Canon has raised the stakes in the consumer-level digicam race with its latest models from the PowerShot and Ixus line. The new cameras have enhanced features not found on the previous models.

PowerShot G7-Prosumer power. It’s the camera that’ll have the other prosumers scared stiff. The G7 features the new DIGIC III image processor which was previously only available on Canon’s pro digital SLR, the EOS 300. The lO-megapixel G7 comes with face detection AF and AE which is truly amazing to see in action. Low light photographers will love the maximum ISO 1600 setting and image stabilization. The G7 is even compatible with Canon’s own line of EOS Speedlite flashes.

IXUS 850 IS-Steel shooter. This seven megapixel compact shooter has the same metal casing of the Ixus line. What separates it from the rest is its wide angle zoom capability that’s perfect for landscape photos. The lens has a 3.8x zoom and a focal range of 28-105 mm. Optical image stabilizer technology on the Ixus 850 IS ensures blur-free images.

IXUS 17-Ultra small wonder. The ultra-compact shooter for the style-conscious is back and better than ever. Available in four colors, the smallest camera to bear the Ixus badge packs seven megapixels of shooting resolution and 2.4x optical zoom. The Ixus 17 has almost all the features of its bigger sibling including face detection, 17 shooting modes, and noise reduction. It even comes with a convenient dock for photo downloading, printing and sharing.

IXUS 900 Ti-Perfect 10. It’s been ten years since the introduction of the Ixus line and to mark this milestone, Canon has introduced the 10-megapixel Ixus 900 Ti. Its sleek body is sculpted from titanium and features significantly upgraded hardware, Unique features like Aquarium mode enables you to shoot through fish tanks. The camera has an ISO 3200 setting for extremely underlit environments. Along with a DIGIC Ill chip, the Ixus 900 Ti comes with face detection technology and a 2.5-inch screen.