Canon PowerShot G12
Last Updated (13 July’12):
- Review by Shutterbug
Canon PowerShot G12 is the successor of G11. It features High-sensitivity 10 MP CCD, 5x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-140mm) with image stabilization, HS System, full manual control, ISO 80-3200, and 2.8 inch Vari-angle PureColor II VA (TFT). The camera measures (W x H x D) 4.41 x 3.00 x 1.90 in. / 112.1 x 76.2 x 48.3mm and weighs Approx. 12.4 oz./ 351g (camera body only). The Canon PowerShot G12 is available wit price of $379.00 at Amazon.
Overall Rating:
| Latest Price Info
Canon PowerShot G12 Reviews
Shutterbug reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“In all, the G12 is a fine follow-up in the G-Series line, one that adds incremental features that keep the camera competitive but doesn’t offer substantial change from the G11. Overall, my feelings remain the same as they were for the G11, that in its class of integral lens cameras, and given the smaller chip size, it remains one of the top choices as a photographer’s second camera. “
Rating: N/A
Photographic-Central reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“Like they say, the best camera is the one you have with you. It just so happens that statement is true two-fold when you are talking about the G12. Currently the G12 ranks up there as one of my favorite cameras of all time, and it might have even taken that title solely.”
Rating: N/A
TechTree reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The pricing is similar to an entry level DSLR camera. Even with its excellent feature set and performance, it is not a DSLR, and the price makes it hard to buy.”
Rating: 
Stuff.tv reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“In terms of picture quality, the G12 is good at realistic, with accurate colours and superb detail. There’s very little noise at high sensitivity settings, with ISO 1600 even being very useable.”
Rating:
PCMag reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The Canon PowerShot G12′s images and features are excellent for a point-and-shoot camera, but at its size and price, you can get far better.”
Rating:
ByThom has compared the Nikon P7000 VS Canon PowerShot G12 VS Panasonic LX5 and writes;
“in the overall scheme of things, I tend towards the G12 and LX-5 when all things are considered in balance. That said, you won’t go far wrong with any of these cameras, so consider what your biggest priority is (size, image quality, focal lengths, etc.) and purchase based upon that.”
Rating: N/A
CNET reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The Canon PowerShot G12 remains a generally excellent camera that ends up lagging the LX5 overall mostly because of its relatively unchanged–and more sluggish–shot-to-shot performance. It delivers better JPEG photos than that model, but it’s also less compact. Trade-offs abound.”
Rating:
TrustedReviews reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“So, whilst overall picture quality is far better than the average point and shoot pocket camera, inevitably it’s not a match for a proper DSLR, even though the G12 might cost nearly as much. It also falls short of the quality that can be achieved by ‘hybrid’ interchangeable lens compact system cameras…”
Rating:
MacWorld reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“If you can deal with its slightly larger-than-average body, you’ll find that the PowerShot G12 is a terrific camera in its class. Its only potential drawbacks are a relatively narrow maximum aperture of F2.8 and a somewhat slow burst mode speed of 2 shots per second….”
Rating:
PhotographyBay reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The G12 does a solid job with photos in almost any lighting scenario. Even low light images are usable throughout the G12′s ISO range with some obvious limitations on print sizes at higher ISOs. In good light and with flash, the G12 really shines. “
Rating: N/A
PCWorld reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The G12 delivers excellent image and video quality; and it backs up its manual controls with fun scene modes, an optical viewfinder, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD screen.”
