Canon PowerShot SX40, S100 Debut

Canon unveils its new PowerShot SX40 IS ultrazoom and S100 advanced compact point-and-shoot. Both cameras feature a DIGIC 5 image processor for faster burst shooting rates and 1080 HD video.

Canon PowerShot 100
The S100 wiill offer a 5x optical zoom covering a range equivalent to 24-120mm. Along with the f/2 maximum aperture and RAW shooting capability that S95 users enjoyed, the S100 will offer a built-in GPS chip and the Intelligent IS system first introduced with several new PowerShots recently. ISO range has been extended up to 6400.

At the heart of the 100 is a 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor. On the back panel resides a 3.0-inch 461k-dot LCD. A slight grip has been added to the front of the camera where the S95 had only the raised Canon logo to offer a steady grip.

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Like the PowerShot S100, the SX40 is part of the HS system. It offers a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, and the new DIGIC 5 chip promises a wide variety of updates to camera performance. Not only will it boost continuous shooting rates, it will be responsible for a new multi-target Auto White Balance system that Canon promises will be better capable of dealing with multiple light sources.

The flagship PowerShot ultrazoom will feature a 35x optical zoom lens. On the back panel you'll find a 2.7-inch flip-out LCD, a feature that was much loved in the SX30. The SX40 will also use Intelligent image stabilization and will be capable of recording 1080 HD video.

Pricing and availability
The PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS will be available in November and September, respectively. Each is priced at $429.99.