The Canon PowerShot E1 -- an entry-level 10 megapixel digital camera we saw a while back -- variously described as being aimed at "women" and "on-the-go, fashion-conscious teens perfect for capturing every OMG moment" has gotten itself a review over at Photography Blog, and well, it's not exactly anything to "OMG" about. This addition to the PowerShot clan gets a few points for its retro stylings, but the build makes it feel even more like a cheap toy than other plastic models. As for image quality, the E1 predictably packs too many pixels for its sensor, resulting in photos with good resolution, but noise and smearing in anything with fine details. It does, however, get better then expected marks on video quality. Essentially, the PowerShot E1 is called out for being a pricier, updated design of the PowerShot A580, with improved macro and video modes, plus the addition of infinity focus. While the reviewer seems wary of recommending the camera to any adult, they are willing to concede that the it "could still make a good first camera for a child." Wow, burn. It's available now in white, cyan and girlish pink (from the press release, sorry), and retails for about $183.

We've always had a soft spot for Canon's G-series of prosumer compacts, and it looks like the new G10 won't be any exception -- Photography Blog just put the boxy camera through its paces and found that it's "undoubtedly the best ever" in the line. High marks were particularly given to the new wider-angle 28-140mm lens (which suffers less barrel distortion than the G9), higher-res LCD screen, and the new exposure dial, which allows you to fine-tune exposure settings without a trip to the menus. The new 14.7 megapixel sensor didn't receive the same praise, however: ISO 400 images were quite noisy, and the 800 and 1600 settings were "virtually unusable." That's not exactly news for the G-series, but it's pretty unfortunate -- especially considering that the G10's $499 pricetag edges into low-end DSLR territory. Still, if you're looking for a compact with deep manual controls and real optics, it sounds like the G10 is worth a look -- hit the read link for the full review.

Maria Sharapova has already had her greatness spread over a number of Motorola handsets, but now the tennis queen is partnering up with long-time associate Canon in order to make five lucky individuals extraordinarily happy. As part of an elaborate marketing scheme, Canon and Maria (but mostly Canon) are cranking up a contest in which five Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS's are given away. But these aren't just any SD1100 ISs -- these are diamond-encrusted editions worth around $12,000 apiece. No word on whether Maria will actually touch the cameras before they're shipped out, but a boy can dream.

[Via Luxist]

Okay, okay, we're kidding -- we definitely think it's quite an achievement that Canon's hit another camera milestone and shipped out 100 million compact digital cameras since the PowerShot 600 first rolled off the line in 1996, and it's no secret that the PowerShot line's terrific image quality and friendly UI have a lot to do with it. Still, they're fragile little buggers, aren't they? A quick count amongst Engadget eds reveals at least 10 broken Canon digicams, ranging from a 2000-vintage PowerShot S100 all the way to a more recent PowerShot SD850 IS, and we know we're not outside the curve -- have you felt our pain? And, more importantly, do you keep coming back for more? Let us know in comments!

[Via PhotographyBLOG]

Like pretty much every other Digital ELPH preceding it, Canon's flagship SD1100 IS garnered nothing but the utmost praise in a recent Imaging-Resource review. Okay, so maybe critics did kvetch about slight noise at ISO 800, a somewhat confusing interface, and a not-particularly-useful digital zoom, but this point-and-shoot managed to get it right in the areas that matter most. Build quality and design were both smiled upon, the image stabilization performed as advertised and the image quality was deemed "excellent." Of note, they did find very minor chromatic aberration in the wide angle shots, but considering the size of this shooter, results were seen as fantastic. Overall, it looks like Canon has produced yet another winner in the pocket-friendly camera department, but feel free to take a gander at the in-depth review waiting in the read link below.

Canon has the art of the compact digicam down to a science by now, and the PowerShot SD790 is no exception, according to PC Magazine. The new shooter nabbed the publication's Editors' Choice award for "superior image quality" that pulled it ahead of the likes of Panasonic's DMC-FX55 and Sony's DSC-T2. The SD790 includes a new physical scroll wheel that took a bit of getting used to, but turned out to be a quicker way to skim through menus. The camera includes a new motion-detection feature to automatically switch ISO and exposure to keep the images sharp, and it worked as advertised. Other automatic settings have been tweaked for better images, and the camera performs notably well in high ISO shots. The flash isn't super powerful, and the reviewer would've preferred a wider angle lens at this $350 pricepoint, but all-in-all there seems to be plenty to love about this latest Digital Elph.

