Last year at CES, Canon introduced the PowerShot N [link], ¬a little square pocketable device that looked suspiciously like the Instagram logo camera. The PowerShot N had a long zoom, a tilting LCD display and a cool ring around the lens that acted as a shutter release. It was designed to be a fun camera for families and social media addicts who can’t wait (guilty as charged) to share their photos and videos. Today at CES, Canon introduced a second version, the PowerShot N100. The N100 has a more traditional rectangular body and trades a bit of zoom and the lens ring shutter release for a faster f/1.8 aperture and a second, rear-facing camera. Canon also updated the N100’s Wi-Fi features, adding NFC (Near Field Communication) and a dedicated Mobile Device Connect button.
Canon PowerShot N100 Key Features And Specs:
- 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity (HS System) CMOS sensor
- 5x 24-120mm f/1.8-5.7 optical zoom lens
- Story Camera: second, rear facing sub-camera
- DIGIC 6 – Canon’s top-of-the-line processor
- 1920 x 1080 full HD video
- Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
- Sensitivity range: ISO 80 to 6400
- Creative Shot shooting mode
- Intelligent IS
- 3-inch 90-degree tilting touch screen LCD display
The PowerShot N100 appears to use the same 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that Canon uses in all their HS point-and-shoots. However, the N100 has Canon’s latest and greatest processor, the DIGIC 6. The 12-megapixel sensor is already a class leader, but with the improved processing the image quality should be even better. The lens is a wider (compared to the PowerShot N) 5x 24-120mm (equivalent) optical zoom with a faster f/1.8-5.7 aperture. The large f/1.8 maximum aperture is very impressive for a camera like this. It allows more than twice as much light to reach the sensor at 24mm and will deliver noticeably better image quality in low light. The large aperture also makes it creative shallow depth-of-field photos possible – something that’s difficult with a standard point-and-shoot camera.
The most interesting feature on the PowerShot N100 is the Story Camera, a second camera that faces the photographer (at the top of the LCD display). With Canon’s new Dual Capture mode, the N100 creates a “picture-in-picture” effect, embedding the photographer’s image in photos or video. It’s a great option for capturing things like birthdays or a child’s first bike ride since it shows the reactions of both the subject and the person with the camera – allowing the photographer to become part of the story.
Another cool feature is the Story Highlights mode. It uses photos and videos stored on the camera to automatically create a two-minute video – no editing required. The N100 also includes over 40 built-in filters so you can create your own Instagram-like effects in the camera. The Creative Shot mode does the work for you and automatically creates five variations on a photo. All you have to do is pick the one you like the best.
Wi-Fi functionality is key to the PowerShot N line and Canon beefed it up in the N100. They added NFC (Near Field Communication) so connecting to an NFC-equipped phone or tablet to share a photo is now as easy as touching the two devices. With the Canon Camera Window App installed on your Android device, tapping the camera on your phone automatically opens the app so you can transfer photos and videos. There’s also a new dedicated Mobile Device Connect Button on the left side of the camera.
Between the tilting touchscreen display, the fast aperture zoom lens and the new Dual Capture mode, the pocket-sized N100 is a fun and versatile alternative camera option. The Canon PowerShot N100 is being shown to the public for the first time this week at the annual CES tradeshow in Las Vegas. It should be in stores this May (2014) at a suggested retail price of US $ $349.99. It will be available in white and black.
Canon PowerShot N100 Press Release >>
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