Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x

An Amazing Camera!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I actually still shoot film the vast majority of the time however I purchased my mother a G-10 for her birthday last year and spent a couple weeks using the camera so I could adequately teach her how to use it. I have since borrowed it on numerous occasions and was actually about to buy my own G-10 but then I heard about the G-11 so I figured I would wait and buy the new upgraded version. I am glad I did just that. For me this camera is worth upgrading to just for the swivel LCD view screen on the back. I cant tell you how many times I have shot outdoors and was completely unable to see the LCD screen even when you shaded it with one of your hands. Adding the swivel option basically eliminates this problem. This option is so nice when shooting outdoors that I am honestly thinking about upgrading my mothers camera for this one reason alone as she doesn’t have the best eyesight which means if I am having problems seeing the viewfinder, I can only imagine how hard it is for her to see it.

The next best thing I have noticed about this camera is its improved film speed ratings. I have already done a lot of testing with the G-11 and to say that they have improved the speed ratings is a huge understatement especially in the higher film speed settings. I was extremely hesitant to use a film speed over 400 with the G-10 yet I am using speeds above 800 with the G-11. Depending on the conditions your shooting in you should see anywhere from a 1.0 to 2.0 stop difference. I did some tests where the G-11 shot pictures at 800 that were basically equivalent to a 200 on the G-10. I was hoping for an improvement in this area but wasn’t expecting this big of an improvement.

The next biggest improvement has to be with the auto mode. I tested the auto mode extensively with the G-10 as that was going to be the mode my mother used the most, at least out of the gate, and I was unimpressed. There were too many shooting situations to count that easily fooled the camera into shooting with settings that were less than optimal. You would still get decent results but it definitely needed improvement and they have done just that. Running the identical tests I did with the G-10 clearly showed that this camera is much better at selecting the appropriate shooting mode. Some conditions were drastic improvements. This is probably the 2nd biggest reason why I am most likely going to be upgrading my mothers camera to a G-11.

A lot of people were concerned with the G-11 as it actually has a smaller picture size than the G-10. The G-10 has a 14.7 MP size and the G-11 only has a 10 MP size. Overall that’s a 32% decrease in maximum size. People who have a high understanding of digital imaging sensors knew not to worry as the MP size is not the most important aspect to an imaging chip. Details such as dynamic range, image noise and low-light performance are just as important, if not more important, when discussing overall image quality. I for one have always hated the MP war as we passed the quality that the vast majority of the population would be content with a long time ago. It has basically become a numbers game where people think that bigger is better and they just don’t seem to grasp that they will never have any use for such high MP images. So I tip my hat to Canon for taking this extremely bold step as this is the FIRST time that we have seen resolution reduced in a line of cameras that is still progressing forward. IMO this is the white flag that signifies the war of the MP is finally coming to an end and we will finally see companies focused on these other, equally important, image qualities as much as they have been with the MP size. As for the image quality of the new sensor, its outstanding! I immediately noticed a difference in the overall quality of the images. They seem richer with much less compression on the higher and lower ends. If I had the choice of choosing between the G-10 sensor and the G-11 sensor I would take the G-11 sensor every single time. Again a big tip of the hat to Canon for boldly choosing to go this route with the G-11 sensor.

The G-11 retains the same 5x optical zoom lens from the G-10 which in case your unaware is equivalent to a 28mm to 140mm lens. Also the same is the aperture settings which go from f/2.8 to f/4.5 depending on the zoom setting. Shutter speeds range from 1/4,000 to 15 seconds and it has the same metering modes as the G-10 (evaluative, center-weighted and spot). Thankfully they didn’t make any changes to the manual dials at the top of the camera as that is easily one of my favorite aspects to these cameras. ISO speed and the camera mode dials let you quickly and easily switch the most important settings. I an an old school photographer so I still prefer dials to buttons. IMO its the best set up out of all the point and shoots on the market.

2 other noticeable improvements include an increased flash sync speed of 1/2000 and a high-definition HDMI connector (Dont worry it still has the USB 2.0 connection).

The bottom line is that Canon has taken the G-10, which was easily one of the best point and shoots on the market, and made some outstanding improvements that have taken this camera line to a whole new level. If your one of those people who care more about how many MPs your camera has than the actual image quality of the camera then you should stick with the G-10. If however you are more concerned with image quality than MP’s then drop what your doing, list your G-10 on eBay and run out and buy the G-11. The image quality, improved noise performance, and swivel back LCD screen make this camera absolutely worth every penny.

The only negative thing I can say about this camera is in regards to Canon’s sheer ignorance when it comes to the lack of standard size filter threads. How hard would it be to design this camera so it had a 52 or 58mm threaded lens opening? Trust me when I tell you it would be extremely easy. At the very least they could design it so all you needed was a simple step up ring to 52mm or 58mm. Instead they leave out threads altogether and make you go out and spend around a hundred bucks on a 3rd party aluminum lens tube that then allows you to use 58mm and 72mm filters. The “Plastic” Canon Lens tube isn’t even an option as its so poorly designed. It just really annoys me that canon totally ignores this aspect of this camera. In all honesty threaded lens openings should be mandatory for all cameras, even point and shoots. Again it would be EXTREMELY Easy to change.

Overall the G-11 is simply an amazing, must buy, camera.

5 Stars!!

Edit……

The more I thought about it the more I thought I should come on here and be more specific in regards to the lens tube issue. While Amazon will not allow me to write the name of the company that makes the aluminum lens tube that people should buy if they want to use filters with the G-10 or G-11, I can however be specific in regards to which one you absolutely should not buy which ironically is the one made by Canon. The lens tube that you should stay away from is the LA-DC58K Lens Adapter and here is a link to that item.

Canon LA-DC58K Conversion Lens Adapter for Canon G10 Digital Cameras

There are multiple problems with the LA-DC58K. First its plastic which means the overall quality is much lower than the other options on the market, besides plastic threads are never a good idea as they wear down with time making it harder and harder to properly screw things in as it ages. This simply doesn’t happen with brass or aluminum threads. The biggest problem with the LA-DC58K is that it doesn’t fit soundly on the camera. Once installed it should be 100 movement free, in other words it should have a nice sound fit and that just isn’t what you get with the LA-DC58K. It rattles around and is completely unstable once fitted in the camera and this is simply inexcusable. As if this wasn’t enough you also get severe vignetting at wide angles and the tube isn’t long enough thus it restricts full zoom ability. I honestly have absolutely no clue how this accessory was allowed to go to market in its current condition.

I know it may seem unbelievable that Canon could design an accessory for one of its flagship models that has this many problems but believe it as everything I wrote is 100% accurate. I am one of the unfortunate people that ordered the LA-DC58K. It was absolutely horrid and was boxed up and returned after less than an hour of use. Its a shame that I cant give the name of the company that makes the aluminum version but since its not sold on Amazon its against their policy to list it. Just Google “Aluminum lens tube canon G10″ and you should easily find the company that produces it.

I hope this helps!

Great camera, my favorite
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This camera takes a great picture, it shoots in RAW, it takes super macro shots and is easy to carry around. I love this camera.

Everything I Wanted
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
A few days hands-on with a new camera have allowed me to form some opinions. Overall I am very impressed, the camera looks to be everything I wanted. Build quality appears to be up to the G-series standard. The wider lens gained with the G10 and carried over to the G11 is distinct improvement. Photo quality meets my high expectations, what else do you want to know?

I am not writing this entry as a complete review, the digital photography websites will do a far more thorough job of that. But I do have some comments on the camera I wanted to put here. Much of my comparison is against the Powershot G9, as I never have never seriously used the G10.

After using the Canon G9 for so long I have had no issue in learning the controls of the G11, most are located in the same places, the menus are mostly unchanged. This was true from the very first frame when I was using the camera in the dark. The only real difference is in the top wheels, where exposure compensation is now a direct control and not a rear thumbwheel action. Considering how often I use this function the top wheel is a very welcome improvement. ISO gain is below the main function wheel, something that has the benefit of being harder to actuate. I had a few instances on the G9 of finding I was using a high ISO when I wanted low ISO as this wheel had gotten accidentally changed.

The camera is a bit larger than the G9, most of that seems to be front to back. The data sheet shows the camera to be 5mm (1/4″) thicker than my G9, you feel that 5mm when gripping the camera. It takes a larger pocket to hold the G11. The camera just fit in the shirt pocket of the aloha shirt I was wearing when unpacking the camera, but barely, not certain I would call this a pocket camera.

The return of the flip-out viewscreen is welcome, but with mixed feelings. The loss of 0.2″ in screen size from the G9 is not an issue, despite some negative comments I have read on other sites. I enjoy the ability to compose a photo with the camera held over my head or close to the ground. This is something I loved about my old Nikon 995 and allows some great creative possibilities. I worry a bit about the robustness of the screen assembly, will I inadvertently damage the screen or the swivel mechanism?

I do forget that the screen can be swung out. At least twice already I have found myself in an uncomfortable position trying to compose a frame before realizing I can just flip out the screen and stop straining my neck. Duh!

The screen is just beautiful, nice color, bright and with very high resolution. Some difficulty seeing the screen in full sunlight unless you turn up the brightness all the way, annoying to do when the setting is buried in a menu. The screen also shows every little greasy fingerprint, it is nearly impossible to avoid putting a finger on the screen during handling.

One price of the larger area taken up by the flip-out viewscreen is a smaller area for the rear panel controls. They are certainly more compact than the G9, I have had some issues with my fat thumb when using the wheel and rocker. I suspect these will go away as I become more practiced with the camera.

I have now taken a fair number of photographs under a wide range of conditions. The low light performance is a dramatic improvement over the Canon G9. I had done specific testing with the G9 after I ran up against the G9 performance limitations in low light during normal use of the camera.

To see what the G11 could do I set it up with a tripod to take photos under the light of the full Moon. To my surprise the camera did a respectable job of landscape photos lit only by moonlight. This is something I have done with a DSLR on several occasions, but did not expect to do with a compact. At ISO1600 and 3200 there is appreciable noise in the photos, but these speeds are by no means useless. The in-camera dark frame subtraction also works well, with no hot pixels apparent in close examination of the frames.

Another pleasant surprise was the quality of the new lens. From the first images the lens has continually impressed me as better than the G9 lens for sharpness. I was surprised when closely examining the day’s images, fine details in a seed head were perfectly sharp to the limit of the sensor resolution. The limiting resolution of the camera was indeed set by the sensor, not the lens, at least under the right conditions. Is this simply the lower resolution sensor? Is this a result of not pressing the performance past the resolving power of the lens? Or is the new lens design simply better than the G9?

My only major complaint is one that many others have leveled against Canon… Why does this camera not have a decent video mode? I usually shoot still, but like to do a little video when the situation calls for it. The 1024×768 video and time lapse video modes of the G9 are missing. Why can they not add at least a 720p HD mode? There is likely no technical reason for this. Some internal Canon politics with the video camera division?

The camera is indeed everything it has promised to be, with very few shortcomings. Beautiful pictures from a compact camera. I look forward to a long and productive relationship with this camera.

Not as good of build quality as G7, but great images quality.
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I moved from a G7 to G11, mainly because of RAW format, wider angle and better low light performance. It does deliver on all those items plus a much better AWB and lots of new features. The overall image quality is excellent.

But the construction is flimsy. I loved the solid feel of G7 and this one feels a bit more plastic. The turn wheel in the back feels specially weak.

Another short coming of this camera is lack of HD video.

Canon G11 Terrific Camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This camera has great features and controls. It has great manual controls and the ease of changing white balance is very handy. I seem to always take a great picture every time. The color swap and color accent are very creative options. My canon 5D is a great camera, not as handy and not always with me like the G11. The 5D doesn’t have many of the features either that are found on the G11. The image quality is excellent! At 3200 ISO the grain makes an impressionist image. All the controls are in the right place making shooting in the dark easy. ( you may say I am shooting in the dark now) If you compare it to a pro level Canon with an L series lens it is a bit unfair ….. you can’t put it in your pocket…if its not with you you miss the shot! Get the point? and shoot!

Build quality has dropped
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I’m an owner of a G10. When I picked up the G11, I immediately noticed the decrease in build quality. All the buttons are there but do not have the precise click and tactile feel that the G10 does. The function dial on the back of the camera has an annoying little wiggle to it. Anyone with a G10 will know what I mean when he picks up the G11.

The pictures are still outstanding, and ultimately, that’s what counts the most. I’m very glad that Canon decided to drop the megapixel war and give photographers a more functional camera. I get about one or two stops improvement in low light compared to the G10 depending on the situation. That is a huge improvement.

Great Camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is the 3rd Canon camera i own. This is the Best camera i use – small, great pictures long battery life.

Canon G11 vs. Canon S90: A Matter of Personal Preference
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Canon G11 vs. Canon S90: A Matter of Personal Preference (I’m posting a very similar review under both the S90 and the G11.)

I’ve been trying to find a ‘carry everywhere’ camera to always keep on my person so that I don’t miss the amazing things that make up the events of everyday life (like tomorrow when I actually get to get off the R train at Cortland Street in Manhattan, something I haven’t been able to do for years due to construction). I wanted something that was (1) Small and (2) Had the ability for full manual controls for shutter speed and aperture. The two cameras that fit this bill very well were Canon’s S90 and G11 – Canon’s top of the line point and shoots in their respective series (S and G). But which one?

The two major things that the cameras have in common (in addition to the above mentioned manual controls) are:

1. The same image sensor (same size, etc)

2. The same image processor

Anyone who’s written a comparison of the cameras will point this out quickly – because normally ‘which camera’ would come down to these one of these two issues. In addition to these things, there are dozens of other features that both cameras share: this makes it very difficult to decide “which camera?” Having owned both of them (but ultimately deciding to go with the G11 and returning the S90) I would like to make a short list of positive/negatives which I think could be deciding factors when trying to choose between these two excellent cameras. Instead of listing both positive and negative points by each camera, I’ll simply point out the positives of each that the other model does not share – I hope that this is helpful in your decision!

G11: Advantages

- Hot shoe: but on a compact? Some people will say “it’s pointless to use an external flash on a compact camera – the whole point is to be compact!” That’s a valid critique, but at the same time there are times when it’s nice to be able to throw a flash on a compact if you really need one. I own the 430EX and the 580EX II (both compatible) but I picked up the newish 270EX with the G11 and it works fantastically with the camera without adding a lot of weight. Both the camera and the flash fit perfectly into the Pelican 1060 case side by side but with enough room to stay padded with the foam insert. And hey – if I want to throw the nearly-twice-as-big-as-the-camera-itself 580EX II on the G11 I can do it! Yet I can also do without it – the camera is versatile this way in a way that the S90 is not.

- Vari-Angle LCD: which at first I found annoying. The screen adds just enough bulk to the camera that it does not fit in smaller cases which it otherwise would. When I first got the camera I was really rather annoyed by it in fact – not only because of the bulk but because it is actually smaller than the LCD on the S90. I had to read another review to realize that it was a much better thing than I realized – because it allows you to hold the camera at all sorts of different levels and angles while still allowing you to see what you’re shooting. I really enjoy doing photography with the camera low to the ground (I have an angled viewfinder for my DSLR) and so this works perfectly for what I need. As others have pointed out, the Vari-Angledness of the LCD allows you to flip it while in storage so that it’s even more protected.

- Remote Shutter Release: you can use one! I love doing night photography and that the G11 allows me to use a cable release really seals the deal on the S90 vs. G11 for me personally (granted on the S90 you can always use the 2 second self-timer). Good news too if you use a Canon Rebel DSLR – it’s the same cable release.

S90: Advantages

- Very compact: quite a bit smaller than the G11, it would easily fit in pockets and cases that the G11 never could. If you’re into Pelican cases like I am, you can fit the S90 in the Pelican Micro Case 1010 with room to spare.

- More efficient controls: the ring around the lens is amazing and an excellent idea. Especially when in manual mode, this makes setting aperture and shutter speed a snap (it’s more awkward on the G11 – you have to use the small back dial and then toggle between aperture and shutter speed with a separate button which can get to be messy when you’re trying to shoot quickly).

- The f2.0 lens: a full stop faster than the G11′s 2.8 lens. This is a LOT of light, and especially important when you want to take photos in low-light situations (note though that the lens on the S90 doesn’t zoom in far as the G11 if that’s important to you – both lenses are the same focal length when zoomed out).

Both the G11 and the S90 are beautiful, well made cameras that will serve any photographer well when you’re looking for something that’s not DSLR sized.

So glad I bought this!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
After comparing my friend’s pictures with the G10 to my older Canon point and shoot, I decided I wanted a better camera. I bought the Canon PowerShot G11. I do a lot of travelling and I want to take great pictures suitable for framing. I read the book a few times and practiced before I went on vacation to New Zealand. I took several “money shots” and the camera worked perfectly. The zoom is incredible. I also like using the features under “Program” setting, like enhancing greens and blues. I ordered the Magic Lantern guide for the G11 and I hope this will give me even more tips on how to take great photos. I consider this to be a good camera for someone who is getting more serious about digital photography. I have no regrets buying this camera. You should do it! I bought it on Amazon.com. Oh- I also recommend buying the Sandisk Extreme III HD 8 MB card.Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD

Well I’m spoiled
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Let me start by saying that my main camera is a 5D mkII and I love it. I bought this as a always have with me kind of camera. I think it takes pretty good photos sometimes, but you have to get a lot of settings right for that to happen. I have taken some really good macro shots of flowers but most of the landscape shots are not keepers.

I like the zoom range.

But the problems I have with it are:

Noise, unless you use ISO 400 or lower. Auto ISO gave some really bad noise.

When I pick up or hold the camera, my thumb, and I have small hands, is on top of about 4 buttons, which are easily pressed. Which you then have to reset.

The only problem I have with the features is that there are really a lot of them and they don’t work if you take RAW shots. I realize that’s because with RAW you’ve got it all right there. But that means that if I’m shooting in a difficult environment, I have to make all the settings myself. Not always easy to get the best shot.

Canon PowerShot G11
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Our previous camera was a Canon G2, with use of a PowerShot A570IS this past summer for underwater photography. Our experience with the G11 has been limited so far, but from what we have seen up until now, this camera is a real top of the line piece of equipment. It offers everything from fully automatic to fully manual, a wide range of pre-programmed profiles, and the ability to create and save your own profiles.

I have only one minor comment. While the instruction manual covers the function of each of the buttons, a manual (in the form of a PDF-document on the cd) going into more detail about the various profiles and what you might expect to encounter under the different circumstances would be a big help.

Wonderful Camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The Canon G11 is a solid built camera which you will notice the first time you pick it up. This camera should be considered an intermediate step up between a point and shoot and a DSLR. The Canon G11 sports the full range of manual setting options and has a hot shoe which will accommodate the same series of Canon flashes that the larger DSLR’s do.

Image quality is excellent as long as you do not go above ISO 400. This has always been the Achilles hill of the Canon G-Series and remains so.

Canon finally brought back the articulating LCD screen. It is bright, clear and a pleasure to use. No matter the angle you shoot from, the screen can be rotated to accommodate.

For me the G11 is an upgrade from the G7 and I could not be happier. I also own the Canon 5D Mark 2 and 1DS Mark 2 professional series of cameras. I use the G11 as a backup and general walk around camera when I do not want to lug around the larger, heavier pro-series.

I have been using the Canon G11 for about a month now and Highly Recommend this camera.

Perfect step up from a point and shoot
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am not a professional photographer. My previous camera was a Canon 790IS point and shoot. I started considering the G11 when I reached a point where I wanted to do things with my photography that the 790IS was simply incapable of.

There are three main reasons why the G11 has been perfect for me:

1. I take a lot of pictures of food (and never use a flash in restaurants), so the low light performance was very attractive. Except for some far more expensive SLRs, I haven’t seen anything that matches the G11′s low light performance.

2. I love taking pictures from interesting perspectives, so the articulated LCD really helps when I’m composing shots from those angles.

3. The G11 has lots of dials, which saves a ton of time when trying different settings while shooting. While the G11′s menus are easy to understand (especially if you’ve used a Canon before), going though on-screen menus is slow and generally a pain. The physical dials make changing the settings fast and painless.

I’m very happy with this camera and would recommend it to anyone looking for the next step up from a point and shoot.

Sweet Travel or General Purpose Camera!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have owned a number of Canon G cameras including the G3 and G9. I think this is a very worthy successor to the line. After a month of ownership, about 750 pictures and thousands of miles travelled with it, I can report that I am very pleased with it. My primary needs for this camera are something compact that I can throw in a carry on bag for travel or something that I can conveniently grab at home for a party or for Internet images. It must have excellent image quality, offer advanced features and controls and accept an external flash. The G11 meets all of these requirements and offers a few bonus features such as a built in ND filter, very good video (but non-HD which I don’t care about) and a superb swivel display.

I find camera operation very straightforward and I really appreciate the abundance of dials for ISO, Exposure Compensation, Modes and more. For me, it feels faster than software menus and is easily double checked visually. Power up is fast as is autofocus and I have rarely found myself waiting for the camera to catch up to me. This makes it well suited for travel or child photography where you must seize the moment. The lens range is excellent, particularly the wide end of 28 mm which again is very useful for travel where you may be shooting in tight interiors or trying to capture groups of people or large vistas. As with all lenses of this type, there is noticeable barrel distortion at the wide end which is correctable in post processing. Shooting small product images for auctions or sharing on the Internet is easy with the macro mode and the swiveling screen. The flash does a fair job of throttling down for close range. Macro shots might work better with a bounced external flash such as the 270EX though. Speaking of the 270EX, it makes a perfect mate for this camera because it is so small but still offers bounce capability. I am able to squeeze it into the Tamrac travel case that I use for the camera.

The creative possibilities with the G11 are tremendous since output is really very good and the artistic control and features are so comprehensive. Kudos to Canon for the brave move of downsizing the megapixel count and focusing on image quality. The improvement in ISOs above 80 is very significant – I used it repeatedly at ISO 400 on a recent trip. With my old G9 I would not have considered using this setting because of the cost in image noise and quality. Battery life in my experience is very good and reliability overall for the camera looks promising since I used it in rain, sub-zero and hot temperatures without a hitch.

If there are any drawbacks to the camera for me, they are that the controls are a little crowded for my average male hands and the multipurpose rotary dial on the back could use improvement, it is too cramped and spins too easily. The camera is otherwise so good that I don’t mind working around this.

Pro User’s sidekick
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I am a professional photographer (meaning I make 100% of my income in the business of photography)and My expectations are usually much higher than what I usually get from consumer products.

I bought the G11 as a handy backup for quick grabs, to go along on location scouts, personal kid/ family stuff (slow response tho) and most importantly as an unobtrusive time-lapse camera (coupled with an intervalometer).

Although some of the problems carried over from the Canon P&S line lingers, I’m happy with the results. It performs well, has most of the manual features I’d expect.

My biggest beef? the buttons are pretty tightly packed- and i have smallish hands. Big handed folk need to put one in your paws before buying – just to make sure it wont drive you nuts flipping through the menus.

The buttons also make a plasticky sound and feel. not something i expected considering the rest of the build quality is pretty solid. the other drawback is the same with the rest of P&S cameras- limited low-light function (but much better on the G11) and lack of “fast” shooting capabilities. But when you know these limits for a small footprint, you learn to deal. And having a hot shoe gives me the freedom to chunk in my studio lighting or at least my strobist kit.

This replaces a P&S for me, so I use it when i’m not lugging the big guys, or tucked in the bag for side-shooting.