Rating:
PCWorld.in reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The Canon G12’s lens showed good sharpness around the center while corner softness was visible towards the lower left – but this was visible only while viewing images at full resolution. The overall sharpness was very good “
Rating:
CNET.asia reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The good: Good picture quality, intuitive control system; solid build quality; effective optical image stabilizer. The bad: HDR function requires tripod; upgrades from G11 not significant. The bottom line: The G12 is a capable advanced compact that will appeal to users who want a better point-and-shoot, but current G11 owners probably won’t see the need to upgrade. “
Rating:
T3 reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“It has to be said though that image quality, whilst excellent compared with the average pocket compact, is no match for an actual DSLR. It also falls short of the kind of interchangeable lens cameras that can be bought for a similar price. “
Rating:
ePhotozine reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The G12 is an impressive camera; one packed with creative modes for the enthusiast yet offers the total manual control to the more experienced used. For the photographer who travels regularly but does not have space for a DSLR, this would be the ideal solution….for anyone who’s after something more than just a basic point and click camera, and is prepared to pay around £360, the G12 is a camera to consider very seriously.”
Rating:
GoodGearGuide reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“It’s a very good camera overall, but its picture quality is not up to the standard of an interchangeable lens camera, nor a digital SLR (such as the great Canon EOS 60D). Its video quality also isn’t great, but it’s an improvement over the G11. “
Rating:
Cameras.uk reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The Canon Powershot G12 is hard to beat if you are looking for a high end, compact digital camera. Images are pin sharp in most cases and the options for fine tuning your photos are impressive. The attention to detail in the build is outstanding too. Recommended. “
Rating:
CameraLabs reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“PowerShot G12 remains a delight to use, and if you’re happy with its relative heft, lens range and high ISO performance, then there’s a lot to like. Certainly if you’re into physical controls, you’ll be in dial-heaven. Ultimately we can recommend the G12 to enthusiasts who fully understand the other options available… “
Rating:
ImagingResource reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“Good print quality, good color, sharp 13×19-inch prints. ISO 400 images are soft but usable at 13×19, ISO 800 shots are great at 8×10, and even ISO 3,200 shots are usable at 5×7. ISO 80 and 100 shots look good at 16×20 inches, if a little soft. Sharpening improves matters. Color and corners look good, but the red swatch is a little soft at this size and ISO setting. 13×19-inch prints look better straight from the camera.”
Rating: N/A
PhotoReview.au reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“Video quality was generally good, although only when zooming was avoided as the artefacts produced by digital zooming quickly became visible and focus was lost during the zoom. Colours were generally bright and vibrant and contrast was quite high but saturation appeared to be slightly lower than in still pictures..”
Rating:
LetsGoDigital reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“the image quality is very solid and its control feels like coming home for photographers. The small improvements and new functions are included, but are not distinguishing enough to speak of a new camera. If you can find the G11 for a good price, go for it. If not, the Canon PowerShot G12 is ready for your next photographic adventure, it’s a wonderful camera!”
Rating:
PhotoRadar reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“If you don’t want the bulk of a DSLR, the Canon PowerShot G12 fits the bill. Its manual modes and dials will be appreciated by anyone frustrated by the mistakes their compact makes in manual mode. However, the Canon G12′s image quality, as good as it is, still can’t match that of a DSLR.”
Rating:
PhotographyBlog reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The Canon PowerShot G12 produces images of excellent quality. It recorded noise-free images at ISO 80-400, with some noise and slight colour desaturation at ISO 800. ISO 1600 shows more obvious noise and loss of colour but still remains perfectly usable, and even the fastest setting of ISO 3200 doesn’t suffer too badly..”
Rating:
DigitalTrends reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The PowerShot G12 does give you the 28-140mm focal range without the hassle of swapping lenses and spending a tidy sum for the zoom of your choice. With the influx of compact interchangeable lens cameras, we may be seeing the end of the era of the fully-featured, high-priced point-and-shoot. While it’s easy recommending the G12, it’s not the slam dunk it used to be.”
Rating:
InfoSync reviews the Canon PowerShot G12 and writes;
“The Canon PowerShot G12 is an excellent camera to learn on, and it’s a great companion to a DSLR-wielding pro. The versatility of a camera like this is outstanding, from the image quality, to the stellar manual controls, down to the power-packed fit and finish of this formidable brick.”
