Canon updates SX line with PowerShot SX110 IS

When Canon launched its PowerShot SX100 compact ultrazoom, it promised that the new model would be the first in a series of new cameras with a similar design ethos. The company made good on that promise today with the announcement of the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS, the latest update to its pocket-size ultrazoom concept.

The SX110 gets a larger, higher-resolution sensor, bringing its imaging specs up to 9.0 effective megapixels on a 1/2.3-inch CCD.

The lens used in the new model is the familiar 36-360mm, f/2.8-4.3 optically stabilized unit used in the SX100. Likewise, the SX110 utilizes the previous model's DIGIC III image processor.

The SX110 earns another significant upgrade, however, with the inclusion of a 3.0-inch, 230,000 dot display – an improvement in both size and resolution over the SX100's 2.5-inch LCD.

Most of the rest of the SX110's specs sheet closely mirrors what we've seen before in this series: face detection, sensitivity from ISO 80 to 1600, a full complement of flash modes, continuous shooting at 1.2 fps, and AA power.

Much of the SX110's basic form factor appears unchanged as well. The new model, while slightly taller and broader than the previous version is also somewhat thinner, making the SX110 more pocketable than ever.

Overall, the SX110 offers a relatively mild update to the SX100. Does it pack the necessary punch to challenge the likes of the Panasonic TZ5 and Sony H10 on their home turf? Only time, and sales, will tell.

The SX110 is expected to make its way to retailers in coming months, with a suggested retail price of $299.

Canon PowerShot SX110 IS Specifications: