Canon updates budget ELPH cameras, offers more zoom, higher-res sensor, keeps prices low
posted Monday, January 5, 2015 at 9:00 AM EST
Alongside the trio of updated SX-series PowerShots and the new Connect Station CS100 media hub, Canon also refreshed a pair of PowerShot ELPH-series compact cameras ahead of this year's CES. Offering simple operation and a slim, pocketable design, the new Canon ELPH 170 IS and ELPH 160 offer high quality images at a very budget-friendly price point.
The refreshed Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS -- the update to the Canon ELPH 150 IS -- features a slim, compact design and manages to keep the MSRP low by leaving out wireless connectivity and opting for a 20-megapixel CCD sensor over a faster CMOS chip. While those two specs remain the same as its predecessor, the new ELPH 170 gets an updated, longer lens. The 12x zoom lens overtakes the 10x version of the previous model to now provide a healthy 25-300mm equivalent focal length range.
As the model name suggests, the camera features an optical image stabilization system to help keep things steady and blur-free, especially when zoomed all the way in to 300mm, and the camera's Intelligent IS mode will allow the camera to automatically optimize IS, for both stills and 720p HD video.
For an even more affordable option, the new Canon PowerShot ELPH 160, is essentially a lightweight version to the ELPH 170 IS. As one can gather from the lack of "IS" in the model name, the Canon ELPH 160 does not feature optical image stabilization. The lens itself is therefore shorter, with only an 8x zoom ratio (28-224mm equivalent). To match the 170 IS, the 160 gets a new sensor that bumps the resolution up from 16 to 20 megapixels.
Both cameras are set to be available in stores starting in February. The Canon ELPH 170 IS will be available in three colors -- blue, silver or black -- at a suggested retail price of $149.99, while the Canon ELPH 160 will be offered in four colors -- white, red, silver or black -- for an estimated retail price of just $119.99.
Ready to pre-order? Place your order for the new Canon ELPH 170 IS and ELPH 160 at one of Imaging Resource's trusted affiliates: