Canon is on a roll this year as they give the imaging enthusiast an early Christmas present with the introduction of 8 new products spread across their many product lines.

                                             No wonder Santa keeps up the gift giving year in and year out.

The G9 and SX100 IS representing the high end for the Powershot series, and the A720 plus the A650 IS for the Powershot “A” series. The Digital Ixus line weighs in with two more contenders – the 960IS and 860IS. Canon’s first hard-disk based camcorder takes the form of the HG10, and the Selphy ES20 rounds up the new additions.

                                             A fellow journalist learning the ropes on the G9.

Canon created abject gadget lust with their introduction of the G7 almost-prosumer cameras. The G9 exacerbates this by improving on nearly all aspects of the previous model. 12.1 megapixel resolution, a 6x optical zoom lens, a large 3” LCD and a multitude of manual options give the serious amateur photographer the tools to explore. Compatibility with optional converter lenses and a hot shoe for flash and transmitter add-ons expand the G9’s versatility.

                                             The Powershot G9 with optional lens attachment. 

The Powershot SX100 IS is newly developed to fill in the gap between those who can’t see the advantages of the “G” but wants more control over their shots than what the A-series and Ixus line can offer. It incorporates an amazing optical zoom rating of 10x, backed up by professional grade optics and image stabilization that makes this camera a convincing buy for those a bit intimidated by true SLR’s. This includes me, and it seems that this would be the best camera for me out of all the models introduced.

                                             The SX100 bundle. Note the 10x zoom rating.

The Powershot A650 and A720 IS are updates to popular mid-range models A640 and A710, respectively. These models aren’t simply a refreshing of the old models though, starting with megapixel ratings of 12.1 and 8.0 respectively, these “A” series snappers are improved in nearly all aspects like the 6x optical zoom versus the old model’s 4x zooms, Digic III processing, improved ISO sensitivity, and better looks plus ergonomics.

                                              The Powershot A650 IShas a great looking dual-tone finish. The 12.1 MP rating is just an extra.

Ixus has always been about sleek and portable performance. The Ixus 860 IS boasts of 8.0 megapixels, new Digic III processing, and a 3.0” LCD for easy viewing, all in a sexy stainless steel body. The Ixus 960 IS on the other hand is encased in titanium, like your old Casio G-Shocks only a lot smoother. This model includes a peep-through viewfinder in addition to its 2.5” LCD. The highest model in the Ixus line, the 960 IS has 12.1 megapixel resolution – something that underlines just how fast optical technology has matured.

                                             Looking like it came from a full-fledged PMP, the Ixus 860's screen is BIG.

Selphy brings along more than the ES20 during the event; Canon has seen to creating interest among scrapbookers – which they see as customer group that can glean the most advantage from the Selphy line. Instant printing and very low aggregate cost of P8.00 per print (including ink and medium) makes a strong argument for Selphy. The ES20 features a cleaner layout and simpler operation for the avid photographer who’s after the convenience of instant printing.

                                             If you squint at it, the Selph looks like a miniature Laser printer - only with much better quality.

Probably the most significant release for the day was the Canon HG10 Camcorder – Canon’s first hard-disk based camcorder and one of the first HD videocams available in the Philippines. Featuring 10x HD zoom, Digic DV II enhanced image stabilization, the ability to take 3.1 megapixel shots recorded to memory card and a super compact form factor, the HG10 will record 15 hours worth of high-definition video onto its 40GB hard drive. An HDMI socket gives one-cable connections to HDTVs – finally giving your new HD purchase something else to display besides game console output and the odd HD movie.

                                               Perfect for catching Santa in the act of...

Frankly, all these products are simply a bit overwhelming – one finds it hard to determine what to salivate over. Simply put, it’s Christmas come early – Canon invited some Christmas elves from the North Pole and had them show the press the products sure to appear in many a stocking this coming holiday season. Meanwhile, I’ll be munching my cookies while I wait for my own Canon, preferably handed to me by a pretty Christmas Elf.

                                               Our editor stares dumbfounded at functions too numerous to understand. He still wants one though. 

                                              Four wonderful models to choose from!