Canon has always made great compact cameras.
Seriously, they have made outstanding suit jacket cameras that shot HD, and even now, the S95 is with me at all times. 2.0 lens and RAW.

But they are upping the ante again.
They have added 2 Wi-Fi enabled cameras, PowerShot ELPH 530 HS and ELPH 320 HS, as have a few other manufacturers. We did not see that feature demonstrated, but did see that feature enabled on some of their new video cameras, and it worked like crazy.
The manufacturers know that we are all sharing images as fast as we take em, via cellphones, to every social network possible. With apps from Adobe and others, we can even do all of our corrections, right on the phone as well.
Now hopefully, the quality of the images will improve, thanks to cameras from Canon and others.

In a nice compact package with a 25-250 lens range, is the PowerShot SX260 HS

An optical zoom hat wide and long is great in a pocket format. Plus GPS, a favorite feature for us, is included, and coupled with new Lightroom 4, gives you location AND elevation.
Keeping the MP to a manageable 12.1 on a small sensor was a smart move, and when you can have a burst of 10 fps, (love that for low light shots: we blast and know it’ll be sharp in there one frame at least) it’ll come to market at about $350. MSRP.

They have updated the waterproof compact, and made a nicely slimmer version in the new D20

Nice big 3″ CD and big buttons making it easier to operate, even with gloves. 1080p, and 12.1 MP, this unit even has GPS, and a cool macro mode for your snorkeling shots of that cool, colorful, tiny fish you saw.
About $350. as well.

Check out the A-series below for simpler, less expensive choices to put in your pocket.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of four PowerShot digital cameras: the ELPH 530 HS, ELPH 320 HS, SX260 HS, and D20. Photographers no longer have to sacrifice image quality for the ability to instantly share images and videos with the use of the PowerShot ELPH 530 HS and ELPH 320 HS Wi-Fi enabled cameras. The PowerShot SX260 HS camera puts Canon’s amazing optical reach into a pocket sized camera, with a 20x optical zoom (25mm to 500mm) letting you pull subjects in close. Designed for the adventurous photographer looking to take spectacular photos, the rugged PowerShot D20 camera is ideally suited for the backpacker, snowboarder or tropical-traveler.

“Canon wants to help people capture the best images possible with the ability to quickly and easily share them with the world. With new PowerShot features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, people can quickly upload and share images on social networks,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “Whether it’s a powerful zoom, Wi-Fi or waterproof features, our new PowerShot lineup empowers people to be creative with their photography. There are good enough images and there are great images, we always aim to help people capture the best images.”

Mobile Sharing with Excellent Image Quality

The Wi-Fi functionality built into the two ELPH models allow for a variety of connection options to help photographers share, upload, or back-up images. Users can connect directly to a wireless network from their camera to upload photos and videos to the Canon iMAGE GATEWAY[i], an online service that lets registered users store images to an online album, and then post their content to social networks such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

In March, the Canon CameraWindow application is expected to be available on the Apple App Store for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch[ii] to further enhance the connectivity options. With this App, users can transfer and save images and videos from the camera to compatible iOS devices, which can then be directly uploaded to Facebook and YouTube or emailed. Photos and videos can also be shared on-the-spot with friends and family by transmitting to another current Wi-Fi-enabled Canon camera as well. A similar app is expected to be available in May for Android devices.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS Digital Camera

The flagship of the ELPH line, the .78 inches thick ELPH 530 HS camera has the classic style of the original ELPH design while also being Wi-Fi enabled and packing an amazing 12x optical zoom lens to capture great shots from a distance. Canon’s HS SYSTEM has been included where the 10-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor will work in tandem with the camera’s DIGIC 5 image processor to help produce high-quality images in low-light conditions. The ELPH 530 HS will also shoot 1080p Full HD video helping capture footage in crystal clear clarity. This new model sports a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen for simple and intuitive operation and menu navigation, Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes, Face ID for optimal images of up to 12 registered subjects and the Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) function. The camera will be available in black or white for an estimated retail price of $349.99 and is expected to ship in April.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS Digital Camera

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS camera makes the perfect on-the-go camera for the young and active photographer, with Wi-Fi connectivity for easy uploading of memorable moments. The HS SYSTEM has also been included on this model with the 16.1 megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS and DIGIC 5 image processor working together to produce high-quality, low-light images. For those users who value high-quality video, the camera has 1080p Full HD capabilities as well. A 5x-Optical Zoom 24mm wide-angle lens will help expand the shooting capabilities of the camera and a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen for simple and intuitive operation and menu navigation. This camera will also feature Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes and Face ID in addition to Intelligent IS. The camera will be available in four eye-catching colors (black, silver, blue and red) for an estimated retail price of $279.99 and is expected to ship in March.

