The Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and the PowerShot SX160 IS are two new superzoom compact cameras. The PowerShot SX500 IS is the world’s smallest 30x optical zoom camera, while the PowerShot SX160 IS features an impressive 16x optical zoom in a compact body. The Canon SX500 IS is available from August, priced at £279/€349/$329.99, and the Canon SX160 IS is available from September, priced at £159/€199/$229.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Get closer: Canon unveils the PowerShot SX500 IS and the PowerShot SX160 IS

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 21st August 2012 – Canon today unveils two new additions to its collection of powerful superzoom compact cameras – the PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS. Perfect for getting you closer to the action, the PowerShot SX500 IS is the world’s smallest 30x optical zoom camera*, giving you the flexibility to capture subjects in the far distance, in an astoundingly sleek and compact body. For families wanting a camera that everyone can enjoy, the PowerShot SX160 IS features an impressive 16x optical zoom in a compact body, so life’s memorable moments can be captured no matter how far away you are.

From first-time camera users to creative families who want to capture every moment, the PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS make it easy to capture impressive stills and HD movies. Both models merge a range of quick and easy-to-use features with Canon’s acclaimed imaging technologies for superb image quality. With Canon’s advanced optical Image Stabilizer with Intelligent IS, pictures will be crisp and sharp, regardless of the scene you’re shooting, while Smart Auto detects the shooting scenario and automatically adjusts settings to the most suitable mode for the shot. With a fun range of Creative Filters, different effects can be added to stills and movies instantly, letting you explore your creative side and giving you unique shots every time.

Powerful zooms made small
From recording family holidays to capturing a special day, both new PowerShot models’ optical zoom lenses make it easy to capture every moment, even when you can’t get as close to the action as you’d like. 

The PowerShot SX500 IS is the ideal option for users looking for compact power. Utilising Canon’s extensive expertise in lens design, it features a newly-developed 24mm wide-angle, 30x optical zoom lens, small enough to fit in a travel-friendly body. The PowerShot SX160 IS is an affordable, easy-to-use superzoom, boasting a versatile lens custom-designed for this model alone. With a 28mm wide-angle and 16x optical zoom, this new lens offers the flexibility to snap everything from group shots at children’s birthday parties, to long-distance close-ups of animals at the zoo.

For getting even closer to your subject, Canon’s ZoomPlus technology digitally extends the lens reach of both new models, zooming as far as 60x on the PowerShot SX500 IS and 32x on the PowerShot SX160 IS. With the PowerShot SX500 IS, Zoom Framing Assist is on hand to help when using the full reach of the powerful zoom, letting you zoom out at the touch of a button and relocate your subject, before zooming back in as you release the button to take your shot.

For sharp, steady shots throughout the zoom range, both new cameras feature Canon’s advanced optical Image Stabilizer and Intelligent IS technologies. Intelligent IS automatically selects the correct Image Stabilizer mode from seven different settings to match the subject and shooting situation – so whether you’re shooting a close-up of a baby’s face or capturing a movie on the move at full zoom, both new cameras will deliver sharp results.

Picture-perfect every time
The PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS are packed full of clever imaging technologies to ensure photos are captured in crystal clear detail. Both models feature a new 16 Megapixel sensor that captures vivid colours and striking detail, resulting in shots that wow friends and family. Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor ensures that pictures are captured quickly and in life-like detail, whether shot at sunset or against the challenging bright snowscapes of winter holidays.

No matter what’s being captured, from family picnics to days out at theme parks, or evenings at the beach, the PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS help you to capture the perfect shot at the touch of a button, thanks to Smart Auto with Advanced Subject Detection technology. Cleverly detecting 32 different scenes, Smart Auto analyses the scene and automatically changes the camera’s settings to capture pictures you can be proud of.

Once you’ve got to grips with the camera and are ready to experiment even more, you can easily switch to Full Manual Control, where you can control individual camera settings including shutter speed and aperture. Creating unique, fun shots with the new PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS is also simple with a range of easy-to-use Creative Filters, which instantly transform your images and movies with one of six different effects. Add a new perspective to pictures with Fish-eye Effect, or create a retro-style shot using Toy Camera Effect.

Big screen viewing for stills and movies
Images can be composed and shared instantly on the PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS’s large 7.5cm (3.0’’) LCD screen, which displays everything in crisp detail and rich colour. New users can also access a range of helpful on-screen Hints & Tips which include an easy guide to mastering your camera’s settings and modes.

Thanks to the PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS, special family moments can be relived for years to come with the ability to capture high-quality HD movie footage with stereo sound. A dedicated Movie Record Button also lets you switch instantly from stills to movies, for complete flexibility and creative control, while a HDMI-CEC connection offers big screen viewing on compatible HD TVs.

PowerShot SX500 IS – key features:
Mini 30x ultra-zoom camera with 24mm wide lens
16 Megapixels
Intelligent IS
Large 7.5 cm (3.0”) LCD
Smart Auto mode detects 32 scenes
HD movies (720p) with HDMI
Zoom Framing Assist
Fun Creative Filters
Full Manual control
Face Detection
PowerShot SX160 IS – key features:
16x optical zoom, 28mm wide Canon lens
16 Megapixels
Intelligent IS
Large 7.5 cm (3.0”) LCD; Hints & Tips
Smart Auto mode detects 32 scenes
HD movies with HDMI
Fun Creative Filters
Full Manual control
iFrame movie

Pricing and Availability
The PowerShot SX500 IS is available from August, priced at £279/€349 incl. RRP.
The PowerShot SX160 IS is available from September, priced at £159/€199 incl. RRP.

Footnote:
* Correct as of 21st August 2012

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