Canon announces Powershot SX500 IS and SX160 IS digital cameras

Canon has recently announced two new additions to the Canon PowerShot digital camera line-up, aimed at the photographer on-the-go looking for large extended zoom in a compact, easy-to-use camera. Canon is now offering two new super-zoom solutions, the new PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS digital cameras featuring an impressive 30x and 16x optical zoom respectively. 

Both cameras are equipped with Canon's latest advancements in auto focus (AF) technology which help in enhancing AF speeds over previous SX-series cameras to capture images in brilliant clarity and quality. The responsive high-speed AF lets you capture shots quickly, with a reduced lag time. With above average zoom capabilities, fast responsive AF, Canon claims both cameras are stylish and compact to take along for any occasion.

Canon Powershot SX500 IS

According to an official statement issued by Canon, the new models include long-reaching zoom and Canon's Intelligent Image Stabilization technology, which analyses the scene being shot and compensates for camera movement for steady images and video while panning or walking. Both cameras are also equipped with Canon's Smart Auto mode, which will automatically apply optimum image settings for 32 different shooting scenarios. In this mode, the camera automatically identifies the ideal setting.

"In photography, there is no substitution for great optical zoom and while our customers may not always be close to the action, these cameras are designed to help bring their photos and videos in close, with great image resolution and quality as if they were standing right there," said Yuichi Ishizuka, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

PowerShot SX500 IS
With a 24mm wide angle lens and an 30x optical zoom (up to 720mm) packed into a compact design, the PowerShot SX500 IS enables users to pull subjects in close and capture images with a 16.0 megapixel sensor and powerful DIGIC 4 image processer.

The camera is also equipped with Canon's Intelligent IS system for steady images and HD videos even at full-telephoto zoom. It has a 3.0-inch LCD screen. In addition, the camera is equipped with a Zoom Framing Assist feature – a Canon technology for zooming-in and framing subjects. This feature is intended for those times when you lose sight of the subject after zooming in. By pressing the Zoom Framing Assist button located on the lower front left of the camera, the lens will quickly zoom out to help you re-locate and frame your subject. A frame box appears on the LCD as a guide to place your subject in and releasing the button quickly brings the camera back to the initial "zoomed-in" range.

The lens retraction and extension is faster using the Zoom Framing Assist button than the zoom lever, and allows the photographer to keep the camera more stable for the shot, this is helpful for those trying to zoom in and shoot pictures of animals or moving subjects.

Canon Powershot SX160 IS

PowerShot SX160 IS
Canon claims that with its compact design and powerful 16x optical zoom, the PowerShot SX160 IS is a versatile camera with a optical zoom range from 28mm wide up to 448mm.

This model also features a 16.0 Megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor and Canon's Intelligent IS system. Canon states that the camera is always ready to shoot video with its dedicated movie button to start and stop recording HD video instantly, and uses the full range of optical zoom when recording without sacrificing HD resolution. This camera too has a 3.0-inch LCD. Powered by AA batteries, the PowerShot SX160 IS will be available in red and black.

As of now, there is no word on the availability of these cameras in India. The PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS digital cameras are expected to be available in the US by September 2012 for an estimated retail price of $329.99 (Rs. 18,266), and $229.99 (Rs. 12,731) respectively.