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Digital Camera

Canon’s PowerShot SX260 HS camera delivers a powerful 20x Optical Zoom and 25mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilization delivers stunning images from up close or at a distance and measuring just 1.29-inches thick. The camera’s impressive zoom is accompanied by Canon’s HS SYSTEM for improved low-light shooting with a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor. Combining this incredible zoom and high-image quality will allow photographers of all levels to capture great photos or 1080p Full HD video up close and at a distance, all in one portable, powerful digital camera. The Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes and Face ID has also been included in this incredibly diverse yet compact device. The camera also includes Intelligent IS and GPS photo tagging with location and elevation information to help plot exactly where your travels have taken you. Adding to the feature-set is High-Speed Burst HQ allowing for approximately 10 high-resolution shots to be captured at a continuous rate at 10.3 frames per second. The camera will be available in three colors – black, green and red – and is expected to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

Canon PowerShot D20 Digital Camera:

Waterproof[iii], shock-proof,[iv] and freeze-proof[v] the PowerShot D20 is built with the active photographer in mind. Outfitted with an easy-to-access button, the camera enables users to switch from normal photo mode to snow or underwater mode, even with gloves on. To help make the underwater photos as great as those captured on dry land, the camera has a built-in underwater macro mode producing amazing pictures up close while diving or snorkeling. When recording video, the camera includes wind reduction technology to help capture clear audio even in breezy conditions. It touts an impressive array of features including the HS SYSTEM incorporating a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, 1080p Full HD video and a 5x optical zoom lens. Also included is a 3.0-inch LCD screen, GPS-capabilities allowing users to track their locations and tag each photo with latitude, longitude, and elevation information and Intelligent IS.[vi] The PowerShot D20 camera is expected to ship in May 2012 for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced six PowerShot A-series digital cameras with improved operability that produce outstanding images and feature a high-quality, stylish re-design in a variety of fashionable colors. Canon’s PowerShot A-series models have been instrumental for entry-level users in learning the joys of photography and these new models continue this tradition with features such as 16-megapixel sensor, 720p HD video capture and a 28mm wide-angle lens to capture images of large groups at a family function or of a child on the playground.

PowerShot A-series models are known not only for producing high-image quality but also being easy to use as well. For the first time in a PowerShot A-series model, the A4000 IS, A3400 IS and A2400 IS models will feature Intelligent IS so the camera automatically selects the most effective image stabilization mode ensuring users always capture the best results. In addition, all of the models announced today will have the Smart AUTO feature with 32 shooting modes that selects the appropriate camera setting based on the users shooting environment. Additionally, for the first time in a PowerShot camera, each model will have a Help button to provide an explanation of various shooting modes to help the user along the way.

“The new additions to Canon’s new PowerShot A-series lineup will provide entry-level users with many options to unlock their creativity and capture high-quality images at a budget-friendly price,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

PowerShot A4000 IS and PowerShot A3400 IS Cameras

The Canon PowerShot A4000 IS and PowerShot A3400 IS cameras will each have a Genuine Canon Lens with Optical Image Stabilization allowing users to capture up-close details and wide landscapes. For the PowerShot A4000 IS camera, there will be an impressive 8x-Optical Zoom lens, the longest to date for a PowerShot A-series model, and the PowerShot A3400 IS camera will have a 5x-Optical Zoom. In addition, both cameras will have a 3-inch LCD screen; however, the PowerShot A3400 camera’s screen will be Touch Panel, another first for a PowerShot A-series model, with Touch Focus and Touch Shutter shooting modes for enhanced camera operation. The PowerShot A4000 IS camera is scheduled to be available in February in black, silver, blue, red and pink for an estimated retail price of $199.99. The PowerShot A3400 IS camera is scheduled to be available in March in black, silver, red and gold for an estimated retail price of $179.99.

PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A2300 Cameras

The PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A2300 cameras both feature a 5x-Optical Zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. The PowerShot A2400 IS camera will also have Optical Image Stabilization and is scheduled to be available in March in black, silver, blue and pink for an estimated retail price of $159.99. The PowerShot A2300 camera is scheduled to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $149.99 in black, silver, red and blue.

PowerShot A1300 and PowerShot A810 Cameras

For the more traditional camera user, the PowerShot A1300 camera comes equipped with an optical viewfinder adding to the versatility of this model. Additionally, both the PowerShot A1300 and PowerShot A810 cameras feature a 5x-Optical Zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD screen and use AA batteries allowing for easy replacement whether at home or on a family vacation. The PowerShot A1300 camera is scheduled to be available in April for an estimated retail price of $119.99, in black and silver. The PowerShot A810 camera is scheduled to be available in April for an estimated retail price of $109.99, in black, silver and red.