In response to on going demand for light, compact all-in-one cameras with long zoom lenses, Canon today upgraded its top line model and added a second budget-priced version.
The Canon PowerShot SX520 and Canon PowerShot SX400 can be pre-ordered now from Adorama. Orders will be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until orders are shipped.
The Canon PowerShot SX520 (Adorama price: $399.99) sports a 42x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent range of 24-1008mm. It has a 16MP High-Sensitivity MOS sensor, 3-inch LCD monitor, and an upgraded DIGIX 4+ image processor, and captures up to 1080p Full HD video via a dedicated movie button, and zooms while shooting. Canon claims high-speed auto focus acquisition.
The camera is designed for snapshooters who want a versatile camera but who may be intimidated by the technical knowledge needed to get the most out of a more advanced camera. Features such as Intelligent IS automatically chooses from eight modes to optimize image stabilization to minimize camera shake, and a Zoom Framing Assist feature lets users track moving subjects while in the longer telephoto setting. In this mode, the camera zooms in or out automatically while following the movement of the subject in order to keep it in focus. Smart Auto intelligently chooses the proper setting based on 32 predefined, common shooting situations.
The Canon PowerShot SX520 also has a Creative Shot mode, which according to Canon, “uses composition, color and lighting from the original image to create unique images with an artistic flair.”
The Canon PowerShot SX520 replaces the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS in its Powerzoom category, with several improvements including a longer zoom range (42x instead of 32x), higher resolution (16MP vs. 12MP), and a newer sensor. The Canon PowerShot SX520 will be available in September but can be pre-ordered from Adorama now.
The budget-priced Canon PowerShot SX400 (Adorama price: $249.99) takes over as Canon’s newest affordable long-range zoom compact digital camera. It features a 30x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 24-720mm, an image stabilizer, 16MP sensor, the same Digic 4+ processor as the SX520, and the ability to capture 720p HD video.
Other features include high-speed AF, intelligent IS, which is said to automatically choose the most appropriate of eight different image stabilization features, and Smart Auto, which chooses the best exposure based on 32 predefined shooting situations. The Canon PowerShot SX400 will be available in August Black or Red but can be pre-ordered from Adorama now.
Both cameras have a DSLR-like form factor; the lenses are fixed and there is no eye-level viewfinder.
