Canon Powershot N is a Facebook Ready Digital Camera

Facebook fanatics have a smartphone to call their own, and now they have a camera, too. Canon's PowerShot N, which first made its debut at CES, just scored a few (relatively minor) tweaks. The key distinguishing factor for this latest model in Canon's new Powershot lineup is the presence of a dedicated Facebook connect button which will, after a first time setup, allow users to directly upload their pictures to Facebook. Thanks to the presence of built-in WiFi capabilities, the user can subsequently comment on and share with others the pictures or videos throughout the social media site straight from the camera.

Canon PowerShot N Features

The Canon PowerShot N has a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with an 8x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens.

For the first time in the PowerShot range, Canon PowerShot N zoom lens and shutter are operated on the dual-ring lens. Users can also take a shot by pressing the touchscreen on the rear of the device. Holding their finger down will track the subject and releasing their finger takes the shot.

As the user rotates the camera to take a shot, the touch panel LCD also rotates the content with the movement of the camera.

With a DIGIC 5 Image Processor, the Canon PowerShot N has an Intelligent IS System that automatically changes the IS settings according to the current situation.

Capable of recording Full 1080p HD video via its dedicated movie button, users can try out the Hybrid Auto feature that creates a composite video of the day’s activities using short video clips.

Appealing to the social media addicts, Canon has included a dedicated Facebook Connect Button. After the user connects the camera to their Facebook account, they will be able to post photos and videos to their Facebook feed, either to everyone or select Facebook groups.

Canon PowerShot N Release Date and Price

The Canon PowerShot N will be released in September, available to buy from Canon Direct. It will be priced at $299.99, with UK pricing yet to be announced.

Hasselblad unveils new Stellar compact camera modeled on Sony RX100

Hasselblad has just unveiled the new Stellar compact camera on the company's website. While Imaging Resource has not received any official announcement on the camera, which appears to be based on the Sony RX100 but with some distinctive exterior modifications, the Stellar has its own page on the Hasselblad site with images and some info on the camera. 

"The Hasselblad Stellar redefines quality with its elegantly designed aluminium body and metal operation controls," the Stellar page reads. "Only the finest materials are used to craft the ergonomic handgrip, making it a beautifully powerful, pocket-sized camera."

Hasselblad's strategy of sprucing up Sony cameras must be paying off -- that would explain Photo Rumors' apparent leak of the Stellar, a Hasselblad take on the RX100. The already high-end compact cam will reportedly switch to a tan metallic body and offer several choices of exotic grip material, including carbon fiber and padouk wood. There's no mention of functional upgrades over the Sony original, though. As with the Lunar, we're more likely to see a price hike instead -- Photo Rumors claims the Stellar should launch on July 26th for between $1,600 to $3,200, which would limit it to particularly well-heeled photographers.

See also:
Sony RX100 Mark II (M2) Hands-on