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Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD |
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Amazon Sales Rank: 147
Publisher: Canon
Type: Electronics
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The PowerShot G11 is a compact camera that will find favor with professionals and advanced amateur photographers due to its superb image quality, full manual control of settings, and RAW shooting capability. If it's not practical or safe to carry a large DSLR a high-specification compact such as the PowerShot G11 is a fantastic choice. It's great for photographers looking to capture high resolution, high quality, and low light images without having to carry a large SLR system in their kit bags.The G11 features face detection technology that can detect and track numerous faces within the frame to ensure the correct exposure and focus for them. An enhanced i-Contrast system optimizes the dynamic range of subjects to deliver shadow details whilst avoiding highlight blow outs.
Average Rating: 
Review: 2009-11-22
Why I bought the Canon G11 instead of the S90
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.
Review: 2009-11-20
brilliant, with qualifications
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...
Review: 2009-11-20
Wasn't a compelling upgrade from my G7
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
Review: 2009-11-20
Great pictures, cumbersome handling
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.
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Amazon List Price: $499.99
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