Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Compact Camera

* High-sensitivity 10.0 MP CCD
* 5x, 28mm wide-angle lens with optical IS
* 2.8 inch vari-angle LCD
* Dual Anti-Noise System with DIGIC 4
* Full Manual control & RAW
* Smart Auto mode and Servo AF/AE
* Face Detection
* i-Contrast
* HDMI output
* Canon Speedlite compatibility


TIPA 2010 Award

Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G11

'Well built and user friendly, the PowerShot G11, with all the manual functions that photographers need, is a great tool to work with precision and discretion. The 28-140mm zoom (24x36mm equivalent) and its sensor smartly limited to 10 MP are two evidences of its positioning as an 'expert' camera. It does not try to dazzle beginner but to reassure the specialist.'



Our opinion:

The brand new G11 is a photographer's compact camera of choice. It replaces the award winning and immensely popular G10 - and this latest offering from Canon is improving on its predecessor in several aspects:

Vari-angle LCD
Canon introduced this feature as a direct result of customer feedback because the adaptable screen is better suited to macro and reportage style photography. The screen has a wide viewing angle, which is useful both pre and post-shooting.

Improved Light Sensitivity
Whilst the G10 could take full resolution images up to ISO 1600, the G11 raises the bar to ISO 3200. Plus, a new 'Low Light' mode captures 2.5 Megapixel images up to ISO 12800! If you think 'but the noise level at those ISO settings is going to be intolerable ...', Canon counter that their enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology greatly reduces noise and increases quality: equal to 2-stops.

Enhanced Dynamic Range
Improvements to Canon's DIGIC 4 image processing technology within the PowerShot G11 include enhancements to the already brilliant 'i-Contrast' dynamic range optimization (which helps prevent highlight blowout, while retaining low-light detail).

Enhanced Flash coverage
Compared to it's predecessor, the G11 almost doubles the built-in flash coverage (up to 7 m on a wide angle, 4 m on a telephoto setting)

Built-in ND filter
The G11's built-in 3-stop Neutral Density (ND) filter is very useful if you need to slow down the shutter speed to achieve a certain effect (often used to photograph waterfalls etc).

White balance fine control
which enables photographers to more accurately account for variations in natural and artificial light, such as differences in colour tone across various kinds of tungsten light bulbs.

Interestingly, Canon have elected to reverse the megapixel race with this camera; opting for a lower resolution in the G11 than its predecessors had. This actually makes more sense than might appear at first glance:
It is a common misconception that image quality is determined by megapixels alone - but other factors (such as lens quality and image sensor and processing) play a huge role too.
There is a direct relationship between megapixels and noise; as you increase one, you inevitably increase the other. For this reason, various camera manufacturers have stated at some point or another that the optimum image sensor size is around the 10 megapixel mark.
Plus, having 'smaller' image files means that your computer can handle them faster - and it is also 'memory friendly', both on your computer's hard drive and your camera's memory card.

Overall, the G11 is a well-built, cutting-edge technology compact camera in an almost retro-style body. It has dedicated control dials for the three variables you are most likely to change from taking one image to another: mode, ISO setting, and exposure compensation. It can capture RAW images. Yes, the G11 is undoubtedly pricy - but then again, most people who have invested in a Canon G-series camera in the past love theirs to bits and wouldn't trade it for any other compact on the market. If you are passionate about photography, this is a camera you should definitely consider.

Highly recommended *****

Manufacturer's description:

High-sensitivity 10.0 MP sensor
A high-sensitivity CCD sensor gives outstanding image quality in a wide variety of lighting conditions. Even images taken at high ISOs show exceptionally low noise levels and a wide dynamic range.

Wide-angle lens
Capture more in your frame with a 5x wide-angle (28mm) lens. Canon's optical Image Stabilizer counteracts the effects of camera shake, for blur-free images throughout the zoom range.

2.8 inch vari-angle LCD
A 2.8 inch PureColor II VA LCD (461K dots) lets you frame and shoot comfortably from any angle. Night Display and Quick-Bright functions allow detailed image review in all conditions. An optical viewfinder offers extra framing choice.

Dual Anti-Noise System with DIGIC 4
Working with the high-sensitivity image sensor, Canon's DIGIC 4 processor delivers vastly improved noise performance across the ISO range. Shoot full-resolution images up to ISO 3200, or expand to ISO 12800 in (2.5MP) Low Light mode.

Take control
For total creative control, the PowerShot G11 features Full Manual mode. RAW shooting gives you complete control during post-shoot editing; and with support for Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, digital SLR users can integrate the PowerShot G11 into their existing workflow.

Smart Auto and Shooting Modes
Smart Auto mode analyses subject brightness, contrast, distance, hue and movement. Intelligent Scene Detection Technology then selects from 22 scene types, applying the best settings for optimum output. 27 dedicated shooting modes include Quick Shot and VGA movies.

Intelligent technologies
For perfect portraits, Canon Face Detection technologies include FaceSelf-Timer and Face Select & Track, which tracks focus for a chosen person in the frame. Also included are Canon’s blur-beating Motion Detection Technology and Servo AF/AE for accurate focus and exposure even on a moving subject.

i-Contrast
In shooting or playback, enhanced i-Contrast optimises dynamic range according to the scene- retaining detail in shadows and preventing overexposure of highlights. The result is natural images with the best possible contrast.

HDMI terminal
An HDMI mini output terminal lets you display still shots on any HDMI compatible TV without loss of quality.

Accessories
Discover a world of extra shooting possibilities with Canon's range of Speedlite flashes and flash accessories, a tele-converter, waterproof case and soft cases.

Cashback from Canon on Accessories until 30 September 2010, see ----------

http://www.canon.co.uk/promotions/Index.asp --------------

- Speedlight 270 EX GBP20
- Speedlight 430 EX GBP40
- Speedlight 580 EX GBP75
- Speedlight Transmitter ST-E2 GBP35
- Speedlight Bracket BKT DC1 GBP5
- High Power Flash HF-DC1 GBP15
- Off Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3 GBP10
- Lens Adapter LA-DC58K GBP10
- Tele-Converter TC-58D GBP20
- Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX GBP150
- Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX GBP80
- Remote Switch RS60-E3 GBP5
- Underwater Housing WP-DC34 GBP30
- NB7L GBP10