Exciting New Releases from Nikon, Canon

These two heavy-hitters have announced some great new cameras, with Canon looking to improve upon their popular A620/610 models.

From DCHQ - Aug 25, 2006

It's that time of year again, and the big digital camera manufacturers are wasting no time in pushing out some hot new products for users eager to get started on their holiday wish lists.

In particular, Canon has presented a small, but exciting series of new cameras. We already told you about the Digital Rebel XTi / 400D, but now Canon has something special for all the mainstream photographers, especially those who have been loyal to their 'A' series. Last year, the A620 and A610 were the runaway hits, improving on the already fantastic Powershot A95 with more megapixels and a smoother design. Now, Canon introduces the Powershot A630 and A640, bringing 'mainstream' cameras into places formerly reserved for professionals and gadget freaks. The A640 clocks in at a whopping 10 megapixels, while the A630 has 8. Both cameras have 2.5-inch LCD displays and substantial 4x optical zooms. We at DCHQ have no doubt that these are going to be successful and satisfying cameras, continuing the strong tradition of the Canon 'A' series.

Canon's other 'A' series highlight, the A700, also gets a nice polish. The Powershot A710IS is essentially the A700 with a bigger sensor (7.1MP as opposed to 6) and optical image stabilization, the first 'A' series camera to feature such technology. The IS will make using the A710's 6x optical zoom much easier, and help to reduce blur and jitters associated with such deep zooming.

Not to be outdone, Nikon is also unleashing some competitive cameras this season. For photographers who liked the quirky, swivel-lens design of the S4, the Nikon Coolpix S10 doesn't stray far from the former camera's formula. It's got 6 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom, but piles on some neat CCD-shifting vibration reduction. The Coolpix S7c is clearly Nikon's new flagship model, carrying a huge 3.0-inch LCD and wireless connectivity. It's 7.1 megapixel CCD seems small compared to Canon's offerings, but the S7c also maintains a sleek, slender body, unlike the A640/630.

Stay tuned to DCHQ for the latest on these new cameras, and possible future announcements. We'll have all the information as soon as we can, including links to the best deals on the web.