Canon PowerShot G11
Last updated (17 November’09):
- Review by GoodGearGuide
Canon PowerShot G11 is the successor of PowerShot G10 features 10 Megapixels CCD sensor, 5x optical zoom (35mm film equivalent: 28-140mm), DIGIC 4, capability to shoot RAW just like a DSLR camera, ISO 80-3200, and a 2.8-inch TFT 461,000 pixels color swivel LCD with wide viewing angle. The camera measures 112 x 76 x 48 mm and weighs Approx. 355g.
Overall Rating: N/A | Latest Price Info
Canon PowerShot G11 Reviews
GoodGearGuide reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“We like the overall picture quality of the G11, but it’s not perfect. Sometimes shots can look pale and have some haloing, while wide angle shots will suffer from barrel roll… the G11 remains a good, competitively priced option for anyone who wants full manual control, but doesn’t want to go for a digital SLR. “
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CameraLabs reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“The G11 may have improved noise levels over the G10 and most traditional compacts, but can’t compete with the physically larger sensors of the E-P1 and GF1. “
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DCI reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“the G11 is smaller and cheaper than these SLRs and if I was hiking the Appalachian trail or chasing bears in Yellowstone, I’d rather carry around the relatively compact G11 than a big, bulky and more expensive SLR. “
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Gizmodo reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“the video the G11 produces at that resolution is generally excellent.. That’s because it’s packed with data—the bitrate averages around 10Mbps… That’s why it looks so vibrant compared to a lot of the 720p video out there. “
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Canon PowerShot G11 Video Review by SimplyElectronics;
DCR reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“I was very pleased with default image quality out of the G11 - virtually all shots used to illustrate this review were shot at 80 ISO and Program auto mode, and all with auto white balance. Indoor with flash, indoor with available light, outdoor - the G11 produced excellent results. “
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Pocket-Lint reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“The good: Solid feel construction, vari-angle LCD, better results at higher ISOs than we’ve witnessed from competing brands (if staying at or below ISO 3200). The bad: Standard definition video, still priced the same as an entry level DSLR (albeit a cheaper option than buying DSLR plus lens with equivalent focal range) “
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LuminousLandscape reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“What I see is that the G11 has about a one stop advantage over the G10, and both look quite good up to and including ISO 200. I never regarded ISO 400 is usable for anything except record shots on the G10, and my feeling is that while cleaner, the G11 is still too noisy at 400 for any sort of large prints. “
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WDC reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“The reduction of resolution means that noise is much better controlled at higher ISO settings, while the vari-angle LCD screen is one of the best on the market. So, while obtaining a G11 does mean parting with a substantial whack of cash, if you do decide to purchase then you’ll undoubtedly be bagging yourself an excellent camera that should last many years. “
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TechRadar reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“Build quality is good without making the camera too heavy, and the swivelling LCD is ideal for shooting from awkward angles - or taking candid shots of people without them realising!”
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PhotographyBlog reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“it doesn’t quite hold up to its manufacturer’s claim of this being the ‘ultimate’ compact - particularly when you’ve had the opportunity to swap lenses as on the competing Olympus Pen and Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds models, the latter being a near ringer for the Canon in terms of size, shape and form. But then, with those models lenses cost extra, and with the G11 you have mostly everything you’d want in one neat package, which shouldn’t be underestimated.”
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ePhotozine reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“I’m happy to say that it’s acceptable in terms of not seeing it at anything other than full magnification, until the ISO800 setting. From ISO1600, the image is too distorted to get away with as noise invades the low key areas and coloured blotches appaer on the grey card.”
