Power-packed, feature-laden G16

In these days when camera phones can capture superb pictures, compact digital cameras have been relegated to the sidelines.

However, to the more discerning photographer, camera phones, notwithstanding the recent substantial improvements, still cannot match the performance and quality of standalone digital cameras.

Such cameras have become more power-packed and feature-laden in response to the camera-phone challenge.

Canon's Powershot G16 is an example. It shoots full resolution at 12.2 frames per second (fps) and 5.7 fps (AF).

Powered by the latest Digic 6 image processor, the G16 comes with a f1.8 lens with 5x optical zoom. There is Wi-Fi too, for uploading pictures directly to the Web.

All these extras now come at a lower price, so the battle with camera phones rages on.

One thing, though: It's time Canon came out with a new look for its compact cameras. The G16 still looks much like the previous Powershot G15, as do all the Ixus digital compacts in the market.

Consumers can easily be forgiven for thinking that there is nothing really new and that they are merely seeing more of the same.

How much: $699

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