Canon PowerShot G12 review
Image Quality and Value
Canon PowerShot G12 review - Image Quality
The first thing that strikes with images from the Canon G12 is the wonderful tone and dynamic range they possess. Highlights and shadows are equally covered, with no bias towards either, while exposure is reliable.
Colour is reproduced excellently with the Canon Powershot G12's images as well, with a slight tendency towards a natural spectrum. This is, however, preferable to over saturation and can be adjusted to suit easily in post-production. While balance is also pleasingly dependable in host of different lighting conditions.
The optics of Canon G12 succeed in producing a good level of sharpness throughout the whole of the frame. Unlike some other cameras, the G12 does not overdo the sharpening in production, and the results are preferable as a result. The 10MP sensor also captures a good array of detail that, when combined with the sharpness, results in a good texture to the images.
When comparing the Raw and JPEG files from the G12, it's noticeable that Raw files are even more naturally-coloured than JPEG. Raw files are also less contrasty than their JPEG alternatives, presumably to leave more room in post-production.
High ISO performance is excellent with the G12. Noise levels are well controlled right up towards the high-end of the camera's settings, with ISO 1600 an eminently-useable setting. JPEG files at high-ISO settings are softer than their Raw counterparts, but its marginal and the G12 does a good job of processing the files.
Canon PowerShot G12 review - Value
The Canon PowerShot G12 hit the market with an RRP of £569, although, as is often the case with new cameras to the market, the price has swiftly fallen to a more acceptable market level of around the £450 mark. Now, considering the changes that have taken place, and the fact that you can currently purchase a G11 for around the £375 mark, there is quite a conundrum afoot. If you feel that you really need the addition of HD movie capture, then
paying the extra isn't too much of an issue. You'll also get the nice new control wheel, although this isn't worth the extra money itself.
Have your say!
Latest comments
April 27 01:49
Garry Bailey
Capital letters is not called for it means you are shouting. There is no reason why a Compact camera can’t achieve a score of 19 for image quality it may not have many functions but image quality surpasses its self and of many more expensive cameras. Compacts and SLR mix in the high scores out of 100 points system. Compacts cameras costing £100 and SLR costing many £100s can have the same score.
August 08 13:03
Alex
I bought a G11 last year and agree that it is a superb camera. Last week I passed it on to my daughter who is in love with it. Guess I will wait for the new G series, although I am rather tempted to purchase the G12 for myself.
August 24 01:41
Paula
My new G12 takes exceptionally sharp images but violets shot in my garden became indigo and lemon does not exist. Anyone else have this happen? Help!
October 18 14:42
Luke
"Could maybe OF done with a few more upgrades"????? WTF? Could maybe HAVE done with a few more upgrades. Jaysus. And you're paid to write? Useless.