Canon has announced two new superzoom cameras. Both the SX160 IS and SX500 IS use similar 16-megapixel sensors in tandem with a DIGIC 4 image processor and Cannon’s Intelligent IS (image stabilization) system, have a three-inch LCD on the back, an ISO range of 100-800, and the ability to take 720p video at 25 frames per second, but then they diverge.
The SX500 IS boasts 30x optical zoom, an f/3.4-5.8 aperture range and 24mm to 720mm equivalent focal range. Autofocus is claimed to be improved over the SX40 HS by 32 percent, and shutter lag also decreased by 33 percent.
The cheaper SX160 IS has a lower 16-times zoom and its equivalent lens range goes from 28mm to 448mm. Although it loses the improvements of the SX500 IS, it does gain a dedicated button for video recording, is powered by AA batteries instead of a battery pack, and also has options for red and black versions where the SX500 IS is only in black.
Both cameras will be going on sale in September. The SX500 IS will be priced around $330, and the SX160 IS will sell for $230 regardless of color.
Canon SX160 IS
Canon SX160 IS
Canon SX500 IS
Canon SX500 IS
