Canon has just announced a new superzoom compact camera, the SX500IS. While most of its specifications are pretty much mainstream — it features a 16 megapixel CCD sensor, a 30x 24-720 mm-equivalent zoom lens, a 3″ 461k dot LCD display and 720p HD video recording –, one feature does stand out and makes this camera unique: the Zoom Framing Assist. By the touch of a button located at the lower front left of the camera, the Zoom Framing Assist automatically zooms out so you can easily overlook the entire scene, shows you a frame of your previous zoom position that helps you better compose your picture, and zooms in again when you release it. According to Canon’s press release, “[t]he lens retraction and extension is faster using the Zoom Framing Assist button than the zoom lever, and allows the photographer to keep the camera more stable for the shot[.]”
Canon PowerShot SX500IS Specs
- 16MP 1/2.3″ CCD sensor
- DIGIC 4 image processor
- 24-720 mm-eq. f3.4-5.8 lens
- 3″ LCD display with 461k dots
- 720p HD video with dedicated button
- Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization
- HDMI output for immediate HDTV screening
- 32 predefined shooting situations
- Zoom Framing Assist for better telephoto
- High speed autofocus
- ISO 100-1600
- 2.8 fps continuous shooting
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.09 x 2.74 x 3.16″ / 10.39 x 6.96 x 8.03 cm
- Weight: 12.0 oz / 340 g with batteries and memory card
The SX500IS comes in black color only an can be pre-ordered at B&H Photo for US-$ 329.00.
If you like a camera more colorful, Canon has also just announced the more lower-end superzoom compact SX160IS, which features a 16x 28-448 mm-equivalent zoom, a 16 megapixel sensor, image stabilization, HD video, a 3″ LCD and comes in both black and red. It, too can be pre-ordered over at B&H Photo for US-$ 229.00.
Please Support The Phoblographer
We love to bring you guys the latest and greatest news and gear related stuff. However, we can’t keep doing that unless we have your continued support. If you would like to purchase any of the items mentioned, please do so by clicking our links first and then purchasing the items as we then get a small portion of the sale to help run the website.