Well I’m not one to go ga-ga over any new gadget, especially not a digital camera since I’m already very content with my current one (that slice of heaven called the Nikon D80), but I would like to applaud Canon for their latest contribution to the digicam world: the PowerShot TX1.
Whilst not pioneering any really novel design nor technical advancement - indeed, I have seen cameras with similar shape (branded with RANGER), and, of course, everyone knows that optically-stabilized superzooms have already existed for a few years - it marks the first time imaging components of good quality have made it to such a compact-camcorder form-factor. It is the logical culmination of the high-quality optics and electronics already employed in Canon’s superb consumer line and a refined multi-purpose, extremely handy vertical design.
Of course, there are two features in this little wonder that certainly catch my eye, and no, I’m not talking about the megapixel count or the face detection. I’m referring to the 10X optically stabilized zoom, and the 720P video recording mode. These impressive specs not only pit it up against superzooms and camcorders, but superzoom camcorders. And I bet it’s mighty more pocketable in comparison to its technological equivalents. I just hope Canon didn’t dumb it down too much: an adequate level of manual control should still be made available. I don’t think tweakability will match Canon’s G series, though - the plethora of scene modes, as I’m sure big C believes, are good enough for most.
With the introduction of the PowerShot TX1, finally, one can snap decent photos and record videos that do not induce nausea nor myopia upon viewing at the same time. Now that’s a real achievement - I hope the camera lives up to its marketing material.
Now, if it just weren’t so damn expensive…
