Canon Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras for 2013

If you’re in the market for a new point-and-shoot camera this spring, you may be especially impressed with Canon’s recently introduced 2013 lineup. New improvements to design and functionality guarantee high-quality images and video across the board. Many models now come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, making it one step easier to transfer, edit and share. Whether you need something for everyday snapshots or crave greater creative control, the odds are that Canon has you covered.

The super versatile PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera, available in black or red, comes with a high-sensitivity 12.1MP CMOS sensor. It’s also the first compact point-and-shoot to feature Canon’s brand-new DIGIC 6 image-processing chip, which improves functionality on the whole. Response time is quick, autofocus works with improved accuracy, and paired with an ISO range up to 6400, low-light performance is effective and crisp. Its impressive 20x optical zoom lens has a 35mm focal length equivalency of 25-500mm, providing an incredibly broad working range, from wide angle up through super telephoto. Canon’s Image Stabilization technology offsets the blur caused by camera shake, which is particularly useful when shooting at longer focal lengths and in difficult lighting. It’s also great for the detail-oriented photographer, offering smart functions that help you achieve optimal settings as you click. Face ID technology recognizes portraiture and adjusts accordingly for the perfect exposure. Smart AUTO analyzes shooting conditions and selects from 58 pre-programmed settings, and Intelligent IS automatically determines how much image stabilization you will need. An added bonus is the GPS tracker, which tags the location for each photo.

For those who enjoy shooting video, the SX280 captures Full HD 1080p video smoothly at 60 frames per second. With Hybrid AUTO engaged in Movie Digest Mode, a combination of Smart AUTO and Intelligent IS can create 4-second 720p HD video clips with every still shot you take.

Built in Wi-Fi connectivity makes wireless image transfer to your computer as easy as pressing a button. Canon’s free CameraWindow app gives you the additional freedom to upload photos to your smartphone, tablet, or directly to your social networking sites. You can also access remote camera control via your smartphone, and sync automatic backups of your media.

The sleek PowerShot N Digital Camera, which comes in black or white, boasts an innovative 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen with easy menu navigation. With a simple touch, you have the ability to control essential functions such as shutter, focus and image review. A top-mounted hinge allows the screen to tilt upward, giving you better accessibility to tricky low-angle shots. It can also be manipulated to avoid glare, which makes outdoor viewing much easier in direct sunlight. A 12.1MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor make your images sharp and rich, with accurate color detail. Its 8x optical zoom lens has a 35mm format range of 28-224mm, and allows a maximum aperture of f/3.0. Optical Image Stabilization and a high ISO range (up to 6400) keep your images clear, even in low light.

Another key design element of the PowerShot N is a set of dual lens rings. The outermost ring controls the shutter, and can be released from any point. This allows you to shoot intuitively, because no matter which way you hold the camera, the shutter release is directly under your fingertips. The innermost ring controls zoom, and mimics the quiet responsiveness of an interchangeable lens. The new Creative Shot Mode gives you the freedom to edit as you go, saving copies of your photos after cropping, rotating or making tonal adjustments on the spot.

The PowerShot N is ready to shoot video at the touch of a dedicated movie button. Full HD 1080p video is available at 24 frames per second, or at lower resolutions to make short “Digests” in normal, Slow Motion Mode or Miniature Effect Mode.  

Wi-Fi connectivity offers many options for wireless image transfer, whether uploading to a computer or sharing on social networks. The PowerShot N’s USB 2.0 high-speed cable can also be connected to Canon’s SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Inkjet Photo Printers and PictBridge-compatible printers.

The PowerShot ELPH 330 HS Digital Camera comes in black, silver or a playful pink. It utilizes a 12.1MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 image processor, and Intelligent IS technology to produce clear, high-resolution images in low light. A 10x optical zoom lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-240mm, giving you enough coverage to handle shooting group shots or intimate portraits. A responsive autofocus system makes continuous shooting consistently sharp, allowing you to capture at a rate of 6.2 frames per second. ECO Mode, which intelligently reduces power consumption, is perfect for extending battery life while you enjoy your time during family vacations or day-long events.

