Canon revamps midrange Powershot lineup with the SX540 and SX420

Canon SX540

A couple of new consumer cameras from Canon, one which has video specs that may be of interest to anyone looking for a cheap HD shooter.

I'm sure that we can expect more from Canon at either NAB or IBC, particularly news for video pros, but it used last week's CES to introduce two new entrants into the Powershot line of fixed lens cameras.

We'll get the lower end camera, the SX420, out of the way first, as it's probably of limited appeal to our readership. While it sports a 42x zoom (24-1008mm full frame equivalent), it limits video capture to 720p from its 20MP BSI sensor.

One step up (but potentially far more useful), the SX540 upgrades the computing to the DIGIC 6 processor, which enables this camera (with the same sensor as the SX420) to capture 1080 video at 60 fps. The zoom lens also covers a longer range, up to 24-1200mm equivalent.

The SX420, shipping in February, will run $299, while the SX540 will go for $399 when it arrives in March. The extra $100 seems like a no-brainer for Canon fans who are interested in capturing video with this style of camera.

Press release after the break.

Press Release

CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW POWERSHOT DIGITAL CAMERAS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE JOY OF SHOOTING

New Additions Include Super-Zoom Models Ideal for Avid Travelers as well as Stylish and Compact Go Anywhere, Any Time Cameras

MELVILLE, N.Y., January 5, 2016 – Built to deliver high-quality images and HD video and featuring built-in Wi-Fi® and NFCTM connectivity for easy sharing, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of two new cameras to its super-zoom PowerShot SX lineup - the PowerShot SX540 HS andPowerShot SX420 IS digital cameras. Also announced are three new stylish and compact additions to the Company’s PowerShot ELPH series, the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS, PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital cameras as well as PowerShot ELPH 180, all housed within slim bodies that can easily fit in a pocket or purse.

Experiencing the power of a printed image is also easy when users connect and print to a Canon wirelessii printer, like the Canon PIXMA MG7720. And for even more convenience, the cameras are compatible with the new Canon Connect Station CS100 – a dedicated device for easy image and video viewing, sharing and storage.
 
PowerShot SX540 HS Camera
The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera builds on the features included in the PowerShot SX530 HS digital camera. The PowerShot SX540 HS has a powerful 50x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1200mm) with Optical Image Stabilizer for outstanding optical performance. It features a new 20.3-Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor that helps deliver high resolution combined with stunning low-light performance. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The new camera features a dedicated movie button so users can easily record 1080p Full HD video at an improved rate of up to 60 frames-per-second in MP4 format with stereo sound. The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera has an improved advanced Zoom Framing Assist feature that intelligently controls the lens, making it easy to identify the main subject of the shot, even when the subject is moving. It also features a lock button option for quick and accurate subject tracking. Additionally, its new Story Highlights feature automatically selects and compiles images into an exciting highlight reel within the camera without the use of extra software.

The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen (approx. 461,000 dots) allows easy viewing even from a wide angle. Its Hybrid Auto mode records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel. The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in March 2016 for an estimated retail price of $399.99iv.

PowerShot SX420 IS
Based on the successful PowerShot SX410 IS model, the PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera features an improved powerful 42x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1008mm) and Optical Image Stabilizer for outstanding optical performance. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The 20.0- Megapixel sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality. Smart Auto intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on predefined shooting situations, and 720p HD video capture in MP4 format.    

The PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera also features Scene modes such as Fisheye effect, Toy Camera effect and Monochrome, which provide creative freedom to capture your photos. While taking these creative photos, Eco mode helps reduce power consumption for longer battery life.

The camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen (approx. 230,000 dots) allows for easy operation and sharing. The PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $299.99iv.

PowerShot ELPH 360HS
The PowerShot ELPH 360HS is slim and stylish, boasting a 12x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer that helps capture images with flexibility and ease. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM . The 20.2-Megapixelii CMOS sensor combines with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality even in low light. The PowerShot ELPH 360HS digital camera also captures spectacular 1080p Full HD video.

The camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen allows for easy viewing and the Hybrid Auto feature records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel. Story Highlights mode automatically selects and compiles images into an exciting highlight reel within the camera without the use of extra software.

The PowerShot ELPH 360HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February for an estimated retail price of $209.99iv and will be available in black, silver and purple.

PowerShot ELPH 190 IS
The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera delivers high-quality imaging capabilities with a 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilizer and 20-Megapixel CCD sensor. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera features smooth 720p HD video capabilities with Smart Auto mode, Scene modes and Eco mode to preserve battery life.

The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $159.99iv and will be available in black, red and blue.

PowerShot ELPH 180
The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera delivers high-quality imaging capabilities with an 8x optical zoom lens and 20-Megapixel CCD sensor. The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera features smooth 720p HD video capabilities with Smart Auto mode, Scene modes and Eco mode to preserve battery life. It also includes the Auto Zoom feature that automatically zooms in to frame subjects and keep them in focus.

The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $119.99iv and will be available in silver and red.

i) For Wi-Fi connectivity: Compatible with iOS versions  7.1/8.4/9.0, Android smartphone versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1 and Android tablet versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4. Data charges may apply. With the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This software helps enable you to upload images to social network services. Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain privacy-related information such as people and places. If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this software. For NFCTM connectivity: Compatible with Android devices version 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1

ii) Wireless printing requires a working network with wireless 802.11b/g or 802.11n capability. Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.

iii) Image processing may cause a decrease in the number of pixels.

iv) Availability, specifications and pricing is subject to change at any time without notice. Prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.