Canon has updated its budget SX compact superzoom with the launch of the PowerShot SX150 IS. The SX150 IS adds a 14.1MP CCD in the place of the SX130's 12MP chip. Beyond that the specs are familiar - a 12x 28-336mm equivalent image stabilized lens, 720p30 HD video recording and a comparatively low-resolution 230k dot 3.0" LCD screen. Canon brings its latest 'Intelligent' image stabilization technology to bear on the SX150, with the camera automatically selecting from seven different modes, based on its understanding of the type of shooting being conducted.

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Super-easy superzoom for all the family –
Canon unleashes the PowerShot SX150 IS

London, UK, 23rd August 2011 – Canon today announces the launch of the PowerShot SX150 IS – a high resolution, high-zoom digital camera, packed with fun features that make it easy to capture memorable moments in stills and HD movies. With an impressive 12x optical zoom and sharp 14.1 Megapixel resolution, the PowerShot SX150 IS allows all members of the family to improve their photography skills, or simply let the camera do the work, delivering high quality point-and-shoot photos

Boasting a compact, ergonomic design available in red, black and silver, the PowerShot SX150 IS offers an impressive range of features. Whether on holiday, weekends away or family days out, it's simple to capture treasured memories, providing the ideal option for users looking for outstanding performance, simplicity and value in one package.

Compact flexibility
The PowerShot SX150 IS's body houses an impressive 12x optical zoom lens that provides the ability to shoot 28mm wide-angle group shots and landscapes, as well as long-distance close-ups, thanks to its impressive 336mm telephoto reach. Even when shooting handheld, capturing distant subjects and low light scenes in crisp detail is easier than ever, with a 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer (IS) and brand new Intelligent IS technology included to counteract the image blur that results from camera shake.

Whether panning to capture a 100m sprint at a school sports day, or shooting a vibrant flower close-up, Intelligent IS will help ensure images and videos are crystal clear. Completely automatic, Intelligent IS instantly identifies the shooting situation and selects the most appropriate form of image stabilisation from seven possible settings1. For example, Powered IS – a feature derived from Canon's LEGRIA camcorder range – ensures that even when shooting a long-distance subject, movies are captured in spectacular detail with minimal blur.

Fine detail with every shot
Featuring a range of Canon's advanced imaging technologies, the PowerShot SX150 IS lets you capture still images in mesmerising quality. Shots are striking and detailed, with the 14.1 Megapixel resolution capturing the detail required to print in large poster-size formats, or crop the image for a more eye-catching composition. Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor also ensures images are captured quickly, with excellent colour reproduction and quality, as well as providing outstanding responsiveness in every day operation.

Easy functionality and creativity for all the family
The PowerShot SX150 IS helps to make sure every photo and movie looks stunning, whether you're capturing landscapes, parties, fireworks or close-up abstract scenes. Smart Auto, with Face Detection Technology and the latest Advanced Subject Detection technology, identifies the shooting scene from 32 variables2 and automatically adjusts the camera's settings, helping you capture pictures that you'll want to share with friends and family.

Servo AF/AE technology keeps people, pets and other objects, such as cars, in focus and well-exposed right up until the shutter release is fully pressed and the image is captured. And if you simply want to point-and-shoot, Easy Mode will automatically take control of all camera settings, so even users who are completely new to photography can get the picture they want.

Stills and video clips can be instantly reviewed on a large 7.5cm (3.0'') LCD screen, offering crisp playback immediately after capture. Helpful on-screen Hints & Tips throughout the menu system also make it easy to learn more about different camera settings and improve your photography skills every time you use the camera.

Shoot creatively – in stills or HD movies
In addition to high-resolution still images, the PowerShot SX150 IS allows you to capture unforgettable moments in 720p high definition (HD) quality with stereo sound. A dedicated Movie Record Button lets you instantly switch from stills to HD movies, ensuring that you don't lose vital time navigating through menus and settings. You can also shoot videos in Apple's iFrame format, which requires no transcoding before being imported into Apple video editing software, making it faster and simpler to transfer and edit footage.

Alternatively, you can explore your creativity with an extensive range of innovative Creative Filters that can be instantly applied to bring still photos and movies to life, including Fish-eye Effect, Super Vivid and Poster Effect. Toy Camera Effect gives the impression of photos taken using a pin-hole camera, Monochrome lets you shoot in black and white, sepia or blue monochrome, and with Miniature Effect your images take on the appearance of small-scale models. Miniature Effect also extends to video mode, allowing you to experiment with different effects across stills and HD movies.

Capturing anything from self-portraits to those all-important family moments at Christmas or on holiday is stress-free thanks to Smart Shutter. You can activate the shutter with a simple wink or smile, while FaceSelf-Timer triggers the shutter release when a new face enters the frame – avoiding the traditional sprint from behind the camera, and allowing the photographer to be part of the photo.

In addition, the PowerShot SX150 IS will be compatible with the HF-DC2 – a new high- power external flash unit that can be used to supplement the on-board flash.

Share your stories
With all these features you'll no doubt have a collection of photos you'll want to share. Owners of the PowerShot SX150 IS can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. The CANON iMAGE GATEWAY Online Photo Album provides up to 2GB of personal storage capacity – enough room for hundreds of high-quality images.

Canon PowerShot SX150 IS – key features

• 12x zoom, 28mm wide lens. Intelligent IS
• 14.1 MP CCD
• Smart Auto and Easy modes detect 32 scenes
• 7.5 cm (3.0") LCD
• HD movies with stereo sound
• Full Manual control
• Creative Filters. Miniature Effect
• Smart Shutter with Wink Self-Timer
• iFrame movie
• Hints & Tips
  

1 Still Image IS, Dynamic IS, Powered IS, Panning IS, Macro IS, Tripod mode
2 21 scenes in Movie mode

Canon PowerShot SX150 IS specifications

Additional images