Pixiq

Just in time for CES, wouldn't you know, Canon has brought out three new cameras: two pocket-friendly IXUS models and an-itching-to-be-pro G1 X to head up the G-series line-up.

G1 X

Canon is calling this one the finest compact camera that it has ever produced, with its EOS-grade sensor, DIGIC 5 processor, new lens, and manual control wrapped up in a portable metal body.

So, a bit more on that sensor. It's a 14.3 megapixel CMOS sensor with a 4:3 aspect ratio that's almost the same size as an APS-C sensor used in Canon's EOS dSLRs. It has the same pixel size and structure as that used in the 600D.

The low-light capability is supposed to be cracking, courtesy of the sensor and processor, and there's an ISO range of 100 to 12,800.

The 28 - 112mm lens has been developed and manufactured using the same processes as Canon's EF lenses, so should produce tack-sharp pictures. It also has optical image stabilisation that should help even more in low light.

I'm quite liking the in-built neutral density filter, though, which will let you get a shallower depth-of-field in brighter conditions by using a wider aperture than would otherwise be possible.

Like all the other G-series cameras before it, it comes with full manual control and RAW capability. You can shoot six full-resolution shots at 4.5 frames-per-second, or shoot continuously in JPEG at 1.9 frames-per-second until there's no more room on your memory card.

There's a dedicated video button, which will start shooting 1080p HD video at 24 frames-per-second. The zoom works whilst videoing and it can record sound in stereo, too.

The body is made from stainless steel, it has a 7.5cm (3") vari-angle screen, there's a pop-up flash as well as a hotshoe so that you can use your Speedlites, too.

All that for $800, available in February. (And you'll still be able to get the G12, if that's what you prefer.)

IXUS 500 HS and IXUS 125 HS (Or ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS, if you're in the States)

Without trying to make the ISUX 500 and 125 seem too much like the poor relations today, here they are. The IXUS 500 HS is only 19.2mm deep, has a 12× optical zoom, and a 10.1 megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 5 processor. The IXUS 125 HS, on the other hand, has far more megapixels to its name (16.1) but a less impressive optical zoom (5×). 

The Smart Auto mode on these cameras can detect upto 58 different scenes (who on earth sits around and thinks of the variables for these things?) and the Face ID programme will also adjust the settings according to the (pre-entered) ages of the subjects to ensure that they're flattered by the settings.

There's a multi-area white balance feature, so that scenes shot half in natural light and half under tungsten bulbs, for example, won't have odd colour casts in one half or the other.

Both the 500 and 125 can make 1080p HD videos, and shoot in high speed bursts or do super-slow-mo, too. And of course they have the requisite filters, such as fish eye and tilt-shift.

If the colour of your camera's important, the 500 comes in red, blue, black, or silver. The 125 is in pink, red, silver, green or blue.

Both will be available from the end of February. The IXUS 500 HS will set you back £309; the IXUS 125 HS is a slightly more affordable £229.