Canon intros SX1 IS, SX200 IS with HD video
updated 11:45 pm EST, Tue February 17, 2009
Canon SX1 IS SX200 IS
Canon chose Tuesday night to reveal its 2009 PowerShot cameras, starting with its high-end, long zoom models. The 10-megapixel SX1 IS is the company's new range-topping camera with a 20X, 28-560mm wide-angle lens and draws on the newer DIGIC 4 imaging chip to make it one of the first non-DSLR Canon units to record video at 1080p. Built-in HDMI output, a hot shoe and the ability to shoot simultaneously in RAW and JPEG similarly put the camera closer to the professional level, though normal light sensitivity is limited to ISO 1,600 with a special boost to 3,200.
The SX200 IS is a balance between the SX1 and more conventional cameras; although it lacks the hot shoe and conforms to a typical compact body, it has a DSLR-like pop-up flash, a 12-megapixel sensor, and a 12X, 28-336mm lens. It slightly less capable 720p video recording but has the same ISO 1,600 sensitivity as its premium counterpart.
Canon delivers the SX200 IS first, bringing three different colors to shops in late March for $350. The SX1 IS appears the month after for $600.
