New from Canon: the Powershot SX30 IS & G12

This week Canon released the SX30 IS & the  G12 as  the newest additions to its Powershot arsenal – bringing to the party high def video capture as well as the world’s first point & shoot 35x wide angle optical zoom lens!

In addition to its INSANE 24-840mm ultra-wide lens with 35x optical zoom, the 14.1-megapixel SX30 IS also features a 2.7″ rear LCD (230k-dot resolution), HDMI connectivity and 720p HD video recording.

Other SX30 IS highlights include:

• Improvements to Movie modes: Dynamic mode enables users to use the Optical Image Stabilizer while shooting video in the wide-angle setting, and the Optical Zoom is now available while shooting video
• Canon’s first high-powered 35x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom (24-840mm) with Optical Image Stabilizer reduces camera shake to achieve amazing images whether you are up close or far away.
• The SX30 IS is equipped with Canon’s acclaimed Optical Image Stabilizer Technology that automatically detects and corrects camera shake – one of the leading causes of fuzzy or blurred shots. Even when zoomed in, you can get the steady, crisp, brilliant images you’ll be proud to shoot and share.
• Shoots superb 720p HD video with stereo sound so you can fully capture those fun, memorable moments, and then view them with an HDMI output connector for easy playback on your HDTV
• Using the new Zoom Framing Assist button aids the user in tracking and capturingsubjects during super telephoto photography
• Advanced Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 28 predefined shooting situations.
• This classically-styled camera has a powerful DIGIC 4 Image Processor and 14.1 Megapixels, which makes it a perfect device for any shooter!
• Large 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD enables easy viewing.
• For the first time, this camera comes with Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which makes powering up simple.

Picking up where the G11 left off, the new G12 adds 720p high-definition video capture, stereo microphones, new shooting modes for both stills and video, as well as revamped image-stabilization & Auto mode features.

Key G12 features include:

• 10 Megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor create Canon’s HS SYSTEM for improved low light performance and better image quality.
• Shoot beautiful 720p HD video in stereo sound and play back on an HDTV via the HDMI output.
• Full range of shooting and recording modes including RAW + JPEG for the ultimate creative control.
• Utilizes Canon’s Hybrid IS to compensate for angular and shift camera shake during close-up shooting.
• Large, bright 2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD with 461,000 dots for shooting at a variety of angles plus an optical viewfinder.
• A high-powered 5x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, plus a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens gets you up close and personal to your subjects, as well as capture more in your frame.
• A host of optional accessories including Speedlite flashes, underwater housing and Tele-Converter Lens are available.
• High Dynamic Range scene mode combines multiple shots into one picture showing greater image detail.