Canon PowerShot G

Canon PowerShot G series
Type Digital Camera
Sensor
Maximum resolution See table below
Lens See table below
Flash 50cm - 70m (wide), 50cm - 4.0m (tele)
Shutter Mechanical shutter + electronic shutter
Shutter speed range 1/1600 – 1 sec. (Auto mode), 1/1600 to 15 sec.
G1 X: 1/4000 – 60 sec. in all modes
ASA/ISO range Auto, ISO 80 – 3200 (in 1/3-step increments)
G1 X: Auto, ISO 100 – 12800 (1/3-step increments)
Metering modes Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot (fixed to center)
Focus modes Single, Continuous (only available in Auto mode), Servo AF/AEl
Custom WB Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Underwater, Custom
Rear LCD monitor See table below
Storage
Dimensions See table below
Weight See table below
Made in  Japan

The Canon PowerShot G is a series of digital cameras released by Canon. The G series cameras are Canon's flagship compact models aimed at photography enthusiasts desiring more flexibility than a point-and-shoot without the bulk of a digital single-lens reflex camera.

The G series offers features such as the use of a lithium-ion battery, full manual exposure control, an articulated LCD screen (G7, G9, G10, G15, and G16 have a fixed screen), Raw image format capture (all models except G7), a lens with a wider maximum aperture than standard PowerShot models, remote capture (except G11), and faster image processing. The range also includes a hot shoe (except G7X) for an external flashgun, including Canon's EX range. Three models in the series have larger sensors than most other point-and-shoot cameras (G1X, G1X Mark II, G7X).

Main specifications

G1 to G6

Common features across the early G series were:

G7 to G12

Canon Powershot G9

The G7 marked a major change in the G series. Previous G series models had featured a fast lens, Raw image format capture, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD. These were all considered hallmark features of the G series, but were removed or altered for the G7. Some of the major changes included:

Many of the changes made allowed the G7 to be significantly slimmer than previous G series cameras (e.g., the thickness of the G7 is 4.25 cm while the G6 is 7.3 cm), making it more portable.

Canon's removal of RAW shooting support was heavily criticized. DPReview expressed their disappointed with the loss of RAW format,[1] while Luminous Landscape stated that the removal of RAW required too many technical decisions had to be made while shooting instead of during post-processing.[2] RAW support can be enabled on the G7 using a free firmware add-on.

The G9 was released in 2007. Among its features were restored RAW support, a larger LCD screen, and a 1/1.7″ sensor rather than the 1/1.8″ sensor on previous models.[3]

The G11, released in 2009, reintroduced the flip out and twist LCD (2.8″). It also features a lower resolution sensor than that of its predecessor, the G10, because the new CCD favoured low light performance over resolution.[4]

G1 X

The G1 X was introduced in February 2012 and is a significant step out of the traditional G-line because of its much larger sensor, and it is the first model featuring a CMOS sensor. The G1 X's sensor measures 18.7 x 14.0 mm (1.5"), which makes it even 16 percent bigger than the Micro Four Thirds standard (MFT), and 20 percent smaller than APS-C Canon sensor. The camera is also bigger and heavier than the other G-series cameras, and the zoom range in equivalent 35mm is only 28-112mm (4x).[5] With its maximum aperture over its zoom range being F2.8-5.8, and with its sensor smaller than Canon APS-C sensor, the G1 X camera-lens system can be compared to the APS-C DSLRs using the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Kit Lens: the G1 X is a little faster (wider aperture) at the wide angle and comparable thereafter, but with a longer zoom.

Released at early 2014, the G1 X Mark II has a 13.1-megapixel (in 4:3 aspect ratio), but still 1.5" CMOS sensor as the predecessor, a 24-120mm (5x) f/2-3.9 relatively a fast zoom lens, for better shallow depth of field throughout the maximum-aperture range, and sharp shots even in low light, a DIGIC 6 processor with capability to take 1080/60p MP4 video shoots, but neither optical viewfinder or EVF available and no microphone input and headphone jack.[6][7]

Although G1 X Mark II sensor is larger than MFT sensor, the Sensor Overall Score of DxO Labs is only 58 points, while the MFT Olympus OM-D E-M10 gets 72 points and the MFT Panasonic DMC-GM1 gets 66 points.[8]

G15 and G16

For more details on this topic, see Canon PowerShot G16.

