Canon PowerShot SX280 HS unveiled with DIGIC 6 image processor

Canon has revealed two new PowerShot compact cameras, both of them being powered by the next-generation DIGIC 6 processor.

A couple of days ago, it has been rumored that the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS camera will be unveiled by the end of the week, along with a new processing engine called DIGIC 6. The source has been right on target, as the compact camera is now official, as well as the aforementioned image processor.

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is the world’ first camera to be powered by the DIGIC 6 image processor.

Canon PowerShot SX280 HS and PowerShot SX270 HS become the world’s first DIGIC 6-powered cameras

The two new Canon cameras are the PowerShot SX280 HS and PowerShot SX270 HS. Both of them come packed with virtually the same specs. However, the former has more features than the latter, as it boasts built-in WiFi and GPS functionality.

Canon has fit a 3-inch 461k-dot LCD screen, along with live view mode, in the PowerShot SX280 HS  and PowerShot SX270 HS duo, in order to compensate for the lack of an optical viewfinder.

The autofocus system benefits from an assist lamp and multiple modes, such as Single, Continuous, Tracking, and Center. The minimum focusing distance in Macro mode sits at only five centimeters or 1.97-inches.

The 4.5-90mm lens of the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS provides a 35mm equivalent of 25-500mm, which accounts for a 20x optical zoom.

OIS technology and 20x optical zoom for capturing high-quality photos in all situations

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS and PowerShot SX270 HS cameras feature a 12.1-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor, optical image stabilization, 25-500mm lens with 20x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom, ISO range between 100 and 6,400, and full HD video recording at 60 frames per second.

The two cameras have an aperture range between f/3.5 and f/6.8 at the minimum focal length and maximum focal length respectively. In addition to that, the shutter speed range sits between 1/3200 and 15 seconds.

Photographers who do not enjoy using the manual settings, can choose between several automatic scene modes, including Portrait, Smart Shutter, Night Scene, Underwater, Snow, and Fireworks.

The Canon PowerShot SX270 HS features a 3-inch LCD screen, just like its more expensive and fully-featured sibling, the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS.

Fourteen frames per second in High-speed Burst HQ mode

The Underwater mode is included because buyers will also have access to an optional waterproof case, which will be sold separately.

Canon is also offering a high-speed burst mode of up to 14 frames per second. However, the compact cameras can only use this mode for seven times in a row. After all that, the cameras need a cooldown period.

The cameras have a built-in flash, though an external one can be attached, in order to provide a little bit more flash range.

The top of the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS clearly displays the camera’s GPS and WiFi functionality, along with the confirmation of full HD video recording.

Built-in GPS and WiFi for the higher-end PowerShot SX280 HS compact camera

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is more satisfying than the PowerShot SX270 HS in the connectivity department, as it features both GPS and WiFi support. Other specs available in both cameras include an HDMI port, stereo microphone, SD / SDHC / SDXC card slot, and a USB 2.0 port.

Power is provided by a NB-6L rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Extending the battery life is pretty easy, considering the fact that Canon equipped the cameras with the so-called ECO mode.

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS release date is April 2013 in the United States. The camera will become available for $329.99 in two colors: Red and Black. On the other hand, the PowerShot SX270 HS should be released as of next month, in Gray and Blue flavors, for a price around $300.