Canon PowerShot G12 Digital Compact Camera

* HS System
* High-sensitivity 10 MP CCD
* 28mm wide, 5x zoom lens, Hybrid IS
* 7.0 cm (2.8in) vari-angle LCD, Electronic Level, OVF
* Front Dial, Full Manual & RAW
* 720p HD movies, HDMI
* High Dynamic Range mode
* Smart Auto
* Multi-Aspect Shooting
* Extensive accessory system



Our opinion:

The PowerShot G12 is a 'Photographer's camera'. It gives you everything you need to take exceptional images on good old-fashioned command dials: Programme selector, ISO speed dial and an exposure adjustment dial. This fact alone is arguably worth it's weight in gold.

Other features photographers will appreciate include:

* RAW capture - facilitating incredible exposure adjustment after shooting.
* Quality optics - the lens on the G12 is outstanding for a compact camera.
* 5x optical zoom (35mm equivalent 28-140mm) delivering high fidelity over the entire range.
* Multi-Aspect shooting in 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 16:9 and 4:5 formats
* New Electronic Level function aids the capture of level horizons.
* Improved low light performance (see below)
* Improved 'hybrid' image stabilisation, up to 4 extra stops
* Full manual control
* Optical viewfinder

Canon have improved the G12's low light performance with a new Canon technology named 'HS System'. This combines a high-sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel CCD sensor and high-performance DIGIC 4 processor - designed to provide outstanding image quality in all lighting conditions, including low light.

There is also a new 'High Dynamic Range' shooting mode - but sadly this is limited to the days you have your tripod with you as it involves taking 3 images of the same scene at different exposures, which are then combined within the camera.

In short
The G12 is an exceptional quality digital compact camera. Yes, it does have the price tag of an entry level DSLR - but then again, it neither has the weight nor the bulk of a DSLR. Does it deliver the image quality of a DSLR? Well, that largely depends on the lens used with the DSLR - but we'd say that it's close in a lot of shots. Amazingly close.

Highly recommended *****

HS System with High-sensitivity 10 MP CCD and DIGIC 4
The HS System is a powerful combination of high-sensitivity sensor and DIGIC 4 processor - providing exceptional low-light shooting capabilities. Higher ISO reduces the need for flash and allows faster shutter speeds to reduce blur when the subject is in motion.

28mm wide, 5x zoom lens with Hybrid IS
A high-quality genuine Canon lens covering 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) allows for flexibility and clarity. The optical Image Stabilizer corrects camera shake up to 4-stops, while Hybrid IS gives sharp results when shooting macro.

7.0 cm (2.8in) vari-angle LCD, Electronic Level, OVF
The vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD offers superb colour rendition and contrast and can be adjusted for shooting at awkward angles. Electronic Level display shows a level indicator on screen to check the camera is horizontal while an optical viewfinder allows the user to compose using their own shooting style.

Take Full Control
The PowerShot G12 features Full Manual mode with RAW format giving the user complete control during post-shot editing; and with support for Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, digital SLR users can integrate the PowerShot G12 into an existing workflow.

HD movies with HDMI
As well as shooting high quality stills, the PowerShot G12 can capture 720p HD Movies with stereo sound. Results can be played back with no loss in quality via the HDMI terminal.

High Dynamic Range mode
In high contrast scenes, a conventional digital camera can struggle to capture detail in shadows and highlights. When placed on a tripod the High Dynamic Range mode takes multiple exposures of the same scene and combines them in-camera to capture a high contrast scene in detail.

Smart Auto
Smart Auto uses Scene Detection Technology to detect the appropriate scene from a possible 28, to obtain the best result. Smart Flash Exposure intelligently controls flash power and usage.

Multi-Aspect Shooting
The user can shoot in a range of formats including 3:2, 1:1, 16:9 and 4:5 allowing perfect composition at the time of shooting without the need to post-process.

Extensive accessory system
The PowerShot G12 supports a range of accessories including a Lens Filter Adapter which allows the addition of 58mm filters. A hotshoe allows for the use of Canon Speedlite flashes while a Waterproof Case allows the user to use the camera underwater up to 40m.