Rating: N/A
Canon PowerShot G12 User Reviews
Very happy with my G12 Purchase
“After shooting 200 pictures last week I’m very satisfied. This is a wonderful compromise in size against my Nikon digital SLR. I’m able to hand it off to friends to take a shot and they get great results as well. The feel is sturdy, the menus and functions very straightforward, and the shots I’m getting are terrific. Time from being turned off to taking a picture is among the fastest I’ve dealt with.” – By Richard A. Bretschneider
Rating:
Just what I ws looking for
“Much more depth of field (DOF)than an APS-C of Full Frame sensor, this helps tremendously for just about everything other than artsy portraits where shallow DOF may be desirable. Great for Macros, Landscape etc. where it is a struggle with larger sensors to get the right DOF. Fast startup time, and response to inputs.” – By Anant Dabholkar
Rating:
Not a toy, excellent photo quality for a serius photographer
“It is fast, is ready to take pictures maybe in a second.. The autofocus works great, fast and with an excellent accuracy, feature not easy to find in a small camera, so reduces the possibility of loosing a nice photo.” – By Tathyana yepez j.
Rating:
The Canon G12 for advanced photography
“In conclusion, I find working with this camera in all the situations that do not require high speed or low light performance to be truly enjoyable. With all the limitations inherent in a compact camera, the G12 is a truly remarkable piece of photographic equipment.” – By Moreno Tagliapietra
Rating:
Feast your eyes on an upgraded G series digital camera
“There are additional new shooting modes like HDR that takes several photos then combines them for greater detail, better exposure. FYI, this feature was available in Ricoh cameras for sometime already, so Canon and Nikon are just catching up here. But I think it works a bit better on the Canon than it does in my Ricoh. The photos do look a bit richer, more detailed to me.” – By Steven Brys
Rating:
Most impressive
“Sports mode is very good. While the ‘rapid-fire’ shots aren’t blazing fast, they are sharp, clean, and quick to save. In fact, the camera is fast with saves in most every mode I’ve tried. And speaking of modes, I discovered one that I’ve fallen in love with – Nostalgia mode.” – By G. S. Harmon
Rating:
Fantastic tool for serious photographers
“Image quality is outstanding – I have had to process my RAW files with their converter (typically use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 – but even with their converter image quality is second to none in the compact world. I actually prefer to do product shots with a G-Series than my usual 5D2 kit due to the flexibility and increased depth of field. The lens is magnificently sharp. HD video results look pretty good – but not stellar.” – By Todd Gilbert
Rating:
Great camera
“Very powerful and versatile, but even on auto or semi-auto takes lovely pictures, deep colors and crisp focus. Highly recommended for those who want a bit more than point and shoot but don’t really want to brave the choppy seas of full DSLRs and heavy lenses etc etc.” – By Herman Hermit
Rating:
Great product
“If you guys want a camera mainly used for portrait shots this is the one, I bought this item based on my friends advice since she owns one. The pictures turned out amazing and I have used lots of point and shoot cameras but nothing satisfied me like this item. Very happy with my purchase and i would recommend it.” – By Aliya AlYaqoub
Rating:
Awesome camera
“the shutter is so quick and it even has a quick shot setting where it’s even faster. The quality of the photo is also amazing! it’s almost too good because i can see more of my wrinkles haha. I have captured many pictures where people thought it was professionally taken with the select color option.” – By luvshanz
Rating:
Great camera with lots of features
“It takes a while to appreciate all the G12 features, but the effort is worth it. If I had a gripe it would be that the handbook should be on paper so that it is portable. Having to view it on screen is ok but not convenient. Otherwise I am well satisfied with the G12, This is my third Canon camera.” – by Diem
Rating:
| Write your opinion
Canon PowerShot G12 Sample Photos
- Canon PowerShot G12 Sample Photos @ TrustedReviews
- Canon PowerShot G12 Sample Photos @ CameraLabs
- Canon PowerShot G12 Sample Photos @ Cameras.uk
- Canon PowerShot G12 Sample Photos @ ImagingResource
- Canon PowerShot G12 Sample Photos @ LetsGoDigital
- Canon PowerShot G12 Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog
- Canon PowerShot G12 Sample Photos @ Flickr
Canon PowerShot G12 User Manual (PDF)
Click to view or right click and select Save Target As..(Firefox) or Save link as.. (IE) to download
- Download Canon PowerShot G12 User Guide
Canon PowerShot G12 Features
Feast your eyes on an updated G Series digital camera: The G12. It’s ready to impress the advanced amateurs who have always celebrated the G Series. The G12 is still loaded with powerful technologies that has made the G Series cameras so renowned, like the Canon HS SYSTEM, 2.8-inch Vari-angle PureColor System LCD, and RAW + JPEG image modes. Now, this flagship camera paves the way with these new upgrades like 720p HD Video with stereo sound to get crystal clear footage, multiple aspect ratios, High Dynamic Range, Electronic Level, Tracking AF, a Front Dial and much more to give you even more creative control than before!
