It’s certainly possible to drop a few Benjamins on a compact digital camera, loaded with unnecessary features, but when it’s time to just take pictures, simplicity is king. That’s why the Canon PowerShot A480 is getting positive reviews despite its lack of frills and decidedly unstylish design. PCWorld says the A480 is “dead-simple,” while Photography blog calls it a “cheap, well-made, straight-forward compact camera.” It’s a 10-megapixel point-and-shoot with 3.3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The DIGIC III image processor offers face detection, motion detection and red-eye correction, along with 15 shooting modes, and that’s about it. A few different colors are available, but you’re not impressing anyone. Amazon’s got it for $105. [via Thaindian News]

Inevitably, old technology is replaced by something newer and better, but bargain-hunters know this is the perfect time to strike. Canon’s discontinued PowerShot SD1100, which carries a suggested retail price of $179.99, is on sale at Staples’ brick-and-mortar stores for $129.99. If you can dig up one of those “$25 off purchases of $100 or greater” coupons, more power to you. The SD1100 is an 8-megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. Other features include face detection, optical image stabilization and a print/share button. It’s not clear whether the sale includes all of the SD1100′s color options or just the ugliest pastels that no one wanted before, but it’s worth looking into if you need a small digicam. For more info, look below:

Dubbed an “entry-level juggernaut” by its maker, Canon’s EOS Rebel T1i is the first from the company to feature full HD video capture. Videos in 1080p can be recorded at 20 frames per second, and in 720p are captured at 30 frames per second. As for still imagery, there’s a 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor. Other features include nine-point auto focus with Live View, Auto Lighting Optimizer and an integrated cleaning system. For the real rookies, Creative Auto Mode allows for some on-the-fly adjustments and tricks without the need for technical know-how. The T1i body alone will cost $800 when it’s released in May, or $900 with an EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. [Canon via BB Gadgets]

Just in case you wanted to capture the sheer trepidation and curiousity on your prey’s face before you pull out your Browning, the new Canon PowerShot D10 is coming to you live, in full camo. Questionable use of camaflouge aside, the camera looks pretty sweet through and through. Inside the rugged, waterproof exterior you’ll find 12.1 MP sensor, 3x zoom, DIGIC 4 processor,  image stabilization, and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II. You’ve also got all your proofs covered–10 M waterproof , freezeproof, shockproof and shatterproof–a 2 mm shield protects the display from any potential clumsiness, or incidental hit from bird shot. Availability is set for April with a price around $330. [Engadget]

Good for Canon, eschewing individual press releases and announcing all 10 of their latest Powershot cameras at once. Most use the company’s DIGIC 4 image processor, making possible the Smart AUTO mode that optimizes camera settings for you. Highlights include the SXI IS and its 20x optical zoom lens, the waterproof and iceproof design of the D10 and the “fashionisto”-minded (Canon’s description, not mine) SD780, pictured above.  A couple of the models also include “Active Display,” which scrolls through preview mode with the shake of a wrist, “making the viewing and sharing of pictures more fun and enjoyable,” Canon says. The cameras will be released between March and mid-April with prices ranging from $130 for the A480 to $600 for the SXI IS. Check out the press release for more nitty gritty. [via SlipperyBrick]

Apparently, there’s a homemade Windows program out there that turns any Canon DSLR into a high-definition video camera. The clip above is reportedly output from a Canon EOS 40D. Because the hack is a Windows application and not a change to the firmware, the camera needs to be tethered to a computer when shooting video. Wired points out a more important caveat: The download page is short on information, and Google won’t translate the original forum post linking to it. All signs point to sketchy, so ready your virus scanner if you’re thinking about giving this a go, or just leave well enough alone. [Download page via Wired]

Videocasters, filmmakers and budding amateur pornographers might want to take note.  Canon has revealed a new line of HD video cameras, the Canon XH A1S and the XH G1S.  While aimed at the consumer market, the Canon XH camera line doesn’t skimp on professional features.  Both include a 20x HD lens, manual zoom and focus, two XLR terminals for a dual microphone setup and support for HDD recording.  When they hit the street next month, the Canon XH A1S and the XH G1S will sell for $4k and $7k respectively.  Give us two of these, an array of lights and some ladies with low self esteem, we’re in the money. [canon via engadget]

Another day, another DSLR.  That’s not to say that each of the recent flurry of DSLRs isn’t lustworthy, its just that there has been no shortage of news by companies like Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and Canon.  This one, however, is some pretty big news– Canon revealed their MKII version of the Eos 5D.  This beast of a DSLR features 21.1MP sensors, 1080p video recording at 30fps, a slew of onboard editing and processing software and a 3.0″ Clear View LCD.  The base model starts at around $2,700 and increases with lens options and other features.  Stay tuned, we’re likely to have more DSLR news tomorrow…

Buy: from $2,700

If you are anything like us here at GearCrave, your den is a shrine to Hi-def, and you’ll be damned if you are going to record your family’s vacation at some lesser resolution. The new DV tape-based Vixia HV30 delivers 1080i high definition video in a smart package. Besides sharp images, you get a speedy and accurate autofocus, capable still photo performance, and a design that puts everything at your fingertips.

Buy: $999.00