Canon PowerShot G11 review
Review Date : Mon, 19 Oct 2009
Author : Paul Nuttall
The latest model in Canon's ever-popular PowerShot G series see major changes in both the LCD and sensor configuration, but does it do enough to justify it's substantial price tag? What Digital Camera puts the Canon PowerShot G11 through its paces...
| Pros: | Timeless design, excellent image quality, vari-angle LCD one of the best of its type |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Viewfinder too small, crowded back-plate, soft shutter release |
Canon PowerShot G11 review
The DSLR market has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, mostly towards entry-level models. It seems as though fewer people are content with entering the world of photography at the basic point-and-shoot level, instead wanting more from their camera and aspiring to a higher level of photography. This growth isn't solely restricted to entry-level DSLRs, however, with advanced compacts also seeing more first-time buyers.
The emergence of the smaller Micro Four Thirds cameras, such as the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic GF1, are seen by many to fit this requirement well, however they remain relatively new pretenders to the throne long ago assumed by Canon and its G series. The new PowerShot G11 is, in defiance of sequential numeration, the ninth incarnation in Canon's respected G series. The combination of full manual functionality, a distinctive, rugged build and burgeoning specification has made the G range often the first choice for people who are looking for a more portable companion to their DSLR set-up. Not only that, but the G series, more often than not, offers such quality that consumers otherwise looking for an advanced offering will often spurn a DSLR in favour of the latest ‘G'.
The new G11 features the reintroduction of a vari-angle LCD screen, as well as an important adaptation of sensor technology - rather than increase megapixel count, as has been seen on every G series model to date, Canon has instead opted to reduce megapixel count by nearly a third compared to the G10. The result, says Canon, is a sensor that's vastly improved in low-light conditions. So does this claim ring true? And what exactly does an advanced compact offer that enables it to justify asking for nearly 600 of your hard-earned pounds?
Verdict
In the world of advanced compacts, the G series from Canon has long been regarded as one of the best. While the models aren't always as small as some other advanced compacts on the market, the sturdy design and advanced feature-set mean that they are always a popular model - either as a DSLR companion or as a more advanced model in a standalone capacity. The G11 continues this rich tradition and the improvements over the G10 are well received. The reduction of resolution means that noise is much better controlled at higher ISO settings, while the vari-angle LCD screen is one of the best on the market. So, while obtaining a G11 does mean parting with a substantial whack of cash, if you do decide to purchase then you'll undoubtedly be bagging yourself an excellent camera that should last many years.
Have your say!
Latest comments
October 25 14:52
Adam
I bought one after being impressed with the low light capabilities of an older Fujifilm F47fd which also has a larger than normal sensor for a compact camera and a similar (9) amount of MP. I found the Fuji rather limiting in other areas though, so it was time for a change. Comparing the G11 with my old camera, I immediately liked its chunky build quality, the zoom range (27-140mm) and the rear screen's flexibility. The direct controls for ISO and Exp. Comp. are also major plus points. The fact that it has a viewfinder at all is a good thing, although not perfect. I think (although I don't like them much either) a small EVF might have been a better solution although I am not sure how much this would have added to the size/shape of the G11. Viewfinder reservations aside, I do enjoy using it the camera with the LCD screen folded back (off) and in quick shot mode. It feels like a film compact then - just use the top dials for ISO and Exp. Comp and shoot away - the reliable metering means most shots are as expected and you can shoot extremely quickly without messing about in this mode. At the opposite extreme, it is also a camera which you can take time and use creatively as you would a DSLR - changing apertures and shutter speeds is extremely easy and that folding screen has to be experienced to be appreciated - it allows very satisfactory waist or floor level shooting for example. Only a couple of negatives.... fingerprints seem to affect the screen more than most cameras and they are difficult to remove, and the rear controls are quite easy to press accidently. Image quality - the main reason for buying - is, however, very decent. It can't match my Nikon DSLR if you are comparing shots, but it is not too far off. It also produces punchy images, even in RAW format and there seems to be a fair bit of 'headroom' when you need to recover blown highlights. At ISO 800 it creates very usable images and at a push will do the same at ISO 1600. Again it is not up to DSLR standards of course, but compare it to most other compacts and there is no competition. Overall, a pricey purchase, but a camera I suspect I will use a great deal and one which I will always have on me - unlike my DSLR which is now used for more specialised or planned work. It's the first compact (and I have tried quite a few over the years) which really can let me leave my DSLR at home and not feel too hard done by!
October 30 12:06
Jon Gibbs
I have handled this camera and it does not feel as robust as my A650 IS. Image quality in various reviews is somewhat soft. The real killer is the price. On Amazon in the USA it is $495, that translates to £302. Once again we are being ripped off in the UK. No thank you Canon.
November 06 16:33
jorge hernandez
I sold my geat Nikon d300 camera because was too big and heavy for me then, after I read your review of the canon g11, I went to the store and bought it. This is a great camera, excellent picture quality.The D300 gave me beautiful pictures, but the G11 give the same for $1000 less.
December 27 10:49
nick
Lacks the build quality of the G10, with now a nasty plastic back half, and the new screen is not as good, but otherwise a cracking camera