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Video preview by DigitalRev;
CNET.uk reviews the Canon PowerShot G11 and writes;
“The Canon PowerShot G11 offers excellent photograph quality and options for a compact camera, and the downshift from the old PowerShot G10’s 14-megapixel sensor to a 10-megapixel one has paid dividends. But it remains a fat, heavy and expensive compact that’s not without its flaws, including sluggish responses and an awkward main controller”
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Canon PowerShot G11 Preview Video by WDC;
Canon PowerShot G11 User Reviews
Very pleased with the Canon G11! | Rating:
“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.” - Boyle
Wow! | Rating:
“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. “ - D.Eng
Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos
- Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos @ CameraLabs
- Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos @ DCI
- Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos @ Gizmodo
- Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos: 1 - 2 - 3 @ DCR
- Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog
- Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos @ CNET.UK
- Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos @ Dpreview
- Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Photos: 1 - 2 - 3 @ Canon USA
Canon PowerShot G11 Sample Videos
Canon G11 Video from Gizmodo on Vimeo.
Canon PowerShot G11 User Manual (PDF)
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- Download Canon PowerShot G11 User Guide (PDF - 5.62MB)
Canon PowerShot G11 Specifications
| Recommended price |
• $499 |
|---|---|
| Sensor |
• 1/1.7" Type CCD |
| Image sizes | • 3648 x 2736 • 3648 x 2048 • 2816 x 2112 • 2272 x 1704 • 1600 x 1200 |
| Movie clips | • 640 x 480 @ 30fps
• 320 x 240 @ 30fps |
| Maximum clip length | Up to 4GB or 1 hour |
| File formats | • Still: JPEG (Exif v2.2), RAW • Movie: MOV [H.264 + Linear PCM (monaural)] |
| Lens | • 28-140mm (35mm equiv) • f = 6.1 - 30.5 mm • 5x optical zoom • F2.8-4.5 • Construction: 11 elements in 9 groups (1 double-sided aspherical element) |
| Image stabilization | Yes (Lens-Shift) |
| Conversion lenses | Yes |
| Digital zoom | up to 4x |
| Focus | • Auto focus :TTL - Face Detection / 9-point AiAF - 1-point AF (center or Face Select and Track) - Fixed centre or Face Select and Track • Manual focus |
| AF modes |
• Single |
| AF lock | Yes (on/off selectable) |
| AF assist lamp | Yes |
| Focus distance | Closest focus distance 1 cm |
| Metering | • Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame) • Center-weighted average • Spot (center or linked to Face Detection) |
| ISO sensitivity | • Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 |
| AE lock | Yes |
| Exposure compensation | +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments |
| Shutter speed | • Auto (1 - 1/4000 sec) • 15-1/4000 sec |
| Modes |
• Auto • Aperture Priority AE • Low Light |
| Scene modes |
• Portrait • Kids & Pets • Beach • Stitch Assist |
| White balance |
• Auto (including Face Detection WB) • Cloudy • Custom1 |
| Self timer | • 2 or 10 sec • Custom or FaceSelf Timer |
| Continuous shooting | • Approx. 1.1 shots/sec. • AF: Approx. 0.7 shots/sec. • LV: Approx. 0.8 shots/sec. (until memory card becomes full) |
| Image parameters | My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color) |
| Flash | • Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Slow Sync, Red-eye reduction
• Slow Sync Speed : Fastest speed 1/2000 sec • Manual Power Adjustment |
| External Flash | E-TTL with EX series Speedlites, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX, Canon High Power Flash HF-DC1 |
| Viewfinder | Real-image zoom, Optical Viewfinder |
| LCD monitor | • 2.8 inch Vari-angle PureColor II VA (TFT) • 461,000 pixels • 100% coverage • Adjustable |
| Connectivity | • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed • HDMI mini connector • AV out (PAL / NTSC switchable) |
| Print compliance | PictBridge |
| Storage | SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus |
| Power | Rechargeable Li-ion Battery NB-7L |
| Weight (no batt) | 355 g |
| Dimensions | 112 x 76 x 48 mm |
Canon PowerShot G11 Press Release
London, UK 19th August 2009: Canon today announces the launch of the feature packed PowerShot G11, the successor to the multi award-winning PowerShot G10 - the favourite compact of professional photographers and photoagencies the world over.
