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Canon recently revived its PowerShot lineup with the PowerShot V1, which became an instant hit amongst many young and old users of the company. This was a great move, considering how compact cameras have been gaining traction across the world, particularly in Japan and the United States. While it was a welcome change, it now appears that Canon has discontinued a popular PowerShot model. Why? Let’s find out.
First reported by Asobinet, Canon has officially listed the PowerShot SX70 HS as “discontinued” on its website. This is visible on the Canon Japan website, which means it is likely to reflect on the US website soon after. At the moment, the Canon USA website only showcases a refurbished version of the camera, with no mention of discontinuation. In addition, Japanese camera stores such as Kitamura and MAP have also announced it as discontinued.
For the uninitiated, the PowerShot SX70 HS is a bridge camera that offers a large zoom range. Launched in 2018, the camera offers a 65x optical zoom lens, 21 to 1365mm, along with a 1/2.3-inch 20.3MP CMOS sensor. The camera can capture 4K videos, has a DIGIC 8 sensor, and has 5 stops of dual-sensing image stabilization. This camera, thus, is ideal for travel enthusiasts or bird photographers who do not wish to carry too many lenses. In addition, it also offers a 0.39-inch, 2.36-million-dot, high-definition OLED Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), and is “the first Canon point-and-shoot camera compatible with the latest RAW format (.CR3).” Priced around $549, the camera is ideal for beginners or someone’s parents who are interested in photography.
The reason for its discontinuation is not yet revealed, but it is possible that the company wants to launch other cameras in the same range. Furthermore, a dwindling consumer demand could also have driven the final nail in the coffin. However, that’s our assumption, based on how the industry works.
Either way, the end of a camera could lead to better beginnings. Compact cameras are still a large part of the sales, and CIPA’s data supports this. Keeping that in mind, a new device in the PowerShot lineup, especially the one that targets hybrid users, will go a long way. However, this means many serious photographers will have to rely on brands like Ricoh, Leica, or Sony.
Canon has reportedly said it will get into automation. So, if they do begin a whole new series of compact cameras, they can diversify their profile based on various consumers and their needs. With tariffs also being on a 90-day pause, things are looking up for manufacturers. It remains to be seen how they will use this to their advantage.
