Canon PowerShot G11

Canon PowerShot G11 Review

The Canon PowerShot G11 is the newest addition to Canon’s high-end compact camera line, primarily directed at the Digital SLR owner searching for a backup compact or the shutterbug who wants DSLR features without the extra bulge.

The Canon G11 may appear at first glance to have a lot of similarities to the G10, its popular predecessor. However, there are numerous key internal and external changes beneath the appealing matt black casing. The megapixel count was reduced from 14.7 to 10, as Canon aims to focus on image superiority instead of mere resolution numbers.

The blend of Canon’s new “high-sensitivity sensor” and the DIGIC 4 image processor produced a 2 f-stop gain in image quality as compared to the G10, with an ISO ranging from 80 to 3200 and rapid 2.5 megapixels 6400 and 12800 settings.

The PowerShot G11’s LCD monitor turned out a bit smaller at 2.8 inches, but the manufacturer more than made up for it by making it a vari-angle screen. The other major highlights of the PowerShot G11 include the 5X 28-140mm zoom lens, optical image stabilizer to reduce or eliminate camera shake, RAW shooting mode, optical viewfinder, 1cm macro mode, flash hotshoe, and wide selection of manual shooting modes.

The PowerShot G11 comes with a 10 megapixel resolution on a new 1/1.7-inch sensor as well as the DIGIC IV image processor designed with High Sensitivity System for enhanced images even under low light conditions. An articulated multi-angle 2.8-inch LCD display complements the optically-stabilized 5X zoom lens which blankets the same 28-140mm focal range as the G10.

The PowerShot G11 provides the retrospective look of the classic rangefinder shooter, and its composite metal body is high-grade. The large optical viewfinder gives a crystal-clear view of the scene, even under bright sunlight.

The PowerShot G11’s round-edged rectangular body is designed with a built-up grip which gives a secure hold to one-handed shooting. Its 2.8 inch LCD screen is of about 461,000 dot composition and provides 100% frame coverage. The articulated display monitor swing through 180 degrees and turns along its axis through 270 degrees.

The display is capable of five levels of lighting and the ability to swing out is of great help in bright outdoor settings. This is where most monitors can oftentimes be hard to use for composing images.

The Canon Powershot G11 bundled package comes with neckstrap, battery, AC battery charger, USB Cable, HDMI Cable, Canon Software CD, camera user guide and warranty card.

To put everything together, nearly all about the features and design of the Canon PowerShot G11 exudes elegance and functionality. With its superior image quality, near-SLR features and ease of operation, the G11 is unquestionably the compact camera of choice for professional digital photographers and serious shutterbugs alike.

However, with dimensions of 112 x 76 x 48mm and weighing in at 355 g, it’s not exactly our idea of compact. But considering its features and wide range of capabilities, we wouldn’t mind the extra bulk.