We get a hands-on, first look at one of Canon's latest PowerShot compacts - the G15

Canon bolstered its PowerShot range of compacts by launching the G15 at Photokina 2012. Fitted with an all-new f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens that provides a wide aperture throughout the zoom range, the 5x optical zoom lens provides an f/1.8 aperture at its 28mm wide-angle focal length and an f/2.8 aperture at its maximum 140mm focal length. We took the opportunity at Photokina 2012 to lay hands on the G15 and asked Canon to run through some of the improved features.



Aimed at advanced users looking for premium quality in a compact body, the PowerShot G15 incorporates a high-sensitivity 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor beside powerful DIGIC 5 image processing. Canon claims the 1/1.7-type high-sensitivity CMOS sensor has improved light gathering characteristics compared to its predecessor, resulting in a more impressive low-light performance.

High ISO shooting at speeds up to ISO 12,800 are offered and the improvements that have been made to the AF system mean it now has the capability of focusing within 0.17secs at its widest focal length. This makes it the fastest compact camera Canon has ever produced.


Adopting Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer technology to minimise any handshake users may incur, the G15 allows you to shoot 4-stops slower than is otherwise possible. It’s no slouch when it comes to speed either, offering a burst rate of 10fps, making it ideal for anyone who’d like to shoot fast-paced action.

As well as offering full RAW support, the PowerShot G15 is tailored for those who’d like to shoot movies as well as stills.

The PowerShot G15’s optical zoom can be utilised during recording and high quality stereo sound is also supported.

Design wise, its lightweight, robust aluminium body is approximately 17% smaller than the PowerShot G12 and at the rear it features a 920k-dot resolution 7.5 cm (3.0”) PureColor II G screen.

Available from the end of October and expected to cost £549 we’re expecting to lay hands on the PowerShot G15 for the first time this afternoon. We’ll bring you our first impressions and hands on shots as soon as we can.