Canon's PowerShot line of point-and-shoot cameras just added two new super-zoom additions. One, the SX160 IS, replaces the existing SX150 IS, but the second camera, the SX 500 IS, is an all-new model. Both new models include identical 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, intelligent image stabilization, a relatively modest ISO range of 100-800 and the ability to capture 720p video at 25 frames-per-second.

The SX160 IS features a 16x zoom lens (28-448mm f/3.5-5.9 equivalent), a fixed 3-inch 230k dot LCD, and a 100-800 ISO range. It records video at a maximum 720p25 resolution with stereo sound. Available in black and red versions, it is set to ship in September for $229.99.

The SX500 IS offers a larger zoom range at 30x (24-720mm f/3.4-5.8), but still manages to stay compact. Its ISO capabilities goes beyond the SX160's, up to ISO 1600. It will be available in September for $329.99.

To read the entire press release, visit the Canon USA page

Is it just me or is putting a 230K dot LCD, same resolution as my 5Dc or the 1DsIII, in a camera today really being cheap? I'd hate to have to use it on a non viewfinder camera. Yeuch.

I love using AAs, but the SX1xx series just chews through them too fast for me. Up it to 4AAs and it might work better.

And yes, 230k is getting kinda silly anymore.

I really don't get the SX500 though. Not as much zoom as the SX30 or SX40, and it doesn't look much more compact.

Betacamman wrote:
I love using AAs, but the SX1xx series just chews through them too fast for me. Up it to 4AAs and it might work better.

And yes, 230k is getting kinda silly anymore.

I really don't get the SX500 though. Not as much zoom as the SX30 or SX40, and it doesn't look much more compact.
There are rumors of the SX 50 coming in the Fall of 2012. I guess they are trying to compete with the Panasonic FZ 200 available the 27th of August. From what i've read, the FZ 200 is going to be an awesome camera with F2.8 all the way to 600 mm. I've never owned Panasonic, so i'm not sure i'll jump till someone else does and has some experience with it.

Tom, does the Panasonic have a viewfinder? The first thing i look for is that. Not common anymore.
The ISO will be interesting to compare. The Panasonic won't be as cheap though?

Netgarden wrote:
Tom, does the Panasonic have a viewfinder? The first thing i look for is that. Not common anymore.
The ISO will be interesting to compare. The Panasonic won't be as cheap though?
Yes, it has an EVF and i think it's going to be around $600.00.

Odd. With the trend towards "not small" sensors in small bodies, here we have in the case of the SX500: a small sensor in a not small body, speaking from the point-n-shoot view.

Canon, why?

Because people buying their first camera sometimes like to get a bigger body to look "pro".

Thnx Tom! Looking real interesting, although if its on the larger size model, for that price a t31 might be the choice. My 1D is feeling real heavy these days!

A 24mm wide angle lens and an incredible 30x optical zoom up to 720mm.

Users are expected to hand hold that viewfinderless, bulky camera at arm's length with a 720 mm equivalent FL? It's just ridiculous.

EBH

Netgarden wrote:
Thnx Tom! Looking real interesting, although if its on the larger size model, for that price a t31 might be the choice. My 1D is feeling real heavy these days!
Actually, i would prefer to go that route if it were not for the fact of my not so deep pockets keeping me from investing in a nice lens library. That along with the time being minimal i can devote to photography now, i guess i'll try the Bridge route.

EB-1 wrote:
Users are expected to hand hold that viewfinderless, bulky camera at arm's length with a 720 mm equivalent FL? It's just ridiculous.
I've read quite a lot of your posts here, and i must say it really sounds like you're pretty knowledgeable in the DSLR department, technique, various lenses and thier applications. I must say too, however, that maybe you should take time to research a product before making a comment about it. Maybe i'm mistaken, but i was under the impression that the little thing located above the LCD screen on the FZ 200 was in fact the viewfinder.

If i'm wrong, please accept my apology in advance.
EBH

I'm looking at the back view on the linked B&H site. There is no viewfinder in that image.

EBH

Sorry, EBH, i was talking about the Panasonic FZ 200. As i said, my apologies.

Ya, that's a big shocker. My SX30, however crappy in IQ it may be, had a viewfinder and I could shoot at that massive 840mm equivalent handheld in good light.

Not sure what Canon is thinking here.

Luminous Landscape SX50 HS Review:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/canon_sx_50_review.shtml

Beni wrote:
Is it just me or is putting a 230K dot LCD, same resolution as my 5Dc or the 1DsIII, in a camera today really being cheap? I'd hate to have to use it on a non viewfinder camera. Yeuch.

No, it's not just you; it's sad indeed; 460K should be entry level these days. As is still clinging to that crapulent 1/2.33" sensor size 90% of cameras still use. The only good move was limiting ISO to a realistic max of 800. Some cameras have looney toon settings allowing ISO 6400 with same size sensor.

These are so awesome, I'm selling the MkIV's and 5D3's to get a couple...

Dpreview have posted their SX50 HS Review:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-sx50-hs