Canon's budget megazoom, the PowerShot SX100

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The continuing popularity of its less-expensive but last-generation PowerShot S3 IS and its competitors around the $300 price mark such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS has likely driven Canon's decision to release a new megazoom option in that price class. The PowerShot SX100 IS, which Canon expects to ship in early October for $299, offers some attractions over the S3 IS, but makes some tradeoffs as well.

	S3 IS	SX100 IS	S5 IS
Resolution	6 megapixels	8 megapixels	8 megapixels
Lens (35mm equivalent)	f/2.7-to-f/3.5, 36mm-to-432mm (12X)	f/2.8-4.3, 36mm-360mm (10X)	f/2.7-3.5, 36mm-to-432mm (12X)
LCD size	2 inches	2.5 inches	2.5 inches
Viewfinder	EVF	None	EVF
Power	4 AA batteries	2 AA batteries	4 AA batteries

Back of the PowerShot SX100. Nary a viewfinder in sight.

(Credit: Canon USA)

Given its specs, the SX100 has a confusing market fit. Its aforementioned competitors sport 12X zoom lenses but 7-megapixel sensors; however, you're generally better off with the longer lens and the smaller sensor. And I'm no big fan of electronic viewfinders (EVF), but I don't know that dropping it entirely is such a good idea. However, it will certainly be an interesting camera to look at when the time comes.