The G15 marked a return to a lens faster than those of early G cameras. Other features of the G15 include:

The G16 shows only minor improvements over the G15, for example:

G7 X

For more details on this topic, see Canon PowerShot G7 X.

With the G7 X, Canon added its own model to the large-sensor compact camera market. The G7X is Canon's first 1-inch sensor model, and boasts 20.2-megapixels and the DIGIC 6 image processor. Despite this, the camera is still small enough to be pocketable, like its primary competitor, the Sony RX100. It has a 4.2x zoom (24-100mm in 35mm format), a maximum aperture of f/1.8-f/2.8, ISO 12800, Full HD video shooting, 31 AF points, and Wi-Fi/NFC support. It inherits many features from previous G-series cameras, including the comparable G1X Mark II. The camera is the first G-series camera to lack a hot shoe for mounting external flash units.

G3 X

For more details on this topic, see Canon PowerShot G3 X.

G5 X and G9 X

Model details

Model Release
date
Sensor
resolution, size, type
Lens (35 mm equiv)
zoom, aperture
Image
pro-
cessor
LCD screen
size, subpixels
Mem-
ory
card
Size
W×H×D
(mm)
Weight
(body)
Notes
G1
September 2000 3.3 MP
2048 × 1536
1/1.8″ CCD
34–102 mm (3×)
f/2.0–2.5
1.8″ vari-angle CF 120 × 77 × 64 420 g Initial PowerShot G series model.[9]
G2
August 2001 4 MP
2272 × 1704
1/1.8″ CCD
121 × 77 × 64 510 g [10]
G3
September 2002 35–140 mm (4×)
f/2.0–3.0
DIGIC 121 × 74 × 70 481 g Introduction of DIGIC processor. Introduction of internal neutral density filter.[11]
G5
June 2003 5 MP
2592 × 1944
1/1.8″ CCD
1.8″ vari-angle
118,000
[12]
G6
August 2004 7.1 MP
3072 × 2304
1/1.8″ CCD
2.0″ vari-angle
118,000
105 × 73 × 73 380 g [13]
G7
September 2006 10 MP
3648 × 2736
1/1.8″ CCD
35–210 mm (6×)
f/2.8–4.8
DIGIC III 2.5″ fixed
207,000
SD, SDHC, MMC 106 × 72 × 43 320 g Introduction of DIGIC III processor. Introduction of a new lens brought a 1 cm macro mode and lens shift optical image stabilisation. Maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200. Face detection auto focus. The only G series camera to lack RAW mode capture. No Compact Flash support.[1]
G9
August 2007 12.1 MP
4000 × 3000
1/1.7″ CCD
3.0″ fixed
230,000
Similar to the G7. Most notable changes were reintroduction of Raw image format capture, a better LCD, and a new sensor.[14]
G10
October 2008 14.7 MP
4416 × 3312
1/1.7″ CCD
28–140 mm (5×)
f/2.8–4.5
DIGIC 4 3.0″ fixed
461,000
SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ 109 × 78 × 46 350 g Introduced DIGIC 4 and a redesigned wide-angle lens with shorter zoom range. Increased LCD and CCD resolution. New higher-capacity Lithium Ion battery NB-7L.[15]
G11
October 2009 10 MP
3648 × 2736
1/1.7″ CCD
2.8″ vari-angle
461,000
112 × 76 × 48 355 g Reduced CCD resolution to 10 MP. Vari-angle screen. Improved noise control – up to ISO 12800 in 2.5 MP resolution. Second curtain sync for flash. Added HDMI Out.[16]

No remote capture support.

