Canon PowerShot G11 review
Image Quality
Canon PowerShot G11 review - Image Quality
G11 review - Exposure
The G11 displays reassuringly reliable exposures, with the balance between shadows and highlights pleasingly apparent. This is helped by the impressive dynamic range displayed by the sensor - even in difficult lighting the G11 manages to both preserve shadow detail and prevent highlights from blowing out.
G11 review - Colour and White balance
Canon's characteristic vibrancy and radiance is evident with the G11, with real punchiness displayed throughout the frame, without seeming to be too unnatural. White balance is slightly unreliable, with a tendency to err to either the warm or the cold side, but this is by no means beyond repair, and in general it's solid.
G11 review - Raw and JPEG
The difference between Raw and JPEG files lays mostly with the in-camera processing. Noise is less pronounced in the JPEG files, owing to the G11's in-camera noise reduction, though this does mean that JPEG files can be lacking sharpness present in the Raw files. Colour rendition also differs between the two - colour is punchier in Raw files, suggesting that JPEG processing mutes the colours somewhat. Finally, tonal gradation is smoother in Raw files than JPEGs.
G11 review - Noise and ISO
The improvements in noise control much-touted by Canon is noticeably present thanks to the combination of fewer megapixels and new technologies. Comparing images from the previous model, the G10, and the G11 shows a vast improvement in noise control. Where fairly aggressive noise was visible at ISO 1600 previously, images are now considerably less-grainy - there's at least a stop of difference that's ideal for low-light shooting. At the maximum ISO 3200 image sharpness is compromised, though not entirely to the detriment of image quality, while image quality is of a good standard throughout the range.
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