Canon Powershot G11 hands-on preview by What Digital Camera

[jesscarey411]

Your video is a favorite on Laos

[binneheet1]

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[Sherlin20]

Digitaldesires(dot) net is good site you can check about this camera. This compact G11 is a great little camrea. If your looking for highend photo’s go out and buy a highend DSLR. I shoot all types of photos from portraits to macro and everything in between.

[jesoby]

hope they keep 10MP for the G12.

[mexican61937]

damn, hes married.

[jaibobs108]

can someone please tell me, in picture quality, is the g11 better than the g10? which one would you recommend? Thanks.

[WhatDigitalCamera]

@jaibobs108 There isn't a simple answer. The G10 has higher resolution, so capable of resolving slightly more detail in good light. But the G11 has a lower pixel density, which means lower noise and better quality in lower light. On the whole I think this is more useful more often than a marginal resolution increase which is only relevant at high magnification, so I'd pick the G11.

[murcielago6405]

@jaibobs108 I think that the G11 would be better choice. Personally, I think that 10MP is good enough for someone who just wants to shoot pictures and even for prosumers for that matter. 14.7MP is definitely an over kill. (In fact, I feel that anything about 12MP is overkill). This is because the quality of the picture will not be affected too much unless you are developing the photos in sizes greater than A3.

[3DJ3RK007]

I hav that camera and I love it I got it like 2 days ago it is awsome I think that if Iose it I will get lost [NH].

[LTF85199]

The perfect camera>> small >> tons of manual buttons and side hinge tilting LCD screen>> if only it did HD video at least 720p I will wait for the G12 and hopefully they will add HD video and not change anything else..

[morvedre1001]

The problem with this function-rich camera is that it is too complicated compared to a DSLR. It was bought as a back up to my Canon 5D MkII, for situations where a DSLR is too bulky. But the G11 has proved to be awkward to use and complex. There is a 90+ page manual (which proves the point) but it's supplied on disc, which is crazy. If I could carry a laptop I wouldn't need this camera !

[gasura]

@morvedre1001 You mean you take your manual everywhere you go?

[magnuspater]

Who the heck is that in the background? It's friggin annoying. lol

[swemda]

"just 10 megapixels". :) That's still too much on such a small sensor if you ask me. But at least it's a step in the right direction.

[MrRob502]

I am looking at getting a G11. I am looking at a few others too. But I am impressed with this camera.

I was wondering how the RAW shooting was with it? Does it do a lot better that Jpg on a compact?

How is the software that comes with it?

Thanks,

[BigRooster747]

is there money in advertising this way?

[Macinabit]

The G9 is much better in video work and the pictures are sharper.

[haroof]

Time for a manicure, my good friend.

[Zerogreelynn]

@haroof But hes a man, hes supposed to have rough fingers.

[lorenznightwish]

the price is high. the video modus is very bad. no hd an no stereo. for make pictures is good.

[socal1000]

just bought one great camera worth the full price 450 at best buy on sell

feels robust and is made out of aluminum takes pics alot faster than a normal point and shoot although it is by know means as fast as even a entry level dslr but it will get you by until you have the cash

[eanhee]

I have just bought my G11 few days back.....it is like carrying a SLR around with much less weight....ideal for travelling...

[FischerPhotography]

I got my G11 in the other day and I LOVE it. The picture quality is amazing compared to other point and shoots!

[FischerPhotography]

I actually thought it was a good price for all the manual controls it has. It's basically a DSLR without the ability to change camera lenses.

[slntdth42]

And much smaller sensor.  :) But still, it perform brilliantly despite having such disadvantages. I can't put mine down.

[garyn8888]

The G11 has fewer megapixels than the G10, but the sensor size is the same.  This means larger pixels (sensors) which have a better signal to noise ratio than the smaller pixels, resulting in better image quality.

