Canon Middle East unveils the PowerShot N - a totally new type of camera that offers a different approach to capturing creative, spontaneous photos and sharing them instantly with social networks. The unconventional square design, innovative zoom and shoot operation lens rings and tilting touch screen encourage people to capture their world from a fresh angle, whilst the new Creative Shot mode automatically generates a selection of unexpected creative treatments with every shot taken. The perfect smartphone companion, the PowerShot N has been designed to simplify image sharing with intuitive Wi-Fi connectivity allowing a new generation of high-quality, artistic images and Full HD videos to be shared in near real-time[i].

Inject every shot with artistic flair

Thanks to the new Creative Shot mode, anyone can impress their friends and followers with unique, creative images that offer a different perspective on a typical scene or subject. When an image is captured in Creative Shot mode, the PowerShot N intelligently analyses the scene and determines which of a host of creative elements could enhance the scene or offer a different creative angle. Multiple variables including composition, exposure, point of focus, white balance, gradation and contrast are considered before five alternative versions of the original shot are automatically generated, which can then be shared at the touch of a button.

Alternatively, a creative edge can be added to a single shot with Canon's creative modes, including Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome. Users can also add drama to a movie clip with Super Slow Motion Movie mode.

Combining creative flexibility with point-and-shoot ease of use, the PowerShot N features new Hybrid Auto mode which records the four seconds before every shot in 720p resolution, before using Canon's acclaimed Smart Auto technology to determine the best settings to capture the perfect shot. At the end of each day, the four-second clips are merged into one to tell the "behind-the-scenes" story of the day's images – perfect for adding new context to an online album.

Shoot and share in an instant

Making it the ultimate mobile companion, the PowerShot N features integrated Wi-Fi and one-touch connectivity to smartphones or tablets, thanks to the Mobile Device Connect Button. Users can upload images or movies to social networks such as Facebook® and YouTube™ just moments after they've been captured, no matter where they may be. Once home, the best shots can be printed wirelessly or transferred to a PC thanks to the swift, reliable connection. The GPS via mobile feature, using the free Canon smartphone app, can also add location information from a GPS-enabled smartphone or tablet to an image, allowing users to share the exact location of their fun with friends.

Revolutionary design, 'Any Way Up' operation

The unusual, eye-catching design of the PowerShot N sets this model apart from every other – just like the images it captures. The compact, symmetrical design, tilting touch screen and an innovative system of lens rings - the twist lens ring can be turned in either direction to operate the zoom function, while a second ring is used as the shutter release - allow the camera to be used any way up, even upside-down, unleashing the ability to view the world from a completely different perspective.

The advanced capacitive 7.1 cm (2.8") touch screen also allows users to control essential functions, such as focus or the shutter, with a simple touch, and review their images with familiar, intuitive gestures. Available in white or black, the square, metal body is dominated by a 28mm, 8x optical zoom lens, making it easy to shoot groups and landscapes. Thanks to Canon's advanced ZoomPlus technology, which provides detailed, full-resolution shooting with up to 16x zoom, users can also get even closer to the action or frame a subject tightly for compositions with impact.

Measuring just 78.6 x 60.2 x 29.3 mm when the screen and lens are closed, the PowerShot N's extremely compact dimensions allow it to be slipped into any pocket and carried anywhere, so scenes, subjects and situations that might usually be missed can now be immortalised in the superb quality offered by Canon's advanced compact imaging technology. USB charging also provides added convenience, allowing the camera to be charged quickly and easily on the move.

Canon signature image quality

Despite its compact size, the PowerShot N inherits much of Canon's latest imaging technology to deliver superior, Canon-quality images and movies. Combining a high-sensitivity 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and an advanced DIGIC 5 image processor, the HS System featured in this camera supports a maximum ISO of 6400 to produce sharp and clear images in challenging low-light conditions.

The powerful 8x optical zoom lens is supported by Intelligent IS, which automatically applies the most appropriate image stabilisation for smooth video and crisp stills. Complementing the artistic still images, Full HD video (1080p) can also be recorded with Stereo sound to ensure that every movie offers the best possible combination of audio and video – perfect for sharing online or at home via an HDMI connection.

PowerShot N key features:

· Creative Shot

· Unique design

· 8x zoom, 28mm lens; Intelligent IS

· HS System: 12.1 MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5

· Wi-Fi; GPS via mobile

· Mobile Device Connect Button

· Any Way Up operation; Tilt-up touchscreen

· Full HD video capture

· Hybrid Auto; Smart Auto (58 scenes)

Canon Middle East today announces two new versatile and powerful PowerShot SX models – the PowerShot SX260 HS and PowerShot SX240 HS. Combining sleek, modern design with an impressive 20x optical zoom and advanced imaging technologies, these models are the ideal travel companions for recording everything, from family holidays on tropical beaches to action-packed adventures, in stunning detail and Full HD video.

Available in four cool colours for the PowerShot SX260 HS and three for the PowerShot SX240 HS, the new models are the world's slimmest in their class and offer Canon's signature high image quality thanks to the DIGIC 5-powered HS System and new Intelligent IS technology, in a compact, pocket-friendly body. The PowerShot SX260 HS also features integrated GPS, making it even easier to record your travels and retrace your route on a map from the comfort of your armchair when you return home.

Super zoom, super quality

Whether it's the holiday of a lifetime or a precious family moment, the PowerShot SX260 HS and PowerShot SX240 HS are designed to bring you closer to the action than ever before thanks to the enhanced 25mm wide-angle 20x optical zoom Canon lens with 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer (IS). New ZoomPlus technology further extends the reach of the zoom to 39x by harnessing the processing power of DIGIC 5 and the high resolution sensor to produce a more accurate and detailed digital zoom.