Best fixed lens camera period
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
How do I love my G11? Let me count the ways:

1, Ok, let me say this up front: Yes, the so-called “High Sensitivity System” works, and works as advertised. It’s better in low light than Panasonic’s LX3 (same sized sensor and faster lens), or any of the legendary Fuji “Super CCD” cameras like the F30 or F31, or their successor EXR cameras (though its not leaps and bounds better when the Fujis are in EXR mode). Heck, its almost a match for Panasonic’s 4/3 GF1 (to be fair this might be because the GF1 doesn’t process JPG’s as well, that’s a MUCH larger sensor) Part of the advantage is in the bigger photo-sites on the CCD, the aperture at the wide end helps too, but neither explains the low light performance entirely imo. Truth be told, from the samples I’ve seen, the G10 was also better in low light than I would have expected. I don’t know what other voodoo Canon has up their sleeve here, but regardless, this camera takes usable pics at 800 ISO, and even 1600 ISO. Even 3200 ISO might still produce a usable 4*6.

2, Awesome lens. This is the best quality lens I’ve ever seen or even heard of on a compact. The only issue I notice is minor chromatic aberration (purple fringing) at 100% when viewed on the computer. None to be seen in prints at least as large as 8*10 even in bright light. Yes you can also edit this out with the supplied software if you shoot raw. Otherwise, sharp, clear, beautiful, damn near flawless from edge to edge.

3, Best stabilizer I’ve ever used. My last camera was a Panasonic TZ3, stabilizers are one of Panasonic’s strengths, but this one is noticeably better. It gives me crystal clear shots at focal length/shutter speed combinations the TZ3 wasn’t capable of.

4, Great layout. Intuitive and customizable controls make manual mode easier to use than any other camera I’ve tried. This was a huge plus for me. I knew how to manually set exposure before I owned this camera, but I wasn’t practiced enough to reliably capture a shot of anything that wasn’t standing still unless I left it in auto or program. With the G11, I could actually leave it in manual mode all the time, from the first day.

5, Excellent build quality. This is my first G, so I don’t know how it compares to its ancestors, but compared to any other compact I’ve seen its built like a tank. Frankly, its better built than Canon’s entry level SLR’s. Nikon’s too.

6, Beautiful high resolution LCD.

7, EPIC battery life. This appears to be the same battery the Rebel XSI and T1I use. It says its good for 400 shots. All I know is after 300 shots over the course of a week, I still showed 2/3 full.

8, Very powerful onboard flash for a compact. And its adjustable of course.

9, Almost comically powerful AF assist light. With AF assist engaged, focus times in the dark are pretty much indistinguishable from focus times in daylight.

10, Shoots almost as fast in RAW mode as it does with JPEGs. Can also shoot RAW and JPEG at the same time.

11, Extremely tight macro mode. Can focus at less than 1cm (though there are substantial lens artifacts if you do)

12, Extremely accurate Autofocus

13, Continuous shooting is nearly unlimited

14, So I don’t make this longer than necessary I’ll cram the rest in here: wide end aperture goes all the way to 2.8 which is getting to be a rarity, shutter speed ranges up to 1/4000, has removable ring for converter lenses, METAL tripod socket, LCD swivels and tilts, viewfinder is not nearly as cheap as other compacts (though still not great) many highly customizable options I’ve barely explored like adjustable saturation and sharpening.

You get the idea. This is a wonderful camera. It stands head and shoulders above any previous compact I’ve purchased, and all my earlier ones (Panasonic LZ5, Canon A710, Panasonic TZ3) were well above average.

It’s not perfect of course. There are a few quibbles

1, Shot to shot time is surprisingly slow. Nearly 2 seconds between shots, and continuous shooting is at less than 2 frames per second. Slower continuous shooting than my LZ5 which is 4 years older, and was about half the price even then.

2, It’s a little on the bulky side (which isn’t all bad, it feels good in my hand) you aren’t carrying this in a shirt pocket, and you’ll be lucky to get it into a pants pocket if you don’t wear cargo pants. It does fit well in jacket pockets though.

3, In spite of the bulk, there are plenty of cheaper cameras out there with much longer zooms. Its telephoto is exactly half as long as my old TZ3. You can buy telephoto converters to increase the range (and I’ll probably do this eventually), but they effectively shrink the aperture while you use them (pics get darker), the converter isn’t stabilized, and who knows if the converter lens is anywhere near as good as the G11′s lens?

4, There is no “Superfine” JPEG option. My 10mp JPEG photos are actually smaller files than my highest quality 7mp photos from my TZ3. So far no major complaints about the “Fine” level of compression (and to be fair not only do I have the RAW option, but my “fine” only JPEGs do hold up under a higher magnification than the TZ3′s “Superfine” 7mp photos, but still on a camera like this, you’d think I’d get more than 2 levels of JPEG compression, or at least that the highest quality compression would be available.

5, This is an expensive camera. MSRP $500. Amazon helped me out by selling it $50 cheaper, and throwing in free shipping, but this is still not cheap. In fact, the MSRP is only $50 lower than Canon’s entry level SLR, the Rebel XS.

Bottom line: Except for the speed issue (which isn’t terrible, just slightly disappointing) and my quibble about the number of JPEG settings I get, these are really more trade-offs than true shortcomings. The camera is bulky and expensive because of all those great things I raved about earlier in the review (high quality lens, powerful flash, solid construction, huge battery, ect.) I bought this camera because I wanted something that was really a cut above what I owned, but I couldn’t justify an SLR to myself, because I didn’t think I’d take the time to learn to use one (their menu systems are surprisingly complicated if you want to venture outside the preset scene modes), and anyway, I didn’t think I’d bother to lug an SLR around often enough to take many pictures. Given my particular wants and needs,I basically could not be more satisfied, and highly recommend this to anyone with similar requirements. However, like any product, this isn’t for absolutely everyone. If you’re deadly serious about photography, and you’re on a budget, get the Rebel XS kit instead (or even the Nikon D40). The G11 works wonders with what it has, but its not as good as a camera with full sized interchangeable lenses and an APS sized sensor. If you already have an SLR and want a high quality backup, get the Canon S90 instead (its the G11′s stablemate, same awesome sensor, high quality lens, full manual controls, its much smaller and lighter and lists about $70 cheaper. In exchange, you get a shorter zoom, and it also lacks the G11′s tanklike body, huge battery, ect). You can also get a Micro 4/3 “Electric Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens” (SLR sensor, smaller body, no SLR viewfinder) from Samsung, Panasonic, and Olympus now if you have deep pockets and are mostly shooting wider angle (they’ll take tele lenses, but they’re pretty unwieldy with a long lens). If like me, you’re after a very high quality do-it-all camera that will fit in a jacket pocket, then the Canon G11 is simply the best digital there is. Its well worth $500, and I’d highly recommend it to you, hence my enthusiastic title and tag. I love my G11.

Excellent Camera
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This review of the Canon G 11 reflects my own tests and opinions.

I used a Canon Eos 40-D for years. Two years ago I bought the G-9 and last week the G-11.

My hobby covers all kinds of pictures. As a member of the Middle Georgia Camera Club I enjoy having my pictures selected as winners in local competitions.

For my kind of work a side by side test of the 40-D and the G-9 revealed no essential difference in picture quality for the work I do so I have used the G-9 almost exclusively for the last two years.

I find that in a photograph taken outside of a house (brick & white siding) with the G-11, I could make a competition 11 X 14 print from ¼ of the image. The comparison on inside pictures in lower light leave the G-9 in the dust. Results are fantastic.

The 40-D high speed shooting is, on occasion, very useful. I only wish Canon had NOT made the lens on the G-11 wider but LONGER! Stitching is so easy we don’t need the wide angle.

Great DENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY!!!! … MACRO Photos !!!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
THIS REVIEW IS FOR PURPOSES OF MARCO PHOTOGRAPHY, NAMELY INTRA AND EXTRA ORAL PHOTOGRAPHY for DENTISTRY / ORTHODONTICS

I purchased this Canon G11 to replace my Canon G7 that I was using for intraoral/extraoral photography for dentistry and orthodontic composite photos. I was using The Canon G7 with DigitalDentalPro Attachments (Plastic Flash Diffuser, Adapter, and Olympus Macro Lens) for the Intraorals and Program/Portrait (P-mode) for the Extraorals for about 2 years now. I was getting decent looking photos. I was able to get OK depth of field, but the lighting wasn’t good enough. It was either too light, too dark, couldn’t get buccal corridors with enough light.

I upgraded to the Canon G11 because my photos were not good enough to be asking patients for thousands of dollars. So I purchased the G11 PhotoMed Attachment in addition, which I used for 1 month. I was getting much better quality in terms of depth of field, but I was still having a problem with the lighting. With the Photomed Attachment, I was getting a more even balance of lighting with their mirrors and plastic diffuser on the lens, but NOT GOOD ENOUGH. I was still getting dark buccal corridors which I really didn’t like. HOWEVER, The P-Mode (Portrait or Program) extraorals (Straight, Profile, and Smiling) were MUCH better than my Canon G7. It was the intraorals that I was not happy with.

SO I purchased a LED Ring Light DigiSlave 3200 instead and I was able to solve my problem with Buccal Corridors. Digi-Slave L-Ring 3200, Powerful, Versatile LED Ring Light with Focusing Light, Removable Diffuser, Continuous or Flash for Digital Macro PhotographyI was able to get light all the way back to the molars. However, I was sacrificing a small amount of depth of field because I no longer used a macro lens. But I didn’t need a macro lens because the G11 Macro Feature was great for orthodontic purposes.

If you are looking to take Full Retracted Smile, Buccals, Occlusals and Extraoral Profiles (ORTHODONTICS and BEFORE/AFTER ANTERIOR CASES), then you should definitely buy the Canon G11 with LED Right Light DigiSlave L-Ring 3200 (+adapter).

If you are looking to take 1:1 or 1:2 photos of 1-2 teeth, then you should probably get the PhotoMed G11 Attachment. The uneven lighting won’t bother you since your field of view (ie: 15-25mm) is small.

The price difference is $700 for the PhotoMed and about $225 for the LED Digislave Right Light, so I would save $475 and get the one with better lighting.

EXTRAORAL SETTINGS: Set to Portrait/Program, Turn Flash on. Change the White Balance to Flourescent since I shoot in the office. The photos turn out even better than with the G7. The Key to this is to FOCUS (press 1/2 way down) while aiming the camera at the patient’s chest or arm and then bring it up to the face. If you don’t do this, then you will most likely focus on the wall and not on the face.

INTRAORAL: Set to AV, F8, Custom White Balance to a Gray Color. Turn on Macro Mode and you’re set. Zoom about 80% of the way on Optical Zoom only, not digital zoom. The G-Series’s LCD screen is incredibly easier to take photos than the dSLR BIG camera body. Relatively same quality photos without the hassel.

Please message me if you have any questions.

Worth the Wait
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
A couple of Amazon comments before I review. This camera was available for “Pre-Order” from Amazon for $499.00 and as soon as it arrived it stores the price on Amazon shot up (over 650.00 at one point). So I purchased it from Best Buy for $499.00. Another reason I purchased from Best Buy is because of the extended warranty I could get. I plan on using this camera kayaking and the possibility of dropping it in the water or getting it wet made the extended (all things covered) warranty a must. Amazon’s extended warranties through N.E.W. are worse than awful and I know that from experience.

OKAY review the camera already:

This is a review for people who are neither professional photographers nor pretending to be. I currently own a Nikon N65 (film) circa 2002 and an Olympus OM-1 film camera. My wife uses the Nikon extensively and we love that camera. IF Nikon made a point and shoot camera like this I would have bought it over Canon, however, they don’t. No, Nikon Coolpix are their offerings and they are too big, too small or just too expensive.

This is my first digital camera. I have tried using friend’s cameras, and tried countless ones in stores but I have always hated the feel of them because of the size of my hands. I blame myself. I was beginning to think all point and shoot digital cameras were made by and for Lilliputians. Like most people my age I wear eye glasses. Being able to see the LCD is fundamental and with all the point and shoot cameras I’ve tried I can’t see the LCD without my reading glasses. (I don’t usually carry them “in the field” (sorry for the professional jargon). Furthermore, out in the sun if the LCD didn’t rotate, I couldn’t see the screen even if I did have my reading glasses. The LCD on this camera is exceptional not only because of the tilting ability, but because of the resolution; lots of colors, clarity and contrast. I can make out the image without pulling out my reading glasses. Even in the sun I could make out the screen very, very well. Having a viewfinder is also a great advantage on sunny days! Not many point and shoot cameras have view finders.