[slntdth42]

Was referring to Fischer's comment about how this is 'basically a DSLR without the ability to change camera lenses'. G11 sensor is a tiny fraction of the size of a DSLR. It is same size as G10 and a bit larger than most other point and shoot. But it's by no mean comparable to DSLR sensors.

[MissJagUR]

I still have the G2 which was briliant! So glad they have brought back the flip screen. Big mistake to have removed that which stopped me buying other models. But why not full HD? Do I still need to wait for the next model?

[tetsuo101]

decision made: purchased. Comes tomorrow. Can not wait to test it and maybe i sell my dslr.

[abc123tuberoo]

I liked one of the first comments that was made about the pixel count. I've never heard of a camera manufacturer actually decreasing the maximum resolution capability of a successor camera in a series, but now I have. It's no bad thing really. 6/7 mp is perfect for almost anything, unless your blowing something up to the size of a football field, im sure some will disagree though.

[fattahdapho]

i agree bro..

[famousPhotog]

HD video?? WHY? The G10/G11 was not meant for making Hollywood movies, using Steadicam, pull focus, matt box, etc.

Personally, I would like to see Canon develop the G12 camera to be a $1000 camera with clean ISO 6400, 6mp, upgraded low light AF system, and real time wireless transmission of images to a distant laptop or iPhone - all in the form factor of the present G10/G11. For difficult PJ assignments, this would be a real sweet camera capable of bringing home the goods.

[famousPhotog]

Comments from a pro using the G10 to shoot photos that routinely sell for big bucks.

The form factor and controls of the G10 and G11 are incredible to use in situations requiring DISCREET P&S style shooting. In the situations I encounter, oftentimes a DSLR (of any kind) means being escorted to the door, or worse. Therefore, if the choice is between no photo and a G10 photo, guess who wins?

Furthermore, it is a well known fact that people in general act differently when they sense a photog.

[Protagoras4444]

Good point about 'behaving differently around a dslr' - very true.

Sorry, I accidentally hit the negative rep, when i meant to hit positive!

[Atlixco1984]

I want to see what the leica x1 can do it seems awesome except for the fixed lens and the price

[soundandfission]

It has the APS-C sensor from a Japanese camera brand, in a body built for Leica, not BY Leica, with no viewfinder, and no video. So it's safe to say it will not do much for $2000.

[someloncholic3]

so anyways, which one is better? G10 or G11?

[KhannKlan]

G11 has some new features which I prefer. Therefore I would say the G11 is better. But the g10 is in no way a bad camera now, nor is it obsolete. In my opinion.

[visuals12345]

THAT IS WHY NIKON DON'T GO UP ON THEIR MEGA PIX ON THE D300, D700 AND D3 CAMERA BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT MP IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS OTHER THINGS... Canon is NOW realizing this!!!! Look at that 7D, There is no reason for the MP to be that high... Happy I shoot Nikon !!! and won't have to upgrade my memory cards anytime soon

[hihellocute]

Why don't they just put a dslr sensor there???

[BogusBoy2121]

Hi There,the reason they will never put a DSLR sensor in a compact is because the lense would have to be the same size as a DSLR lens to pass the larger image through,BUT--- this G11 does have a bigger sensor than the 15mp G10-All I can say is the pictures are outstanding!!And are a match for many DSLRs!

[hihellocute]

I love the design of the body. But they should REALLY put a full frame 35mm sensor.

In the past, film was that size.

So why can't they put a sensor of that size?????

[erjohnson227]

Well here is the reason. Lens size. Sure they could put a full frame sensor in there but just imagine the size of the lenses that would be needed to provide an adequate image. The image circle only has to be 10mm with the current sensor, but would have to be 35mm in diameter for the full frame sensor, that means three times more glass would be required.

[hihellocute]

Hi, thanks for the reply. What I don't understand is, in the past, film point and shoots used 35 mm film and they had tiny lenses too and that's the size of a full frame sensor. so how can it be different now for digital camera lenses?

