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Canon 10 Megapixels PowerShot G11 Review by DCRP

2009-11-23 09:12 | Tag:  PowerShot  Canon  DCRP  Megapixels  Review  | Source
Average Camera Review Rating [11 reviews]
Currently selling at $452 (drop from $492 about a month ago), the G11 replaces the flagship PowerShot G10's 14.7 Megapixels sensor with what it describes as a high sensitivity 10 Megapixels CCD with the same 28-140mm equivalent image stabilized lens. The combination of this new high-sensitivity sensor and the DIGIC 4 image processor has resulted in a 2-stop increase in image quality compared to the G10, with an ISO range of 80-3200 and faster 6400 and 12800 settings at 2.5 megapixels. Other new features include a Dual Anti-Noise System which combines a high sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel image sensor with Canon's enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology to greatly reduce noise and increase quality equal to 2- stops. 

The Dual Anti-Noise System allows photographers to capture full resolution images in difficult low-light conditions. The camera also adds a tilt and swivel LCD, though the size drops to 2.8 inches at 461,000-dots. Flash sync speed increases to 1/2000th of a second and HDMI output is also added. The PowerShot G11 can also be used with a wide range of Canon accessories, including the Speedlite 270EX, 430EX II and 580EX II; Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX and Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX flashes for enhanced shooting options; the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite Bracket and Remote Switch RS-60E3. Underwater photographers can use the PowerShot G11 with the specially designed Waterproof Case WP-DC34 - an underwater housing allowing full control of the camera at depths of up to 40m. The camera recently reached #7 ranking in the week of Oct 11 2009, went up from ranking #20 the previous week. Here is the summary of the latest review by DCRP:

"The PowerShot G11 produces very good quality photos. Canon claimed that the G11 and its new "high sensitivity" CCD would perform better at low light than other cameras in its class, and they weren't lying. While it certainly won't replace a digital SLR, the G11 lets you use sensitivities a full stop higher than your typical compact camera. If you shoot RAW and do some basic post-processing, even ISO 1600 photos (taken in good light) are usable for small prints. And, unlike the last "low light" camera I tested, the PowerShot G11 delivers noise-free images at low ISOs. Exposure was generally good, though like many compacts, the G11 does clip highlights at times. Colors were vibrant, and subjects are smooth yet detailed. Purple fringing levels were relatively low, and the camera did an effective job of preventing redeye in flash photos.

There are a few other things to mention before I wrap things up. First, I want to reiterate the fact that some useful features on the PowerShot G10 were removed on the G11, namely remote capture support, Auto ISO Shift, and voice recording. Despite being a high end camera, you won't be able to get at the G11's memory card slot while the camera is on a tripod. And speaking of which, Canon neither includes a memory card nor built any memory into the G11.

When glance at the comparison table between the PowerShot G10 and G11 that I posted at the start of the review, you might think "wow, what a step down". While the G11 is missing some features from the G10 and has a smaller LCD and a slower burst mode, it's better in virtually every other respect. It offers excellent image quality (including better than average performance in low light) with a solid feature set for both beginners and enthusiasts. The PowerShot G11 isn't a perfect camera, but whether you're an enthusiast looking for a companion for your D-SLR or a beginner who just wants a great point-and-shoot camera, you won't be disappointed with your purchase."