The camera is very easy to set up and get started. The instruction manual is good (a great manual would be bigger, have larger type and be made of a water resistant paper). The menu (actually the entire camera) is very intuitive and very easy for us old curmudgeons to embrace and get to know. If you’ve bought a camera in the last ten years (including the $20.00 throw away ones from the grocery store) you will have no problem using this camera and you won’t even have to open the manual. The On/Off button is very easy to find and you’ll be off and running. There are not a lot of buttons to become familiar with either and as I said the menu system is very easy to navigate.

I am a computer guy but hate electronic devices (go figure). My twelve year old son was showing me how to do things with the camera after he played with it for a half hour or so in the back set of my car; I call that intuitive by any standard. I know kids are more into electronics these days, but this is not an Xbox we are talking about. He had to figure out on his own how to navigate around and did pretty well. He saved me from reading a few pages of the manual. So easy even a twelve year old can do it! I love the fact that this thing can take videos as well. You can’t zoom in or out once you start recording but you can always stop and change your field of vision and begin again.

The included software for PC’s is easy to install and use. I have not used all of its features yet as I use PhotoShop for picture editing.

The Good the Bad and the Ugly – I am not a professional photographer (again). But I know an SLR from a point and shoot. I know the fundamentals of taking a picture. I know that letting the camera make up its mind on settings (aperture, Shutter speed, ISO speed etc.) is like me setting the cruise control in my SUV then taking my hands off the steering wheel and expecting the vehicle to get me home safely. Come on; let’s be serious for a moment. For those folks offering negative thoughts or reviews based on using the Auto/Auto function/setting, then saying that “they think the photos could be better”, well all I can say is DAH! Play around, it doesn’t use FILM, erase!!!!! Take more shots, try again, review the photos BEFORE you get home (that would be a good idea. I think that’s why these were invented, so we didn’t have to wait for the development of the film to find out we missed a shot!!!).

This camera is well suited for those looking for a balance between high priced DLSR’s and point and shoot convenience with excellent picture quality. It will not fit in a shirt pocket (unless you are wearing size: Paul Bunyan) but if you wear loose fitting pants or jeans (a normal men’s style pant found worn by a normal man in the year 2009), the camera will fit in either the front or back pockets just fine.

My only complaint is the size of the manual (roughly 4X5 inches) and the type of paper it’s made from. I don’t expect this camera to do things a thousand dollar camera should do. I bought it because you don’t have to be a rocket scientist, or techno geek to use it. AND people who have larger hands and fingers can use it easily; you don’t have to have hands and fingers the size of an underweight eight year old to feel comfortable using this camera. THESE WERE REASON’S ENOUGH! Buy the 8GB memory card. [...].

Canon PowerShot G11 review
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Over time I’ve owned nearly all the PowerShot G system cameras and still have the G1 and G2 for sentimental reasons. On a few occasions I’ve had these cameras converted to infrared usage. The line is well respected and there is never a problem of finding an eager buyer when it comes time to upgrade. For me the switch from my G10 to the G11 was justified for the rotatable LCD alone. I can stuff the camera into a bag on a bike trip without fear of scuffing the LCD. The image quality is essentially the same as the G10, with less high ISO noise being balanced with the G10′s increased resolution. My shooting habits are simply carried over as the controls and menu sets are relatively unchanged. The camera allows for one button push auto exposure bracketing for HDR’s. The flip out LCD allows for a more secure and stable cradling of the camera while handheld away from the eye.

best digital range finder camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
possibly the best and most versatile point & shoot camera on market at this time.

comes with many features similar to digital SLR type cameras in a compact format.

camera is a little cluttered on right side with knobs dials and buttons. could use small improvement in spacing for thumb on right side to improve grip.

solid reliable feel.

superb pictures, and viewscreen.

Nothing compares to this gem.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have been shooting for 31 years, I’m a Nikon guy, but for a semi-compact there is only one camera worth being in my bag. I tested the new Panasonic and Samsung in the same $ range, there is just no match. Nikon does not have anything in this category either. The G11 has a lot of the functionality and similarities of it pro family in a compact package. The functions are fairly basic yet completely flexible and very capable, picture quality is the BEST THERE IS for a NON SLR, the small CMOS sensor is more that good for the G11. It is not a fast camera compared to my pro cameras, but it is faster that any other semi compact. I firmly believe that Canon owns this segment by a long shot.

This is not a compact camera, it does not fit in a small pocket, but if you care about the quality of the shots, this is the one to get, at under 500.00 I think it is a gift. The video quality is just so-so. Regards, Frank Cruz Lakewood CA.

Wow!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Excellent camera! Camera body size is perfect for my hands and my large pockets. Just came back from Vietnam and received lots of “wows” for the photos captured by this camera. I do not recommend this camera for those who plan to shoot in Auto mode only, it will be a waste of money.

brilliant, with qualifications
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I have a Canon S3 IS and a 40D. I have enjoyed the S3, but find it limiting due to a lack of a hot shoe for flash, and it does not shoot RAW. But I’ll keep it around for it’s long zoom range and decent image quality.

I am enjoying getting to know my 40D, but it feels rather conspicuous and obtrusive at times. I wanted something less obtrusive for people pictures, and something portable to “grab and go.” Enter the G11.

Overall, I like it; it is much more portable than a DSLR, though for someone who is used to more diminutive point and shoots, it may seem bulky. To me if feels light (almost too light), and it’s compactness makes the controls feel a little cramped. But it does look pretty cool, and feels pretty sturdy.

I like the “analog” dials, with easy access to most of the features I use frequently. One of my favorite surprises was the ability to set the timer for face recognition — a 2 second count down starts when a face enters the view.

It won’t replace my 40D — but I didn’t expect it to. I knew it would have some limitations; for me, these include a slight shutter lag when pressing the shutter, compared to the 40D (but not as bad as the S3), and a slow burst rate (a little less than 1 a shot per second). It also has too much noise at ISO 400 and up, so I will only use 200 or lower, which generally won’t be a problem for me since I tend to use flash indoors.

The zoom range is 5x (optical) which suits my intended purpose, but it wouldn’t work if this were my only camera. I would want a little more reach on the long end.

But for portability, decent construction, great image quality (below ISO 400), image stabilization and some nifty features (shooting RAW, hot shoe, face detection, etc), I consider this a keeper. Thanksgiving will be the real test…

Canon PowerShot G11
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Although the megapixels have been reduced on this newer model camera (in comparison to the G10′s 14.7), we are barely pleased with the new features of Canon G11.

So far, after taking some test shots, the picture quality is not significantly different than the G10. However, there are few noticeable benefits. We appreciate the new variangle (swivel) LCD with viewfinder, and improved automatic shooting feature of the device itself.

Most importantly, Canon’s G-Series offer excellent photographic capability.

Nice upgrade to G9
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I just sold my G9. I really liked that camera, but heard this unit was better in low light.

Only have a couple of days- but I really like the swivel screen and new sensor seems better than the G9.

Need some more time to play around, but it seem to have a better image than the G9. The construction seems a little less well built, but it seems lighter.

I was thing of going DSLR, but don;t want to carry around a big bag of lenses and a flash- plus spend 1000+

I know some people think $450 is expensive for a P&S but this is as close to DSLR as you can get for $450

So I think it’s a good deal. It’s not pocket sized, but it’s still much smaller than a XSI or similar.

Buy this and you won’t regret it.

MW

G11 is a top notch compact digital camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
As a working professional photographer for nearly 30 years and one who made the switch to digital over a decade ago, I have owned and used many small digital cameras for personal use, vacations, etc. to supplement my DSLRs. The Canon G11 is the first such camera I have seen that can actually come very close to matching the quality of some DSLRs, but in a much smaller package.

I purchased my G11 in November 2009 as my daughter was about to be married and I wanted to be able to snap images of the day with a small camera even though I had hired another professional photographer (actually one of my assistants) to “officially” photograph the event. I also picked up a Canon 270 EX flash and let me tell you this combination is really quite impressive. I shot most of the photos at ISO 400- ISO 800 and am quite pleased with the image quality. I shoot exclusively RAW files and process them in the Canon DPP software to eek out the absolute best image quality that the small sensor has to offer.

As a general rule, shooting at the lowest ISO possible is a good idea if you want the cleanest file possible. However, the G11′s noise pattern is somewhat more like some high speed film emulsions and so it can actually be used for creative effect if desired. Nice. However, at speeds of up to ISO 400 and 800 the noise is very well controlled for such a small sensor camera and allows the creation of very clean prints to at least 11″x14″ size and possibly larger. At lower ISO settings, significantly larger prints are possible. I have created 16″x20″ prints from this camera shot at ISO 200 that I will be exhibiting in an upcoming gallery show. Really quite impressive from a compact camera.

The articulating LCD screen is a wonderful addition to the G11 after being absent for a few years from this line of cameras. Besides that, it is very crisp and the colors are fantastic. I find myself shooting at waist level quite a bit using the LCD to frame shots in much the same way as I used to with old 2 1/4 film cameras.

Another pleasant surprise is the quality of the video that this camera creates. While it is not Hi-def, it is very smooth and even the sound quality is quite good. Couple that with the low noise this camera is capable of and you end up with very nice video clips if you so desire.

Of course, like any compact camera, there are some things that could be better. The G11 is pretty fast, but is not going to be as responsive as a DSLR. The zoom range of the lens is very useful, however, getting precise focal lengths is not easy with the motorized zoom. I do not find this to be a problem just something to be aware of. The optical viewfinder is somewhat useful, but more framing accuracy would be better. You do not lose anything when framing with the optical finder, you simply end up with a bit more in your shots than what you saw in the finder which can later be cropped out if desired. I find I am actually not using the optical viewfinder as much as I thought I would so this has definitely not been a problem. The LCD screen is 100% accurate…WSWYG.

Like any piece of photographic equipment, the more you use it, the more familiar you become with it and the more it becomes an extension of you. For now, I think this camera is probably the best all around compact digital camera on the market from many standpoints. If you want a really capable, customizable small camera that can deliver very good image quality up to moderately high ISO settings the G11 is worth considering. Nice job, Canon!

Truely Excellent but….
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’m a G10 owner and really like it. However, we all know about the low light noise and that bugged me because I don’t like to use flash. So along comes the G11. Read the specs and thought, this is exactly what I want. So now I have one and for the most part I really like it. I’m way more aligned with the 5 star reviews than the others. I gave the G11 5 stars because that is what I believe it deserves.

I love all the functional improvements. lower noise sensor, swivel screen, same layout on top plate etc. If you know the G10, you will quickly adapt to the menus on the G11. Since it uses the same battery as the G10, that is another benefit!

My only gripe is that compared to the G10, the construction quality and feel is slightly lower. If it wasn’t for my knowledge of the G10, I would never have suspected that you could get better than a G11. But you can. For build construction I’d give the G10 5 stars and the G11 4 1/2 stars. That said, if I only had to pick one, it would be the G11 without ANY hesitation. It is a better camera functionally and feels really good. In every other area I’d give the G11 the edge…especially in the sensor and LCD.

You really can’t do much better.

Update on 10/17.. have taken many photos and I’m very pleased with the result. Image quality is excellent! If anything, I’m more impressed with the G11. It’s a home run for Canon in my opinion.

Canon G11 verson Canon G10…
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Unfortunately, I purchased a Canon G10 just before the release of the G11 and for reasons explained below I’ve now bought a G11… which gives me the unusual and unexpected “privilege” of being able to compare the two side-by-side.

