Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD
by Canon
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: CanonModel: G11
Product features:
- New 10-megapixel High Sensitivity System; DIGIC 4 Image Processor
- Bright 2.8-inch Vari-Angle PureColor System LCD plus optical viewfinder
- Wide-angle 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm); Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer
- Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined shooting situations
- RAW + JPEG shooting and recording modes; capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
- Canon ACK-DC50 AC Power Adapter Kit for Canon G10 & G11 Digital Cameras
- Canon WP-DC34 Underwater Housing for Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera
- Canon CB-2LZ Battery Charger for the Canon NB-7L Lithium Ion Battery Pack
- Serif PhotoPlus X3
- Aperture 3
Digital camera reviews of Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD
Digital camera Review: "Best in Class" but with Highlight Clipping Problems
Summary: 4 Stars
As much as I love shooting with my Canon 7D, there are times when it just isn't practical to carry around a bulky camera and bag with additional lenses, flash, etc. The G11 made the most sense for a point & shoot choice since it is more advanced than most other choices in the price range and offers flexibility of settings control for those more serious shooters. My first digital camera was the Canon G2, so it just seemed appropriate to return to the "G" series.
Why the G11 and not the Canon S90? While the S90 is one of the best compact point & shoot cameras going in its price range, for me the G11 has several key must-have features the S90 does not: 1) hotshoe so I can use the same flash unit for the 7D and have much better lighting options than the onboard flash as a result, 2) articulated screen which is an essential for stealth shooting of people for better candid shots, 3) 5x magnification as opposed to 3.8x for the S90. Some will argue that the S90 has a faster lens than the G11, but keep in mind that is only at the widest focal range. When each are zoomed in, the G11 equals and then surpasses the S90 while adding 1.2x more magnification. The manual EV, ISO and mode dials are also a big plus.
After several weeks of shooting with the G11, I have grown fond of its overall performance. However, there are three areas that have come to annoy me with respect to image quality and handling. The first is the apparent limited dynamic range in that highlights will always be clipped or "blown out." Take a picture in direct sunlight and sunlight areas on light objects such as flesh or light fabric will be pure white. Even bright objects on cloudy days show the same behavior. The best way to correct for this other than shooting in RAW and manual settings is to set the EV exposure control from minus 1 1/3 to minus 2 and turn on the i-contrast feature. Turning down the EV will retain more details in bright areas while the i-contrast feature will then recover lost detail in the dark areas made more dark from the negative EV setting. It seems to work pretty well, but you still may need to make post-processing adjustments.
The second gripe I have with the G11 is the performance of the on board flash. Most of the time I have to "dial-in" the flash brightness and exposure compensation to get the best exposure with flash. This is not comforting when you only have the chance for one shot that counts. Closer or further shots will require constant flash/exposure tuning or else you'll risk overly bright or under exposed shots. Addition of the 430 EX II flash used in bounce mode is the best way to go here - but the flash unit is bigger than the camera.
The third issue I have with the camera is more of a subjective one - handling. While this is still a rather "large" point & shoot, it's still too small for my hands. What I find is that I am hitting buttons and changing settings simply when trying to hold the camera for a shot. There is just no room for your thumb and fingers to securely hold this thing (always have a neck or wrist strap on when using). Sometimes just opening the fold out screen introduces a bit of risk in dropping the camera. In that regard, smaller and simpler point and shoot cameras may actually be easier to handle. I can understand now why many people using p&s cameras always seem to have several non-use fingers pointing away in different directions.
Despite the issues I mentioned above, the G11 is still a nice camera to have with you as a travel backup or when you don't have a pressing need for the DSLR. For the best results, it needs its user to know how to use and work with the many setting features as with an SLR. It is not small enough to put in your pocket, especially if put first in a protective carrying case. A travel case for the G11 would either have to go on a belt or in a large purse. On the plus side: it's still much more compact than the classic 'ol G2.
Update (10/24/10): After several months of continual use for when I'm not lugging around my 7D and lenses, I am reminded of the G11 - and virtually all point-and-shoot - limitations. While a good DSLR can be turned on, pointed, zoomed and shot in as quick as one to two seconds, I've found that the G11 will take from five to six seconds to do the same. Sometimes the zoom is non-responsive on the first try. This is mainly an issue if you do that type of photography where you need to capture something quickly. If you try to capture something like a hit-and-run, for instance - forget it. Within its limitations, however, the camera has worked well. I have noticed that the mic system for video on the G11 is apparently very sensitive to wireless signals, resulting in a continuous "crackle" sound if someone has a bluetooth on. In the exact same shooting environment (a vanpool), my 7D does not have an audio issue when shooting video. The main complaint I have with the G11 at this point is ergonomics: the camera is just too small to have the external controls it has. Many times I am inadvertantly pressing options on the multi-function dial without knowing it and suddenly switching to manual focus, or changing the custom color options for video just by holding the camera and opening the flip-out screen. DSLRs are large mainly in part to allowing for optimal ergonomics/quick camera handling with the multitude of external control buttons they have. The G11 is just too small for similar controls as there is no place to securely hold the camera (you end up doing the typical p&s holding routine of non-essential fingers pointed away from the camera in different directions). It is also a bit difficult at times to grip the edge of the flip-out screen with the left thumb and open it. I do like the dials at the top of the camera for EV and ISO but would like to have aperture and shutter speed there as well. Perhaps beyond the G12, Canon will revisit the ergonomic approach. Still a nice compact camera that takes decent pictures, but compared to a DSLR, just expect things to be a lot slooooower and adjust accordingly.
More Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD reviews:
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Summary of Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD
The G Series comes full circle. You asked, and Canon not only listened, but delivered big-time. Advanced amateurs who have overwhelmingly embraced the G Series will be delighted with PowerShot G11, which features RAW mode for unlimited editing options, a 28mm wide-angle lens, and a 2.8-inch Vari-Angle PureColor System LCD. Add to that Canon?s new High Sensitivity System and high-speed ISO for incredible image quality, and Canon?s top-range compact digital camera is a truly groundbreaking successor.Digital Cameras
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