Commenting on his use of the predecessor to the PowerShot G11, the PowerShot G10, Gary Knight, acclaimed photojournalist and co-founder of the VII Photo Agency, said: “As a photojournalist who covers warzones, one of the main challenges I face is getting high quality images in hostile environments.
To achieve this I need a camera that offers great image and build quality without the bulk, and the PowerShot G series is perfect for this purpose. When shooting in areas of conflict, it’s important to have a compact camera in my bag that allows me to work discreetly but also provides the level of quality required to get the photos I need. The G Series excels in this respect, delivering great quality images from a compact body that is less intimidating than that of an SLR.”
Professional photographers will benefit from the G11’s greatly expanded dynamic range. Canon’s new Dual Anti-Noise System combines a high sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel image sensor with Canon’s enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology to increase image quality and greatly improve noise performance by up to 2 stops (compared to PowerShot G10). The PowerShot G11 also includes i-Contrast technology, which prevents high-light blowout whilst retaining low-light detail – ideal for difficult lighting situations.
The premium quality Canon lens delivers picture-perfect performance, offering a 5x wide angle (28mm) zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (IS). This allows handheld shots to be taken at much slower shutter speeds (4-stops) than conventional non-IS models - allowing perfect shooting in darker conditions or at a lower ISO. Greatly reducing blur caused by camera shake, photographers can shoot at longer focal lengths and in lower light conditions without the need for a tripod.
The digital compact includes the ability to shoot in RAW format and is compatible with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, ensuring that photo shoots can be easily integrated into a photographer’s workflow.
Stephen Munday, Senior Operations Director, Editorial, Getty Images, comments: “The quality of images delivered by the PowerShot G series are so good that we use G10 images within our editorial library, and our photographers using the G series models do so because of the image quality and flexibility they provide.”
He continues, “The unpredictable nature of news photojournalism requires our photographers to get shots in all kinds of situations, and the size of the G10 allows them to do that without drawing too much attention to themselves. The low-light capabilities of the new G11 will be of even greater help in that respect, as it will allow our photographers to shoot high quality images without flash in even more situations.”
Alongside superb image quality, the compact size of the PowerShot G11 and a 2.8-inch vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD (461k dots) make it the ideal choice for professional photographers to use where an SLR is impractical or obtrusive. The G11 is ergonomically designed for faster, accurate menu scrolling. Analogue style dials for ISO and exposure compensation give photographers instant, familiar access to common settings and features.
“I’ve been a user of the G series since the G5” says Edmond Terakopian, photojournalist and winner of the British Press Awards Photographer of the Year and a World Press Photo award for Spot News. “Recently I’ve been using the G10 which is absolutely spot on; image quality, usability, reliability and build quality are all excellent. It’s the one camera that’s always with me, no matter where I am; whether on or off duty. I know I can rely on it to help me get the picture, no matter what.
Over the years I’ve used my G Series cameras on the occasions when assignments have needed discretion. It’s a satisfying feeling telling a picture editor that the photograph he’s just complemented was from a compact camera.”
The G11 is equipped to deal with any light condition. Low Light mode enables photographers to shoot up to ISO 12,800 in reduced 2.5MP resolution at 2.4fps capturing brilliant shots indoors without the need for a flash, whilst a built-in Neutral Density (ND) filter decreases light levels by 3 stops allowing creative control in bright conditions.
The camera’s highest flash synchro speed has been increased to 1/2000th seconds, reducing the possibility of overexposed bright scenes. A real time histogram displays brightness levels on the PureColor II VA LCD screen, so photographers can easily view conditions and change settings when shooting.
The PowerShot G11 gives photographers the freedom to perfectly shoot fast-paced action. Quick Shot mode takes images almost instantly after pressing the shutter, so fast moving objects are always captured, whilst Servo AF/ AE continuously adjusts focus and exposure to optimise settings when photographing moving subjects.
