Canon today announced two new premium compact cameras. The Canon
PowerShot G16 (£529.99/€649.99/$549.99, pictured) is an updated, Wi-Fi
enabled version of the company's
existing G15 model, while the PowerShot S120 (£449.99/€529.99/$449.99) improves on its predecessor - the
PowerShot S110 - by incorporating a slightly faster (f/1.8-5.7) lens and enhanced wireless connectivity options.
Canon Press Release
Enhanced speed and performance – Canon announces the PowerShot G16 and PowerShot S120
United Kingdom, Republic Of Ireland, 22 August 2013 – Canon
today strengthens its acclaimed PowerShot series with the introduction
of the PowerShot G16 and PowerShot S120 – two new cameras demonstrating
Canon’s unparalleled expertise in image processing and lens design.
Built to offer an exciting new level of image quality and performance
for Canon’s advanced compact range, the models boast impressive speed
and responsiveness. Both cameras come with the brand new star mode
delivering great opportunities for astronomy shooting and demonstrating
their low light capabilities.
At the heart of both models is Canon’s new DIGIC 6 image processor – a
powerful platform enabling the capture of outstanding images. The sheer
power of DIGIC 6 allows users to expand their photographic range and
take stunning images in a wide variety of challenging situations.
Canon’s HS System combines the DIGIC 6 processor along with a 12.1
Megapixel 1/1.7 type high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, to deliver images
with wider dynamic range, low noise and high levels of detail – even in
lower light conditions, courtesy of sensitivity up to ISO 12800.
Offering enhanced speed and performance, both cameras feature superfast
shooting and operation, with sustained continuous shooting speeds of
approximately 9fps[1]. Photographers can also take advantage of
significantly improved AF speeds – the PowerShot G16 is now 41% quicker
than its predecessor the PowerShot G15, while the PowerShot S120’s AF
speed is 50% quicker than its predecessor the PowerShot S110. The G15
and S110 were already significantly faster than previous G and S models.
Creative flexibility with manual control
Offering similar levels of control to Canon’s EOS DSLRs, both models
have been designed to allow full manual control of important exposure
settings. The cameras also offer multi-aspect ratio shooting and RAW
support for maximum creative composition and post-processing freedom.
The development of two new Creative Filters – Star and Background
Defocus – as well as improved HDR mode capabilities will encourage
creativity when shooting. Coupled with the superb low-light and high ISO
performance, Star mode, with three different pre-sets – Star
Nightscape, Star Trails and Star Time-lapse movie – allows users to
vividly capture a starry sky. New Background Defocus mode instantly
creates the effect of a shallow depth of field by automatically blurring
the background, while improved HDR mode gives extra freedom to shoot
handheld when capturing HDR images.
Image clarity with Intelligent Image Stabilizer
Canon’s renowned Optical Image Stabilizer technology counters camera
shake, suppressing blur in stills and unsteady movie footage.
Intelligent IS automatically detects the shooting situation and applies
the most suitable Image Stabilizer mode from seven preset variables.
Both models also feature a five-axis Enhanced Dynamic IS mode, reducing
the rolling motion-style camera shake that typically occurs when movies
are recorded whilst in a moving vehicle or walking.
Stay connected
Canon’s Wi-Fi functionality available on both models means that
treasured memories can be shared by wirelessly uploading images to
social networks when connected to the Internet, or via portable devices
such as smartphones and tablets. The cameras also support GPS tagging
via mobile, enabling location data to be added to shots using Canon’s
dedicated app for smartphones or tablets. The new Image Sync function
conveniently safeguards memorable images. Users can select and send
images via Wi-Fi using Image Sync, which intelligently determines the
best method of image backup, either via online cloud storage[2] or on a
registered PC, then automatically synchronises them.
Crisp and clear Full HD movies
The PowerShot G16 and PowerShot S120 support Full HD (1920 x 1080) 60p
movie recording with stereo sound – ideal for capturing creative,
high-quality videos. Both cameras’ optical zooms can be used during
recording, while Tracking AF in movies ensures subjects remain crisp,
clear and in focus. The PowerShot G16 features Fine Detail Movie
processing and advanced noise reduction at 60p, for shooting expert
movies even in difficult lighting conditions. Users can also manually
focus prior to shooting movies, using Manual Focus Peaking to highlight
an area of highest contrast to achieve pin-point accurate focus. For
further compatibility with smartphones and tablets, both the PowerShot
S120 and PowerShot G16 record in MP4 format and movies can easily be
transcoded in-camera, compressing the movie file size (up to 88%
smaller) for quick and easy sharing.
