Overview
The Canon Powershot G10 has 14.7 megapixels and a wide angle, 5x optical zoom lens. It is one of the most advanced compact digital cameras you can buy. In fact I can't think of one that is more advanced. It has a full set of manual exposure modes, plus extra options for flash and focusing.
Why Buy The Canon Powershot G10
The Powershot G10 is very impressive. It has Digital SLR features, great picture quality and the design of the camera puts key features at your fingertips. The build quality is top drawer and the LCD screen is of the highest quality.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
14.7
5x
3 inches
109.1 x 77.7 x 45.9 mm
350g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
1cm
No
Yes
Lithium ion
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The Powershot G10 takes great photos. Focusing is excellent. This is true both in the centre of the photo and out at the edges. The brickwork on the building in the middle of this test shot is more or less pin sharp, while the name on the boat towards the left hand side of the photo is also easy to read. The colours pack a punch too, with strong blues and greens.
Despite the fact that the Powershot G10 has a wide angle lens this is still a sharp photo. Digital cameras with wide angle lenses can create photos that lack sharpness when the lens is not zoomed in at all, but this camera outperforms the pack.
This is another example showing sharp focus. I can pick out roof tiles, plus plenty of detail at the widest points of the photo. All in all my test shots have been very encouraging so far.
This is the sharpest set of outdoor scenic shots I have taken in all the years I have been testing compact digital cameras. The definition in the photos is excellent and as I have mentioned above the levels of sharpness at the edges is outstanding.
Portraits
With this photo I would like to have seen that bit more colour in the shot. Aside from that this is another sharp photo and you should be able to take high quality general portrait photos.
As with other Canon digital cameras the amount of flash emitted by the flash unit is well controlled. This gives the colours a chance to shine and as you can see in this example there is plenty of colour in the photo.
Without flash the Powershot G10 is still able to produce a photo with plenty of definition. Noise levels are kept to a minimum and although you are likely to need to resort to flash for most indoor shots you should be able to reel off the occasional natural light photograph.
Macro, Colours and Noise
I am hard pressed to come up with a compact camera able to take a better macro shot than the Powershot G10. It is able to focus from more or less right next to a subject. If you are serious about macro photography then you will not find much better than this without stepping up to a Digital SLR.
The colours produced by the Powershot G10 are strong in most cases. This is especially true for my outdoor scenic tests. Blues in particular come across as being vivid.
At ISO 400 the Powershot G10 is still able to produce a decent picture. Yes there is noise showing, but the quality is again better than I am used to seeing. You should only use ISO 1600 if there is no other way of getting a shot.
Summary
The Powershot G10 has produced just about the best set of test shots I have taken. It is an expensive camera, but for me picture quality is excellent.
Style
I am very impressed by the build quality. It has a very solid feel. It is not easy to describe the camera as it has a different look than most standard digital cameras. It is rectangular with a small grip on the front to enable you to take a steady hold.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.41 seconds
10.07 seconds
1.75 seconds
14.55 seconds
2.57 seconds
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a straightforward digital camera then you are advised to look elsewhere. This camera has a multitude of features and to get the most for your money you will need to develop a good understanding of what each feature can offer you. This will take time, but you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Points I Like
Picture quality - build quality - features - LCD screen - lay out of controls
Where it Could Improve
Shutter delay times could be better
Verdict
The Canon Powershot G10 is not cheap, but in my opinion it lives up to its price tag. It offers that bit extra all round when compared to other models. If you are serious about photography and would like a camera with SLR features, but without the bulk then take a very close look at this camera.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Canon Powershot G10 Review Canon Powershot G10 Specification Canon Powershot G10 Sample Images Canon Powershot G10 Features
Review Date
December 2008