Canon PowerShot G12 Highlights
10.0 Megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor creates Canon’s HS SYSTEM
The PowerShot G12 employs the HS SYSTEM by combining a powerful 10.0 Megapixel CCD sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor. Thanks to this technological advancement, the G12 is dramatically more sensitive than cameras with identical megapixel counts, and delivers spectacular images with minimal noise. Increased sensitivity demands a higher ISO speed, and the PowerShot G12 delivers with a new maximum setting of ISO 3200. Blur and camera shake are notably reduced for the ultimate in sharpness and clarity.
In addition, a new Low Light mode lets you capture images in an astonishing range of conditions. The camera automatically adjusts the ISO speed from ISO 320 to ISO 12800 in relation to ambient brightness, subject movement and camera shake.
Shoot 720p HD video in stereo sound and play back on an HDTV via the HDMI output
The PowerShot G12 lets you record video in beautiful high definition (1280 x 720 pixels). The camera also makes it easy to enjoy HD videos (and still photos) on your HDTV with a mini-HDMI connector for direct connection to a high-definition TV monitor. You’ll enjoy the HD experience with no degradation of image or audio in the signal, plus the ability to display up to 130 still images at once.
The PowerShot G12 also includes spectacular video functionality. When shooting video, you can get up close with the 5x Optical Zoom for riveting detail and realism, from the overall appearance to facial expressions! And the camera’s Smart AUTO technology that helps ensure the perfect still image works to bring that same quality to your video.
Shooting and recording modes including RAW + JPEG
The PowerShot G12′s RAW mode lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. It gives you clearer images and complete creative control in editing. RAW images are transferred directly to the computer where they can then be edited using image adjustment software or a processing application to adjust your images as you please. The camera can also be set to allow the simultaneous recording of both RAW and JPEG images while shooting.
Canon’s Hybrid IS compensates for angular and shift camera shake during close-up shooting
The PowerShot G12 is equipped with Canon’s highly advanced Hybrid IS function, which corrects camera shake from two sources to deliver sharp, blur-free images even when you zoom in close to your subject.
Hybrid IS employs both an angular sensor and an accelerometer, enabling it to suppress both the blur caused by the angle of the camera and the “shift blur” that happens when your subject moves parallel to the camera, a problem that is especially noticeable at large zoom factors.
With the ability to produce clear, steady images in all situations and at any zoom length, the PowerShot G12 is the camera you’ll want to take everywhere.
2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD with 461,000 dots plus an optical viewfinder
The PowerShot G12 gives you a large 2.8-inch PureColor System LCD screen for excellent control when framing your shots. But size is only part of the story. Canon’s PureColor System LCD offers spectacular color, resolution and contrast even at an angle. The screen is durable and easy to see. It is a perfect feature for gathering friends and family around to see your images.