The PowerShot G11 can be used with a wide range of Canon accessories, including the Speedlite 270EX, 430EX II and 580EX II; Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX and Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX flashes for enhanced shooting options; the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite Bracket BKT-DC1 and Remote Switch RS-60E3. Underwater photographers can even team the PowerShot G11 with the specially designed Waterproof Case WP-DC34 - an underwater housing allowing full control of the camera at depths down to 40m. The PowerShot G11 includes an HDMI port so users can review images on a full HD screen via an optional HDMI cable.
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Bueno creo que ahora con la Canon G11, se puso al frente de varias càmaras en su clase no tan solo en su marca y en su categoria sino tambièn liderando a las otras marcas que son la competencia . A esperar como dice la nota de prensa que en las sensibilidades màs altas se produce un ruido menor al de antecesoras . Bien como siempre o casi siempre , su rival eterno Nikon en breve saldrà con la Nikon P7000 , veremos si se le acerca a esta excelente càmara ,Canon G11.Un segmento que darà mucho que hablar de lo que resta del 2009 y el 2010 , serà una dura batalla entre marcas prestigiosas que quieren acercarse a estos dos gigantes que dominan en casi todos los segmentos. Estoy hablando de Canon y Nikon .
Alfredo, no te parece que de una vez por todas podriamos dar lugar a otras exelentes marcas como Panasonic u Olympus y, porque no Ricoh?
¿sabes de cámaras Ricoh?
compactas, pero con todas las opciones de manual y prioridades.
¿visor?
dioptrías?
gracias
The G11 is improving but I’ll wait until it has what I really want. I love the size, the color of the body, its clean looks, and the swivel screen. I’ve been shooting for years but find that it is more difficult than it used to be to get a worm’s eye view or shoot over the top of a fence while I’m traveling from place to place on my bike and documenting the world around me. I also like idea of a higher ISO sensitivity. However, what I am looking for in the “perfect” Canon G Series camera is everything above, plus: SLR-equivalent shutter speed to capture the moment (not the moment after), HD Video, and a retractable lens that opens to 24mm instead of 28mm. There are many, many situations in which a 24mm wide angle view is much better than a 28mm. So I’ll wait … and hope. The price is fine and it would be nice if Canon kept their “upgrade” program which allows fans like me to upgrade without having to make a major economic decision.
I doubt that point and shoot cameras will ever get a wider-than-28mm lens.
The Panasonic TZ7 has a 25-300mm equivalent zoom lens.
And the Panasonic LX3 has a 24mm lens, is considerably smaller and is very sharp (not quite as solidly built though)
holy crap if i hear 1 more jerk talk about changing lens ,dude shut up that geek speak for i focus on the stuff not the out put of the camera ,or the jerk that says well its to noisy above 200 ,so don’t shoot that high and get a freakn tripod. only concern should be can i get what i want and blow the bitch up to 30×40 end of story and yes you can . end of story
I am an old Leica man- and have been searching for an alternative to my M6 without spending upwards of $2,500 (used M8). To use the Leica “legacy” lenses I use a Lumix G1 with M adapter- I have a beautiful little Leica DeLux 4 (same as a Lumix LX3) and have owned a G7 through G11 trading up each time. The G11 is so far the best of the modern G series. The key to its use, for my style of street photography is the much maligned optical viewfinder. I am forced to use a non zooming accessory v/f on the DeLux 4 The Canon is a distinct improvement. I have shot at very high ISOs and find few problems- Blowing up very large photoshopped images (18X24), there are no noise problems any more than there were grain problems when shooting with my Leica. Frankly I don’t know the criteria we are using these days. Sharp, colorful or black and white prints are now a reality with most digicams. The Canon G11 is a lovely machine and will provide the digital imagist with wonderful professional results. vroger
hi there,
thanks for ur comment. could u specify on the viewfinder please. as far as i understand it is an optical one. m presently using a lumix dmc-lc1 and it´s electronical viewfinder really bugs me. is the g11´s vf any better? really need some advice coz (same as u) i like street photography and can´t handle the lc1 the way i´d like to… (really good lense tho)….
lookin´ 4ward to hearing from u
best,
jo