Canon unveils the f/1.8 PowerShot G15 and world’s first 50x optical zoom compact camera1, the PowerShot SX50 HS

Canon unveils the PowerShot G15 and PowerShot SX50 HS – two new innovative compact cameras that demonstrate Canon’s expertise in next-generation lens design. The PowerShot G15 features the brightest lens in a PowerShot G-series model to date, with a new f/1.8-2.8, 5x zoom lens, providing photographers with an extra-wide aperture throughout the camera’s entire focal range. The PowerShot SX50 HS is the world’s first 50x optical zoom1 compact stills camera, offering ground-breaking power alongside advanced manual control and RAW format support.

Designed for advanced users looking for premium quality, class-leading performance and compact bodies, both PowerShot models feature Canon’s renowned imaging technologies, delivering superior quality stills and Full HD movies. Both also feature the acclaimed HS System, which offers outstanding low light performance and exceptionally low noise levels in all conditions. Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer with Intelligent IS ensures the sharpest image quality throughout each camera’s zoom range, while manual control and RAW file support provides photographers with maximum control over how images are captured and post-processed.

Next-generation lens design
The PowerShot G15 and PowerShot SX50 HS incorporate new, cutting-edge precision Canon lenses that open up a range of creative possibilities. The PowerShot G15 features a super bright f/1.8-2.8 lens, which has been developed using new highly refractive glass with a unique multiple material coating engineered to handle specific wavelengths of light at the nanometre scale. Its 5x optical zoom provides outstanding versatility, offering an f/1.8 aperture at its 28mm wide-angle, and an f/2.8 aperture at its maximum 140mm focal length. This offers photographers extra freedom to shoot in low light, use fast shutter speeds for freezing motion, or add atmosphere to stills by using a shallower depth of field, throughout the camera’s entire zoom range.

For photographers who want to capture detail in distant subjects, the PowerShot SX50 HS features Canon’s most powerful optical zoom in a compact camera to date. A class-leading optical construction features 13 elements, with three UD lenses included in a 10 group optical arrangement – providing exceptional performance throughout the enormous 50x optical zoom range. A newly designed Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and Voice Coil Motor (VCM) ensure fast and near-silent zooming when moving from the 24mm wide angle through to 1200mm2 maximum reach, while ZoomPlus digitally extends the zoom to 100x while maintaining high image quality.

Enhanced Zoom Framing Assist on the PowerShot SX50 HS now includes new Seek and Lock functions, which are designed to help photographers locate and lock-on to subjects at the telephoto end of the lens. Users can press a dedicated Seek button located on the lens barrel, which makes the lens zoom out to relocate subjects. Once the subject is located users can release the button, with the lens automatically extending back to its telephoto focal length. Additionally, a Lock button can also be used to engage a powerful optical IS mode that holds the subject in the frame until the shot is taken.

Pin-sharp clarity with optical Image Stabilizer
Canon’s industry-leading optical Image Stabilizer technology counters camera shake in both models, suppressing blur in stills and unsteady movie footage. 4-stop (PowerShot G15) and 4.5-stop (PowerShot SX50 HS) optical Image Stabilizers ensure that shots are sharp, crisp and detailed when shooting at telephoto focal lengths or in low light. Additionally, Intelligent IS automatically detects the shooting situation and applies the most suitable Image Stabilizer mode from seven variables. The PowerShot SX50 HS also features a new and advanced Dynamic IS mode that reduces the rolling motion style camera shake that typically occurs when movies are recorded whilst walking or moving.

Premium image quality and speed
Both models feature Canon’s HS System – a combination of a high-sensitivity 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and powerful DIGIC 5 image processing. The PowerShot G15 features a new Canon 1/1.7-type high-sensitivity CMOS sensor that offers even greater light gathering abilities than its predecessor, resulting in outstanding flexibility during low light shooting. High ISO shooting at speeds up to ISO 12,8003 allows the use of fast shutter speeds and faster continuous shooting, even in poor light conditions. Powerful DIGIC 5 processing in each model is also optimised to work seamlessly with the high resolution sensors, keeping image noise to a minimum in all lighting conditions.

Improved Auto Focus (AF) systems on both models make it easy for users to capture sharply-focused stills. The PowerShot G15 AF speed4 offers exceptional performance – at just 0.17 seconds at the wide-angle – representing a 53% improvement5 over the PowerShot G12, making it the fastest Canon compact camera ever produced.

High-speed Burst HQ mode, available on both models, also allows the capture of high quality, full resolution shots of fast moving subjects. The PowerShot SX50 HS captures split-second action at 13 shots/second, perfect for wildlife p hotography, while a burst rate of 10 shots/second on the PowerShot G15 is ideal for capturing fast-paced action.

Creative flexibility with manual control and auto modes
Offering similar levels of manual control to those found on Canon EOS DSLRs, both cameras allow photographers to adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed, white balance and ISO sensitivity. RAW in both models now includes multi-aspect support, allowing photographers to explore different aspect ratios in post-production.

A range of automatic shooting features also ensure users get the best shot. Smart Auto utilises advanced scene detection technology and selects the most appropriate setting from 58 different variables, while Face ID cleverly recognises pre-registered faces of friends or family and adjusts settings accordingly to ensure they always look their best. Multi-Area White Balance automatically adjusts colour tones in shots captured indoors with different light sources, so shots look more natural.

Designed for serious photographers
The PowerShot G15 features the signature design characteristics of the PowerShot G- series, offering excellent handling for everyday use. Its lightweight, robust aluminium body is approximately 17% smaller than the PowerShot G12, making it an ideal complement to a DSLR camera.

