The day before the CES 2016 tech convention kicked off in Las Vegas, Canon announced the launch of five digital compact cameras—two superzooms and three ‘stylish’, ultra-slim models. Also revealed was a new SELPHY with Wi-Fi connectivity. Here’s our report on the new models on display at CES. (Reported by: Kouji Orimoto (Digital Camera Watch))

PowerShot SX540 HS

While the SX540 HS uses the same 1/ 2.3-type back-illuminated CMOS sensor as the SX530 HS, the number of effective pixels has been increased to 20.3 megapixels from 16.8 megapixels on the SX530 HS. The imaging processor, too, is the newer DIGIC 6 compared to DIGIC 4+ on its predecessor.

It also boasts of an improved Zoom Framing Assist (Lock) function. This combines the Framing Assist function (also present in previous models) with the subject-tracking Tracking AF, making it even easier to track and capture subjects during telephoto shooting—a great aid for zooming, indeed. Other than that, all other specs and functions are more or less similar to the SX530 HS. The external appearance, too, takes after that of its predecessor.

The lens has a 50x zoom, with a 35mm film-equivalent focal length of 24 – 1200mm, a macro focusing range of 0 – 50cm, and an optical image stabilizing system. The LCD monitor is a 3.0-inch type with approximately 461,000 dots. It differs from the higher-end PowerShot SX60 HS in that it has no electronic viewfinder (EVF), and records movies at a rate of 1080p/30 fps.

Sales of superzooms are apparently rather steady in the US. Of the three superzooms in Canon’s lineup—the PowerShots SX60 HS, SX530 HS and SX410 IS—it is said that the one with the highest sales is the moderately-positioned PowerShot SX530 HS.

PowerShot SX420 IS

Another no-EVF compact superzoom, this successor to the PowerShot SX410 IS comes with an update in the form of Wi-Fi connectivity. The lens zoom magnification has also been enhanced from 40x to 42x optical zoom.

The image sensor is 1/ 2.3-type with approximately 20.0 effective megapixels. The camera uses the DIGIC 4+ imaging processor, and can record movies at 720p. The lens has a 35mm film-equivalent focal length range of 24 – 1008mm (Max. aperture: f/3.5 – f/6.6) and a macro focusing range of 0 – 50cm. It also comes with a built-in optical image stabilizing system. The LCD monitor is the 3.0-inch type, with approximately 230,000 dots.

IXUS 285 HS

The successor to the IXUS 275 HS, the IXUS 285 HS is the most high-end of the three new ‘stylish’ models.

While its specifications remain somewhat similar to those of its predecessor, its surface design has undergone a makeover. Not only so, it also includes Story Highlight, a feature which automatically selects and compiles still images and movie clips from recording media into movie album.

The camera comes equipped with a 20.2-effective megapixel, 1/ 2.3-type back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 4+ imaging processor. It is compatible with 1080p HD movie shooting. The lens has a 35mm film-equivalent focal length of 25 – 300mm (Max. aperture: f/3.6 – 7.0), a 12x optical zoom and a macro focusing range of 1 – 50cm. Its LCD monitor is the 3.0-inch type, with approximately 461,000 dots of effective pixels. Wi-Fi and NFC-enabled like its predecessor, it is available in Silver and Black.

IXUS 180

The successor to the IXUS 170, it shares the same fundamental specs and features as its predecessor, but with the addition of Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.

It uses a 1/ 2.3-type CCD image sensor with approximately 20.0 effective megapixels, and can shoot movies up to 720p. It also has a lens with a 10x optical zoom, 35mm film-equivalent focal length of 24-240mm (Max. aperture: f/3.0 – f/6.9). An optical image stabilizing system is also available for your use. The rear LCD monitor is the 2.7-inch type, with approximately 230,000 dots.

The IXUS 180 is available in Black and Blue.

IXUS 175

Of the three new ‘stylish’ releases, this successor to the IXUS 160 is positioned closest to the entry end of the scale.

The basic specifications are similar to those on its predecessor. One difference, however, lies in the availability of a smart auto zoom function that is able to detect one or more subjects and automatically determine the angle of view, similar to that on higher end models. The image sensor, imaging processor and LCD monitor are all the same as that on the IXUS 180.

The lens has an 8x optical zoom, and Canon has done away with the optical image stabilizer. The 35mm film-equivalent focal length ranges from 28 – 224mm (Max. aperture: f/3.2 – f/6.9).

It is available in Silver and Red.

SELPHY CP1200

Other than the five new compact cameras, Canon also announced a new model of the SELPHY photo printer.

Sporting a new, rounded design, the SELPHY CP1200 is Wi-Fi enabled, and can be linked up not just with compatible cameras models but also smartphones to carry out wireless printing. It is good at printing out projects of all sorts of sizes, including the 4×8 format especially popular in Japan for New Year postcards. At this convention, we were also treated to a demonstration of its ability to print stickers.

The CP1200 contains a built-in battery, and is available in Black, White and Pink.

Canon’s CES 2016 booth—a showcase of its optics and imaging technology

Canon’s booth at CES 2016 mainly consisted of three zones, Home, SOHO and Pro, with a display in the middle of the space showcasing optics and imaging technology. Although there had been a similar display in previous instalments of CES, there was more focus placed on it this time around, underscoring how optics and imaging technology are Canon’s key areas of forte.

There was also a photo gallery within the booth itself. Apparently, it has been a familiar sight in Canon’s CES booths for a number of years running now, and each year sees it increase in scale. This year, there were around 30 pieces of photo prints on display, many of them with sports-related—no doubt due at least in part to this being an Olympic year. These prints were, of course, produced using Canon’s cameras and printers.