New digital cameras from Sony and Canon

At PMA'09, the biggest camera and photography industry trade show of the year, many manufacturers will be introducing new camera models. But two of the top camera brands, Sony and Canon, are already set to unveil some really interesting new digital cameras.

Sony has previously introduced some intriguing digital camera features, such as "smile shutter modes." This year, many new cameras will also feature blink detection, intelligent scene modes and other built-in "smart" tools. And Sony claims these technologies will work together to simplify even the toughest picture-taking scenarios—capturing multiple, back-lit faces without using the camera’s built-in flash, for example.

Sony has also enhanced its face detection feature. You can now select which face in a crowd—say your son’s face among his Little League team—is the "priority." The camera will then automatically set the focus and exposure for the entire group shot based on your darling’s mug.

Among the new 12-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot digital cameras being introduced this year:

• Cyber-shot DSC-S980, $150
• Cyber-shot DSC-W230, $200
• Cyber-shot DSC-W290, $250
• Cyber-shot DSC-T90, $300
• Cyber-shot DSC-T900, $380
• Cyber-shot DSC-H20, $280 (A 10-megapixel camera)

Canon has also announced several new point-and-shoot cameras, ranging in price from $130 to $600. Some models also include ease-of-use features such as active display technology, which allows you to scroll through photos just by shaking the camera.

At the low end of Canon's PowerShot camera line, the 10-megapixel PowerShot A480 ($130) replaces the reputable 7-megapixel PowerShot A470.

At the high end, Canon's new 10-megapixel PowerShot SX1 IS ($600) is its priciest superzoom camera. The company says it can capture RAW files, shoot HD video in 1080i, has a swiveling LCD and an HDMI output.

Canon has also introduced its first waterproof, freeze proof and crush proof camera (shown above), the 12-megapixel PowerShot D10 ($330).

In addition, Canon's new point-and-shoot PowerShot camera models for this year include:

• PowerShot A1100 IS, $200
• PowerShot SD1200 IS ELPH, $230
• PowerShot A2100 IS, $250
• PowerShot SD780 IS ELPH, $280
• PowerShot SD960 IS ELPH, $330
• PowerShot SX200 IS, $350
• PowerShot SD970 IS ELPH, $380

I'll have new digital camera news as PMA'09 draws closer and the announcements roll out. And we'll be adding many of these new models to our digital camera Ratings (available to subscribers) as they hit the market. In the meantime, check out our online Guide to digital cameras and watch our online video, "How to buy a digital camera," for more free help on finding the right digital camera for your needs.

—Terry Sullivan

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Comments

[Glenn Fernandes]

I have the biggest craze for Canon cameras. The Canon PowerShot D10 is a very well designed camera with excellent features.

[margaret zorzi]

I was considerig an SD990 IS or an SD880 IS but have seen so many complaints about lens problems. Am I asking for problems if I buy one and if so what other point and shoot compact camera is of equal quality?

Appreaciate your comments. Margaret