Canon Canada has announced four new PowerShot point-and-shoot designs, the models SX210 IS, SD3500 IS, SD1400 IS, and SD1300 IS, that offer increased flexibility through advancements to the Smart Auto mode, greater personalization and creativity with new Scene Modes and Image effects.

For example, "Fish-eye" and "Miniature Effect" modes can lend a humorous look by distorting a pet or person.

To capture visages, there's Face Detection self-timer, and a new Smart Shutter scene mode that now has "Smile" and "Wink" triggered self-timers, while Smart Auto mode is enhanced by an increased number of shooting scenes. Canon's face detection system can identify "up to" 35 faces in a frame.

Canon says it has improved its Smart FE (Flash Exposure) function, while the Low Light Mode can select as high as ISO 6400 for less flash/more ambient light.

The top three models shoot 720p video and come with software that uploads footage to YouTube via the camera window. Each of the four supports SDXC memory cards, with a maximum storage capacity of 2 TB in SDA standard.

The 14 MP PowerShot SX210 IS (available this March in black, purple, or gold at C$429.99) Superzoom replaces last year's 200 IS with a 14:1 optical package that ranges from a wide 28mm through 392mm, while Optical Image Stabilization helps reduce blur. The rounded, metal casework is sleeker, thanks to a pop-up flash.

Other features include 3" 230k-dot LCD, a control dial with "Hints and Tips"; stereo audio; and wireless data transfer through Eye-Fi memory cards.

Besides a dedicated movie capture button, the SX210 IS offers Dynamic Mode Image Stabilization (a technology culled from the firm's dedicated camcorders) that helps reduce the kind of jiggling that normally afflicts footage taken when the shooter is walking.

The 14.1 MP PowerShot SD3500 IS ELPH ($379.99 in black, silver, or pink) is controlled via a large 8.9cm (3.5") wide 460k-dot LCD touch screen. Users can customize settings by dragging icons to a new on-screen location, and then tapping to switch between images during playback. The 5:1 zoom ranges from a usefully ultra-wide (24mm) to a moderate 120mm tele field of view, while Optical Image Stabilization reduces blur. It's also Eye-Fi memory card compatible.

Canon's 14.1 MP PowerShot SD1400 IS comes in slim (1" thick) case, and features a 4:1 zoom (28mm wide) augmented by Optical Image Stabilization. It's available in pink, orange, silver, or black at $299.99.

Finally, the 12.1 MP PowerShot SD1300 IS also offers a 4:1 (28mm wide) zoom with O.I.S. At $249.99 (in a choice of silver, pink, green, blue, or brown), the compact has a 2.7" LCD screen.

[Photo: Canon's PowerShot SX210 IS features a pop-up flash, wink shutter trigger, and jazzy colour options.]

Article Tags:  powershot, image, canon, stabilization, smart, optical, flash, sx210, black, features, silver, screen, memory, reduce, helps, shoot, ranges, scene, dedicated, increased, sd1400, offers, models, modes, sd3500, shutter, detection, light, footage, available,