Announcing its autumn line-up, Canon unveiled a successor to the G6. the PowerShot G7. The new model offers 10MP resolution, a 6x optically image stabilised zoom lens and Canon’s new DIGIC III image processor.
Canon claims the DIGIC III delivers ?rapid performance with improved image quality? and incorporates two new Canon technologies – Face Detection AF/AE and Noise Reduction, which extend the camera’s performance to ISO 1600. A 2.5? LCD screen has a wide viewing angle and anti-glare coating for easier image framing and playback. Furthering the potential for creative photography, the PowerShot G7 is equipped with hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flash units and is compatible with a range of optional converter lenses.

The PowerShot G7 features:
10 Megapixels
6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
DIGIC III and iSAPS with Noise Reduction and Face Detection AF/AE
2.5? LCD with wide viewing angle and anti-glare coating
ISO 1600 for flash-free, low light shooting
Ergonomic design with dedicated ISO and Multi Control
25 shooting modes including full manual control and two custom settings
Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories

?The PowerShot G7 brings a new level of performance and usability to the G series,? said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. ?By introducing our DIGIC III image processor and new technologies such as Face Detection AF/AE, Canon continues to raise the benchmark for digital compact cameras.”
Image Quality and Optics
The camera?s f/2.8? f/4.8 6x optical zoom lens (35-210mm focal length, 35mm equivalent) incorporates optical Image Stabilizer technology to counteract the effects of camera shake, allowing the camera to be used at slower shutter speeds in low light conditions. The lens configuration consists of 9 elements in 7 groups and includes a double-sided aspherical lens element to counteract distortions.

DIGIC III
Canon?s new DIGIC III image processor extends the camera’s ISO range to ISO 1600. A dedicated ISO dial makes it easier to switch between settings. Complementing DIGIC III’s performance, the camera features the same DDR-SDRAM used in professional EOS cameras ? raising the data throughput rate.

Face Detection AF/AE
For portrait and group shots, the PowerShot G7 is equipped with Face Detection AF/AE, a new Canon technology that automatically detects up to nine faces within a frame and sets the optimum focus and exposure accordingly. If there is more than one face in a frame Canon says that Face Detection AF/AE is able to determine the face or faces intended to be the main focus. The system operates at the same speed as Canon?s 9-point AiAF system, which it automatically reverts to if no face detection is required.

Design improvements
The design features analogue inspired controls, a multi-control dial and a customisable shortcut button for faster access to camera settings. Usability is enhanced with a 207,000 pixels 2.5″ LCD.
A selection of 25 shooting modes includes full Manual and two custom settings, enabling users to tailor the camera to specific preferences. Shooting modes are complemented by settings such as auto exposure bracketing, focus bracketing, and an integrated neutral density (ND) filter with three stops adjustment. Photographers can also take advantage of second curtain flash synchronisation for more creative flash exposures, while interval shooting (up to 100 shots in 1-60 minute increments) allows for extended time-lapse photography of up to four days.
Movie functions include XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) video capture with sound at 15fps. Users can also record VGA and QVGA movies at 30fps.
A new Safety Zoom feature allows users to magnify up to 14x with enough resolution for postcard (10 x 15cm) prints. Photographers can also enable the Digital Tele-Converter feature for added telephoto reach on every shot, without the reduction in aperture typically caused by optical tele-converters.

The PowerShot G7 will be available in October priced £449.00 RRP. Full specifications are available at www.canon.co.uk