PowerShot G16
The PowerShot G16 features a super-bright f/1.8-2.8 genuine Canon lens,
developed using highly refractive glass, alongside a unique and
multiple material coating, engineered to handle specific wavelengths of
light at the nanometre scale. Its 5x optical zoom provides incredible
versatility, offering an f/1.8 aperture at its 28mm wide-angle, and an
f/2.8 aperture at its maximum 140mm focal length. This offers
photographers extra freedom to shoot in low light, using fast shutter
speeds to freeze motion even when using full optical zoom.
Featuring the signature style synonymous with the PowerShot G-series,
the G16 offers a range of manual controls and excellent handling for
everyday use and its lightweight, robust aluminium body makes it an
ideal complement to a DSLR camera. Designed for quick one-handed
operation, the camera features a two-level Control Dial, dedicated Movie
Button, customisable Front Dial, Rear Dial and Shortcut button – making
it quick and easy for users to access and adjust camera settings
between shots. What’s more, the G16 is the first-ever PowerShot G-series
model to feature wireless connectivity.
The Canon G-series is the camera of choice for advanced photographers. A
recent survey hosted on the Canon Professional Network[3] found that of
those that own a G-series camera, 83% use it for personal photography
and 53% have also used it for professional purposes. This result
highlight the trust that professional photographers place in the
G-series, using it as a secondary camera in their day to day working
life and also for capturing their precious personal moments.
Fan of the G-series, Joe Cornish, renowned landscape photographer
commented, “I would describe the Canon G series cameras as ‘the expert
photographer’s compact’. I have used them as an ‘expedition notebook’ on
walks, distance treks and climbs for a number of years, and love their
reliability in all conditions. Lots of direct controls make the G Series
the most responsive and ‘photographer focussed’ camera of this type.
Their image quality belies the compact dimensions, especially in low
light.”
PowerShot S120
The PowerShot S120 is the first S-series model, and the world’s
slimmest camera, to feature an f/1.8 lens[4]. The ultra-wide f/1.8, 24mm
5x optical zoom lens provides the flexibility to capture a range of
subjects. The lens delivers sharp results even in dark conditions thanks
to its wide aperture and the ultra-wide, f/1.8, 24mm 5x optical zoom
which provides the flexibility to capture a range of subjects. The 24mm
ultra-wide-angle is ideal for capturing sweeping scenes, while the
versatility of the 5x zoom makes it easy to get closer to subjects, and
combined with the flexible aperture range, provides an ideal feature set
for capturing a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Demonstrating the perfect balance between size and outstanding image
quality, the S120 packs an array of manual controls into its slim and
compact body. Images can be shared directly to portable devices and
social networks via the Wi-Fi functionality and crucial settings can be
adjusted in a number of ways – through the dedicated control buttons,
via the 7.5 cm (3.0’’) touchscreen or with the S-series’ iconic Lens
Control Ring – ensuring the photographer is always in control.
Pricing and availability
The PowerShot G16 and PowerShot S120 are available in the UK & Ireland from early to mid-October 2013 with an SRP of:
PowerShot G16 - £529.99/€649.99
PowerShot S120 - £449.99/€529.99
PowerShot G16 Key features:
Bright f/1.8-2.8, 28mm, 5x zoom lens
HS System: 12.1 MP CMOS, DIGIC 6
Intelligent IS with 5-axis movie stabilisation
Superfast: up to 9.3fps
7.5 cm (3.0”) LCD; OVF
Front Dial, Full Manual, RAW
Full HD (60fps)
Wi-Fi; GPS via Mobile
Star Mode
Range of accessories
PowerShot S120 Key features:
24mm, f/1.8, 5x zoom lens
HS System: 12.1 MP CMOS, DIGIC 6
Intelligent IS with 5-axis movie stabilisation
Superfast: up to 9.4fps
7.5 cm (3.0") touch screen
Lens Control Ring, Full Manual & RAW
Full HD (60fps)
Wi-Fi; GPS via Mobile
Star Mode
Optional 40m Waterproof Case
[1] The PowerShot G16 can shoot using the sustained continuous
shooting function at 12.2fps for the first 5 frames and then 9.3fps for
approx. 522 frames. The PowerShot S120 can shoot at 12.1fps for the
first 5 frames and then 9.4fps for approx. 635 frames. For both models
the total number of frames captured varies depending on shooting
subject. A compatible SDHC/SDXC UHS Speed Class 1 memory card is
required.
[2] Canon Professional Network is a Canon website that provides
inspiration, education, product information and news updates for Canon
professional photographers and videographers, as well as advanced
enthusiasts. 2919 members responded to the survey in July 2013.
[3] The slimmest camera in the world with an f/1.8 lens. According to a Canon study, correct as of 28th June 2013.
[4] Compatible with Flickr and Canon Image Gateway. User accounts required.
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