Canon launches a trio of compact cameras

But a new generation of much larger 1-inch sensors (twice the size of 1/1.7-inch sensors) have closed the gap on DSLRs for image quality but still allow compact camera designs.

For creative freedom that lets you capture both the beauty in light or intrigue in shadow, with DIGIC 6 the EOS M10 picks up more light in every pixel and reduces noise. The camera’s Mobile Device Connect Button supports wireless connectivity with iOS and Android devices. The new lenses will be sold for $299 and $349, respectively, and will be available alongside the M10 in November. The EOS M10 camera also supports wireless remote control featuring live view in compatible Apple and Android devices using Canon’s free Camera Connect app, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

Both the G5 X ($799) and the G9 X ($529) will ship in November.

Want to see exactly what the new Canon PowerShot G5 X compact camera looks like in the flesh? In addition to stills, the sensors are capable of capturing 1080p video at 24p, 30p and 60p in the MP4 format. Also included in both models is Canon’s Star Mode that provides more precise focusing of stars and other astronomical objects.

RAW image quality, however, is said to be relatively unchanged.

Unlike the PowerShot G7 X and G5 X which have 4.2x zoom lenses with a focal length equivalent range of 24-100mm and f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture, the G9 X has a 3x zoom lens with a focal length range equivalent to 28-84mm and a maximum aperture range of f/2-4.9. A nine-blade iris diaphragm creates blurred background effects and an Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) system reduces image shake for clear, sharp shots in a variety of lighting conditions. The PowerShot G5 X comes with a built-in, OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) that has the same high 2.36-million dot resolution found on Fujifilm’s X-T10 and X-T1. It’s designed for small size and simplicity rather than outright power, and in fact its size is its most spectacular feature.

Following hot on the heels of the G3 X which was launched earlier this year, the PowerShot G5 X is an enthusiast-focused camera with a built-in high-resolution electronic viewfinder, while the G9 X sibling is a slimmer and more lightweight offering.

Oozing the iconic G-series DNA, the PowerShot G5 X allows you to explore a wider number of photography features and settings, all in a conveniently compact body.

For both composing and viewing your photos, there’s a 3-inch touch panel with a new, customizable interface for quickly changing settings on-the-fly.

The G9 X can shoot up to six frames per second with its 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor to make sure you don’t miss a shot. It will be offered in two colours: black and silver with brown leather trimming. Old high-end compact cameras, PowerShots included, used 1/1.7-inch sensors not a whole lot larger than the 1/2.3-inch sensors used in point-and-shoot compact cameras.