The Canon PowerShot S is a series of digital cameras released by Canon, as part of the wider PowerShot range. The S-series was originally a line of compact point-and-shoot cameras, slowly evolving into a prosumer line of cameras slotting right beneath the G-series cameras. The line later branched off into Canon's line of super-zoom cameras. The PowerShot ELPH line is a branch of the S-series, due to its model number designations in the United States (with the S- and SD- prefixes), as well as the similarities between the PowerShot ELPH S100 and the PowerShot S10.
G-series in a compact body
From the PowerShot S90 onwards the S-series continues a line of Canon compact digital cameras that commenced with the Ixus 900Ti and feature the Digic image processors and larger than average sensors as fitted to the advanced PowerShot G-series cameras. The Ixus / S-series and the equivalent G-series models are listed below:
Ixus 900Ti (SD900)* / PowerShot G7 / Digic III / 10 MP 3648 × 2736 1/1.8″ CCD. Ixus 960IS (SD950IS)* / PowerShot G9 / Digic III / 12.1 MP 4000 × 3000 1/1.7″ CCD. Ixus 980IS (SD990IS) / PowerShot G10 / Digic 4 / 14.7 MP 4416 × 3312 1/1.7″ CCD. PowerShot S90, S95, S200 / PowerShot G11, G12 / Digic 4 / 10 MP 3648 × 2736 1/1.7″ CCD (S200 features Digic 5). PowerShot S100, S110 / PowerShot G15 / Digic 5 / 12.1 MP 4000×3000 1/1.7" CMOS. Powershot S120 / PowerShot G16 / Digic 6 / 12.1 MP 4000×3000 1/1.7" CMOS.
(* The Ixus 900Ti and 960IS feature a titanium body.)
Models
Compact S series The Sxx series is made up of two sub-series. The S10 and S20 were compact point-and-shoot cameras, while the S30-onwards were prosumer digital cameras that were the de-contented, lower-cost alternative to the equivalent G-series camera at the time. ModelReleasedateSensorresolution, size, typeVideo specificationsLens (35 mm equiv)zoom, apertureImage processorLCD screensize, pixelsCardSizeW×H×D(mm)Weight(body, g)PhotoNotesPoint-and-ShootOctober 19992.1 MP1600×12001/2" CCDNo movie mode35–70 mm (2×)f/2.8–4.01.8"CF105.4 × 69.4 × 33.8270 Smallest true zoom 2 MP camera when released March 20003.3 MP2048×15361/1.8" CCD32–64 mm (2×)f/2.9–4.0 ProsumerS30September 20013.2 MP2048×15361/1.8" CCD320x240 15 fps35–105 mm (3×)f/2.8–4.91.8"CF112 × 58 × 42260New larger body shape, addition of manual controls, added RAW support S40October 20014.1 MP2272×17041/1.8" CCD S45October 2002DIGICS50March 20035.0 MP2592×19441/1.8" CCDS60June 2004640x480 10 fps
320x240 15 fps28–100 mm (3.6×)f/2.8–5.3114.0 × 56.5 × 38.8230First to use wide-angle lens, supports conversion lenses, smaller and lighter body with re-arranged rear panelS70September 20047.1 MP3072×23041/1.8" CCDS80October 20058.0 MP3264×24481/1.8" CCD1024×768 15 fps 640x480 30 fpsDIGIC II2.5"115,000SD, MMC104.0 × 57.0 × 38.8225Redesigned smaller and lighter body, no RAW support. Includes new 4:3 HD Movie (1024x768) Mode Bears similarity to later Powershot G series models such as G10 & G11S90September 200910.0 MP3648×27361/1.7" CCD640x480 30 fps28–105 mm (3.8×)f/2.0–4.9DIGIC 43.0"461,000SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+100.0 × 58.4 × 30.9175New High Sensitivity System and higher ISO speeds, f/2.0 lens, image stabilization. HD movie feature removed. Bears similarity to earlier Powershot SD series modelsS95August 2010720p 24 fps99.8 × 58.4 × 29.5170Hybrid IS, 720p HD video.S100September 201112.1 MP4000×30001/1.7" CMOS1080p 24 fps
720p 30 fps
640x480 120 fps
320x240 240 fps24–120 mm (5×)f/2.0–5.9DIGIC 5SD, SDHC, SDXC, Eye-Fi98.9 × 59.8 × 26.7173GPS, 1080p HD video. Not to be confused with the older S100, the first Digital IXUS/ELPH camera.S110September 20123.0" 461,000 touch screen98.8 × 59.0 × 26.9No GPS, 1080p HD video. IS. Wifi. Touch screen.S120August 201312.1 MP4000×30001/1.7" BSI-CMOS1080p 60 fps
640x480 120 fps
320x240 240 fps24–120 mm (5×)f/1.8–5.7DIGIC 63.0" 922,000 touch screenSD, SDHC, SDXC100.2 × 59.0 × 29.0193WiFi. Touch screen. Maximum aperture 1.8.S200February 201410.0 MP3648x27361/1.7" CCD720p 24 fps 640x480 30 fps24–120 mm (5×)f/2.0–5.9DIGIC 53.0" 461,000SD, SDHC, SDXC100.0 × 59.0 × 26.0181WiFi. No RAW. 720p HD video.
