Canon PowerShot G
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The Canon PowerShot G is a series of digital cameras released by Canon. The G series cameras are Canon's flagship models aimed at prosumer photography enthusiasts desiring more flexibility than a point-and-shoot without the bulk of a digital single-lens reflex camera.
The G series offers features such the use of a lithium ion battery, a flip-out-and-twist LCD (all models except G7, G9 and G10 which have a fixed screen), RAW image format capture, a lens with a wider maximum aperture than standard PowerShot models, remote capture, and faster electronics. The range also includes a hot shoe for an external flashgun, including Canon's EX range.
There are eight models in the series, the latest being the G10 in 2008. Canon did not release a G4 (since number 4 is considered unlucky in Japan) or a G8.
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[edit] Main specifications
| # | Megapixels | Maximum resolution | Optical Zoom (35mm equivalent) | Maximum Aperture Range | LCD | Announced | Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | 3.3 | 2048 x 1536 | 3x (34-102 mm) | F2.0-F2.5 | 1.8" vari-angle | September 2000 | First member of the Powershot G series. |  |
| G2 | 4 | 2272 x 1704 | August 2001 |  |
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| G3 | 4 | 2272 x 1704 | 4x (35-140 mm) | F2.0-F3.0 | September 2002 | Introduction of DiG!C processor. Introduction of internal neutral density filter. |  |
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| G5 | 5 | 2592 x 1944 | June 2003 |  |
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| G6 | 7.1 | 3072 x 2304 | 2.0" vari-angle | August 2004 | ||||
| G7 | 10 | 3648 x 2736 | 6x (35-210 mm) | F2.8-F4.8 | 2.5" fixed | September 2006 | Introduction of DiG!C III processor. Introduction of a new lens brought a 1 cm macro mode and lens shift optical image stabilisation. Maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200. Face detection auto focus. The only G series camera to lack RAW mode capture. No Compact Flash support. | |
| G9 | 12.1 | 4000 x 3000 | 3.0" fixed. | August 2007 | Similar to the G7. Most notable changes were reintroduction of RAW image format capture, a better LCD, and a new sensor. |  |
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| G10 | 14.7 | 4415 x 3312 | 5x (28-140 mm) | F2.8-4.5 | October 2008 | Introduced DiG!C 4 and a redesigned wide-angle lens with shorter zoom range. Increased LCD and CCD resolution. New higher-capacity Lithium Ion battery NB-7L. |  |
[edit] G1 to G6
Common features across the early G series were:
- A fast lens (minimum F number of 2.0).
- A flip out and twist LCD, along with a smaller status LCD on the top of the camera.
- RAW image format capture.
- 1/1.8" CCD sensor.
- Manual selection of aperture and shutter priority.
- Custom white balance.
- Built in flash.
- Hot-shoe for external flash.
- USB connectivity.
- A Compact Flash card slot.
- Availability of optional wide and teleconverter lenses.
- Canon’s proprietary EOS shooting modes, allowing the photographer to select different exposure settings for different environments.
- Included infrared remote control.
- In-built neutral density filter from the G3 onwards.
- Lithium ion battery.
[edit] G7 to G10
The G7 marked a major change in the G series. Previous G series models had featured a fast lens, RAW image format capture, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD. These were all considered hallmark features of the G series, but were removed or altered for the G7. Some of the major changes included:
- Introduction of a lens with a minimum F number of 2.8, compared to 2.0 in other G series cameras. Although slower, this lens introduced improvements such as optical image stabilisation, a higher zoom range (6x), and a macro mode that would focus as close as 1 cm. The lens would also retract completely into the camera.
- Change to a fixed LCD rather than a tilt-and-swivel model. The fixed LCD was larger (2.5" versus 2.0" on the G6) and increased the number of pixels by 75%.
- Removal of RAW image format on G7, but returned for the G9 and G10.
- No infrared remote control.
- Change from CompactFlash to SDHC card storage.
- Black, mostly metal, body.
Many of the changes made allowed the G7 to be significantly slimmer than previous G series cameras (e.g., the thickness of the G7 is 4.25 cm while the G6 is 7.3 cm), making it more portable.
The decision to remove RAW shooting support was criticized. DPReview stated that they were disappointed with the loss of RAW format[1], while Luminous Landscape stated that the removal of RAW meant that too many technical decisions had to be made while shooting instead of post-processing.[2] RAW support can be enabled on the G7 using a free firmware add-on[3].
The G9 was released in 2007. Among its features were restored RAW support, a larger LCD screen, and a 1/1.7" sensor rather than the 1/1.8" sensor on previous models[4], .
[edit] Exclusion of PowerShot G4
Canon, based in Japan, omitted the number 4 from the range due to cultural superstition (tetraphobia).
- "The word "four" is read as "si" in Chinese Mandarin and "shi" in Japanese, a close homonym for the word for death in both languages.
Amateur Photographer magazine[volume & issue needed] also supported this:
- "the truth behind the leap from 3 to 5 is one based on cultural superstition — in Japan, the number 4 is considered unlucky. This is because the pronunciation of 4 — “shi” — is the same pronunciation as death. This is the reason why the EOS range jumps from the EOS 3 to EOS 5, and why the latest IXUS digital compacts bucks the trend of the IXUS v2 and IXUS v3 models by becoming the IXUS 400. Indeed, to find a Canon camera with a model number 4 you have to look back as far as the 1950s to the Canon IV."
[edit] Accessories
The Powershot G series can accept a number of photographic accessories. Although neither the camera body nor the lens is threaded for direct attachment, filters and other threaded lens accessories can be used with an adapter tube. Adapter tubes are available from Canon or third party suppliers. Most adapter tubes have 58 mm filter threads. In addition to standard filters and close-up lenses, the adapter tube can be used to attach wide angle or telephoto converter lenses to the Powershot G series.
Powershot G series cameras have a standard threaded socket for mounting to a monopod or tripod. This can also be used for attaching the camera to various brackets or adapters.
With the hot-shoe for external flash, the Powershot G series can accept not only compatible flash units but also various connecting cords and wireless triggers. However, the Powershot G series is sensitive to the voltage produced by certain flash units, particularly older designs. Canon recommends that the maximum trigger voltage be less than 6 volts for any flash or accessory attached to the hot-shoe.
Flash compatibility is somewhat of an issue with the Powershot G series. Canon EX flashes are compatible but all EX features may not necessarily be usable. In particular, when the Powershot G is in manual exposure mode, the external flash is also in manual mode; that is, ETTL flash control is not operable.