Designed for quick one-handed operation, the PowerShot G15 features a two-level top control dial, a front dial and dedicated Movie Record and shortcut buttons – making it easy for users to access and adjust camera settings between shots. A sharp 920k-dot resolution 7.5 cm (3.0’’) PureColor II G screen is ideal for composition and playback, with a wide viewing angle and a tempered glass layer offering enhanced durability and visibility. An optical viewfinder also provides an alternative to live view composition, providing a more traditional through-the-lens shooting experience.

Designed to offer the familiar feel of a DSLR in a more compact form, the PowerShot SX50 HS features an angled design with a grip that feels secure in the hand and is ideal for ultra-zoom shooting. Outstandingly compact for the flexibility of the 50x optical zoom range, the PowerShot SX50 HS offers a control dial for easy access and navigation through system menus, as well as one-touch action buttons including a dedicated Movie Record button. An Electronic Viewfinder, combined with a 7.1cm (2.8’’) vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD screen, allows users to frame their shots in their preferred style, and shoot from a range of different angles.

Instant Full HD movies
Perfect for capturing super-sharp video, the PowerShot G15 and the PowerShot SX50 HS also support Full HD (1080p) movie recording at 24fps. The cameras’ optical zooms can be utilised during recording, while AF in movies also ensures that subjects remain crisp, clear and in focus. High quality stereo sound is also supported by both models.

Experiment with Canon accessories
Both new PowerShot models are compatible with a wide range of Canon accessories, allowing users to expand their photography kit bag. A hotshoe allows photographers to experiment with creative flash photography using Canon’s Speedlite flash range, while Lens Filter Adapters offer compatibility with Canon’s range of EOS filters. Both models are compatible with the Remote Switch RS-60E3, perfect for controlling long exposures or shooting at night to reduce camera shake. A new Waterproof Case WP-DC48 is also available for the PowerShot G15 – perfect for users who like to capture stunning marine life.

PowerShot G15 – key features:

Bright f/1.8-2.8, 28mm, 5x zoom Canon lens
12.1 MP CMOS; HS System with DIGIC 5
4-stop Intelligent IS
7.5 cm (3.0”) LCD; OVF
Front Dial, Full Manual, RAW
Full HD movies, HDMI-CEC
Quick auto focus
Smart Auto and Face ID
HDR mode
Range of accessories
PowerShot SX50 HS – key features:

50x ultra wide-angle zoom
4.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer. Intelligent IS
12.1 MP HS System with DIGIC 5
Full HD, HDMI
7.1 cm (2.8") vari-angle LCD, EVF
Manual modes, RAW
Enhanced Zoom Framing Assist
Smart Auto, Multi-area WB
High-speed Burst HQ
1 Correct as of 17 September 2012
2 35mm equivalent
3 PowerShot G15 can shoot up to ISO 12,800. The PowerShot SX50 HS can shoot up to ISO 6,400
4 Based on the new CIPA standard
5 Compared to PowerShot G12 AF time of 0.36 seconds at 28mm wide-angle. AF time definition conforms to new CIPA guidelines (established in April 2012)

Canon Powershot G15 and Powershot SX50 HS specifications

  Canon PowerShot G15 Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Body type
Body type Large sensor compact SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Max resolution 4000 x 3000
Other resolutions 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2248, 4000 x 2664, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1200 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 12.1 megapixels
Sensor size 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Processor Digic 5
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary Color Filter
Image
ISO Auto, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400, 8000, 10000, 12800
White balance presets 7
Custom white balance Yes (2)
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, Normal
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 28 – 140 mm 24 – 1200 mm
Optical zoom 5× 50×
Autofocus
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Multi-area
Selective single-point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4x)
Manual focus Yes
Macro focus range 1 cm (.39") 0 cm (")
Number of focus points 9
Lens mount Unknown
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fixed Fully articulated
Screen size 3" 2.8"
Screen dots 922,000 461,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT PureColor II G LCD TFT PureColor II G Touch screen LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Optical (tunnel)
Photography features
Maximum aperture F1.8 - F2.8 F3.4 - F6.5
Minimum shutter speed 15 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec 1/2000 sec
Exposure modes
Smart Auto
Program AE
Shutter priority AE
Aperture priority AE
Manual
Custom
Scene
Creative Filters
Movie Digest
Movie
Scene modes
Portrait
Smooth Skin
Smart Shutter (Smile, Wink Self-Timer, FaceSelf- Timer)
High-speed Burst HQ
Handheld Night Scene
Underwater
Snow
Fireworks
Stitch Assist
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 7 m 5.5 m
External flash Yes (Hot-shoe)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Second Curtain
Drive modes
Single
Continuous
Continuous with AF
Self-Timer
Continuous drive Yes (2.1 fps) Yes (2.2 fps)
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
Metering modes
Multi
Center-weighted
Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 EV (at 1/3 EV steps) ±3 EV (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format
H.264
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Videography notes Miniature Effect (HD, L) 6fps, 3fps, 1.5 fps
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage included Unknown
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (Mini)
Wireless EyeFi BuiltIn
Remote control Yes (Optional) No
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Lithium-Ion NB-10L rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 350 315
Weight (inc. batteries) 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz) 595 g (1.31 lb / 20.99 oz)
Dimensions 107 x 76 x 40 mm (4.21 x 2.99 x 1.57") 123 x 87 x 106 mm (4.84 x 3.43 x 4.17")
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording No
GPS None Optional
GPS notes via mobile (linked to compatible smartphone)