So what was so wrong with the G10 that I bought a G11? Nothing, other than its noise levels at higher ISO settings. Is this a serious problem? Well, if like me, you want a camera that’s a portable alternative to your DSLR and which operates very close to your DSLR’s performance, then it probably is. How much so? Here’s two examples that made me invest in the G11. The first was when using the G10 on a bright blue-sky day to shoot sports events on its “Sports” program – the camera, correctly, chose shutter speeds of 1/1250 and as a result set ISO ratings at around 400, but noise was evident at 50% magnification and very marked at 100% magnification. The second was when snap-shotting my children indoors in reasonably good late afternoon light with the flash turned off – on the “Auto” program the ISO was, again correctly, bumped up to over 200 and, again, noise was evident at 100% magnification, so much so that I was forced to manually set ISO to under 200 with the resulting problems of moving subjects and slower shutter speeds.

You could say that I’m being overly “picky” here, but I don’t think so… while these noise levels are acceptable in cheaper and much smaller point & shoot cameras, they’re not acceptable in one that’s priced at DSLR levels. More importantly, they mean that it can’t be used with confidence as a portable point & shoot alternative to my DSLR, which was one of the main reasons for buying it. Sure you can overcome some of the ISO issues by using the camera’s huge number of manual over-ride options, but you shouldn’t have to.

The reason for this is, of course, the mega-pixel count in the G10 which while good for marketing purposes is just too high for the chip size in a camera this small and which therefore precipitates additional noise at even relatively modest ISO levels. Set the camera to under ISO 200 and you get the resolution advantage of 14.7 million mega-pixels but your shooting options are reduced; let the camera do the work and, in anything other than “normal” situations, noise could become a serious issue.

Time to assess how my newly acquired G11 performs in similar situations… the answer?… perfectly. My test shot comparisons between the two cameras show noticeably reduced noise levels for the G11 at anything over ISO 200 with, as noted by other reviewers, something between a one & two stop improvement. What this “one to two stop improvement” means in practice is that in the critical band between ISO 200 & 800 (critical because ISOs in this range are typically selected by both cameras’ pre-set programs in poor daylight or in normal daylight with high shutter speeds) noise is not a serious issue with the G11 – it also means that the G11′s noise levels across the board are as close to my DSLR as I’d hope for or expect. In terms of resolution, there is indeed a slight loss in the G11′s performance with slow ISO rated shots (i.e. 80 or 100) that’s noticeable if they’re blown up to very high magnification levels… but, am I really going to use this type of camera rather than my DSLR for huge prints or professional quality studio or field work? Unlikely. Also, there seems to be a marginally better “feel” to the G11′s shots at below ISO 200 which could be the result of claimed improvements in its image processing or just my perception. Whatever, the bottom line is that the G11 produces the same or better quality photos than the G10 in virtually all “real life” situations that I’m likely to use it for.

Other differences? Well, the G11′s rotating screen gets a lot of praise but, in my view, can be argued either way: it has obvious benefits but it makes the G11 feel a little “bulkier” and, to fit it in, it’s necessitated two unfortunate changes to its rear panel layout – a reduction in the size of the rotating wheel surrounding the rear function button, making it much less tactile, and a 10% reduction in the size of its viewing screen. In all other respects the camera’s are pretty much identical: the G11 has a couple more menu options which most people will never use; it has two additional pre-sets on its main dial – a “Low Light” program, which is of limited value, and a “Quick Shot” program that’s pretty much the same as the “P” program but which replaces the image on the screen with an easy to read summary of all the camera’s settings; the “Panorama” pre-set on the G10′s main dial is included as one of the “Scene” options in the G11; and, the on/off button on the G11 is slightly smaller. In other words, other than the advantages/disadvantages of a rotating screen, nothing worth writing home about.

Oh, and the price… the G11 is, at present, about £100 more than the G10 in the UK, which is a pretty big difference. Is a £100 price hike worth it for improved performance in certain situations and a rotating screen? Well, that’s your decision: the G10 is a perfectly acceptable and usable camera once you know its ISO limitations but, if you don’t want these limitations or, if you want the confidence that the camera will perform at close to DSLR levels in virtually all situations you throw at it, then the G11 is definitely worth the extra money. Anyone want to buy a G10?… it’ll be on eBay soon.

very good camera!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
the best DC i have ever had! really cool…though it is a little bit big.but still love it^^if you don’t want to carry a SLR with you but want to shoot beautiful pictures, this one is rally the first choice! LOVE IT TO DEATH!

Disappointed!
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I am disappointed to say the least with the performance of the new and much ballyhooed Canon PowerShot G11. I am a little guy and I was getting tired of carrying my Nikon D90 around my neck and wanted to get a compact yet versatile performer. I pinned my hopes on Canon PowerShot G11 to give me the satisfaction and sorry to say that my hopes and expectations have been dashed. I received my G11 yesterday along with a nifty small Canon Speedlite 270EX flash. Both items appear to be very well made with a small but not too small size and weight — nearly perfect everywhere companion camera. With great expectations and enthusiasm I charged the battery, put in a SanDisk Ultra SD card in the designated slot of the camera set out to take some indoor and outdoor (brightly lit by sun light)test shots using both ambient light source as well as using the camera mounted flash. Oh yes, I used mostly AUTO setting to snap the shots. Rushed to download the shots to check the results on my computer using the newest version of Photoshop Elements. These test shots are not exhaustive by any means but they give me enough indications that Canon has failed in it’s mission to produce a quality camera. I have listed below some of my observations:

1. Pictures do not appear sharp.

2. AWB is poor with yellow overtone indoors and blueish outdoors.

3. There is a magenta fringe at the outline of the subjects (house and tree-trunks — for lac of immediately available and suitable subjects).

I must admit the flex LCD screen is a delight. The handling of the camera is nearly perfect in my smallish hands. Available features on the camera is plentiful. Canon may as well get rid of the view-finder from the future G series cameras unless of course they improve it substantially.

No matter how beautiful the camera looks and feels in our hands, pity it is still a dud. And I am sure many other owner-users will agree with me. I shall be most hesitant to recommend this camera to any of my friends and reserve the recommendations for you know who!

Amazing
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Could not find this camera anywhere but on Amazon. It is as advertised – easy to use and takes great shots in all kinds of conditions.

A great portable camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The Canon G11 is not perfect. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of hype and a good deal of ‘over-expectation’ created about this camera. The G11 is an advanced camera that I wouldn’t recommend to the average snap-shooter, but it is a camera I would recommend to someone who has a DSLR kit and would like to have a small camera as a back-up or to carry around. The advanced photographer will experience a camera that tries to reproduce the old range-finder experience (in terms of control and heft). I say “tries to reproduce . . . ” because it is a digital camera and the G11 is not be as instantaneous or as responsive as its film counterparts, but it rewards forethought and planning with great images. I was tempted to invest in the micro four-thirds system, especially Panasonic’s great GF-1, but it meant investing in another system of bodies and lenses. I may still be tempted to do this in future, but only as a DSLR replacement. The G11, on the other hand, while not being able to meet the same standards as a DSLR or micro four-thirds camera, does operate well as a ‘bridge’ camera.

Things I really like about the G11 are its viewfinder (not perfect, but useful), its dedicated mechanical controls, its improved noise results, RAW files, good battery life, build and the articulated screen. I don’t use the screen to compose very often, but it is useful to review results. Something that could be done better is the AF and burst speeds. I have, nevertheless given it high score, because I am aware of its limitations and work around them and because the ‘G’ series seems to be the best in its class and just keeps getting better.

Fine photographic instrument
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Just got this camera, but I am very impressed. The build quality is excellent and the movable LCD is very useful,clear and bright. I normally work with a heavy, but rugged Pentax K10D, but wanted something more portable and this fills the bill. Excellent image quality!! This is the camera I am taking to Florida on our vacation.

Worth the wait.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Image quality is superb for a point and shoot.

The controls are very intuitive and adjustments can be made nearly instantly.

Image quality is far far superior to G10 and both image quality and user interface is far superior to the Lumix LX3 (I own both).

The G11 is gigantic compared to a point and shoot yet small compared to a pro level SLR. You will never casually carry this camera.

Sequencial shots and auto focus take a very long time.

Control of focus is great and always right on when camera is set up properly.

I wish the lens was wider, this is a serious issue if you shoot outdoors, the LX3 wins the lens contest.

Consider the S90 is you want something small to shoot RAW and can live without the nearly perfect ease of use of the G11.

Take what I say with a grain of salt, however consider I am a professional photographer and I’m on the endless quest for the perfect point and shoot to take with me when it’s not safe enough, appropriate enough or I’m tight on space or weight is an issue.

The G11 is the best point and shoot out but, it’s huge and heavy and as of this time there is no profile for Adobe Lightroom and this creates a considerable amount of post production time but I’m sure this will be taken care of shortly.

Canon PowerShot G11
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is an excellance camera, easy to use all the functions. i really highly recommend to other customers.

PERFECT mini-EOS
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love this camera.

It is the perfect addition to any Professional photographer, it is a perfect point-and-shoot with loads of features, some of them not found in other cameras.

Cool screen and ideal for everyday use.

Very pleased with the Canon G11!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I recently purchased this camera and wanted to post my impressions of the camera from the perspective of an average camera user. I bought the G11 for my husband, who wanted an easy-to-use camera with an optical viewfinder and a swing-out LCD that was viewable in bright light. He is an avid hiker, cross-country skier, & mountain-biker who just wants to get a good shot when he pulls out his camera. On the other hand, I’m a more advanced (not pro) camera user with an SLR setup and I’m comfortable with manual controls. Both of us take photos for our own enjoyment and to share with friends and family.

We both love this camera! The wide angle is wide enough for vacation and scenery shots. It takes very good people pictures and we like the face-detection feature, but turned off the anti-blink mode (maybe I DO want a picture of my granddaughter with her eyes closed!). The close-up/macro photos are incredibly sharp and have impressive depth-of field. My husband likes the brief on-screen tips when he changes settings (and will likely turn them off once he’s more familiar with them). When I use the camera, I find it very easy to change settings, although I sometimes find I’ve inadvertently pressed the metering mode button when I pick up the camera.

Power-on is very fast and shutter action is quick as well. The colors are very good – I have no complaints at all in that regard. I’ve taken both jpeg and RAW photos; the jpeg’s look really fine to me, and I think I’d use RAW only when taking pictures I’d want to play with, such as landscapes, sunsets, close-up portraits, things like that.

We found that in auto mode, the camera takes slightly over-exposed outdoor pictures in bright light. That is easy to adjust using the exposure compensation button in one of the non-auto modes. Or by just turning a few more degrees away from the sun – that works well, too! I like that there’s some resistance in the adjustment buttons on the top of the camera, making it hard to change something by accident – a common problem I’ve encountered with other P&S cameras. I also like the adjustment wheel in the back; I find it easy to use and like that I can use it to move quickly thru the various options.

Both of us are comfortable with the handling/heft of the camera. It feels solid and well-built. Neither of us likes the neck strap so we bought the a wrist strap to use instead. It would have been a nice “option” for Canon to design and include a wrist strap with the camera – it seems counter-intuitive IMO to have a smallish camera need a neck strap!

I hope this brief review helps some people who are looking for another perspective on the G11. It’s not meant to be a comprehensive review – just the personal impressions of two “average” camera users with a couple of different expectations.

Perfect for point and shoot and manual modes
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I purchased this camera for my boyfriend for christmas, and we love it. I have borrowed the Canon G9 several times from a friend and really loved it–and the G11 improves upon that platform. The most useful functions I find are that the G11 has the ability to shoot in RAW, and the start-up time is much faster than the G9. I took the G9 to Italy over the summer, and it was great, but the initial start up and the lag time between taking pictures longer than I would have liked, even on a full battery. So far the G11 has been awesome and notably faster. I can’t wait to explore more of the functions of this camera, and look forward to taking more amazing pictures! The only downside that I’ve noticed in my limited use is that the G11 is much more sensitive to the slightest movements. I’ve taken pictures that look amazing on the improved, more vivid screen (which rotates and folds away, yes!), but when I get home and look at them to edit, they’re not as crisp as I thought they were. Bummer.

