCD
• F3.2-5.8, 3X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 33 - 100 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• DIGIC 4 processor
• 2.5″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels + optical viewfinder
• Ultra-slim metal body comes in gold, silver, black, and a really over-the-top red
• Point-and-shoot operation, with same Smart Auto, face/blink detection features as above
• Records movies at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) for up to 20 mins
• SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus slot (no card included)
• HDMI output
• Optional underwater case
• Uses NB-4L battery; 210 shots per charge
• Ships in April for $280