By Yeong Ah Seng

AS LATE of three new compact digital cameras from Canon.

The G11 is the fourth generation of Powershot cameras.

While it may not be a DSLR and comes with a fixed lens, the capabilities are no less impressive.

With a 28mm wide-angle lens, 5x optical zoom (28mm to 140mm) and Optical Image Stabiliser, the G11 has enough manual settings to offer the user full creative control.

In terms of megapixels, it has only 10 but the high-sensitivity CCD more than makes up for it.

DSLRs may well be more versatile and faster but, in terms of weight and ease of deployment, a feature-laden compact digital like the G11 comes out ahead.

Pictures shot with the G11 were sharp and the colour balance quite accurate.

Above all, the battery lasts forever - well, almost.

Down the product line are the Ixus 200IS and Ixus 120IS.

The 200IS is a 12.1 megapixel with 24mm wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom.

The LCD is a 3-inch touchscreen display.

Touch AF enables tracking focus on a subject by touching the screen.

Touch on-screen icons to effect changes to shooting mode, flash settings and exposure.

To review images, simply drag a finger across the screen to see different shots.

The 120IS is another 12.1 megapixel with a 28mm 4x optical lens.

This is a smallish camera designed for everyday use and most easily tucked away in a pocket or handbag.

The 2.7-inch LCD offers a wide viewing angle and clear display, even in sunlight.

For more my paper stories click here.