[erjohnson227]

That is a good question, my best guess is aperture size, most P&S film cameras were an f/4.5-f/5.6 zoom, which resulted in a smaller lens size for their film format, now if the G11 were to keep the same aperture of f/1.8-3.5 it would require a significantly larger lens, as the f number is the focal legnth over the aperture opening, and the 35mm lenses would also have a much longer focal legnth.

[syb0rg]

dear Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and every other digital photo camera producers, can I ask you to do me a favour? please make no hyper- super- duper-cameras, make only one, which has the following features: 1) inexpensive (500$ max) 2) fast optics (f/1.8-f/1.0), fixed 35 or 50 mm equivalent 3) no lcd at all, no EVF! 4) very clear, bright and big viewfinder 5) *dng only files 6) only 4 modes: P,A, S, M 7) 3 control dials(A, S, ISO) + focus control on lens 8) no autofocus needed 9) 10 Mpix 10) no flash

[KEPHALLE]

fortunately camera producers do not take much care about show-offs like you...

[cressmanfoster]

This has been my dream for years.

[rumute]

buy a film camera does all that, you have to buy an slr to lose EVF it will match all those features but cost more than $500.

if you want a stripped down compact with manual control sigma dp2 is very good in the right conditions.

[justyman]

Man I really want this, time for a new job :P

[nasky1]

is there a canon or nikon for sale OCCASION ??

[GYPSYGUSDA]

GDR 3 or canon s90is or g11???????

[teezackwhy]

I'm happy that canon didn't use their megapixels count to impress customers this time..

[hihellocute]

what's wrong with more megapixels?

Hasselblad has 60 megapixels.

[teezackwhy]

well cause hasselblad has a huge ass 50mm sensor inside the camera. Whereas the G11 has a sensor the size of your finger nail...

[LochheadJames]

the clarity of megapixels is maw in portin

and the Hasselblad 60 megapixels has a price to mach

[LG4761]

Is high speed continuous shooting useful for compact DC?

[snapsnap1]

Nice review. Clear and to the point.  Thanks

[LEXPIX]

Glad to see Canon listenign to consumers, or at least seeing my G10 vid. LOL The flip out LCD and the lower megapixel count is a step in the right direction.

1280x720 HD and a 24mm F 2.8 would have made this the LX3 killer and an all around excellent camera.

[qrs11]

yes, precisely on the second point. I will hold off for the G12

[Capnwabbit]

The LX3 has a 2.0 max aperture, not 2.8

[camundongodance]

I like Pany gf-1 better

[canadianroot]

seems like the main difference is HD and continuous mode, which is better on the pany, but for 400 dollars more?

i'm still deciding....but i love the GF1 too.

i hate over-anaylyzing....but i'm curious as to the key differences between the S90 and the G11.

[Capnwabbit]

The Pan' is a system cam, takes different lenses, this is fixed. I wouldn't consider the S90 because of the lack of hotshoe. I insist on bounce flash. Currently using an LX3 but am looking for something with more zoom.. but still can't go for an SLR. Had an EOS10 years ago (film) and they're just too bulky. GF1 is possibly perfect for me - but the S90 is supposed to be amazing at high ISO, so still confused lol. Way things are going I think I'll wait and see what the competition does...

[canadianroot]

i'm almost of the same mind. wait till after xmas and see what comes out. i just can't decide between the pentax kx (looks amazing in white, and it's not so big), the g11, and the gf1. price has some bearing, but also that perfect balance of IQ and ease of use.

the decision-lag is killing me. i've easily logged 100 hours of internet review.

[Capnwabbit]

It will certainly be interesting to see what Canon comes out with after this - but that small sensor I think kills the G11 for me. That and the fact you can never change the lens. I've ordered a tilt n swivel flash for the LX3, which may make the idea of anything else moot. Then I'll just wait for a 2nd hand GF1 :o) Main thing I want is just one camera I can practise with, get to know inside out and rely upon. Changable lenses and a bigger sensor meand the GF1 kicks this G11's ass.

