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-------------------------------------------------------------- This story was printed from CNET Asia. --------------------------------------------------------------
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How to select the right Canon point-and-shoot
By Leonard Goh
02/06/2009 URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001469,62046157,00.htm This article has been updated as of June 2, 2009.
Among all the camera manufacturers, Canon has one of the longest histories. It was founded in 1933 as Precision Optical Instrument Laboratory, a company dedicated to making a quality camera that the average Japanese could afford. A year later, the firm's name was changed to Canon and it soon introduced its first camera, the Hansa Canon.
 The Canon PowerShot 600. To Canon, its name carries significant symbolism. Meaning "holy scripture" and "criterion or standard of judgment", it sets out to be a market leader and an example for other brands to follow. We have seen how it jump-started the budget full-frame dSLR trend when it introduced the EOS 5D three years ago. Moving forward the company has told us it will focus on delivering quality cameras that take exceptional pictures instead of cramming features into the shooter. If you've set your eyes on a Canon but aren't quite sure which is suitable, we've put together a comprehensive guide for its lineup. Click on the images to find out more about the series. The PowerShot E series The latest lineup in Canon's point-and-shoot family, the E-series currently has only one shooter. From what we see, the AA-sized battery implementation and fun-looking body make the camera suitable for teenagers and/or young women. But don't think that the basic shooter is without merits--it has an optical image stabilizer and an array of scene modes so anyone can just pick it up and start taking pictures. In this series
PowerShot E1 Designed by women, the E1's colorful chassis and simple controls make this point-and-shoot simple enough for even a child to operate. However, Canon Singapore informed us that it has different target audiences in different regions. The E1 is suitable for women, teenagers and anyone bored with the common black/silver styling on most compact snappers. Quick summary Teenagers and young women may be drawn to the pastel hued chassis, but we think this camera is suitable for novices, too. The PowerShot A series Although A-series point-and-shoots belong to the entry-level category, some of the shooters in this class have pretty advanced features such as manual exposure control. But one common characteristic among the snappers in this family is the use of AA-sized batteries. This makes them suitable for travelers who may not have easy access to an electrical outlet. In this series
PowerShot A2100 IS This latest PowerShot camera sheds the usual grey scheme typically associated with the A-series cameras. Clad in black, the A2100 IS not only looks more stylish but has a host of useful features such as a 6x optical zoom, large 3-inch LCD and variety of scene modes for beginners. Other related models: A2000 IS, A1100 IS and A1000 IS 
PowerShot A590 IS This basic shooter has almost everything you need to start shooting right out-of-the-box. Although the 2.5-inch LCD may be somewhat of a letdown, it makes up with its good suite of features which include full manual exposure control, simplified operations and an optical image stabilizer. 
PowerShot A480 Although it lacks an optical image stabilizer system, the A480's affordable price tag will appeal to users on a tight budget. Available in four colors, this basic PowerShot model has an easy-to-use interface, 2.5-inch LCD and a powerful 1cm Super Macro mode which amateurs will appreciate. Other related model: A470 The PowerShot D series The D series is Canon's latest addition to its point-and-shoot lineup. For now, it appears that this family will go head-on with the Olympus Mju-Tough and Panasonic Lumix FT series of rugged shooters. Designed for those who lead adventurous lifestyles, the D-series also comes with a variety of outdoor accessories such as karabiners and straps. In this series
PowerShot D10 Unlike other rugged point-and-shoots which employ a periscope-like lens design, Canon has embraced linear optics which are supposed to produce better image quality. The 12-megapixel D10 is able to dive to depths of 10m, operate in freezing conditions of minus 10 degrees Celsius and is shockproof at drops of 1.22m. Gloved hands will find the large buttons easy to press. The IXUS series(Note: This series may be known by other names in different regions. Japan uses IXY, while US calls it PowerShot and/or ELPH, depending on the make.)  The stylish Ixus series cameras are targeted at the fashion-conscious who want a good-looking point-and-shoot. The name of this series has, however, established itself in households, and it is not uncommon to hear people asking: "Which Ixus is good?" That said, the decent image quality of these shooters appeals to enthusiasts who want a camera to bring around for everyday snaps. In this series
Digital IXUS 990 IS The 990 IS inherits the same 5x optical zoom lens from its predecessor, the 970 IS, which makes this Ixus the one with the longest zoom range in its family. The new camera has also been upgraded with an accelerometer which can be used in image playback mode by tilting the camera on either side to scroll through pictures. Other related models: Ixus 970 IS, Ixus 980 IS, Ixus 870 IS and Ixus 860 IS 
Digital Ixus 100 IS This slim and chic point-and-shoot is so compact you can literally slip it into your pocket and forget it's there. Besides the 10-megapixel image sensor and 3x optical zoom, Canon has also managed to squeeze an HD video-recording feature into this petite camera. Other related models: Ixus 110 IS, Ixus 95 IS and Ixus 80 IS Click on the images to find out more about the series.The PowerShot S series Canon's long-zoom compact cameras fall under the S series, and are equipped with a wide selection of features that should appeal to enthusiasts. Most of these shooters have manual exposure control, and one of it can even capture RAW format images just like a dSLR. To keep blurry pictures at bay when shooting with the zoom extended, Canon employs an optical image stabilizer system in all of these snappers. In this series
PowerShot SX1 IS With a 12x optical zoom, the S5IS has the longest lens in Canon's compact shooter lineup. The 2.5-inch LCD is hinged on one side so users can tilt or swivel the lens to make taking high- or low-angle shots easier. It has a hotshoe so users can attach an additional light source to the shooter. Using conversion lenses can give a more wide-angle lens or increase the telephoto range. Other related models: PowerShot SX10 IS and PowerShot S5 IS 
PowerShot SX200 IS This compact long-zoom camera competes with the likes of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 and Olympus Mju 9000. What sets the Canon apart from the competition is its manual exposure control. The lens is widest at 28mm and can extend up to 336mm. To keep up the current trend, Canon has also included HD video recording in this shooter. The PowerShot G-series The Holy Grail in Canon's point-and-shoot lineup, the G series cameras not only look and feel professional, they offer the best performance, too. Shooters in this family are outfitted with a wide range of exposure modes ranging from full manual to automatic. With so many features, it's no wonder some photojournalists carry one of these cameras in their bags for impromptu shots. In this series
PowerShot G10 The 14.7-megapixel PowerShot G10 is the cream of the crop in Canon's compact camera family. The 5x optical zoom lens is widest at 28mm, a first for a G-series shooter. The onboard hotshoe allows photographers to attach accessories such as an external flash or a bigger optical viewfinder if they don't wish to use the 3-inch LCD to frame their shots. Other related model: PowerShot G9 |
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