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Canon PowerShot G

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Front view of PowerShot G7

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 (all models except G7), a lens with a wider maximum aperture than standard PowerShot models, remote capture (except G11), and faster electronics. The range also includes a hot shoe for an external flashgun, including Canon's EX range.

There are nine models in the series, the latest being the G11 in 2009. Canon did not release a G4 (probably because number 4 is considered unlucky in Japan) or a G8.

Main specifications

Model Release
date 		Sensor
resolution, size, type 		Lens (35 mm equiv)
zoom, aperture 		Image processor LCD screen
size, pixels 		Memory Size
W×H×D
(mm) 		Weight
(body, g) 		Photo Notes
G1 September 2000 3.3 MP
2048 × 1536
1/1.8" CCD 		34–102 mm (3×)
f/2.0–2.5 		1.8" vari-angle CF 120 × 77 × 64 420 First member of the Powershot G series.[1]
G2 August 2001 4 MP
2272 × 1704
1/1.8" CCD 		121 × 77 × 64 510 [2]
G3 September 2002 35–140 mm (4×)
f/2.0–3.0 		DIGIC 121 × 74 × 70 481 Introduction of DIGIC processor. Introduction of internal neutral density filter.[3]
G5 June 2003 5 MP
2592 × 1944
1/1.8" CCD 		1.8" vari-angle
118,000 		[4]
G6 August 2004 7.1 MP
3072 × 2304
1/1.8" CCD 		2.0" vari-angle
118,000 		105 × 73 × 73 380 [5]
G7 September 2006 10 MP
3648 × 2736
1/1.8" CCD 		35–210 mm (6×)
f/2.8–4.8 		DIGIC III 2.5" fixed
207,000 		SD, SDHC, MMC 106 × 72 × 43 320 Introduction of DIGIC 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.[6]
G9 August 2007 12.1 MP
4000 × 3000
1/1.7" CCD 		3.0" fixed
230,000 		Similar to the G7. Most notable changes were reintroduction of RAW image format capture, a better LCD, and a new sensor.[7]
G10 October 2008 14.7 MP
4415 × 3312
1/1.7" CCD 		28–140 mm (5×)
f/2.8–4.5 		DIGIC 4 3.0" fixed
461,000 		SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ 109 × 78 × 46 350 Introduced DIGIC 4 and a redesigned wide-angle lens with shorter zoom range. Increased LCD and CCD resolution. New higher-capacity Lithium Ion battery NB-7L.[8]
G11 October 2009 10 MP
3648 × 2736
1/1.7" CCD 		2.8" vari-angle
461,000 		112 × 76 × 48 355 Reduced CCD resolution to 10 MP. Vari-angle screen. Improved noise control – up to ISO 12800 in 2.5 MP resolution.[9]

No remote capture support.

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.

G7 to G11

Canon Powershot G9

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 (6×), 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, G10 and G11.
  • 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 heavily criticized. DPReview stated that they were disappointed with the loss of RAW format[6], 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.[10] RAW support can be enabled on the G7 using a free firmware add-on[11].

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[12], .

The G11, released in 2009, reintroduced the flip out and twist LCD.

Accessories

Canon Powershot G9 with custom accessories

The Powershot G series can accept a number of photographic accessories. 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. Starting with at least the G9 model, there is a bayonet mount on the front of the camera around the lens to directly attach lenses and accessories.

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.

See also

References

  1. ^ Askey, Phil (2000). "Canon G1 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ^ Askey, Phil (2001). "Canon PowerShot G2 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ Askey, Phil (2002). "Canon PowerShot G3 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. ^ Askey, Phil (2003). "Canon PowerShot G5 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Askey, Phil (2004). "Canon PowerShot G6 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ a b Joinson, Simon (2006). "Canon PowerShot G7 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Joinson, Simon (2007). "Canon PowerShot G9 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ^ Wan, Don (2008). "Canon PowerShot G10 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. ^ "Canon unveils PowerShot G11 high-end compact". Digital Photography Review. 19 August 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  10. ^ http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/Canon-G7.shtml
  11. ^ http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK
  12. ^ http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_g9.asp

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Canon PowerShot G.

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