Canon's got another three new PowerShots going out this evening. What you need to know:

• SD890 IS (above) - 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, 2.5-inch display, sub 1-inch macro
• SD790 IS - 10 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, 3-inch display
• SD770 IS - 10 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch display

They'll be out in April, and will run you $399, $349. and $299, respectively.

[Thanks, Dave]

Lugging around a DSLR just isn't for everyone, and Canon's got the heart of the market covered with their Powershot digicams. The ELPH series has always focused on compact and stylish design, and the new 8-megapixel SD1100 IS is no exception. Small enough that you won't set off anyone's "photographer nearby" alarm, and you can even pick a color that blends with your wardrobe for more stealth; available in brown, pink, blue and champagne. Even quick snaps might turn out with the help of the image stabilization. A little less fashion minded (and less expensive) but no less capable are the A-series cams, the A590 IS, A580 and A470. We've spilled the details on these before, so check out the gallery if you're looking for your next P&S.

While Canon has certainly courted the fashion set with its Digital ELPH line, the cameras have never slouched in the image quality realm. The SD1100 IS bests its SD1000 predecessor with a 8 megapixel sensor (over 7.2 megapixels) and the welcome addition of optical image stabilization. If you're more in it for the fashion than the pixels, the SD1100 aims to please with a bunch of new colors to complement the traditional silver. "Bohemian Brown," "Pink Melody," "Rhythm and Blue," and "Golden Tone" should provide a nice palette of selections for the discerning fashionista. There's a 2.5-inch LCD in back, and the DIGIC III inside, and the camera will be hitting stores in March for $250.

Some new lower-end A series cameras tonight as well, including the PowerShot A590 IS (8 megapixel sensor, 4x zoom with image stabilization, optional optical converter lenses), PowerShot A580 (8 megapixel sensor, 4x zoom, but no stabilization here -- it's got an "easy to hold grip), and the PowerShot A470 (7.1 megapixel sensor, 3.4x zoom, f/2.0 wide-angle aperture. All feature facial recognition, motion detection, high ISO, 2.5-inch LCDs, auto red-eye correction, DICI III processors, and affordable prices ($180, $150, and $130, respectively).

After capsizing in the partially frozen waters at Kejimkujik National Park, the Collins family was far too busy being alive to worry over a silly sunken camera. As fate would have it, the ole Canon Powershot that was lost eventually turned up, as a park maintenance worker managed to spot the device sitting aimlessly upon a rock. Granted, the body was in fairly deplorable shape after braving the elements for two solid years, but the memory card tucked within seemed to be relatively unharmed. Upon testing it out, the employee found some 300 pictures taken on the day in which Mr. & Mrs. Collins nearly perished, and apparently, the card was still in tact enough to be read. Eventually, the couple managed to pick up the camera / card and bring home those slightly eerie memories, but no one ever found the loner who snapped up the couple's misplaced cellphone and ran up calls to Zimbabwe 'til the battery died.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

Those upset with Canon over its exclusion of RAW in the PowerShot G7 will find their biggest gripe squashed in the G9, and just in case you're interested in seeing how this uniquely designed amateur cam held up to critiques, here's the skinny. Reviewers were understandably elated to be able to capture shots in RAW and tweak till their hearts were content, but also noteworthy were the excellent results found by simply switching to Auto mode and taking a load off. It was suggested that this camera "not only makes you feel like a better photographer, but helps you become one too," referring to the wealth of functions that catered to both beginners and seasoned veterans alike. Unfortunately, there seemed to be a noticeable amount of noise when the ISO exceeded 400, and while it was built for abuse, you should know that it was deemed "one of weightiest, most brick-like compacts out there." Overall, the G9 was dubbed hard to beat, and if you're scouting a solid DSLR backup, you should certainly give the read link a bit of your attention.