The ELPH 330 shoots video expertly in Full HD 1080p, and a built-in stereo microphone ensures quality sound capture. Like the SX280, Movie Digest Mode utilizes Hybrid AUTO (a combination of Smart AUTO and Intelligent IS) to create 4-second video clips for each still image you shoot. This special feature ensures you never miss a sentimental, photo-worthy moment. 

Wi-Fi connectivity wirelessly syncs the ELPH 330 to your computer, as well as your smartphone or tablet through the Canon CameraWindow app. You can also share your media with Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or directly to a personal library on Canon’s iMAGE GATEWAY. 

The stylish PowerShot ELPH 130 IS, available in gray, red or silver, has an 8x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-224mm in 35mm format. ISO sensitivity reaches up to 6400 for shooting in difficult lighting, which pairs well with the six-point Intelligent IS for crisp images. It also offers a 16MP sensor with a DIGIC 4 image processor. ECO Mode will help you conserve battery life, while built-in Wi-Fi makes wireless transfer and sharing a breeze. A dedicated movie button switches the camera over instantly to shoot in 720p HD video.

The ELPH 130 provides a range of shooting modes and effects, appealing to those interested in both optimal exposure and creative experimentation. Some of the less-traditional options include Fisheye Effect, Color Swap, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect and Wink Self-Timer.

The ever-so-slightly smaller PowerShot ELPH 115 IS Digital Camera, which comes in black, silver, blue and pink, is the simpler alternative to the ELPH 130. While they are identical in sensor resolution (16MP), HD video capture (1280 x 720p), optical zoom range (8x) and shooting modes, the two have several differences. Most notably, the ELPH 115 reaches a maximum ISO of 1600. While still an impressive range for a point-and-shoot, it's not quite as sensitive as the ELPH 130’s 6400 ISO. It also does not offer Wi-Fi connectivity, and file transferring must be accomplished manually. 

If you’re the type of person who favors variety, the PowerShot A2600 Digital Camera comes in  blue, black, pink, red or silver. This straightforward compact camera offers a few more options than most entry-level models. It has a 16MP CCD sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, resulting in high-quality images and video in 720p HD. A 5x optical zoom lens offers the 35mm format equivalency of 28-140mm, which is just versatile enough for the everyday shooter. The A2600 utilizes ECO Mode for extended battery performance, and Smart AUTO to analyze 32 pre-defined shooting scenarios. ISO reaches 6400 and Digital Image Stabilization (a simplified substitute to Intelligent IS) works to combat blur from camera shake.

The sibling of the A2600 is the PowerShot A2500 Digital Camera, available in black, silver or red. The A2500 is minutely smaller, with less light sensitivity (1600 ISO) and a slower frame-per-second rate. ECO Mode, Smart AUTO, Digital IS and creative Scene Modes, as well as the ability to shoot video in 720p HD, all remain the same.

The entry-level PowerShot A1400 Digital Camera offers many of the same shooting modes and effects as the A2500, including a 16MP CCD sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor and a 5x optical zoom lens. Digital Image Stabilization works to minimize camera shake, which is helpful when shooting at an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400.

In Movie Mode, video can be captured in 640 x 480 VGA format at 30 frames per second, or in 720p at 25 frames per second. A dedicated Movie Mode button makes switching gears easy at any time. Unlike any of its new contemporaries, the A1400 comes with an optical viewfinder for framing and composing shots. This can actively save battery life by not depending on the LCD for information, and gives you an alternative option when glare from the sun hinders your ability to see your screen. Instead of a rechargeable battery pack, the A1400 runs on two AA batteries.

Canon’s new series of compact cameras makes cost-effective, quality digital photography readily available to the casual shooter. From the loaded, high-performance SX280 to the simpler, entry-level A1400, there is truly something for everyone.

For more information on these Canon cameras, speak with a B&H sales professional in our New York SuperStore, over the phone at 1-800-606-6969 or online via Live Chat.