Canon PowerShot G11 review
Performance & Value
Canon PowerShot G11 review - Performance
In use, the G11's start-up time comes in at under a second, with the camera ready to shoot in just a little longer. The G11 is also prompt when composing images, with the AF system operating admirably quickly and reliably accurately. The camera can struggle a touch in low light and sometimes when operating close up, occasionally selecting the wrong subject for focus, but the model offers a simple resolution for this - manual focus. When selected, the LCD of the camera displays a large 100% magnification window in the centre of the screen to aid accurate focus. This, combined with its control wheel operation, means that accurate focus is simple to obtain.
Many photographers view a vari-angle LCD screen as an unnecessary feature, and this may have been the thinking behind Canon ditching it from the G series some time ago. However, when implemented as well as it is on the G11 it's hard to see what there is to complain about. Not only does it maintain an excellent high resolution - 461k-dots, albeit at 2.8in it's 0.2in smaller in size than the G10 - but the vari-angle nature is as complete as can be. The screen can be rotated to sit as a conventional LCD screen would, or to face into the camera's body for closed protection, while it can also be turned 180° outwards and then rotated through 270° for either low or raised level shooting. Not only is the screen a pleasure to use in its conventional setting thanks to the high resolution and excellent colour rendition, but the variety of angles available at your fingertips opens up an entirely different and convenient way of working.
Canon PowerShot G11 review - Value
There is no escaping the fact that the G11 is an expensive camera, even compared to similar models in the field. Consider, for example, the excellent Panasonic Lumix LX3, of which you could nearly buy two for the price of a G11. Many entry-level DSLRs are also comparable in price terms. It's important, however, to consider the G11 for what it is - a real alternative to the bulk of a DSLR, that oozes quality in both build and performance and produces great images. What's more is that it offers a distinctive, quirky design and one of the best applications of a vari-angle LCD seen on a digital camera. Bear in mind the high price-tag won't stick forever too.
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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