Canon unveils four new PowerShot cameras, alongside their high anticipated EOS 50D DSLR camera

Expanding on their very capable entry-line PowerShot A-series, Canon has announced the PowerShot A1000 IS and PowerShot A2000 IS digital cameras. The familiar body design on both cameras house a 10-megapixel sensor, DIGIC III Image Processor, optical Image Stabilization, Face Detection, and an Easy Mode setting. The PowerShot A1000 IS differentiates itself by offering a 2.5-inch LCD, 4x optical zoom, and a choice of four different two-tone color schemes, while the PowerShot A2000 IS features a 3.0-inch LCD and 6x optical zoom. Available in September, the suggested selling prices will be $199.99 and $249.99, respectively.

For those looking for a more youthful look, the newly announced PowerShot E1 digital camera looks to appeal to the teen and tween segment. With a few more curves, and a choice of more feminine colors available, the PowerShot E1 offers much the same as the PowerShot A1000 IS, such as a 2.5-inch LCD, 4x optical zoom, optical Image Stabilization, and 10-megapixel resolution. The light blue and light pink versions probably will not appeal to most guys, but the white version of the PowerShot E1 comes close, offering a fun simple look. Coming in September, the suggested selling price will be $199.99.

Catering to those wishing for a more sophisticated camera without entering SLR territory, Canon announces the versatile PowerShot SX110 IS Digital Camera. With a 10x optical ultra-zoom, 9-megapixel resolution, 3.0-inch LCD, DIGIC III processor, raised flash, optical Image Stabilization, and an Easy Mode option, the camera seems an ideal match for the soccer mom needing that extra zoom or for the photography enthusiastic looking for a compact design. Available at the end of August, the PowerShot SX110 IS will have a suggested selling price of $299.99.

Serious photographers will no doubt be interested in Canon’s other announcement today, the unveiling of the much anticipated EOS 50D, an upgraded version of the EOS 40D. This DSLR features a 15-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor, 3.0-inch VGA LCD, Live View mode, ISO sensitivity up to a whopping ISO 12800, 6.3 frames per second shooting, and an HDMI connection. An interesting addition to the RAW mode is the inclusion of a smaller and more manageable 3.8-megapixel sRAW file option. The EOS 50D is compatible with all the Canon EF and EF-S lenses, with the body and lens kit option including the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens. Scheduled for October, the estimated selling price will be $1,599.00 and $1,399.00, with and without the lens kit, respectively.

Despite having a fairly large pixel count, the 50D still does not have a large full frame sensor. This means that the pixel pitch for it’s APS sized frame will be ultra small, making noise a problem. However, with the new DIGIC 4 processor, Canon may be bringing along more aggressive noise reduction algorithms or it may have even used a new manufacturing process for its sensors.

Source : Tom's Guide