Canon has launched a trio of higher-end compact cameras.
PowerShot S95
The PowerShot S95 has a10-megapixel high sensitivity CCD and Hybrid IS from pro lenses that can compensate for angular and shifting shaking for more stable shots. It also has a multi-shot high dynamic range mode and finally adds 720p video with HDMI out to a high-end Canon PowerShot.
There is also 3.8X, f2.0 wide aperture lens, a pop-up flash and the option of shooting in RAW with a customizable command dial around the lens. Canon is planning a surprise quick launch and expects to have the S95 in stores by the end of this month for $400.
SD4500 IS
This camera touts a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor that can handle lower light and ultimately shoots faster. It can take continuous shots at up to 8.4FPS or slow-motion at 240FPS.
The SD4500 IS sheds Hybrid IS but gains a Dynamic IS mode that can correct shake even while moving in movie mode. Canon even claims a movie resolution advantage, as the compact is the first regular PowerShot to shoot at 1080p. While sporting a narrower aperture, it shoots a much longer-ranged 10X zoom.
Shipments of the SD4500 IS start slightly later, in early September, but will price it at $350.
SX130 IS
One long-zoom camera joins the mix in the SX130 IS. A direct replacement for the SX120, it reaches out further to 12X zoom with a denser 12-megapixel sensor. While it caps out at ISO 1,600, the camera can shoot video at 720p and is the first SX to have multiple advanced creative modes, such as a tilt-shift effect Minature mode or a fisheye lens effect.
The SX130 IS should be at the end of the month for $250.