5x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, plus a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens
The camera is equipped with a long, 5x Optical Zoom, and Canon’s own Optical Image Stabilizer Technology keeps images steady and blur-free all through the zoom range–even in low light–by detecting motion and generating a corrective signal. Because it is an optical system, more corrective movement is allowed and there is no degradation of image quality.
The G12 is a highly versatile camera with a wide-angle zoom lens that reaches all the way from 28mm at the wide end to 140mm at the telephoto end (35mm format equivalent). You’ll capture more image in every shot, and add greater depth to your overall photography.
Optional accessories including Speedlite flashes, underwater housing and Tele-Converter Lens are available
The PowerShot G12 is compatible with the Speedlite flash series intended for all EOS series SLR cameras. Attach a Speedlite flash to the hot shoe, then you can set and control the flash on the “Flash Control” menu in the camera. With a Speedlight, the G12 is given extra functions such as autoflash metering, FE lock and Flash exposure compensation; continuous shooting with external flash. Also Canon’s Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 enables you to have multiple slave flashes and wireless control. A Tele-Converter lens designed for the G12, Filter Adapter FA-DC58B and WP-DC34 Waterproof Case is also available.
High Dynamic Range scene mode combines multiple shots into one picture
Shooting in high contrast environments can often result in photos with overexposed and underexposed sections. So to tackle this problem, Canon developed the High Dynamic Range shooting mode to make select PowerShot cameras even more intuitive. Under High Dynamic Range* the camera will shoot three different exposures in a succession (underexposed, overexposed and normal) and then merge them into a single image. Underexposed areas are combined with the overexposed and vice versa, resulting in an evenly detailed image with flattering shadows and highlights.
*Tripod is required.
What’s in the Box
* PowerShot G12 Camera body
* Lithium-ion Battery Pack NB-7L
* Battery Charger CB-2LZ
* Neck Strap NS-DC9
* AV Cable AVC-DC400ST
* USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
* Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
Nikon Coolpix P7000
Overall Rating:
| Latest Price InfoCanon PowerShot S95
Overall Rating:
| Latest Price InfoPanasonic Lumix LX5
Overall Rating:
| Latest Price InfoCanon PowerShot S90
Overall Rating: | Latest Price Info
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
Overall Rating:
| Latest Price InfoSamsung TL500 (EX1)
Overall Rating:
| Latest Price InfoCasio Exilim EX-FH100
Overall Rating:
| Latest Price InfoSony Alpha NEX-5
Overall Rating:
| Latest Price InfoCanon PowerShot G11
Overall Rating: N/A | Latest Price Info
Olympus E-PL1
Overall Rating: N/A | Latest Price Info
Popularity: 4%
See also: Canon | Digital Camera | Point & Shoot Cameras
Thanks for the review. . .
For the customizable timer, will it retain the previous setting? So if I set it for 20 seconds and 3 shots, shut off the camera, turn it back on, and try the customizable timer, do I have to re-enter my previous data or will it start at 20 seconds and 3 shots?
Are you on Mt Desert Isle? The “Quiet Side” at the Seawall?
That is the Quietside! I’m an MDIslander.
The G12 has two different Custom modes that save any setting you input so that when you turn the camera back on, they do not to be reset.
Hi,
Is there anyone already tested the movie mode of G12? Do you know if works with continuous AF while shooting?
I know that zooming is not possible, but continuous AF should be. Am I correct?
Thanks, Laci
I have the canon g12. You can use the zoom while filming video.
Is Canon G12 suitable for scuba diving.
Yes, but it is very hard to get into a wet suit – sort of like putting a little kid into a snowsuit. It wriggles around and just makes plain that it would prefer not to; mine told me outright that it was afraid of getting shorted out.
how come the users manual is only in arabic?
Hello, I am tiny in height and I need to know how long the neck strap that’s included is so I can know if I should buy a wrist strap.
Please answer if possible!
Thank you so much!