[FrenchyPierre]

same for me! and i still can't find the right one!

[wndsrfr467]

i really dont know why everyone is so upset about the lack of hd capabilities. i have a g10 for still shots and wouldnt use it for vids even if it could record in hd. if you can afford a $500+ still cam then u shud be able to afford a decent camcorder - one that includes video shooting capabilities that surpass those found in still cams. my g10 for example wont allow u to change the optical zoom or adjust the focus during shooting, im sure the g11 will have similar limitations nevermind hd

[MauriceFlower]

I'm a Canon G6 man. I just love the rotatable LCD screen on the G6. For me it's extreemly useful. I'm very, very pleased to hear that the rotatble screen is back!!! NOW finaly I can upgrade! The G6 is still a very good camera :)

[JackP33]

@Maurice: It is refreshing to see someone not chasing the next new model. I bet you shoot more than many here ;)

I'm with you on the flip out screen, back when I used my old video camera for stills I loved using the screen for low angle and candid shots. That is the one feature that would have me looking @ the G series again over the SD series.

[LG4761]

Waiting for G12 with CMOS = =

[dickkwikkwek]

CCD is actually better then CMOS. The only reason they use CMOS so much is because it's cheaper.

The CMOS sensors in DSLR's give better pictures then the CCD sensors in compact camera's, but that's because they are ten times bigger.

Nikon used to have a DSLR with a CCD sensor a while ago, and it produced awesome photo's.

I think the use of a CCD sensor in this G11 camera will give it spectacular results.

[nakata70]

HDMI Port but no HD movie shooting capabilities! Frucking Canon!!!!!!!!

[canadianroot]

lack of HD, bulk, and zoom limit have me looking elsewhere. any recommendations?

i'm considering the Lumix ZS3, (not enamored of the ergonomics) the Canon S90 (fairly simple zoom as well, and does the flash pop up even when not in use?) and the Fujis F70 and 200 (but lack of zoom while filming might dissuade me).....i'm suffering from analysis paralysis.

[Jetstarboy]

Great presentation but what a high price for this G11 and why is it much cheaper in USA at $499 - the exchange rate puts it at £312 and they are all shipped from the Far East - who is ripping who off?

[dekaneas71]

i live in greece and i am gonna order the G11 from the B&H for only 388 euros with shipping included.You should try it if you want.I know the european prices are a ripp off.

[vichiousfishes]

I'm happy the MP craze is over. Now we need to kill the super features craze. I want to take pictures, not send a man to the moon. Cameras will soon have face detection and be able to wipe your ass for you.

[JackP33]

@vichiousfishes: or perhaps ass detection :P

[Shift4g]

@vichiousfishes This camera, and any DSLR for that matter, is not marketed for people who just want to take pictures. Most people who want simple don't even know about this camera.

[perilousRelish]

It is a pretty big camera - about the same size as an E-P1 yet much smaller sensor. It'll appeal to Canon G fans maybe, but there are now cameras of similar form factor with superior IQ *and* HD video. May be a tough sell...

[assimunch]

I was just gonna say the same about the video... What are they (Canon) thinking? No HD video in the year 2009.

Also, is it true that the video shooting doesnt have AUTO FOCUS??? Did i misunderstood it from the User's Guide?

But im glad they finally brought the vari-angle LCD back!!!

[nakata70]

I agree! I can't believe they didn't include HD video recording capabilities! Even the small cheap compacts have them these days. Then again Canon is always deliberately leaving gaps so as to distinguish their products from one another.

[Storme97]

Nice to see the return of the vari-angle screen but Canon's really shot themselves in the foot by not adding 1080p video recording. Cameras costing half as much come with 720p video. VGA is so 2005.

[c2pascual]

@Storme97 yea cameras that cost half as much had hd video but dont have the same still picture quality as this one.... This IS a digital camera not a camcorder. step up to a dslr if you want both.

