Canon has refreshed its midrange superzoom lineup with its PowerShot SX540 HS and SX420 IS.
The SX540 HS takes the design and 24-1200mm equivalent F3.4-6.5 lens from the SX530 and adds a new 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, faster DIGIC 6 processor and 1080/60p video capture. Two additional features include a 3" LCD and Wi-Fi with NFC.
As with the higher-end PowerShot SX60, the SX540 offers Auto Zoom, which keeps your subject in the frame as the move toward or away from the camera, and Zoom Framing Assist, which zooms out so you can locate your subject and then zooms right back in. A new feature, known as Zoom Framing Assist Lock, uses the camera's image stabilization system to keep the subject centered while the lens is at full telephoto.
The PowerShot SX420 IS is the follow-up to the SX410 and retains the same 20MP CCD sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor but increases the lens' total zoom power to 42X (24-1008mm equivalent). While it doesn't have either of the 'Assist' features described above, the SX420 does have Auto Zoom. The camera also has a 3" LCD and can capture 720p video.
The PowerShot SX530 HS will be available in March for $399.99. The SX420 IS, available in both black and red, will ship in February for $299.99.
Press release:
CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW POWERSHOT DIGITAL CAMERAS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE JOY OF SHOOTING
New Additions Include Super-Zoom Models Ideal for Avid Travelers as well as Stylish and Compact Go Anywhere, Any Time Cameras
MELVILLE, N.Y., January 5, 2016 – Built to deliver high-quality images and HD video and featuring built-in Wi-Fi® and NFCTM connectivity for easy sharing, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of two new cameras to its super-zoom PowerShot SX lineup - the PowerShot SX540 HS andPowerShot SX420 IS digital cameras. Also announced are three new stylish and compact additions to the Company’s PowerShot ELPH series, the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS, PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital cameras as well as PowerShot ELPH 180, all housed within slim bodies that can easily fit in a pocket or purse.
Experiencing the power of a printed image is also easy when users connect and print to a Canon wirelessii printer, like the Canon PIXMA MG7720. And for even more convenience, the cameras are compatible with the new Canon Connect Station CS100 – a dedicated device for easy image and video viewing, sharing and storage.
PowerShot SX540 HS Camera
The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera builds on the features included in the PowerShot SX530 HS digital camera. The PowerShot SX540 HS has a powerful 50x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1200mm) with Optical Image Stabilizer for outstanding optical performance. It features a new 20.3-Megapixeliii High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor that helps deliver high resolution combined with stunning low-light performance. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The new camera features a dedicated movie button so users can easily record 1080p Full HD video at an improved rate of up to 60 frames-per-second in MP4 format with stereo sound. The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera has an improved advanced Zoom Framing Assist feature that intelligently controls the lens, making it easy to identify the main subject of the shot, even when the subject is moving. It also features a lock button option for quick and accurate subject tracking. Additionally, its new Story Highlights feature automatically selects and compiles images into an exciting highlight reel within the camera without the use of extra software.
The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen (approx. 461,000 dots) allows easy viewing even from a wide angle. Its Hybrid Auto mode records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel. The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in March 2016 for an estimated retail price of $399.99iv.
PowerShot SX420 IS
Based on the successful PowerShot SX410 IS model, the PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera features an improved powerful 42x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1008mm) and Optical Image Stabilizer for outstanding optical performance. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The 20.0- Megapixeliii sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality. Smart Auto intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on predefined shooting situations, and 720p HD video capture in MP4 format.
The PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera also features Scene modes such as Fisheye effect, Toy Camera effect and Monochrome, which provide creative freedom to capture your photos. While taking these creative photos, Eco mode helps reduce power consumption for longer battery life.
The camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen (approx. 230,000 dots) allows for easy operation and sharing. The PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $299.99iv.
PowerShot ELPH 360HS
The PowerShot ELPH 360HS is slim and stylish, boasting a 12x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer that helps capture images with flexibility and ease. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM . The 20.2-Megapixelii CMOS sensor combines with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality even in low light. The PowerShot ELPH 360HS digital camera also captures spectacular 1080p Full HD video.
The camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen allows for easy viewing and the Hybrid Auto feature records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel. Story Highlights mode automatically selects and compiles images into an exciting highlight reel within the camera without the use of extra software.
