Leak: Canon plans affordable PowerShot compact camera with NFC and USB-C

Rumors indicated as early as the beginning of June that Canon was developing three new PowerShot compact cameras, including a high-end model in the style of the Panasonic Lumix L10, a camera with a superzoom lens, and a more affordable, pocket-sized camera. CanonRumors has now managed to uncover a few details about the latter model.

According to the report, this camera is being developed in response to the success of the Canon Ixus 285 HS A, which is marketed in the U.S. as the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A ($379 on Amazon). It is a small compact camera with a 20-megapixel sensor and a 12x optical zoom. Technically, the new "A" model differs little from the original version of the compact camera, which was launched in 2016 – which makes it all the more surprising that the camera is said to be a bestseller.

While the Ixus or PowerShot from last year is equipped with an outdated mini-USB port, Canon is reportedly equipping the new model with USB-C, which should also allow the camera to charge its battery directly via a USB-C cable, a feature that’s particularly handy when traveling. The camera is said to use an affordable Quectel KN35500 antenna and support only Wi-Fi and NFC, but not Bluetooth. Nevertheless, a wireless connection to a smartphone app should be possible. NFC simplifies pairing in place of Bluetooth. Canon is said to be opting for a microSD slot. It is not yet known when or at what price this compact camera will be released.