Canon Powershot G11 Sample Photos on Flickr





Canon Powershot G11 Camera Reviews Roundup

ePhotoZine: "Some of the Micro 4/3rds cameras, such as the Panasonic GF1 are about the same size as the G11, but when you add a zoom lens on them they become more 'camera' and less 'pocket', but only a slight increase in overall size gives you a sensor over five times the size, with corresponding improvements in high ISO performance. It wouldn't be too hard to put the body in one pocket and a lens in another. They also come at a..." - Jul 03 2010 More »
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RegHardware: "In use, you can only manually select a maximum of 3200 ISO. The Low Light mode has an automatic facility to increase the sensitivity range to up to 12800 ISO although this comes at the price of resolution which will automatically drop to 2.5Mp. These ISO boosts are a scene-only feature, meaning the user will not be able to select them directly from the ISO dial. It is interesting that in my test the camera neve..." - Mar 19 2010 More »
MacWorld: "The 10.0-megapixel G11 delivers very good images. If you're shooting in JPEG mode, you'll find the in camera processing to be very nice, without going too far. Colors are natural, and the images are not oversharpened. The biggest surprise about the G11 is its excellent high-ISO performance in low light. On previous models, there was no real point in pushing ISO any higher than 400. More than that, and images be..." - Jan 26 2010 More »
Photocrati: "Canon's primary reason for reducing resolution was to improve high ISO performance. That strategy was successful and the G11 definitely provides obvious benefits by ISO 800. At this ISO, the JPEGs are surprisingly smooth, although there's more smudging of fine detail due to noise reduction processing. Even so, I was able to make excellent letter size prints from my technically-best images after some careful sharpeni..." - Dec 29 2009 More »
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dpreview: "Although the G11 faces competition from more sides than its predecessors did, it's still a unique offering. There are more readily pocketable cameras out there that offer similar image quality and, once you're resigned to wearing it around your neck, there are not much larger cameras that will trump it for image quality (though they are more expensive). There are even cameras that offer greater zoom ranges in smalle..." - Dec 16 2009 More »
TrustedReviews: "Unlike many recent compacts the G11 doesn't have HD video recording capability. It records video at 640 x 480 resolution at 30fps with mono audio via an internal microphone. The zoom lens cannot be used while recording, but it does have a stepless digital zoom in video mode. Canon is well known for the excellence of its autofocus systems, and the G11 does nothing to spoil the batting average. It has centre spot..." - Dec 12 2009 More »
PhotoReview: "The claimed improvements in low light performance were evident in our test shots from the review camera. So were the improvements in dynamic range across all light levels when the iContrast was set to Auto.  Autofocusing was as fast and accurate as on the G10 we tested and manual focusing was easy, thanks to the enlargement of the focusing frame. The built-in image stabiliser allowed us to use shutter spee..." - Dec 07 2009 More »
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AkihabaraNews: "Let's put it this way, if you love the G10 look and feel you will love the G11, now if you the G10 did not feel right for you, the G11 will be here as well disappoint you, but this however should not stop you from giving our new PowerShot a try. No really despite some very minor design change, the G11 is just like the G10, with however a nice a addition or should I rather say a nice improvement, coming from our G11..." - Nov 30 2009 More »
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CameraLabs: "The headline feature of the G11 is its low light capability with Canon taking a sensible reverse-turn on its earlier obsession with Megapixels. It works too, with the G11's lower resolution allowing it to perform at least one stop better than its predecessor, and while the Low Light mode ain't pretty at a reduced resolution of 2.5 Megapixels, it's still impressive to shoot in near darkness without a flash at 12,800..." - Nov 16 2009 More »
DigitalCameraInfo: "The Canon PowerShot G11 is a powerful camera that includes a lot of features. In many ways, it is more of an SLR camera than a point and shoot, as it includes the wider ISO range and more comprehensive manual controls that SLRs offer. And it puts these features right out there, with dedicated dials for exposure compensation and ISO on the top, plus a rather large number of buttons on the back. All of this will be we..." - Nov 07 2009 More »
DigitalCameraReview: "I was very pleased with default image quality out of the G11 - virtually all shots used to illustrate this review were shot at 80 ISO and Program auto mode, and all with auto white balance. Indoor with flash, indoor with available light, outdoor - the G11 produced excellent results. If the default settings don't produce images to your liking, the My Colors palette offers a range of color/tone settings as well a..." - Oct 31 2009 More »
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Pocket-lint: "So is it really worth spending as much, or more on the G11 than an interchangeable lens camera such as Panasonic's GF1 or Olympus EP-1, or a full-blown digital SLR with standard APS-C sized sensor? If the choice is a straight one, arguably not: we'd prefer the ability to swap lenses any day. But everyone's requirements are different and the G11 does present photographers with a rather neat all-in-one solution,..." - Oct 30 2009 More »
TechRadar: "The G11 is a great low-light performer, and this, combined with the intelligent metering modes, AF, and generous picture presets, means that it's quite difficult to take a bad photograph with this camera. But it's not perfect by any means, and anyone considering shelling out five hundred quid should consider the following points.We liked: The PowerShot G11 is a very flexible compact with many power feature..." - Oct 24 2009 More »
PhotographyBLOG: "In general terms the Canon PowerShot G11 is capable of capturing plenty of fine detail, especially evident when images are downloaded and examined close up on a desktop, colours being for the most part natural, even when the likes of vivid colour mode are deployed to add some visual punch to blues and greens in landscape shots. When left on default settings, sky detail tends to burn out still, so the ability to..." - Oct 22 2009 More »
ePhotoZine: "It's certainly a camera packed with features and that's something I've always liked about the Canon G series. For the photographer who wants to go out and get quality results without the need for a full DSLR system, the G11 is perfect and I think the drop in resolution was the right way to go judging by the performance and noise tests. Images are sharp and nicely exposed and I like the fun aspect of the camera as we..." - Oct 21 2009 More »
CNET: "Why can the G11 only manage 1.1 frames per second at full resolution in continuous-shooting mode? It's only got 10 megapixels after all, so is this the fastest that Canon's Digic processing technology can go? This sluggishness affects other areas of the camera's operation. The 'quick shot' mode is as good as its word, grabbing pictures with minimal delay -- unless it's still chewing over the last one you took, which..." - Oct 13 2009 More »


Canon Powershot G11 Camera Recent User Reviews

Great Camera!!!!, A. Gentry "bookworm" - Jul 28 2010
I love photography- I have been snapping and developing my own film for years. However, it is a pain to always lug my professional camera with me; especially if I just want a night on the town with my girlfriends. Plus, sometimes I would want someone to take a picture for me and unfortunately unless someone knew about professional SLR cameras no one could work mine! So I had been look...


Huge disappointment after loving the G9 - all pictures are washed out - poor color quality1, Laura - Jul 27 2010
I had the previous version, the Canon Powershot G9, and LOVED IT. It finally stopped working so I immediately ordered the most updated version, the G11. This camera was HORRIBLE. The color is completely washed out in every picture I took on my recent trip to Alaska, and is a huge disappointment. I even adjusted many different things along the way to try and remedy the color, but n...


Canon G11 SDHC Memory Recommendation and Features, Brett - Jul 25 2010
I'll get around to the memory recommendation in a minute. I purchased the Canon G11 and a Canon underwater housing (130' rated) for scuba diving. The combo works very well together. The camera has an underwater preset mode which produces exceptional scuba diving photos. The G11 was a little intimidating at first but after a few hours of punching buttons and reading the manual, it was...


CANON G11, RIPO - Jul 23 2010
GREAT CAMERA, GREAT PICTURES, A LOT OF OPTIONS..... A LITTLE COMPLICATED, I NEED MORE PRACTICE...


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