Meet the Canon PowerShot Golf Laser – the world’s first rangefinder with a built-in camera!

The Canon Powershot Golf Laser Rangefinder is the first to have a built-in camera!

Optical imaging giants Canon have taken their first steps into golf equipment with a tech-packed laser rangefinder. But the PowerShot is not any rangefinder – it is the first with a built-in camera that takes photos, videos and even records voice memos!

Canon tell us that PowerShot GOLF is “a nimble and advanced laser” targeting everyone from beginners to pros and they fully expect it to be among 2024’s best rangefinders.

Pocket-sized (31 x 58.9 x 91.2mm and 151g) and rechargeable, PowerShot sees Canon take full advantage of their visual imaging technology, not only allowing golfers to get fast and accurate yardages from anywhere on the course, but to document their rounds on the easy-to-use camera, which shoots 11MP images and full HD video.

While the camera is the laser’s unique selling point, this isn’t some quirky piece of golf tech that isn’t for serious golfers. PowerShot includes all of the tech you’d find in the world’s best-known rangefinder brand’s models, including Bushnell, Garmin, Nikon, Zoom and Shot Scope.

Let’s dive into that tech.

Fast, pinpoint readings every time

The PowerShot Golf delivers accurate readings within 0.8 seconds. Its high-precision laser and pin-locking function target the closest object when multiple subjects are detected and you’ll get a vibration to confirm you’ve locked on.

You’ll find crystal-clear bright optics with 6x optical and extra digital magnification capabilities. The 12x digital magnification allows golfers to look closer at flags, greens, bunkers and other key hazards to form the best strategy.

And don’t worry if your hands are a bit shaky ahead of a high-pressure round because there’s a built-in image stabilizer.

Powerful but pocketable

One of the lightest and most compact rangefinders, it’ll fit into any pocket. The PowerShot is also water-resistant to IPX4 standards so you’ll have no concerns when the heavens open.

And there’s no need to replace the battery because it is built-in and rechargeable via the included USB C cable.

Pick the right club

PowerShot includes a slope function that can be easily switched on and off, making it fully competition-legal. Switch it on and the Canon will give you accurate “plays like” distances based on elevation changes. And don’t think you’ll get away with leaving it on if you are playing a comp because a bright blue flashing LED on the lens’s outer clearly indicates when you’re using the function to your playing partners.

Record and improve

The built-in camera allows you to capture pictures and videos around the course and you can even superimpose the distance information if you want to create a personal record of your round. You can even add a voice memo to record a breakdown of every shot – just don’t bore your work colleagues with it on a Monday. It can also be used to solve disputes by documenting lie, ball position and obstacles.

Alternatively, you can switch off the distance info and just use the laser’s camera to document unforgettable moments, capture your winning putt, or remember a breathtaking hole.

The Canon PowerShot Golf Laser Rangefinder costs £329.99 and is available for pre-order now.

About the Author

Rob Jerram – Digital Editor

Rob specializes in the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the Ryder Cup, spending large chunks of his days reading about, writing about, and watching the tours each month.

He’s passionate about the equipment used by professional golfers and is also a font of knowledge regarding golf balls, rangefinders, golf trolleys, and golf bags, testing thousands down the years.

You can email Rob or get in touch with him on X.