[Timasu]

No 1080p HD or time lapse (G9). I'l pass.

[Velodynamic]

Man...be careful with that screen! I wouldn't flap it in like that. :-)

[LTF85199]

Excellent, love the swivel LCD screen, and the wide angle lens, if it only had that HD Video capture I would have bought it is an heart beat. maybe I will wait for a good even number G12. My other choice was the sx20 IS which is a lot heavier and bulkier. Still a great competitor to the lumix G1 and GH1 and even the new nikon D5000.

[Meatmiester]

Surely you must be a fool not to buy a budget/mid range D-SLR for the price the G11 is going to RRP at?

[Saschagross]

This - of course - depends on your requirements. I have a canon DSLR with various lenses, and they are good at studio portrait or sports photography - this means occasions where I dont mind carrying around all this stuff and using it. But for all the situations where a big bilky camera is not appropriate, like bringing a DSLR to a barbeque party, a G11 will do very finde and still deliver excellent pictures.

[Meatmiester]

I take my SLR everywhere... I mean everywhere, even to BBQs! With extra lenses, flashes etc... A G11 in auto will NOT take as crisp an image as compared to a budget SLR at half the price of the RRP of this camera. £550+ is, IMO a lot of money for a compact.

[Saschagross]

If I wouldnt be so lazy I'd take my DSLR everywhere too, but often I see something I want to take a photo of just in everyday life. Taking the DSLR "all" the time with me is not reasonable, but taking the G11 in my bag would work. By the way, with the G11 its just like with a DSLR, operating it in full-auto mode deserves a slap :) I always use Aperture mode with my DSLR, and so I would so with the G11 too.

[dekaneas71]

try B&H mate.Its only 388 euros shipping included.I live in Greece and i am gonna buy from their site.

[ducav2]

If it BH Photo Video you're talking about, they are in US and you should expect to pay VAT+duty at your custom office - for cameras in EU it's typically around an overcharge of 30%

[dickkwikkwek]

Good luck with dealing with customs.

[JackP33]

@Meatmiester, right on! I'm glad my friends listened to my camera advice; two families, both with 1.5 y/o girls. Each got the D40. They continually thank me for the advice and show their gratitude with amazing shots of the kids. I'm constantly printing 19" prints on my 3800 for them. The trick is buying a good Camera/Diaper bag :P.

The G is such a weird niche; too big to stuff in your pocket, too small for an APC sensor. If it's size ur after, an LX3 or SD90 seems a better choice.

[Meatmiester]

Definately agree. Being an angler, and taking self-takes can be difficult, thats where the G series comes in with (some models) their flip-round screen, making life a lot easier. BUT for the price, you can get a very good starter SLR, D60, A230/380, KM1, 1000D etc. with much more options superior quality images, even on a budget camera. IMO you are much better off with a starter SLR kit!

[xpcoolz]

true, but sometimes, size does matter.

[LochheadJames]

wood you take all that gear up 6000m peak my g10 takes bettor photos than a 400d but not wen it had a shutter sped less than 5s but the g11 is beto at lorn shutor speds

[Meatmiester]

G10 will not take better photos than a 400D, thats a joke. I'd rather take my SLR with a single lens to cover most situations, like an 18-200mm, its not that much kit, perhaps 2kgs?

[mahamza86]

It's the best 2nd camera for photographers.

I love the retro styling of the G series, But they should 've give the HD video.

[DemonicGenocide]

Looks good!. ideal compact for my kit... even though my kit includes 2 NIKON dslrs lmao.

[UncloudedBeing]

Gods! it was so close. I love the articulated LCD. Been missing one since the earlier A640/650 models. BUT... No 1080p HD? No larger CMOS sensor? I'll pass.

[jahakeff]

just what i expected aswell but now i´m thinking about getting the s90 instead!

[lfshannu]

finnally the pixal war is coming to an end

[theroden]

hmmm good upgrades but not enough