Lots of Canon News and Rumors, Canon Expo on 9/2

The New Canon Powershot S95

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist

While Nikon anounced a new DSLR and four new lenses last night, Canon managed to make their presence known as well by revealing three new Powershot cameras, the S95, SD4500 IS, and SX130 IS.  All look like interesting products, especially the SD4500 IS which will include a 10x zoom in an incredibly compact size and 1080HD video recording.  The Powershot S90 has been one of the most popular compact cameras over the last year along with it's big brother, the Powershot G11.  The new S95 will have 720p HD video recording, hybrid Image Stablization, and a new in-camera HDR shooting mode.  More news on the G12, 60D, and lenses after the break!

Leaked Canon G12 Picture from CNET Asia

Canon G12 
Speaking of the G11, according to Canonrumors.com the specs on the Canon G12 were leaked on CNET Asia this morning.  Here is a picture, it looks pretty real to me.  A lot of the specs look the same from the excellent G11, but new features include HD video recording, in camera HDR, being able to shoot at different aspect ratios, and a new control wheel on the grip of the camera.

In some ways this isn't the camera I was expecting.  I had hoped Canon would give the G12 a f/2 lens and a CMOS sensor and 1080p HD video.  Although I am not terribly upset.  I really like the Canon G11, enough to buy one as a gift for my father and I use it from time to time.  The smooth operation and controls of the G12 will be further enhanced by the control wheel/dial in front of the shutter button.  The G series cameras are always in high demand.  If you want a good camera, buy the G11 now at the lowest price it will reach before it is discontinued.  Or wait for the G12 if you really covet the enhanced video, HDR shooting mode, and other features.  Either way you have a great compact.

Supposed Canon EOS 60D photo
from Canonrumors.com

EOS 60D and Lenses
With the pictures of the Canon EOS 60D getting leaked last week, some people has speculated the 60D would be announced at last night's press conference, but I figured it wouldn't be because there wasn't a lot of hype and/or news leading up to it.  Apparently there will be another Canon Press Conference on August 26th.  I expect the 60D and two new lenses from the group of lenses I discussed in my Canon Rumor Round Up to be announced.  Surprisingly there hasn't been much word on the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS lately.  Although people online have been talking about it forever, it never seemed like an attractive option to me because of it's size.  I guess we will wait and see.  I was really hoping for a Canon 14-24mm f/2.8L, but nothing has come up about that lens in quite a while.





Super Telephoto Lenses

500mm f/4L IS and 600mm f/4L IS
Photo Credit: Canon Inc

According to Canonrumors.com the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS will be updated along with the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS with updated coatings, improved Image Stabilization and a significant weight reduction.  Apparently these are updates that are almost certain to happen before Photokina.  One rumor mentioned that the 500mm f/4L IS and 600mm f/4L IS would also be updated at the same time, but historical release patterns and conventional wisdom suggest that not all of these huge chunks of glass will be updated all at once.





Follow me at Canon Expo
I will be heading to Canon Expo in New York on September 2nd to see all of the exciting new products and technologies Canon is working on.  There will be a summary at the end of the day on our blog.  Canon Expo only happens every five years so I am excited to see what's going on.