Great camera (professional using as a backup)
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Fantastic camera! I shoot with a 5D Mark II 90% of the time as a professional photographer, but I can’t always lug all my gear with me where ever I go. I carry this as my backup, and get amazing quality. The hotshoe is a great feature, and works with my 430EX, if I need more light. It does take a little getting used to the controls, I don’t find the manual settings to be extremely easy, but they are all there. I’ve taken some fantastic shots, so much so that you can’t tell the difference (other than the resolution) between that and my higher end Canon. You can view samples at [...]. These were shot with a combination of the two cameras, and I don’t think you could pick out which was which.

I’d like to see a little higher resolution, and a little easier manual control, so I only give it 4 Stars overall. The auto settings do a fantastic job by themselves, and I love having the ability to shoot RAW images. A must for any serious photographer to add to his toolkit!

Canon G11
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is my second camera in the G series and my sixth canon camera and it is a great camera. It is easy to use and the pictures are excellent. I have taken a large number of nighttime city pictures and they all turned out extremely good. Two things make this an excellent choice in a camera that are both hard to find in other cameras. One is the view finder, it is a lifesaver in bright sunlight. The second thing is the swivel out LCD screen, my first G series had this feature and it makes a lot of difference in odd angle shots. The only thing negative I can say about the G11 is that Canon does not provide an SD card with the camera; you have to provide one yourself. For the price of the camera you would think Canon would provide a SD card so you use the camera as soon as the battery charges. Other than that this is a great camera.

Satisfied but not thrilled
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
First I have to say that I have spent the last years shooting exclusively with SLRs, first a Nikon D60, the a D200. Also I afforded very nice lenses, my flagship being a great, versatile 18-200 mm Nikon zoom. With this type of equipment I certainly got spoilt, especially where speed, responsiveness and picture quality are concerned.

The main reason for me to buy the G11 was to own a portable camera which would offer a similar quality and scope for creativity as a SLR. I aimed for the G11 because of the sturdy built, the reasonable resolution, the good reviews on performance in poor light conditions, and the articulate screen (which is extremely practical, I would really like to see one on more SLRs).

I have not been disappointed in some respects: the picture quality is imressive (though not quite what you get with a D200 type piece), the handling very comfortable, poor light performance very satisfactory and it is easy enough to just slip into a pocket or backpack and have ready when needed. I am also very pleased with the battery life, I think I must have taken well over 500 pictures with the LCD screen on, and viewed a lot, before having to charge the battery the first time. I bought a spare battery and thus equipped I believe you are good for a week of intense photography out in the boons without running out of power.

The main negative issue I observed so far is the speed of the camera, or the lack thereof: From turning on to being ready to focus on something it’s reasonably quick (I estimate about 0.5 sec). The time to focus is a little too long for my liking and sometimes the AF has trouble “deciding” what to focus on. There is virtually no shutter lag, fortunately, but then it takes an awfully long time (1-2 sec)for the camera to save the image and be ready for the next shot (but maybe that’s also got to do with the SD card…).

This really is the main critical issue. The second is the really pathetic optical viewfinder, but I had been alerted to that due to by many previous reviews on Amazon (really great forum by the way

Still, the camera has some great features I would like to highlight:

- the articulate screen, wonderful for finding new perspectives and for unobtrusive photography

- the inbuilt B/W and sepia programs, I marvelled at how good some pohotos look when you convert them

- the LCD screen is excellent for viewing pictures and the possibility to flip it over for protection and saving battery life (if you can tolerate the viewfinder) is very practical.

All in all I like the camera, and would recomemnd it as a solid, workable, well performing piece for mobile photography in very decent quality. Don’t expect it to replace your SLR, but rather compliment it. I gave it 4 stars due to poor speed and viewfinder, if these issues were resolved it would easily qualify as the best option in the class of point and shoot cameras.

It’s just “OK”
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
With all the hype of being the ultimate backup camera to your SLR, I believe at the end it’s just a little more than any of the other Canon’s point and shoot. In matter of fact take away the added special features, the picture quality is just on par w/ any of the PowerShot SD series. Perhaps a notch down even, I noticed in a lot of “other than bright light” conditions, skin tones are almost pastel.

As the flagship of the PowerShot cameras, just “ok” is rather disappointing. The swivel, raw, hotshoe, manual controls, high ISO are all pluses, but at the end it comes down to picture quality.

Great Small Camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am a Canon SLR user but wanted a small, compact P&S camera that had good controls and shot RAW images. I used a G9 for a couple of years until it was stolen. The G11 is my replacement. It is as good as the G9 in every way and better in some. Noise is very good below ISO 200, good at 400, usable at 800. That is a full stop better than the G9. Image quality is superb within the limits of a small sensor camera (Read that as you should shoot below ISO 400 whenever possible). This will be my pocket camera, hiking camera, take it to a show camera… my whenever I am to tired to lug an SLR camera. No complaints at all. A great choice if you need to shoot RAW… and even if you do not.

Best P&S I ever own, loving it.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have a Canon 7D DSLR, but I can’t take it with me all the time due to the weight. Then one of my friend told me about the Canon new S90 and Canon G11, I tried them both and decided to keep the G11, because the battery on S90 is way too weak and the wheel on the way is way too easy to move. I love the build quality and grip on the G11. And extra 1 stop aperture doesn’t really make a big different. And the macro picture come out so much better on G11. Go for the G11 if you are enjoying to go out taking a lot o pictures.

Excellent, but not for auto only users.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This camera can provide excellent results but you have to be willing to go beyond the “auto” only mode. This is not your typical point and shoot camera; it’s a serious camera with awesome potential. What I love about it are the old school dials and manual controls, rugged, solid build and articulating screen which makes it so much easier to frame low shots.

I’m using a Lensmate lens adaptor which allows the use of add-on lenses and 72mm filters. With this adaptor the filter can be left on all the time with no vignetting or lens interference. This is important to know for those thinking of buying this camera for those reasons. The downside to adding this adaptor is flash interference at wide angle shots, partially blocks the focus assist beam and it renders the viewfinder completely useless.

Update: 1/15/10

I’m sorry to say that I no longer own this camera. After taking several hundred shots, if not close to a thousand, I returned it to Amazon. Primarily, a majority of my pictures came out soft or slightly out of focus. On the camera’s lcd the pictures looked great. On the computer was a different story. This happened even on sunny days. Too bad. I really wanted to like this camera. I returned it for a refund, not an exchange.

The main reason I decided not to exchange for another G11 is that I’m going back to a Panasonic Lumix LX3 and regretting I ever sold mine to get the G11. I loved the LX3 but egronomically it just felt too small to comfortably hold. The egronomics and articulating screen of the G11 seemed like such a better fit for me. The size and weight of the G11 is an assest, feeling much more substantial and easier to hold steady. I loved the idea of using the viewfinder and two handed shooting but the camera didn’t love me. I have medium sized hands and I found there was not enough space on the back of the camera to rest my thumb and palm. When shooting I found the area of my lower right thumb where it attaches to the palm was constantly rubbing on the menu buttons and accessing the settings. This was a huge annoyance.

My new LX3 is on order from Amazon and I can’t wait. This time I’m just going to buy a leather case to make holding a little more secure.

great little camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
When the Panasonic TZ5 came out it sounded like a great camera for me and I bought one and relagated my old Canon IS Elf to my wife. I was very happy for a while and then after a trip we compared photos and hers looked better than mine in some cases, especially inside. I found that I had a problem with the white light settings on the tz5 and I couldn’t seem to get it right. I was getting green tints and other color problems with the auto white light setting and I couldn’t improve it much with the specific settings. I did the natural thing — I went out and bought a new camera — the G11.

The camera does a great job in low light and most every other time, although it is a little compllicated at first. I seem to learn a new twist everytime I use it.. We were recently invited to a freind’s daughter’s wedding and I took many pictures in the chapel without a flash. The chapel was fairly well lighted, but the camera made it like daylight. I compared some of my shots with the hired gun they had taking pictures (a three man crew) and most of mine looked just as good and were much more candid. Love this camera and since I’m not likely to go out and get a SLR, it’s probably the terminal camera for me since I’m in my mid seventies.

An Improvement Over The Canon PowerShot G10
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Like:

- Handling (almost Canon EOS DSLR like).

- Exposure compensation dial (my favourite).

- Two-tier mode/ISO dials (my second favourite).

- Canon says about 45% less noise than the Canon PowerShot G10 (the G10 has more detail, though).

- Continuous optical image stabilization (up to a 4-stop advantage).

- Spot metering (great for concerts).

- The ability to shoot photos at ISO 12800 at reduced megapixels (the G10 could not do this).

- Flip out swivel LCD (especially great for shooting videos).

- Better than average lens optics (same lens as the G10′s 5x 28-140mm F2.8-4.5 image stabilized lens).

- Lower chroma noise than the G10 (easier to remove with appropriate software).

- RAW format.

- Long battery life (out guns the EOS 5D’s BP-511A battery).

- User friendly optional on-screen guide.

- Grippy exterior.

- Optical viewfinder.

- Hotshoe.

- HDMI output (finally).

- Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 3.7 software.

- Canon ZoomBrowser EX 6.4 (includes basic image editing, printing, e-mail and basic video editing).

- Canon PhotoStitch 3.1 panorama stitching utility.

- Customizable Shortcut button on the upper left rear panel.

- Unlimited continuous drive mode while shooting in RAW + JPEG.

- Incandescent preset white balance (less yellow).

- iContrast (really works).

- Macro focuses less than 1 cm away at the 28mm equivalent setting (expect barrel distortion).

- Neutral Density filter.

Dislike:

- At least a 1.5 second delay in showing the review image after shot is taken with an SD card (quicker with an SDHC Class 6 card).

- No braille thumbrest on the back of camera.

- Can easily and unintentionally change the settings with my thumb on the four-way controller and control dial.

- No control over the amount of noise reduction being applied (can use DPP to remedy).

- Detail not as good as the G10′s at ISO 200 and up (partly due to noise reduction).

- Chrome band around the lens is not for me. Reminds me of the flashy design touches on their EF-S lenses.

- Battery/card door hinged next to the tripod mount (cannot access once the camera is on a tripod).

- Tripod mount is not in line with the lens axis (cannot take accurate panoramics).

- Incandescent auto white balance still too yellow.

- Visible barrel distortion at the 28mm equivalent setting (can be corrected with software).

- Dated 30 fps VGA (640×480) mode at 4:3 aspect ratio only.

- Price.

Please refer to my uploaded photo.

Very satisfied with G11
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I researched, and researched cameras as I wanted to upgrade from the Canon SD550 Elph that I have used for years. At my suggetion, my husband purchased the G11 for me for Christmas. I opened the box on Christmas Eve as we left for a trip. I was amazed at the quality of the photos I was taking “out of the box”–no reading, no research. I did know the basics, but using the Auto setting and/or the low light setting produced beautiful photos. Plus, I used the camera for an entire week, taking nearly 300 photos without needing to recharge the battery. Very satisfied with the zoom. I read a lot of negative reviews in my research, but I have found nothing to complain about. Don’t believe those negative reviews if you plan to use the camera for enjoyment and you are an above average photographer. The only adjustment I had to make is the larger size and heavier weight of the G11 over the Elph. It still fits in my purse, and the superior photo quality is the trade off.Lowepro G-Res 10 Camera Pouch (Black). Buy the $19.99 camera case to keep it safe. I’m glad I waited to buy the G11.

Great carry-along camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Great camera for always carrying along. Bigger than a point and shoot, but not too big. Can carry it most of the time (I use a Tamrac belt pouch). Not a DSLR, but great “no-flash” indoor photos. Good over-ride camera dials for quicker “manual” controls. Great for impromptu candid photography.

Why I bought the Canon G11 instead of the S90
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
If you’re already in the market for a top level P&S that shoots RAW then you’re probably looking at the Canon G11, Canon S90 or the Panasonic LX3. All three cameras have their plusses and minuses so no one should be saying which one is best. The question is what works for you. That’s all that matters.

