Canon unveils new digital camera quartet

Canon is today adding four new digital cameras to its range, including the launch of flagship professional and entry-level models in its PowerShot series.

The 7.1megapixel PowerShot G6, Canon's top-end addition, replaces its G5 predecessor with "dramatically improved image quality" and a 10 per cent reduction in size, according to Canon. It also features a fast F2.0 4x zoom lens that uses image processing algorithms, and has 12 shooting modes.

The camera, which will retail at £599 (inc. VAT), also has a clear, anti-reflective variable-angle LCD display that has increased in size from 1.8" to 2.0".

The PowerShot S70, Canon's high-end consumer/semi-professional model with simultaneous RAW and JPEG file recording, boasts 7.1megapixel picture quality.

Available in September at £449 (inc. VAT), the S70 also features 15-1/2000-second shutter speeds, manual focusing and an intervalometer for automatic time-lapse photography.

The new flagship A-series model, the PowerShot A95, replaces the A80 and features 5megapixel sensor size and a larger variable-angle LCD and video graphics adaptor movie mode. It will cost £319 including VAT when it is also made available in September.

Meanwhile, the entry-level PowerShot A400 will give budding photographers the chance to get 3.2megapixel-quality photos at a price of £149.

The PowerShot A400 will be available in four body colours, with a 2.2x optical zoom and a Canon-patented processor for "superb image quality". It can also shoot three-minute movie clips and has 12 shooting modes, using a standard secure digital memory card.