Canon PowerShot
Canon Powershot
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Canon PowerShot

Capturing the perfect moment on camera is priceless: baby's first steps, blowing out birthday candles, crossing the finish line. Be prepared with a digital camera that suits both your needs and your skills. Canon makes an expansive array of digital cameras including the "PowerShot" series line that can be described as both user-friendly and feature-rich. Products range from inexpensive, compact, point-and-shoot models to high-end compacts, all of which live up to high-quality standards that Canon has perfected throughout the years. Here are some of the highlights. For more information on choosing the camera that's right for you, see our digital camera buying guide.

Point & Shoots

A point and shoot camera is the simplest type of camera that you could own. It is easy-to-use and can also act as a lightweight option for day-to-day use for even the seasoned photographer. It is perfect for family get-togethers, parties, portraits and other events. These offer the ease of auto-focus and other automatic features that make taking pictures painless and goof-proof.

SD Series

The SD series features ultra compact models that can hook up to a compact photo printer  for easy printing. Use SD Memory Cards  and Multimedia Cards

  • SD40: The newest model in the series, the SD40  is available in four new fun colors (pictured). With a 7.1-megapixel resolution, 2.4X optical zoom, 1.8" LCD and image blur reduction, this camera is a great on-the-go point and shoot.
  • SD550: The model with the most features is the SD550, which has 7.4-megapixel resolution. It features a decent focal length (37-111 mm), plus a 4x digital zoom, and a fast shutter and shooting speed. It also comes with all a variety of auto modes and a big 2.5" LCD viewscreen. The SD550 weighs 6 ounces (not including extras). The lithium ion battery allows for long usage.'
  • SD30 and SD450: The SD450 and the SD30 are recent additions and both offer 5.3 Megapixels worth of resolution. The SD30 is comparatively smaller and lighter (about half the size of the SD550), which also makes for a smaller LCD preview screen, and a slightly smaller focal length (38-90 mm). However, the SD30 is great for the fashion-savvy, as it comes in a variety of colors. The SD30 can be compared with the SD200, which is also very small and sleek, with quality features and a larger LCD screen.
  • SD700: The SD700  is the first in the series to feature image stabilization. The camera offers 6.0 megapixel resolution.

A Series

The series are compact models with the convenience of rechargeable alkaline batteries. They have an easy print/share button that works directly with compact photo printers.

  • A630: The latest camera in the Powershot A series line, the A630  features a 2.5" articulating LCD screen (the screen can be pulled out so you can take pictures of yourself). With 8 megapixels and 4x optical zoom, the A630 is an easy to use and fun camera. With the combination of the large LCD screen and a glass viewfinder, taking pictures outdoors in sunny conditions becomes easier. Although the camera is a little bulky compared to others with similar features, it's easy to use features, 2.5 second boot up, and minimal recoil time make it a worth while purchase.
  • A620 and A610: The A620 and the A610 combine better grips and a pop out, adjustable LCD screen. The A620 also has the capability of adding on an external flash and swapping lenses and comes with an extra 2 megapixels, up to 7.4 total. Both have great zoom power and a range of auto-shooting modes with 2" LCD viewscreens. However, the A610 has a higher shooting speed. Both offer up to 20 different auto shoot modes and video capability.
  • A410: The A410 is substantially lighter than the above models and its viewscreen is smaller by 0.5". The smaller size reduces the amount of digital zoom to 3.2x compared to 4x on the above models mentioned. It also lacks in the shooting mode, however it still has video capability and a faster shooting speed clocking in at 2.5fps.

High-End Digital

S Series
  • S80: The PowerShot S80 is one of the newest high-end Canon cameras to date, and it certainly qualifies as compact in comparison to the Pro and G Series. It is also comes in a super sleek black and silver body. The viewscreen is 2.5" but stationary, and it has a whopping 8 Megapixel resolution, 3.6x optical zoom, and 21 shooting modes, and a movie mode.
  • S1 IS and S2 IS: Between the S1 IS and the S2 IS, the S2 is a stronger camera with more options and capabilities, a better digital zoom, faster shutter, and a bigger LCD screen. Plus it only weighs a tiny bit more and has a really sturdy grip. It is perfect for the serious amateur.
  • S3 IS: The PowerShot S3 IS  is a 6 megapixel camera that features a 12x optical zoom lens with USM and UD lens element. It features increased sensitivity range of ISO 80 to ISO 800, a larger 2" vari-angle LCD screen, widescreen (16:9) recording, new movie features and an additional Sports mode.

G Series
  • G6: The G6  definitely out-performs and out-features the S1, but not the S2. However, both the S1 and the G6 use Compact Flash Cards, instead of an SD Memory Card, and only a USB mini-B port, instead of a high-speed USB 2.0 that is featured on the majority of the other cameras both high-end and point and shoot. The G6 does offer more battery choices and features a big 2" screen, and a slightly higher quality digital zoom.

Pro Series
  • Pro1: The Pro1 is probably the closest that the PowerShot series has gotten to a professional level camera, without crossing into the world of SLRs. It's got an impressive-megapixel resolution, a 28-200 mm f/2.4-3.5 zoom, 7x digital zoom, macro mode, VGA quality videos and sound, plus a flexible 2" LCD screen with improved resolution and photo printer compatibility.

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Article started by 210W109last updated by 
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