The Canon G11 and S90 both share the same sensor which means they have almost identical noise performance. The big difference on the low light issue is that the S90 starts at f/2 and the G11 at f/2.8. Sounds like a small difference, but it isn’t when you need all the low light capability you can get.

According to at least one blowhard pro reviewer (Ken Rockwell – don’t know how the man passes as an “expert”), you’d think that the G11 was a waste of money in comparison to the S90 and that only people who want a heavier camera for no apparent reason would want the G11.

Here are my reasons:

1. The G11 has an articulating screen. There are multiple uses for this. A)Makes self portraits easy; B)Allows you to inconspicuously take photos with the camera down at your waist; C)Allows you to compose photos at ground level without lying down; D)Allows you to take photos with the camera over your head in crowd situations; and E)Allows you to protect the screen by turning it inward towards the camera. I know the articulating LCD has its detractors, but to me it’s one of the top reasons I bought it over the S90.

2. The longer focal length: 140 vs. 105 on the S90

3. The heavier weight. Heavier means metal. Metal means this camera can take more abuse. Pros in the field frequently choose the G series Canons as their backup because they’re built so well. If you’re not going to take your camera on a mountain expedition, for example, then you might not need the G11′s sturdier build and the S90 might be a better choice.

4. The easy to use “as if it was designed by a real photographer” outside dials for mode, ISO, and bracketing.

But the G11 also has its issues.

The f/2.8 lens IS a concern, although the cameras do even out around 50mm and the G11 surpasses the S90 at the other end of the zoom. There are times I really don’t want to carry that extra weight. And the G11 has bit too many extras on it that make it more complicated than it needs to be. Quite honestly, I hate how Canon designs their interface. I’m a Nikon DSLR user, but their P&S cameras don’t match the Canon’s in terms of quality. I love what the G11 can do, but I despise trying to change settings on it.

There’s one reason why none of these things pushed me towards buying the easier to use S90: I also bought the Panasonic LX3. The LX3 has an f/2 lens and an ultra-wide 24mm lens. It’s older technology than both the Canons, but whoa does it fill in the gaps on the G11. It’s lightweight, easier to use, wider lens (even if it has limited zoom), and has a specific feature not on any Canon: dynamic B&W. I know, I can get the same effect with software after shooting. But that’s not my style. I generally shoot it just the way I want it in the moment. I don’t enjoy spending a half hour at the computer trying to tweak an image to death. I was self taught on a 35mm shooting almost exclusively B&W so Panasonic’s bow to us long term photographers is greatly appreciated.

I realize most folks can’t afford to get two top of the line P&S cameras. You have to decide what features count the most. I’m betting most users will prefer the S90. They won’t use the articulating screen and they don’t need the sturdier build. For people who want to just take photos of friends and family I actually recommend the S90. But if you have needs that go beyond that, start giving the G11 a serious look. There’s just one fly in the ointment I have to add: The S90 has the slowest continuous shooting speed of all three of these cameras at .9 fps vs. the G11′s 1.1 and the LX3′s 2.5. If you’re shooting fast moving children, for example, you might want to back up completely and reexamine what it is you need as a cheaper camera without RAW but with faster continuous shooting might be the better choice.

I’m writing this review in late 2009. I’ve read that Panasonic will probably release the LX3 replacement, said to be the LX5, in 2010. If they keep the positives and add a longer zoom and an articulating screen then forget everything I wrote as I will be ditching both my LX3 and G11. I hate the Canon interface that much.

One last thing on weight – bought a camera grip that just makes the camera feel perfect in my hand and I’m no longer afraid I’m going to drop it. Something like this: PROMASTER CAMERA GRIP

Try doing without it
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I ordered this camera back in August when my G9 was water damaged. I do agree that HD video and GPS tagging are hot features and would love to have them, BUT this is a camera, not a phone/fax/scan unit. This is a Pentax K1000. I work in commercial photography and can only say TRY IT and then try something else. I would like to try the LX3 but the skeptic in me says something is sacrificed and I loved my G9 even with its shortcomings, it’s probably great also. But now, low light with Canon is no longer a punch in the face!! I have gained at least 2 stops shooting with the G11. This camera will more than earn its keep, despite the 28mm lens. I wish that the HDMI had come with the camera being that it is a new feature and all. Like the K1000, this is like getting that tool that has you saying “What can’t I do with this?”. All the old school adjustments are at your fingertips, I love dials. From the time my G9 died on AUG 26 until the day this came in I have been shooting with the “Olympus Stylus 850SW 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (ORANGE)” the camera I bought for my daughter, and all I can say is FINALLY.

Canon G11
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Wanted a camera that would allow me to take quality street shots without being too obvious. My DSLR was just too obtrusive and intimidating. The quality of the images even enlarged to 11X14 are just fine if the ISO is not above 800 and depending on the light. Because of the way I hold my camera, a couple of the buttons are in the way but I learned to be careful. Love all the auto options and they work well. Was impressed with the beach settings as well as kids and pets and snow. When i don’t have time to dial in these settings manually, these auto features have been very handy.

I like it a lot
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I’d wanted a Canon G series since the G9, and my wife finally let me buy one. I’m still learning how to use it, but all and all I am happy with this camera. I was expecting a metal body since the G9 and 10 both had it. I was initially dissapointed with this point, but the lighter weight of the G11 makes it easier for my wife to use.

I have worked as a newspaper photographer and currently work in the photo industry managing fan photographers at sporting events… I see a lot of cameras.

The interface is great, easy to use. I really like the size and the LCD. I am wary of the picture quality. The images look great on the back of the camera, but in the computer they have a “processed” look to them. I am still learning how this camera works though. I’ve read that the best quality is is had at ISO 200 or less.

Manual control is great, but what I love is that the camera is smart enough that all I have to do is use Program mode and adjust the exposure compensation depending on the conditions. It’s really that easy.

Wasn’t a compelling upgrade from my G7
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I’ve had a G7 for a while and really like it. When they announced the G11, I pre-ordered it on Amazon. I had really high hopes for it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t worth the wait as an upgrade.

I took a bunch of photos with my G7 and G11 of the same subjects and compared them. The G11 does do much better with respect to noise at higher ISO settings. Otherwise the picutres were hard to tell apart. The articulated screen for the G11 really adds considerable size compared to the G7, so that was a negative for me given that it was still a point and shoot. Together, I didn’t think it was worth the $500.

So, instead I kept the G7, returned the G11 to Amazon, and bought a Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. I love the Rebel, which is the first DSLR I’ve owned.

The G11 a great camera if you are looking to buy what might be the best point and shoot digital camera. If you are not upgrading from another Canon G series with image stabilization, it’s a great camera to consider. I simply felt that it wasn’t a worthwhile upgrade.

Buck

Good camera, awful auto ISO programming
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
It’s a good camera, but one aspect of the camera is awful and makes the AUTO and scene modes relatively useless. I usually shoot PROGRAM mode and manually set the ISO to get the sharpest image possible. But the camera sets the ISO for you in all the scene modes, and it bumps up the ISO to high values (800)for flash and very early on. It doesn’t need to do this at all– my other cheap Canon and Panasonic cameras keep the ISO at 100 or at most 200 if the flash can provide sufficient light.

The solution, then, is to manually set the ISO (easy to do with the dial), but it is not possible to do this with the SCENE modes. Now most scene modes are junk, but a few of them have some color and white balance settings that are not that easy to do yourself. So, an extremely irrational decision on the manufacturer’s part; make it easy to control ISO, take away that control for scene modes, and then pumping up the ISO (blunting the image quality) in those modes.

great camera. significant upgrade from previous models
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a fairly significant upgrade. Lower Megapixels (finally!)…better image quality, easy to use; especially if you have previously owned Canon cameras

I could go on and on…but others have already done so. Worth $500. Get one. Great 2nd camera to take around when you don’t want to lug around the heavy flagship digital SLR. I am looking forward to using this on the ski slopes and doing outdoor sports…much more practically to shoot with this than the SLR.

The only two negatives

1) Canon should have included HD for video instead of SD. Oh well…can’t have everything. Next upgrade.

2) threads!!! but I suspect this is because they don’t want you to ditch your SLR. Threads on the G series would probably cannabalize their profits….like cellphones and netbooks vs. laptops and desktops.

I LOVE THIS CAMERA!!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This camera has all the features of a DSLR with the portability of a point and shoot. Many of the controls are readily available on top of the camera, so you don’t have to search through crazy menus to find them. The image quality is wonderful.

Easy HDR Captures with the G11
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought the Canon G11 specifically to have a camera that would allow me to get into HDR photography without spending an arm and a leg for what is essentially a hobby. so far, I have not been disappointed. It is easy to use, takes beautiful photographs at very high resolution, and has just about any feature you would want unless you’re looking for a point-and-shoot with HD video capability.

The large, bright LCD screen swivels out and around so you can bend over to shoot a ground shot, fold it back into the camera for hand-held, and most importantly fold it up when finished shooting to protect the screen. It has nice selection dials on top to adjust ISO, exposure, and shooting modes quickly by hand rather than fishing through menus. The menus are well organized and have easy to read letters and icons. It took only about 20 minutes to explore it all and get the camera set up the way I wanted it.

High Dynamic Range photography requires that you shoot 2 or more shots at different exposures to get a full range of detail and color in the highlights, mid-range and shadows. The G11 makes this very easy. Set the camera in Aperture priority mode, with the aperture set wider for shallow depth of field and smaller for a greater depth of field.

Use a tripod. The Manfrotto Modo is literally perfect for this camera and will let you get all the way down to the ground for macro shots or up to or above eye level depending on your height; it’s affordable and lightweight with a great joystick handle and bubble level built in. Any tripod will do for HDR with the G11.

In the menu, select autobracketing and increase the range of the 3 shots it will take to -2, 0 and +2 exposure stops. Then, click the timer button and select a 2-second timer delay. Those two steps are key, and you have to select them again each time you turn the camera back on. Getting a 4-stop latitude with 3 exposures will give you great results for HDR. Using a 2-second timer with your tripod eliminates the need for a remote or cable release to keep the camera absolutely still when taking the 3 exposures, which it fires off automatically in autobracket mode.

I shoot JPEGs at the half-resolution Large setting, which gives you big images with smaller file sizes. I know some photographers also recommend shooting RAW + JPEG for HDR, but right now I am not doing that. I expect it would give me more latitude in editing, so I may try that in the future. Right now, I use auto-white balance, which is fast and accurate. I also use Aperture priority to make sure the depth of field does not change when it’s taking my 3 autobracket exposures.

That’s it. Now you can take your 3-shot sets back to the computer, and open them up in your HDR software to make your composite. I use Photomatix Pro, which is generally regarded as the best HDR software. [...] has a great tutorial on HDR and you can get a discount code for the software there. With Photomatix, you don’t really need to use Photoshop; however, if you already own Photoshop CS2 or higher you can “merge to HDR” your three photos and then do tone mapping. Photomatics does all that with just two buttons, and has lots of sliders for tweaking the results. Trey Ratcliff also recommends noise reduction software after tone mapping an HDR; I haven’t gotten that yet, but with the right tweaking you might not need it.

The G11 has a bunch of presets for different shooting conditions. I have never seen a camera with modes like “Aquarium,” “Fireworks,” and “Underwater” but the G11 has them. It shoots SD video, but it’s higher resolution than most SD video I have seen. Not HD, but close. It has many of the features of a DSLR, but costs much less than a DSLR with comparable features. I debated getting this or the Nikon D40, but went with the Canon G11 because it has autobracketing, which the D40 does not.

The smaller, lighter Canon Powershot S90 is $100 cheaper than the G11, has an actual control ring around the lens, and is a lot more low profile, but has all the same features except an actual viewfinder and no swivel LCD. It’s easier to carry around, but seems like it would be just a little harder to use because it has a pop-up flash where you would want to hold it with your left hand, and the other option is to hold it with your thumb over part of the LCD screen. Also, without the swivel LCD, it’s harder to get low or ground shots or over-the-head shots. That said, it’s the same camera basically as the G11, and that includes the DIGIC 4 processor, which is the same used by the $2,700 Canon 5D Mark II. The G11 and S90 also use CCD sensor chips, which are a little better than most CMOS chips, and with the DIGIC 4 processor you get better low-light performance out of them.

