Canon PowerShot G16 with 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor launched at Rs. 34,995

Canon India on Monday announced the launch of its new camera from the PowerShot series, the G16. The camera, which features an all new DIGIC 6 processor, has a 12.1-megapixel high sensitivity CMOS sensor, which will enable it to shoot full-HD 1080p video at 60 fps. The camera is its latest offering from the PowerShot G series and is specifically, targeted at those who are looking for a bridge camera. The camera is available at Canon stores across the nation for Rs. 34,995.

Canon is touting an improved focus speed, where one can shoot 12.2fps continuous shooting at full resolution and 5.7fps with autofocus. Other features include built-in Wi-Fi, artistic HDR scene mode, and other custom shooting modes for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The camera has a 5x zoom, with a focal range of 28mm-140mm, and expandable to 10x using the ZoomPlus feature. The lens has a focal ratio of f/1.8 (Wide) - f/2.8 (Tele) which should enable it to perform well under low lighting conditions and for creating soft backgrounds and focus on the foreground.

Another focus on the G16 is the star shooting mode, where a user can shoot pictures and videos of the night skies. The modes are Star Nightscape, Star Time Lapse Movie and Star Trails. There are new improved filters, and the new Background Defocus feature helps to produce the 'Bokeh' effect, which is creating blurs in the background to produce an aesthetic effect on the picture in the foreground. The manner in which it is done, is by taking two photos. The background is then blurred digitally according to the levels desired by the photographer.

The HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, introduced in 2010, has been improved with five new levels, Natural, Art Standard, Art Vivid, Art Bold, and Art Embossed, added to it. The Wi-Fi capabilities will enable a user to instantly share and upload instantaneously using the Canon Image Gateway. Smartphone users can use the CameraWindow app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store), to do the same. Also it will allow users to upload the pictures or videos to social networking sites.