The photography industry is ramping up for the year's biggest event. It is the annual PMA (Photography Manufacturers' Association) trade show in Las Vegas. If I could pick a vacation spot next month as an amateur photographer, it would be PMA. This year, Canon has announced two new entries in the mid-level compact camera market. Actually, there are many new products by Canon and others, but this article will deal with two. The Powershot SX1 IS and Powershot SX200 IS are packed with improvements and new features that will make photographers at all levels, from rank amateurs to professionals, take a long look.

The Canon Powershot SX1 IS is an upgrade of the SX10, and it has actually already hit the camera market, but it has not yet been offered in the US. In spite of being an upgrade, it is a prosumer model with features like none before it. It is the first non-DSLR to have the CMOS sensor that is included in the DSLR professional models. The ISO range of the SX1 goes from 80 to 1600 with only slight image deterioration at the high end. Here are some of the other specs:

10 megapixels
Variable position 2.7" LCD
20x Optical Zoom (28mm to 560mm)
Hotshoe (for external flash)
DIGIC 4 processor
1080p HD video records at 30fps
Suggested Retail Price $599

Video recording on this camera is as good as a dedicated video camera. It can be played back on a HD television with great clarity. For the amateur photographer who is looking for a professional look, with video capabilities, but does not want the hassel of carrying equipment and switching lenses, this may be the one for you. It could also be the "carry everywhere" camera for professionals. The second of the two SX models offered in March is the Canon Powershot SX200 IS. This is a truly compact camera with amazing power and flexibility. It will capture close-up at 28mm and zoom to 12x (336mm). It is sleek and good-looking, coming in 3 designer colors, black, blue, and cranberry. This new digital camera has an array of controls and options to give the user as much or as little control over the outcome as desired. Some of the notable specs are:

12.1 megapixels
12x Zoom (28-336 mm equivalent)
Digic 4 processor
Optical image stabilization to reduce camera blur
720p HD video
ISO up to 3200
3" LCD
Suggested Retail Price $349

The Canon Powershot SX200 IS is a little package with a powerful punch. It is a great camera for outings or vactions. It can be carried anywhere because it is a true compact, yet has the capablility to take large enough pictures to easily print at 8 x10 and much larger. It will capture HD video as good as a dedicated camcorder. It will most undoubtedly put Canon at the top of their game once again.

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