Canon scores with a hat trick of three new PowerShot pocket cameras

In advance of the CP+ Camera & Imaging Show in Japan this week, Canon unveiled three new PowerShot pocket digital cameras -- two ELPHs and one A-series entry-level model. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS replaces the popular ELPH 320 HS, adding advanced WiFi connectivity and functionality, as well as doubling the optical zoom range to 10x. Meanwhile, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 IS is a completely new, all-purpose digicam that boasts a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, 8x optical zoom and affordable price. Finally, Canon introduced the A2500 -- the successor to the entry-level A2300 -- which features the manufacturer's new ECO mode for maximizing battery life and shooting time, and comes $20 cheaper at launch than its predecessor.

Here's more info on each:

Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS

Succeeding the popular ELPH 320 HS, Canon's new PowerShot ELPH 330 HS touts double the optical zoom range, improved ISO sensitivity to capture better low-light shots, a new Hybrid AUTO mode and upgraded WiFi connectivity and features. Increasing the Canon ELPH 330 HS's reach to a 10x optical zoom (24-240mm equivalent) -- the previous model only had a 5x optical zoom -- will no doubt appeal to consumers who want their pocket camera to be more versatile. However, the biggest difference between the Canon ELPH 320 HS and 330 HS, according to Canon, is the souped-up built-in WiFi feature set. The manufacturer claims you can connect to either iOS or Android smartphones or tablets with a fast one-time setup, and the pairing of camera and device allows you to transfer your photos using Canon's free CameraWindow app. Additionally, ELPH 330 HS users can also quickly upload photos to social sites such as Facebook and Canon's iMAGE GATEWAY directly from the camera itself, and they can even type in captions and comments from the ELPH 330 HS. The camera will be available in black, silver and pink for US$229.99, and is expected to start shipping in March 2013.

See photos, specs and more in our Canon ELPH 330 HS preview. 

Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 IS

Designed as an everyday pocket camera for photographers looking for an imaging upgrade over their smartphones, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 IS provides a lot of versatility at a reasonable price. The digital camera features an 8x optical zoom lens (28-224mm equivalent) that can capture moderate wide-angle to moderate telephoto shots. Inside the ELPH 115 IS, there's a 16-megapixel CCD sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor that operate in tandem to produce high-resolution shots and 720p HD video. ISO sensitivity, as typical of models in this price range, is only modest -- ranging from 100-1600. However, Canon's new ECO Mode works to save battery life and extend your shooting time. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 IS will be available in black, blue, silver and pink for US$169.99, and is expected to start shipping in March 2013.

See photos, specs and more more in our Canon ELPH 115 IS preview. 

Canon PowerShot A2500

Canon has revamped one of its entry-level pocket camera, the PowerShot A2300, with the PowerShot A2500. Not much has been changed between the models, as the A2500 employs the same 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, the same DiGiC 4 processor, the same 5x optical zoom lens that delivers from 28mm wide angle (max aperture of f/2.8) to 140mm equivalent telephoto (max aperture of f/6.9) range, the same 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot LCD display and the same basic 720p HD video capabilities. The price of the A2500 -- US$129.99 at launch -- is just right. Available in black, silver and red, the PowerShot A2500 is expected to start shipping in April 2013.

See photos, specs and more more in our Canon PowerShot A2500 preview.