G12
September 2010 112.1 × 76.2 × 48.3 351 g Adds 720p video recording, front control dial, and Hybrid IS.[17]
G1 X
January 2012 14.3 MP
4352 × 3264
1.5″ CMOS
28–112 mm (4×)
f/2.8–5.8
DIGIC 5 3.0″ vari-angle
920,000
SD, SDHC, SDXC 117 × 81 × 65 492 g First PowerShot G with CMOS. Introduced DIGIC 5 and a redesigned 4× wide-angle lens. Adds 1080p video recording.
G15
September 2012 12 MP
4000 × 3000
1/1.7″ CMOS
28–140 mm (5×)
f/1.8-2.8
3.0″ fixed
922,000
107 × 76 × 40 352 g Adds a quicker zoom lens (f1.8-2.8 rather than f2.8-4.5) with 'intelligent IS' image stabilization, adds 1080p video recording (24 fps), adds a dedicated movie record button, quicker autofocus, extended ISO range (up to 12800), fixed rather than articulated screen.[18]
G16 August 2013 DIGIC 6 109 × 76 × 40 356 g Adds Wi-Fi and DIGIC 6.
G1 X Mark II February 2014 3:2 12,8 MP
4.352 x 2.904
4:3 13.1 MP
4.160 x 3.120
1.5″ CMOS
24–120 mm (5×)
f/2.0–3.9
3.0″ tilt LCD
1.040.000
116 x 74 x 66 558 g Introduced a redesigned 5× wide-angle lens.
G7 X September 2014 20 MP 1″ BSI-CMOS 24–100 mm (4.2×)
f/1.8–2.8
3.0″ tilt LCD
1.040.000
103 x 60 x 40 304 g First PowerShot G to not have a hot shoe
G3 X October 2015 20 MP 1″ BSI-CMOS 24-600 mm (25)
f/2.8-5.6
3.0″ tilt LCD
1.040.000
123 x 77 x 105 733 g
G5 X October 2015 20 MP 1″ BSI-CMOS 24–100 mm (4.2×)
f/1.8–2.8
3.0″ articulated LCD
1.040.000
353 g112 x 76 x 44 353 g
G9 X October 2015 20 MP 1″ BSI-CMOS 24–84 mm (4.2×)
f/1.8–2.8
3.0″ LCD
1.040.000
98 x 58 x 31 209 g
G7 X Mark II February 2016 20 MP 1″ BSI-CMOS 24–100 mm (4.2×)
f/1.8–2.8
DIGIC 7 3.0″ tilt LCD
1.040.000
106 x 61 x 42 319 g

Accessories

Canon Powershot G9 with custom accessories

The Powershot G series can employ several photographic accessories:

Starting from the G7, there is a bayonet mount on the front of the camera around the lens to directly attach lenses and accessories.

Powershot G series cameras have a standard threaded socket for mounting to a monopod or tripod. This can also be used for attaching the camera to various brackets or adapters.

With the hot-shoe for external flash, the Powershot G series can accept not only compatible flash units but also various connecting cords and wireless triggers. However, the Powershot G series is sensitive to the voltage produced by certain flash units, particularly older designs. Canon recommends that the maximum trigger voltage be less than 6 volts for any flash or accessory attached to the hot-shoe.

Flash compatibility is somewhat of an issue with the Powershot G series. Canon EX flashes are compatible but all EX features may not necessarily be usable. In particular, when the Powershot G is in manual exposure mode, the external flash is also in manual mode; that is, ETTL flash control is not operable.

Use by a journalist

John D McHugh used a G12 when covering the Bahraini uprising.[19]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Joinson, Simon (November 2006). "Canon PowerShot G7 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  2. Canon G7 Review - Luminous Landscape
  3. Canon PowerShot G9 digital camera specifications: Digital Photography Review
  4. Canon PowerShot G11 review: verdict, G11 vs Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic LX3 vs G10 vs SX20 IS | Cameralabs
  5. Lars Rehm, R Butler, and Andy Westlake. "Canon PowerShot G1 X Review". Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  6. Zach Honig (February 11, 2014). "Canon updates high-end PowerShot lineup with $799 G1 X Mark II".
  7. Zach Honig (February 13, 2014). "Canon's burly PowerShot G1 X Mark II is a pleasure to use".
  8. Kevin Carter. "Canon PowerShot G1X II sensor review: Strong contender". Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  9. Askey, Phil (September 2000). "Canon G1 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  10. Askey, Phil (August 2001). "Canon PowerShot G2 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  11. Askey, Phil (December 2002). "Canon PowerShot G3 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  12. Askey, Phil (July 2003). "Canon PowerShot G5 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  13. Askey, Phil (December 2004). "Canon PowerShot G6 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  14. Joinson, Simon (October 2007). "Canon PowerShot G9 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  15. Wan, Don (November 2008). "Canon PowerShot G10 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  16. "Canon unveils PowerShot G11 high-end compact". Digital Photography Review. 19 August 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  17. "Canon releases PowerShot G12 premium compact". Digital Photography Review. 14 September 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  18. "Canon PowerShot G15 hands-on preview". Digital Photography Review. 2012-09-17. Retrieved 2012-09-17.
  19. Coomes, Phil (25 March 2011). "John D McHugh on covering protests in Bahrain". Viewfinder a blog about photos in the news. BBC. Retrieved 25 March 2011.

External links

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