The PowerShot ELPH 360HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February for an estimated retail price of $209.99iv and will be available in black, silver and purple.
PowerShot ELPH 190 IS
The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera delivers high-quality imaging capabilities with a 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilizer and 20-Megapixeliii CCD sensor. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera features smooth 720p HD video capabilities with Smart Auto mode, Scene modes and Eco mode to preserve battery life.
The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $159.99iv and will be available in black, red and blue.
PowerShot ELPH 180
The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera delivers high-quality imaging capabilities with an 8x optical zoom lens and 20-Megapixeliii CCD sensor. The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera features smooth 720p HD video capabilities with Smart Auto mode, Scene modes and Eco mode to preserve battery life. It also includes the Auto Zoom feature that automatically zooms in to frame subjects and keep them in focus.
The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $119.99iv and will be available in silver and red.
i) For Wi-Fi connectivity: Compatible with iOS versions 7.1/8.4/9.0, Android smartphone versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1 and Android tablet versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4. Data charges may apply. With the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This software helps enable you to upload images to social network services. Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain privacy-related information such as people and places. If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this software. For NFCTM connectivity: Compatible with Android devices version 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1
ii) Wireless printing requires a working network with wireless 802.11b/g or 802.11n capability. Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.
iii) Image processing may cause a decrease in the number of pixels.
iv) Availability, specifications and pricing is subject to change at any time without notice. Prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and SX420 IS specifications
Canon PowerShot SX540 HS
Canon PowerShot SX420 IS
Price
MSRP
$399.99
$299
Body type
Body type
SLR-like (bridge)
Body material
Composite
Sensor
Max resolution
5184 x 3888
5152 x 3864
Image ratio w:h
1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels
20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors
21 megapixels
Sensor size
1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
CCD
Processor
DIGIC 6
DIGIC 4+
Color space
sRGB
Color filter array
Primary color filter
Image
ISO
Auto, ISO 80-3200
Auto, 100-1600
White balance presets
5
Custom white balance
Yes
Image stabilization
Optical
Uncompressed format
No
JPEG quality levels
Superfine, fine
File format
JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)
24–1200 mm
24–1008 mm
Optical zoom
50×
42×
Maximum aperture
F3.4 - F6.5
F3.5 - F6.6
Autofocus
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Multi-area
Center
Selective single-point
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
Live View
Autofocus assist lamp
Yes
Digital zoom
Yes (4X)
Yes (4x)
Manual focus
Yes
Normal focus range
5 cm (1.97″)
Macro focus range
0 cm (0″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD
Fixed
Screen size
3″
Screen dots
461,000
230,000
Touch screen
No
Screen type
TFT LCD
Live view
Yes
Viewfinder type
None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed
15 sec
Maximum shutter speed
1/2000 sec
1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
Auto
Hybrid Auto
Live View Control
Program
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual
Program
Live View Control
Auto
Scene modes
Sports
Portrait
Smart Shutter
Handheld Night Scene
Low Light
Fireworks
Program
Live View Control
Auto
Built-in flash
Yes
Flash range
5.50 m (at Auto ISO)
5.00 m
External flash
No
Flash modes
Auto, on, off, slow synchro
Auto, flash on, slow synchro, flash off
Drive modes
Single
Continuous
Self-timer
Continuous drive
5.9 fps
0.5 fps
Self-timer
Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Metering modes
Multi
Center-weighted
Spot
Exposure compensation
±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
1280 x 720 (25p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Format
MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone
Stereo
Mono
Speaker
Mono
Storage
Storage types
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI
Yes (mini-HDMI)
No
Microphone port
No
Headphone port
No
Wireless
Built-In
Wireless notes
802.11b/g/n with NFC
Remote control
Yes (via smartphone)
No
Physical
Environmentally sealed
No
Battery
Battery Pack
Battery description
NB-6LH lithium-ion battery & charger
NB-11LH
Battery Life (CIPA)
205
195
Weight (inc. batteries)
442 g (0.97 lb / 15.59 oz)
325 g (0.72 lb / 11.46 oz)
Dimensions
120 x 82 x 92 mm (4.72 x 3.23 x 3.62″)
104 x 69 x 85 mm (4.09 x 2.72 x 3.35″)
Other features
Orientation sensor
Yes
Timelapse recording
No
GPS
None