Super Zoom S/SX series The S1 to SX70 series consists of ultra-zoom cameras, having longer zoom ranges and a more extensive list of features. The SX100 and later SX models are a more compact, affordable spin-off. The "SX" stands for "Super Zoom." All S and SX models feature image stabilization, and most have full manual controls.
ModelReleasedateSensorresolution, size, typeVideo SpecificationLens (35 mm equiv)zoom, apertureImage processorLCD screensize, pixelsCardSizeW×H×D(mm)Weight(body, g)PhotoNotesSx / SXx seriesS1 ISMarch 20043.2 MP2048×15361/2.7" CCD640x480 30 fps38–380 (10×)f/2.8–3.1DIGIC1.5" vari-angle114,000CF111.0 × 78.0 × 66.1370First in the seriesJune 20055.0 MP2592×19441/2.5" CCD36–432 (12×)f/2.7–3.5DIGIC II1.8" vari-angle115,000SD113 × 78.0 × 75.5405February 20066.0 MP2816×21121/2.5" CCD640x480 30 fps 320x240 60 fps2.0" vari-angle115,000SD, SDHC, MMC113.4 × 78.0 × 75.5410S5 ISJune 20078.0 MP3264x24481/2.5" CCDDIGIC III2.5" vari-angle207,000117.0 × 80.0 × 77.7450First S series with hotshoeSX1 ISDecember 200810 MP 3648×2736 1/2.3" CMOS1080p 30 fps28–560 (20×)f/2.8–5.7DIGIC 42.8" vari-angle230,000SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+128 × 88 × 88585Replaces S5 IS, first PowerShot to use CMOS, firmware update allows shooting in RAW, and full HD 1080p recording supportSX10 ISOctober 200810 MP 3648×27361/2.3" CCD640x480 30 fps2.5" vari-angle230,000124 × 88 × 87560Replaces S5 ISSX20 ISAugust 200912 MP4000×30001/2.3" CCD720p 30 fpsReplaces SX10 ISSX30 ISSeptember 201014.1 MP4320×32401/2.3" CCD24-840 (35×)f/2.7-5.82.7" vari-angle230,000SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+122.9 × 92.4 × 107.7601Replaces SX20 ISSX40 HSSeptember 201112.1 MP4000×30001/2.3" CMOS1080p 24 fps
720p 30 fps
640x480 120 fps
320x240 240 fpsDIGIC 52.7" vari-angle230,000SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+, Eye-Fi122.9 × 92.4 × 107.7600Replaces SX1/SX30 ISSX50 HSSeptember 201212.1 MP4000×30001/2.3" CMOS24-1200 (50x)f/3.4-6.52.8" vari-angle461,000SD, SDHC, SDXC122.5 × 87.3 × 105.5595Replaces SX40 HSSX60 HSSeptember 201416.1 MP4608 × 34561/2.3" CMOS1080p 60 fps
640x480 120 fps
320x240 240 fps21-1365 (65×)f/3.4-6.5DIGIC 63.0" vari-angle922,000SD, SDHC, SDXC127 mm × 91 mm × 114 mm649 Replaces SX50 HSSX70 HS22 October 201820.3 MP5184 × 38881/2.3" CMOS1080p 60 fps 4K 30 fps21-1365 (65×)f/3.4-6.5DIGIC 83.0" vari-angle922,000SD, SDHC, SDXC127 mm × 90.9 mm × 116.6 mm610 Replaces SX60 HSSX100 series (2007–2013, economic superzooms)SX100 ISAugust 20078.0 MP3264×24481/2.5" CCD640x480 30 fps36–360 (10×)f/2.8–4.3DIGIC III2.5" fixed172,000SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+108.7 × 71.4 × 46.7265Smaller spin-off of SX series SX110 ISSeptember 20089.0 MP3456×25921/2.3" CCD3.0" fixed230,000111 × 71 × 45 SX120 ISAugust 200910.0 MP3648×27361/2.5" CCDDIGIC 4111 × 71 × 45245 SX130 ISSeptember 201012.1 MP4000x30001/2.3" CCD (C677 12 MP)720p 30 fps28–336 mm (12x)f/3.4-5.6113.3 × 73.2 × 45.8260Replaces SX120 ISSX150 ISAugust 201114.1 MP4320 × 32401/2.3" CCDSD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+, Eye-Fi258Replaces SX130 ISSX160 ISSeptember 201216.0 MP4608 × 34561/2.3" CCD720p 25 fps
