Red Dot Photo - Canon Launches Powershot S100 and SX40 HS, IXUS 150 IS, 230HS, 1100HS in Singapore!

Canon launched the S100 and SX40 today, amongst other products such as new IXUS cameras and PIXMA printers, at a colourful event at Zirca, Clarke Quay. These two cameras are the first in the world to feature Canon's newest iteration of its image processor, DIGIC 5, touted to deliver 25% less noise.

Canon Powershot S100

Building on the success of the S95, one of the Kings of the enthusiast compact category, Canon's S100 features not only the new DIGIC 5 image processor but Intelligent IS and HS System technologies, boasting superb low-light performance in a compact body. The result is an up to 75% reduction in image noise, and the ability to capture up to 8 full-resolution frames in high-speed mode. Multi-Area White Balance is also supported; the S100 is able to intelligently adjust white balance in different parts of the image under different lighting conditions, creating natural-looking photos. On top of all these features sits the ability to record Full-HD 1080p movie with stereo sound.

At a glance, the S100 is hard to tell apart from its predecessor the S95, not a bad design move from Canon considering how well-received the S95 was. Crucially, the S100 retains the popular Lens Control Ring, providing users a tactile way to control settings such as exposure, focus, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and aperture in 1/3 stop increments.

The S100 will be available in early November; local prices are yet to be disclosed.

Canon Powershot SX40

Powered by the same image processor and HS system as the S100, the SX40 offers all of the same noise reduction improvements and Full-HD movie recording capabilities, and more. With its versatile 35x optical zoom lens (24-840mm 35mm equivalent), the SX40 is incredibly adaptable, capturing subjects near and far with absolute precision.

Driven by a Voice Coil Motor (VCM, for high-speed zoom) and an Ultra Sonic Motor (USM, for high-speed autofocus), the SX40's large telephoto lens is able to zoom quickly and focus silently, allowing users to make use of the full focal range not only for stills, but for videos as well.

The SX40 is available now at authorised Canon dealers, at a recommended retail price of $749.

Conclusion

It's an exciting time in the camera industry, as major players are launching new products close to each other. Do check back for our reviews on the S100 and SX40, as well as other recently-launched products in the market!

Launch Gallery