Canon recently launched its newest quartet of PowerShot A-Series digital cameras: the 6-megapixel PowerShot A700 and A540, the 5-megapixel A530 and the 4-megapixel A430.

Among the enhancements on the A540 and A700 is a newly designed 6-megapixel image sensor that works with the Digic II image processor to reduce noise and achieve ISO-equivalent speed ratings ranging from 80 to 800. In addition, the A700 features a retractable 6x 35-210mm optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent) and 22 shooting modes, from fully automatic to fully manual. Except for its retractable 4x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 35-140mm (35 alent), the A540 digital camera is virtually identical to the A700.

The successor to the A510, the new A530 features a 5-megapixel CCD image sensor, an 80-800 ISO-equivalent speed setting range and a 4x retractable optical zoom lens with a focal length of 35-140mm (35mm equivalent). The A430 has a 4-megapixel CCD image sensor and a 4x optical zoom. Its movie mode also includes sound and maintains an ISO-equivalent setting range of 50 to 400. The entry-level 4-megapixel A430, which replaces last year's 3.2-megapixel A410, also offers higher resolution and a longer optical zoom.

All the new models offer a widescreen 16:9 ratio resolution and have improved direct printing functions that permit greater flexibility in print settings. The new A-series cameras work directly with Selphy Compact Photo Printers.

The PowerShot A700 digital camera is available for an estimated price of $349. The A540's price tag is $299, while the A530 and A430 are priced at $229 and $179, respectively.