The Canon Powershot G10 features a 14.7MP sensor, Raw shooting and range of manual controls. It also boasts compatibility with external flashguns, but is it a viable alternative to the DSLR? The What Digital Camera Canon PowerShot G10 review reveals all...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

91%

Canon PowerShot G10

Overall score:91%
Features:90%
Value:90%
Performance:95%
Image Quality:90%
Design:90%

Pros:

  • Overall image quality, bright and detailed LCD screen, styling, fast operation

Cons:

  • Bulky, poor control over fringing

Product:

Canon PowerShot G10 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£350.00

Verdict

At low sensitivities the Canon G10’s image quality is impressive, with great detail capture, accurate metering, and consistency with its Auto White Balance system. Furthermore, it is perhaps the only compact in its class whose design gives the impression that it wants to be used manually, not simply because at this price we expect some degree of manual control. My only main criticism is with the slight blandness of its JPEGs, regarding sharpening and white balance at default settings. I appreciate that Raw capture is a key concern for a compact of the G10’s stature, but we should still expect a certain standard of JPEG images for more ‘everyday’ images. In any case this can be optimised to taste. Potential buyers may also be interested in the Panasonic LX3, which also produces high-quality images at around the same price.

Verdict

At low sensitivities the Canon G10's image quality is impressive, with great detail capture, accurate metering, and consistency with its Auto White Balance system. Furthermore, it is perhaps the only compact in its class whose design gives the impression that it wants to be used manually, not simply because at this price we expect some degree of manual control. My only main criticism is with the slight blandness of its JPEGs, regarding sharpening and white balance at default settings. I appreciate that Raw capture is a key concern for a compact of the G10's stature, but we should still expect a certain standard of JPEG images for more 'everyday' images. In any case this can be optimised to taste. Potential buyers may also be interested in the Panasonic LX3, which also produces high-quality images at around the same price.

Details

Power:NB-7L Lithium Ion battery
Dimensions:109.1 x 77.7 x 45.9 mm
Weight:350g (without battery or memory card)
Connectivity:Hi-speed USB
Memory Card:SD / SDHC (no internal memory)
ISO Range:80-1600 (ISO 3200 exp)
White Balance:Auto, 7 presets, 2 custom
Flash Modes:Auto, off, slow sync, rear curtain sync, red-eye
Metering System:Evaluative, centreweighted, spot
Exposure Modes:PASM, auto, 2 custom, scene
Shutter Speeds:15sec-1/4000sec
File Formats:Raw, JPEG, Raw+JPEG
LCD:3in LCD, 461,000 dots
Lens:28-140mm f/2.8-4.5
Sensor:1/1.7in CCD, 14.7MP effective
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Design & Performance
  3. 3. Image Quality
  4. 4. Verdict
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