Canon PowerShot A1200 brings optical viewfinder back

Canon announces four new PowerShot series point-and-shoots today, including the optical viewfinder equipped A1200. The PowerShot A3300, A2200 and A800 are also launched with beginner-friendly features and 720p HD video recording. The new point-and-shoots will feature Smart Auto shooting mode, a new discreet mode to quickly silence camera operation and new "creative filter" in-camera processing modes, including "toy" and "monochrome."

Canon PowerShot A3300 IS
Replacing the A3100 in the current lineup, the PowerShot A3300 offers optical image stabilization, a 16 megapixel sensor, and a 5x optical zoom lens starting at a 28mm equivalent wide angle. The A3100's DIGIC III processor has been replaced with an updated DIGIC IV chip. A 3.0-inch LCD outsizes the A3100's 2.7-inch screen.

Canon PowerShot A2200
The A2200 will use a 14 megapixel sensor and will also offer a 28mm wide angle lens. As a step down alternative to the A3300, it features a 4x optical zoom, digital image stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD.

Canon PowerShot A1200
The A1200 will offer a more substantial grip and a chunkier form factor. The 12.1 megapixel camera will have a 4x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD and the previously-mentioned optical viewfinder.

Canon PowerShot A800
Replacing the entry-level A495, the A800 will offer a 10 megapixel sensor, a 3.3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD. It is the only PowerShot to accept AA batteries, and like the A495, won't have a mode dial.

Pricing and availability
The new crop of PowerShots are some of the most competitively priced that we've seen. The PowerShot A3300 IS will cost $179.99, the A2200 $139.99, the A1200 $109.99 and the A800 is priced at just $89.99.