Canon launches improved G7X II and 40x optical zoom SX720 HS PowerShot cameras
posted Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 12:00 AM EDT
Canon has launched two new PowerShot cameras that are designed to provide high performance in compact bodies for both amateur and professional photographers alike. The new Canon G7X Mark II and Canon SX720 HS cameras each bring something new and distinct to the PowerShot line.
The Canon G7X II includes the same 1"-type 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 equivalent lens from the original G7X, but Canon has provided their new DIGIC 7 image processor to deliver better performance. The new DIGIC 7 processor allows the G7X II to capture full-resolution images at up to eight frames per second (fps), but the big news is RAW files can now also be captured at full speed according to Canon, unlike its predecessor. The new processor also helps to make the G7X II the first PowerShot camera that allows users to convert RAW files in-camera.
Improvements to the camera body itself include an improved multi-angle 3-inch touchscreen LCD display. The 1,040K-dot screen can now tilt downward up to 45 degrees in addition its ability to tilt upward 180 degrees. The front control ring has also seen improvement, as users can now select from stepped and continuous rotational movement.
Canon has added a new Picture Style function to provide users additional in-camera control over color, contrast, and sharpness. There is also a new panning feature that "allows the camera to lock onto the main subject using Canon's Intelligent IS technology to automatically adjust the shutter speed for beautiful background blur."
The Canon G7X II will be available in May and has an estimated retail price of US$699.99. See our Canon G7X II preview for more details.
If you're looking for more zooming capabilities, then the new SX720 HS should be of interest to you. This 20.3-megapixel camera includes a whopping 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent) lens in a compact body to provide photographers plenty of reach for even the most distant subject.
Increasing the zoom range from the SX710 HS (which featured a 30x optical zoom lens), the SX720 HS also includes new in-camera battery charging (USB cable not included). Connectivity features have also been improved as Wi-Fi is now easier to access. The SX720 HS continues to employ a 1/2.3-inch 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor under the hood, but the body has a cleaner, more rectangular design.
The SX720 HS has a 3-inch LCD display with approximately 922,000 dots, it has optical image stabilization, and an ISO range of 80-3200. With locked focus, it can continuously shoot JPEG images at up to 5.9 fps. With autofocus, the camera slows down to approximately 4.6 fps. Battery life is approximately 250 shots during normal use, but ECO Mode can extend the battery life to 355 shots.
Available in March, the SX720 HS has an estimated retail price of US$379.99. Hop on over to our Canon SX720 hands-on preview for more!