Revisión basada en una producción Powershot

teoria sociocultural google booksCanon Powershot G12 
Quick Review

January 2011 | Barnaby Britton


Review based on a production Powershot G12

This is the latest in our series of 'Quick Reviews.' We use this format for cameras that are operationally similar and identical in terms of output to models we've already reviewed. We test to confirm the image quality is identical (noise tests and shots of our 'compared to' studio scene at all ISOs), then concentrate the review on the differences between the two cameras. To learn everything about the camera you are interested in we recommend reading not only the Quick Review but also the full review of the Canon Powershot G11.

Canon's Powershot G-series is a stalwart of the high-end compact camera market. Originally designed to offer film SLR users a (relatively) affordable ladder into enthusiast digital imaging, over the past ten years G-series cameras have evolved to become what they are now - aspirational, high-quality compact cameras and attractive second bodies for existing DSLR users, fitting into the niche between 'mainstream' compact offerings and small DSLRS. 

As you may have seen in our recent high-end compact camera group test, competition in this segment of the market is fierce. But not only does the Canon Powershot G12 have to contend with this most recent crop of compact cameras, it also faces stiff competition from an entirely new category - mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In recent months, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony and Samsung have started attacking the high-end compact market aggressively with high-quality, but small cameras with much larger (APS-C or Four Thirds) sensors. A camera like the recently unveiled Olympus PEN E-PL2 with its collapsible 14-42mm kit zoom isn't much bigger (or more expensive) than the G12, and it has a considerably larger Four Thirds sensor (over 5x the light-collecting area).

Along with the Nikon Coolpix P7000, the Canon Powershot G12 is the largest 'traditional' (i.e. fixed lens, small sensor) compact camera currently available. Is the convenience of its 28-140mm (equivalent) built-in zoom and articulated LCD enough to make it stand out from today's crop of compact and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras? Read our quick review to find out.

Compared to Canon Powershot G11 - key differences

The G12 is extremely similar to its predecessor the G11 in terms of specification, but Canon has made some significant improvements. Here is a list of the key differences:

• Slightly lighter (by 4g)

• Higher resolution video mode (720p up from VGA)

• ISO expansion up to 12,800 (at 2.5MP)

• ISO control in 1/3EV steps

• New front control dial (similar to that found on EOS DSLRs)

• Greater choice of aspect ratios

• Hybrid IS mode

• HDR mode

• Electronic spirit level

• Tracking AF mode

Conclusion - Pros

• Good image quality, useable results achievable up to ISO 3200 (if shooting Raw)

• Accurate metering and focus

• Good JPEG resolution (though stick to Raw for best results)

• Fast and responsive in use

• Excellent build quality

• Good ergonomics (extra control dial makes a lot of difference)

• Lots of manual control (we love the big chunky dials)

• Customizable control dials

• Versatile and sharp 28-140mm lens with effective stabilization

• Articulated LCD screen

Conclusion - Cons

▪ Poor optical finder (but no worse than G11/Nikon P7000)

▪ No direct video recording button

▪ 24fps maximum frame rate in 720p movie mode (although many people prefer this to 30fps+)

▪ Rear control dial can be hard to manipulate precisely

▪ Video function lacks finesse - no zooming or AF during recording

▪ Bulkier than some competitors

Overall conclusion

For this Quick review we ran some basic studio tests to confirm that the G12's still image quality is essentially identical to the G11. To get all the in-depth information that you expect from a dpreview review on the Canon Powershot G12 you'll have to read both this article and our in-depth review of the Canon Powershot G11.

Although barely a year separates the release of the two models, the Canon Powershot G12 was launched into a considerably

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