For a more all-inclusive review of the G11, I recommend Ken Rockwell’s excellent website, where he has reviews on just about every camera and lens Nikon or Canon have made plus many others.

To sum up, I am very satisfied with my G11 Powershot. It is a suitable DSLR replacement for most photography opportunities, and produces great results for HDR compositions. Here’s a link to my small Flikr HDR collection; and as always, there are much better examples of HDR out there, but this is what I’ve been able to do in just a few days with the G11:[...]

Again, here’s a great tutorial on HDR Photography: [...]

Returned – broken
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I was so excited to try this camera, but three days later it went back. The LCD stopped working.

My background includes extensive photography with film. I tried digital with a Canon S50 starting in 2003. This got me hooked on a smaller camera size and I thought the G11 would be the perfect compromise- SLR features in a more compact size.

Pros:

- Low light picture quality

- Pro features – hot shoe, manual exposure controls, RAW format, view finder

- Dials for exposure compensation, ISO

- Articulating LCD (until it broke)

- 5x optical zoom

Cons:

- Cheap construction – particularly the LCD

- It seemed to switch to Macro for no reason and I’d have to change the mode to get out of it

My Minolta SLR and Canon S50 felt very solid. I traveled and did outside activities without much fear of breaking the cameras. The G11 feels delicate. And the poor LCD stopped working in less than a week. Not sure if it is a design or manufacturing issue, but I’m going to wait for the next upgrade before looking at the G series again. Instead, I’m thinking of a Canon S90 or perhaps a Nikon SLR. Or perhaps I’ll just stick with my Canon S50.

G11 great camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a camera worth buying. The pictures are great and they stand up to lower end DSLR camera quality. You must read the manual first in order to get the best out of the camera.

Mejor compacta de los ultimos tiempos
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Tengo la cámara hace unas 3 semanas y desde entonces he tomado varias fotos en distintas condiciones de luz y configuraciones.

No soy profesional, tengo conocimientos avanzados en fotografía y cuento con varias cámaras digitales en mi haber, así como alguna reflex “básica”.

Todo es relativo y depende con que se compare para tomar el producto en su justa medida.

Después de haber experimentado por años con otros modelos de canon, fuji, olympus, panasonic, sony y kodak (en cuanto a compactas), no tengo dudas que la G11 es al momento una de las mejores máquinas disponibles en el mercado.

Por calidad general del hardware y por la calidad de imagen que entrega.

No necesito 10mp y generalmente tomo mis capturas en 4mp (nunca supero los 18x13cms al imprimir).

Para imagenes realmente grandes o que necesito imprimir en formatos mayores, utilizo mi CANON XSI.

La pantalla “giratoria” es para mí uno de los mayores y mejores elementos de la G11.

Muy buena definicion de los 461mil puntos. Algunos han comentado que se siente fragil al tacto, para mi gusto esta correcto.

A favor

* Lente 28-140 (cubre todas mis necesidades del dia a dia)

* Rango y cobertura del flash incorporado

* Pantalla giratoria de buen tamaño y calidad

* Controles dedicados para controlar iso y exposicion

* Calidad de construccion, se siente firme en las manos, menos que la G10 pero mejor que muchas compactas

* Posibilidad de incorporar flash de mayor capacidad (270, 430, 580)

* Imagen iso 80 a 400 de muy buena calidad y color para una compacta

* Controles y mas controles, posibilidad de calibrar absolutamente todo lo imaginable (estamos hablando de una camara compacta)

* Formato RAW y RAW+JPG

En contra

* A partir de iso 800 si bien es mejor a sus competidoras, suaviza demasiado la imagen para eliminar el ruido.

(Es posible disparar en RAW y procesar el archivo para mejores resultados, lo cual se agradece)

* Controles traseros muy justos en tamaño (dificiles de operar y pueden ocasionar modificaciones de parametros no deseados)

* Boton obturador, diminuto, complica su accionar (para manos grandes)

* Ráfaga EXTREMADAMENTE lenta (mi canon sd550 parece una reflex en comparacion)

* Enfoque si bien es rápido para una compacta, he tenido mejores resultados con otros modelos y marcas.

En definitiva, una cámara MUY BUENA, que recomiendo a cualquier persona que guste poder tomar una foto en cualquier momento y lugar.

La ventaja clara frente a la reflex es su tamaño y peso, lo que nos posibilita tener siempre el equipo pronto para disparar.

A nearly perfect blend of features.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve only owned a G11 since this morning but was compelled to write this review for two reasons. First, I am amazed at how well Canon listened to their customer base. People loved the G10 ( and I plan on keeping the one I’ve been shooting for the last year….) But the two biggest complaints/suggestions I’ve routinely heard are: 1. The high ISO noise is too obvious and noise filters blur the image. 2. I wish it had a flexible screen on the back. To those two complaints I would have added: It would be nice to have a better optical view finder with more accurate framing.

We all hoped that they wouldn’t change the things that everyone liked such as the wonderful analog controls on the top of the G10.

So, I now have camera that IS really about a stop and a half or two stops more sensitive. 400 on the G11 looks better than 200 on the G10. I’d buy the camera just for that. Secondly, the screen on the back now swivels. Nope, the viewfinder didn’t get improved.

What you are getting is a really nicely made camera that is convenient to carry around (but not really pocketable) that works quickly and well and is getting into the quality space that used to be the sole provence of DSLR cameras. You also get a nice movie mode (640, not HD) which works well for web projects as well as a camera with smaller file sizes than it’s predecessor. It is 10 megs versus 15. Another reviewer griped that the G11 should have had a longer zoom and 24 megapixels. I don’t want either of those things because I understand the greater the range of the zoom lens the less well it can be corrected for optical faults. I don’t want more megapixels because 99% of what I print is 12 by 18 inches or smaller and both cameras will already do that very well if you practice good technique. There are plenty of long zoom range cameras that work well for snapping your kids playing soccer. I have a Canon SX20 that does a good job with that. But there are few small cameras that are both fun to shoot quickly, on the street and it available light situations that also yield really nice files. This camera is one of them. We should give a few kudos to Canon for getting rev2 (actually rev right for what we really like to do as photographic artists.

I hope someone writes a really good book about using cameras in this class.

Also thrilled that Canon uses the same battery between the G10 and the G11.

Added last night: I went out shooting in the soft rain and gloomy half light yesterday afternoon/evening. I used the camera at ISO 400 and 800 and shot as low as 1/25th of a second. The images did not have a lot of noise and the IS worked very well. If you’ve shot with Canon’s previous powershot cameras you will get used to the controls and menus very quickly.

The Pro’s Compact
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Before Canon’s latest release, I used a G10 as my compact camera. I bought both the S90 and G11 the first weekend they were available and have been comparing both of them to the G10 for the past couple weeks. I have taken hundreds of images using all 3 cameras side by side with the same settings. The title of “Best Compact” has been debated feverishly on the web, with most votes going to the G10 and LX3. But now, I think Canon’s new release of both the S90 and G11 will put a quick end to these debates. There is no question in my mind that this pair sits above all competitors. All three of these Canon cameras benefit from the ability to shoot raw format and the 1/1.7″ sensor, which is larger than the 1/2.3″ sensor found in most other compact cameras.

G11 vs. G10

The first thing I wanted to test was image quality and noise at high ISO settings. Most photography hobbyists and pros know that low light performance is the number one factor influencing camera and lens prices. This is the main reason an f/2.8 zoom lens costs 3-5 times as much as an f/3.5-5.6 zoom. The G11 performs superbly in this regard. RAW images from the G11 set at ISO 800 were equal to or better than RAW images from the G10 set at ISO400. Both luminance and chrominance noise were lower in the G11 images. This represents a 1 stop improvement, which is what I was hoping for. These comparisons were made with all noise reduction disabled in camera and in the DPP software. I tested all other ISOs and found the G11 to be better at all ISO settings above 100 and the 2 cameras demonstrated equal IQ at the base ISOs of 80 and 100.

The feel of the G11 is almost identical to the G10. The biggest difference is that the G11 now has an articulating LCD compared to the fixed LCD on the G10. To accommodate the new LCD mount, the back of the camera was slightly redesigned. The back is now plastic instead of metal, the shortcut and play buttons are now slightly harder to reach, and the rear control dial is both smaller and has a cheaper feel. These differences are immediately apparent to someone who has used the G10 extensively, but I expect the camera will feel just fine to everyone else. I think most people would agree that the articulating LCD is worth giving up a little bit of the solid feel.

I went step-by-step through the menus and features of both cameras during my comparison and most functions are very similar. One of the new features I really like is the ability to fine tune the WB. So if you find the auto white balance tends to run too warm for your tastes, just dial it cooler and it will adjust each WB calculation by the amount you specify.

G11 vs. S90

Both these cameras have the same new sensor, so low light performance is identical. Canon also boasts about the S90 having a faster f/2.0 lens compared to the f/2.8 on the G10, but this part of the camera did not impress me. The lens only has the 1-stop advantage at the absolute widest setting and the max aperture closes down fast from there. The G11 lens is faster at the telephoto end and the difference is negligible at all zoom settings in between. Both lenses are equally sharp throughout their zoom ranges. The G11 has a hot shoe, but when I want to use external flashes, I dial-down the on-board flash and use it to trigger remotes.

The ergonomics of the G11 and S90 are the biggest difference. I wanted to try the S90 because it boasts of equal image quality to the G11 in a smaller, lighter package. After using the S90, I think it might just be too small for my hands. On the G11, I can operate all of the controls on the right-rear of the camera with the thumb of the hand holding the camera. With the S90 there are fewer controls that I can operate one-handed and at times I feel like I might drop it, because I just can’t get a good grip on it. The rear control ring on the S90 turns too easily and I have found myself unintentionally adjusting settings because of this, which was never a problem on the G10.

Bundled Software

The camera ships with a newer version (3.7) of Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software. There is not much difference compared to older versions, but there is one nice improvement: the lens aberration section is enabled for images taken with the G11. This allows for correction of vignetting, CA and distortion. I do not understand why the same controls are not available for RAW files taken with the G10. There is still no straighten function in the software, which is a disappointment. Another disappointing factor about the software is that Canon has not yet released a new RAW Codec; the current version (1.5) does not support the S90 or G11. This allows raw files to be viewed in Windows and for thumbnail images to be created in Windows explorer. I am sure they are working on an update, but I wish they had this ready by the time the camera was released.

Summary

If you are considering upgrading from a G10 to a G11, I say “Go for it”. With the exception of the cheaper feel on the back of the camera, there is nothing I can think of that is not equal or better on the G11. Most importantly the image quality is better.

If you are trying to decide between a G11 and S90, I recommend you try them out in the store and see which one feels better to you. I still have them both and do not yet know which I will be keeping.

The G11 is an excellent camera and I highly recommend it.

Great pictures, cumbersome handling
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I would have really liked to love this camera since there are so few alternatives on the market in this price range. But I have to say that Canon just skimped too much trying to maintain its presence in the category. Understandably, the yen has appreciated considerably against the US dollar so they had to cut down on giving us the features we would have liked (24mm equivalent wide angle lens and a bigger zoom perhaps), but I could have lived without it if it weren’t for the awkward weight balance and the thin grip (at least, for my hands which are not big by any means but also not small). The pictures that it takes are very nice. I am not a professional though, so I am looking for something that is relatively easy to carry around and that doesn’t require too much hassle to put on the polarizing filter I have come to demand for my work. Canon should have given the way the lens extends and how that impacts the extension tube setup a lot more thought. And yet, I could have lived with that too, but this is no small camera and it weighs my bag down like a brick. The lens cover is flimsy in my opinion, something that I noticed in at least one or two other reviews but simply refused to believe. Disappointed, I am returning it.