640x480 30 fps28–448 mm (16x)f/3.5-5.9111.0 × 72.5 × 44.1291Replaces SX150 ISSX170 IS2013108.0 × 71 × 43.9228The only one in SX100-series that uses a Li-ion batterySX200 series (2009–2013, advanced pocketable superzooms)SX200 ISMarch 200912.1 MP4000x3000 1/2.3" CCD (C677 12 MP)720p 30 fps28–336 (12x)f/3.4–5.3DIGIC 43.0" fixed230,000SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+103 × 61 × 38220Adds HD video SX210 ISMarch 201014.1 MP4320×32401/2.3" CCD28–392 (14×)f/3.1–5.9SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+106 × 59 × 32215SX220 HSFebruary 201112.1 MP4000x30001/2.3" CMOS1080p 24 fps
720p 30 fps
640x480 120 fps
320x240 240 fps3.0" fixed461,000SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+, Eye-Fi106 × 59 × 33No GPSSX230 HSAdds GPSSX240 HSFebruary 201225–500 (20×)f/3.5–6.8DIGIC 5SD, SDHC, SDXC, Eye-Fi106 × 61 × 33224No GPS. Not sold in North America; the GPS-equipped SX260 HS, otherwise identical to this model, is sold there instead.SX260 HS231Adds GPSSX270 HSApril 20131080p 60 fps
640x480 120 fps
320x240 240 fpsDIGIC 6SD, SDHC, SDXC106.4 × 61.1 × 32.6227With GPS. There is also Wi-Fi. But not sold in North America; the GPS- is also equipped in SX280 HS and it is sold there instead.SX280 HS106.4 × 62.8 × 32.6233With GPS and Wi-fiSX400 series (2014-, cheaper alternative to the SX500-series, no manual controls, CCD-sensors)SX400 ISOctober 201416.0 MP4608x34561/2.3" CCD720p 25 fps
640x480 30 fps24-720 (30x) f/3.4-5.8DIGIC 4+3.0" fixed230,000SD, SDHC, SDXC104.4 × 69.1 × 80.1313No Wi-Fi or GPS, Very similar to SX500 ISSX410 ISFebruary 201520.0 MP5152x38641/2.3" CCD24-960 (40x) f/3.5-6.3104.4 × 69.1 × 85.1325No Wi-Fi or GPSSX420 ISJanuary 201624-1008 (42x) f/3.5-6.6104 × 69 × 85325WiFISX430 ISJanuary 201724-1080 (45x) f/3.5-6.8104.4 × 69.1 × 85.1323WiFiSX500 series (2012-, cheaper and lighter alternative to SXx series)SX500 ISApril 201216.0 MP4608x34561/2.3" CCD720p 25 fps
640x480 30 fps24-720 (30x) f/3.4-5.8DIGIC 43.0" fixed461,000SD, SDHC, SDXC104.0 × 69.5 × 80.2341Improved Autofocus (AF). Not compatible for SD/SDHC Memory cards exceeding 8 GB capacity.SX510 HSAugust 201312.1 MP4000x30001/2.3" CMOS1080p 24 fps
720p 30 fps
640x480 120 fps
320x240 240 fps349Adds Wi-FiSX520 HS201416.0 MP4608x34561/2.3" CMOS1080p 30 fps24-1008 (42x) f/3.4-5.8DIGIC 4+119.0 × 81.0 × 91.0442No Wi-FiJanuary 201524–1200 (50×) f/3.4–6.5120.0 × 81.7 × 91.9442Wi-Fi but no GPS. GPS via linked compatible smartphone ("camera connect").January 201620.2 MP5184 × 38881/2.3" CMOS1080p 60 fpsDIGIC 6120.0 × 81.7 × 91.9442SX600 series (2014–, cheaper alternative to the SX700 series, no manual controls)SX600 HS201416.0 MP4608×34561/2.3" CMOS1080p 30 fps25–450 (18×) f/3.8–6.9DIGIC 4+3.0" fixed461,000SD, SDHC, SDXC103.8 × 61.0 × 26.0188SX610 HSJanuary 201520.2 MP5184x38881/2.3" CMOS3.0" fixed922,000105.3 × 61.0 × 26.7191May 201625-625 (25x) f/3.2-6.696.9 x 56.9 x
27.9182SX700 series (2014-, successor to the SX200-series)SX700 HS201416.0 MP4608x34561/2.3" CMOS1080p 60 fps
640x480 120 fps
320x240 240 fps25-750 (30x) f/3.2-6.9DIGIC 63.0" fixed922,000SD, SDHC, SDXC112.7 × 65.8 × 34.8245Remote shooting through WiFiJanuary 201520.3 MP5184x38881/2.3" CMOS269February 201624-960 (40x) f/3.3-6.9109.7 x 63.8 x 35.7270April 20173.0" tilting 922,000110.1 x 63.8 x 39.9300August 20181080p 60 fps 4K 30 fpsDIGIC 82994K video
See also Canon PowerShot Canon PowerShot A Canon PowerShot G Canon PowerShot SD or Digital Elph List of digital cameras with CCD sensors
References
External links