Canon Powershot A1000is, A2000is and SX110is

Canon have retired the Powershot A720is, the A570is and the SX100is and replaced them with three new models, the Powershot A1000is replaces the A570is, the Powershot A2000is replaces the A720is and the Powershot SX110is replaces the SX100is.

It appears all three cameras keep their lens (or at least a lens with a similar zoom range), but higher pixel count sensors have been installed in each of them. The A1000is is 10MP (the A570is was 7.1MP), the A2000is is 10MP (the A720is was 8MP) and the SX110is is 9MP (the SX100is was 8.3MP).

All three cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor (7.7mm x 6.16mm), use AA batteries and have an ISO range of 80-1600. They also share a similar user interface and similar exposure and metering modes. In moving from the A720is to the A2000is, the LCD size seems to have increased from 2.5" to 3", but at the expense of the loss of the optical viewfinder. While many may not like an optical viewfinder on a P&S digicam, I have actually found them useful. It appears that the A1000is with it's smaller 2.5" LCD keeps its optical viewfinder. In a few more P&S camera generations optical viewfinders may be a thing of the past, which will be a pity.

The major difference between these three cameras is the lens. The SX110is has a 10x zoom (66-360mm in 35mm equivalent terms), the A2000 has a 6x (36-214mm) and the A1000 has a 4x (35-140mm). The lenses also differ in speed, with the SX110is being slightly faster (see spec. comparison below). The other differences are fairly minor, involving things like weight, LCD size and sensor size (9 or 10MP).

I own a Powershot A720is and I reviewed it in detail here - Powershot A720is review. It's been a very good camera. It looks like the A2000is will be a worthy successor, with most of the same features and virtues as the A720is had. However if I was buying a camera today, I think I'd look closely at the SX110is. On paper it has the better lens (wider zoom range and higher speed), the popup flash moves the light source slightly further from the lens (less chance of red-eye), It's capable of a faster shutter speed on some modes (1/2500s vs 1/1600s) - plus I like the fact that it's available in black! It has 9MP vs. 10MP, in in reality that's not going to make a noticeable difference to the images.

Comparison of Powershots SX110is, A1000is and A2000is

Canon Press Release

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, is expanding its PowerShot line of digital cameras with the announcement of two new additions to its affordable A-series line, and one new ultra-zoom digital camera to its SX-series of ultra-zoom cameras. Sporting a new look, the PowerShot A1000 IS and PowerShot A2000 IS digital cameras combine the robust feature-set consumers have come to expect from Canon's point-and-shoot digital cameras, coupled with a sleek design, giving a slimmer, lighter and more compact body to this camera line. The new PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera offers users all the benefits of a point-and-shoot camera, but with the ultra-zoom optical range needed to capture shots from the orchestra when seated in the balcony.

The Canon PowerShot A1000 IS digital camera features a 10-megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom lens, DIGIC III Image Processor and comes in four stylish, two-toned colors.

The PowerShot A2000 IS digital camera also has a 10-megapixel resolution, as well as DIGIC III Image Processor and is equipped with a 6x Optical Zoom lens, and a 3-inch LCD screen.

The PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera features a 9-megapixel resolution, DIGIC III Image Processor, 3-inch LCD screen and 10x Optical Zoom lens.

All cameras allow for close-up shots for those important occasions where you can't be right on top of the action and a zoom may be required - all with the ease of popping in two AA batteries so a shot is never missed. Each camera is equipped with an optical image stabilized lens to help reduce camera shake, and High ISO Auto which takes into account the subject's movement, which helps to provide crisp and clear images regardless of how far the zoom extends.

Building upon the user-friendly reputation of the PowerShot family, all three cameras feature Easy Mode, which limits camera functions to the basics for simplified operation, creating ease-of-use for even the most entry-level camera owner. Additionally, the cameras are equipped with PictBridge and Canon Direct Print, enabling consumers to print photos anywhere.

"With the new A-Series cameras, users don't have to sacrifice cutting-edge technology for innovative style, or ease-of-use" said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "These cameras include the best technology Canon has to offer, along with colorful and unique designs that pack today's lifestyle trends into an affordable, compact digital camera. Additionally, the new SX camera is the ultimate in compact functionality. This camera will meet the technology needs of beginners and photo enthusiasts alike."

Advancing the A - PowerShot A1000 IS and A2000 IS Digital Cameras

The new PowerShot A-Series cameras remain perfect for families purchasing their first digital camera, travelers who don't want to worry about charging their batteries while "on-the-go" and new parents looking for an affordable, family-friendly camera that perfectly captures special moments. At the same time, a revamped design also makes these cameras the ultimate choice for the style-conscious consumer. The PowerShot A1000 IS digital camera evokes elegance with its gentle curved grip, and offers the opportunity for individual expression via its four color choices; gray, blue, gold and purple. The two-tone silver PowerShot A2000 IS digital camera features a clean, modern silhouette and a matte finish around key controls for a high-end look and feel.

Ultra Zoom - PowerShot SX110 IS Digital Camera

The new PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera is perfect for the parent trying to capture the winning goal or the outdoorsman trying to capture the perfect sunset. At the same time, this modern-looking and elegant form, available in both black and silver , is easy to hold and fits snuggly in the palm of your hand. What's more, the 3-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use control dial make capturing and viewing images seamless.

Availability and Pricing

Scheduled to be available in September, the PowerShot A1000 IS and the PowerShot A2000 IS digital cameras will have suggested selling prices of $199.99* and $249.99*, respectively. Also, available at the end of August, the PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera will have a suggested selling price of $299.99*. All cameras include two AA batteries, 32MB SD memory card, USB interface cable, AV cable, wrist strap and Canon's software suite.