Capture your travels, anytime, anywhere with the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and PowerShot SX220 HS

07/02//11

Canon today enhances its leading PowerShot SX-range with the launch of the impressive PowerShot SX230 HS and the PowerShot SX220 HS. This duo of outstanding new compact super-zoom models combine high-zoom performance, wide-angle flexibility and Full Manual control in two slim, sleek, pocket-friendly designs. The PowerShot SX230 HS also features new GPS functionality - a first for a Canon compact camera – allowing users to record the location where their images were taken and to record their journey with the GPS Logger.

Replacing the popular and highly-acclaimed PowerShot SX210 IS, both new models offer a leading set of features perfect for capturing your travels. Each includes Canon’s HS System for outstanding picture quality in all conditions, a wide-angle 14x optical zoom lens, as well as Full HD (1080p) movie recording with stereo sound. Users can choose between pink, blue and black finishes for the PowerShot SX230 HS, purple and grey for the PowerShot SX220 HS

The HS System: Premium image quality even in low light
The inclusion of the HS System in the new PowerShot SX230 HS and PowerShot SX220 HS means that both models can capture outstanding-quality images in more situations than ever before. Representing a unique combination of a 12.1MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor and Canon’s powerful DIGIC 4 processing technology, the HS System works to produce images with reduced noise and increased dynamic range that produces clear, detailed and natural results even in the most challenging of situations.

By reducing the occurrence of noise by up to 60% at all ISO speeds, the HS System allows users to capture beautiful, high quality images throughout the day and into the evening without using the camera flash or a tripod. The DIGIC 4 processor, unique to Canon provides accurate colour tones, as well as high responsiveness in everyday operation.

Record every step of your journey
The 14x genuine Canon optical zoom lens featured in both models offers a huge zoom range to capture a wide range of subjects. The 28mm wide-angle setting allows the capture of wide, sweeping landscapes or fit more of a scene into a frame, and with the full zoom at a 392mm equivalent focal length, users can reach distant subjects without having to move. Canon’s leading optical Image Stabilizer technology corrects camera shake, offering a 4-stop advantage to prevent image blur throughout the entire zoom range and when shooting in handheld in low light - capturing sharp, detailed images in all conditions.

Ideal for travellers or casual shooters, the PowerShot SX230 HS’ GPS unit will record where and when images are taken, allowing users to easily keep a record of the place and time their pictures are shot. Additionally, the GPS Logger facility can record the journey that users take, allowing them to later review their travels by using the supplied Map Utility software which integrates with Google Maps.

Both models shoot 1920x1080p Full HD movies at 24fps with stereo sound, capturing special moments with superb clarity. Users can also utilise the impressive 14x optical zoom to reach the most distant subjects during video capture, and Canon’s Dynamic optical Image Stabilizer counteracts camera shake commonly recorded when shooting movies while moving, helping to produce smoother, sharper video footage. A movie record button also makes switching from stills to video instantaneous so action is never missed.

A large, high quality 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD provides the perfect platform for image framing and playback. A 460k-dot resolution offers pin-sharp levels of clarity during recording and playback, and a tempered glass layer provides additional strength and enhances visibility, with a wide viewing angle and excellent colour reproduction. A 16:9 aspect ratio is perfectly optimised for HD video capture, while Hints & Tips throughout the interface offer a short explanation of each feature, helping users learn more about the camera’s features as they need to.

Point and shoot - with amazing results
Ideal for users who just want to point and shoot, the PowerShot SX230 HS and PowerShot SX220 HS feature Canon’s Smart Auto mode. Designed to make it easy for anyone to get great-quality shots, Smart Auto uses Scene Detection Technology to evaluate each shooting situation against multiple factors and selects the optimum scene from 32 variables, capturing the perfect picture. All the photographer needs to do is focus on framing the shot – Smart Auto takes care of everything else.

Smart Auto also features the latest Advanced Subject Detection technology, allowing the camera to identify and lock onto non-human subjects such as pets or other moving objects within a scene. Once identified and the shutter has been half-pressed, Servo AF/AE ensures the subject remains in focus and well-exposed, right up until the shutter release is fully pressed and the image captured. i-Contrast and Smart Flash Exposure functions within Smart Auto also ensure subjects are captured in the best possible detail, reducing the occurrence of harsh shadows and over-exposed highlights.

Both new models feature a range of high-speed shooting features - ideal for capturing the fastest-moving action. High-speed Burst mode means that users will never miss a moment, rapidly shooting up to 8.1 shots/sec. at 3.0 MP resolution so every moment of the action is recorded. Super Slow Motion Movie mode offers a great way to slow down fast-moving action like sports, shooting at 240 fps at 320x240 resolution or 120 fps at 640x480 to provide a dramatic account of fast action sequences.

A new Movie Digest shooting mode provides a fun new way to add movie footage to a day of shooting still images. Movie Digest mode films and records the action up to four seconds before every still image taken, before joining all clips captured into a VGA-resolution movie. Users can also shoot video in the Apple® iFrame Video format, which offers a simple way to work with video on a computer. Designed to work with Mac and PC video applications it can dramatically speed up the process of importing, editing and sharing movies across multiple platforms and devices.

Complete creative control
As well as a range of instant and easy shooting modes, both the PowerShot SX230 HS and the PowerShot SX220 HS offer complete manual control over camera settings, allowing users to get more creative with their pictures. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focus can all be controlled manually, enabling photographers to experiment with their images to achieve different effects, and develop their photographic skills.

Capture all your memories - even underwater
Explore a whole new world of underwater photography with the new optional Waterproof Case WP-DC42. Compatible with both models, the case provides water resistance to depths of 40 metres, as well as protecting the camera from dust, dirt and damage – making it perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving on holiday.

PowerShot SX230 HS key features:

HS System (12.1 MP)
28mm, 14x zoom. Optical IS
GPS
Full HD with optical zoom. Dynamic IS
Wide 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD
Smart Auto (32 scenes)
High-speed Burst & Super Slow Motion Movie
Movie Digest & iFrame movie
Manual Control
Waterproof Case

PowerShot SX220 HS key features:

HS System (12.1 MP)
28mm, 14x zoom
Optical Image Stabilizer
Full HD with optical zoom. Dynamic IS
Wide 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD
Smart Auto (32 scenes)
High-speed Burst & Super Slow Motion Movie
Movie Digest & iFrame movie
Manual Control
Waterproof Case

Availability:
The PowerShot SX230 HS and PowerShot SX220 HS are available from mid-March 2011.

GPS use may be restricted in certain countries or regions. Use of GPS should comply with the laws and regulations of the country and area in which it is being operated, including any restriction on the use of electronics.
According to Canon research, compared to compact cameras without a high sensitivity sensor.
Google, Google Maps and Google Earth are trademarks of Google Inc.
Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc.

What our members say
Why I like the Societies: Support and help, the magazine and offers. - Adrew W
Find out more about the Societies here

Convention testimonials Helenka Sapiecha: had a great time @TheSocieties convention in london, grateful to have a fullhouse at 8.30am for my masterclass! same time next year folks?
Find out more about the Convention here

Photo Quote: Searching is everything - going beyond what you know. And the test of the search is really in the things themselves, the things you seek to understand. What is important is not what you think about them, but how they enlarge you. - Wynn Bullock

There are 227 days to get ready for the SWPP Convention and Trade Show at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel ...
which starts on Tuesday 8th January 2013