Canon PowerShot Zoom lets you appreciate nature up close

When was the last time you bought a compact camera? Canon knows it's been a while since you even considered getting one, so it's trying a new approach with its latest device. The new PowerShot Zoom is described as a "compact telephoto monocular" that looks more like a golf rangefinder than a camera or camcorder. Aside from being a camera, Canon describes it as a viewer for "hiking, birdwatching, and nature gazing."

It has a compact form factor, so don't expect it to have top-of-the-line specs. It can take 12-megapixel photos and record 1080p video with a 100-3200 ISO range saved to a microSD card. It has a relatively small 1/3-inch sensor with an f/5.6-6.3 lens, supporting 100mm or 400mm focal lengths and a digital zoom of up to 800mm. 

The PowerShot Zoom has built-in optical stabilization and face-tracking autofocus capability. Its battery can last for around 150 shots.

Source: Canon

But again, Canon is pitching this device as a monocular viewer, allowing you to zoom in easily at wildlife, sports, concerts, or scenic views with its 2.36-million dot EVF. 

You can easily share what you see as the PowerShot Zoom supports capture and sharing with the Canon Camera Connect app. It will run in this mode for around 70 minutes before the battery needs to be recharged via the USB-C port. 

The PowerShot Zoom is priced at US$300 (around CA$395), and it will be coming to the US next month. 

Source: Engadget