Complementing the impressive optical zoom, Canon's new Intelligent IS technology ensures crisp, detailed images and smooth footage in a range of shooting situations. By identifying the scene and subject to be captured, the camera selects the most appropriate IS settings from seven modes for steady, blur-free shots. For example, Macro IS is great for capturing those crystal clear close-up shots of exotic plants or insects, whilst Powered IS makes it easier to film distant subjects with the powerful zoom – perfect for recording wildlife on safari.

The HS System, which pairs Canon's next-generation DIGIC 5 image processor with the 12.1 Megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, has been further augmented to ensure outstanding, low-noise images in all conditions, particularly in low light. Whether on a beach in the moonlight or at a party, pictures are well-exposed with up to 75% less noise than the models' predecessors, without the need to use a flash or tripod.

Point-and-shoot ease of use

The PowerShot SX260 HS and PowerShot SX240 HS provide total freedom, offering Canon's acclaimed Smart Auto mode which now detects up to 58 different scenes to determine the most appropriate settings to achieve the best possible result.

Advanced Multi-area White Balance technology detects multiple light sources and corrects the colour balance for each, removing unsightly colour casts to give more natural results.

With new Face Identification (Face ID), your friends and family will always look their best in your photos, even if they are in a large group or at the edge of the frame. Simply register up to 12 faces in the camera and include their birthdays to enable some of the new age-related scenes added to Smart Auto. For example, when taking a shot of a sleeping baby, the camera will disengage the flash and audio cues in order to avoid disturbing its sleep and apply specific exposure settings to produce a similar result to the bright "high-key effect" portraits favoured by professional photographers. Similarly, in the case of a child over the age of two playing outdoors, the camera will anticipate more movement and engages servo AF to ensure focus, then shoots a short high-speed burst to increase the chances of capturing a perfect moment. Face ID will also tag your images with the names of your subjects, allowing you to search your image library by name for swifter browsing, both on the camera and on your computer using the supplied ImageBrowser EX software .

Explore your creative side with confidence

For maximum flexibility, the PowerShot SX260 HS and PowerShot SX240 HS both offer full manual control, allowing users to stamp their own creativity on their shots and explore the impact of individual changes to ISO, shutter speed or aperture on their images.

The sensor and image processor combination not only provide superior image quality but also support high-speed shooting functions. Freeze fast-paced action with High-speed Burst HQ, shooting full-resolution images at 10.3 shots/sec, or slow the pace right down with 240fps Super Slow Motion Movie. Alternatively, give your low-light photography an added boost with Handheld Night Scene which combines a high-speed sequence of shots into one image offering the least possible blur and best possible exposure.

The enhanced Creative Filters in the PowerShot SX260 HS and PowerShot SX240 HS mean you can add a new level of creative fun with eight effects to make your photos and videos stand out. Add a romantic touch with the new Soft Focus, and produce perfect portraits with the Smooth Skin setting which evens out skin tone for a more flattering effect. Alternatively, change the way you look at landscapes with Miniature Effect making the scene resemble a scale model.

Remember every step

Build a unique travel journal and relive each moment by tagging each picture with the local time and location it was taken automatically with the built-in GPS in the PowerShot SX260 HS. The integrated GPS Logger function has been enhanced compared with its predecessor, logging the location of the camera at regular intervals more rapidly and offering more than 48 hours tracking on a single charge. Using the Map Utility software included, you can then view your journey on Google Maps or share it with friends and family across the world through applications such as Google Earth .

Both models allow you to create a 'behind the scenes' mini-film of the day's images with the improved Movie Digest feature, which records the last four seconds of action before each shot is taken and combines them into a single movie - a great alternative way to tell the story behind your perfect pictures in HD (720p) quality.

The traveller's companion

The robust metal body and compact, lightweight design ensure both the PowerShot SX260 HS and PowerShot SX240 HS are ideal for holidays and capturing important events.

Switch quickly and easily between photos and filming with just one touch to record the action in Full HD (1080p) with stereo sound. Fine Detail Movie Processing technology ensures every sensor pixel is employed in Movie mode to capture incredible detail, allowing you to relive each moment on an HD screen. The huge 20x optical zoom can also be used whilst filming to get closer to the action and Intelligent IS ensures that footage shot even at the furthest extent of the telephoto zoom is smooth and shake-free.

You can continue to capture great images in religious monuments or museums without disturbing other visitors thanks to Discreet mode and with the optional waterproof case, you can also take your camera to depths down to 40m – capturing all the beautiful scenery both above and below the waves. The bright 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD screen with approximately 460,000 dots of resolution and a tempered glass layer, for improved viewing and protection against the bumps and knocks of travel, also allows you to review your movies and images in rich colour and crisp detail.

PowerShot SX260 HS – key features:

• 20x zoom, 25mm wide-angle lens; compact body

• HS System: 12.1 MP CMOS and DIGIC 5

• GPS

• Intelligent IS

• Full HD movies

• 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD

• Smart Auto (58 scenes); Face ID

• Manual, Av and Tv modes

• High-speed shooting

• Optional 40m Waterproof Case

PowerShot SX240 HS – key features:

• 20x zoom, 25mm wide-angle lens; compact body

• HS System: 12.1 MP CMOS and DIGIC 5

• Intelligent IS

• Full HD movies

• 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD

• Smart Auto (58 scenes)

• Face ID

• Manual, Av and Tv modes

• High-speed shooting

• Optional 40m Waterproof Case