Digital Trends

Canon Powershot G10 November 26th, 2008 | by David Elrich

Performance and Use

Since this is a 14.7-megapixel camera, it takes 4416x3312 pixel images, generating a flow of data that makes the camera “breathe” heavily. It takes 1.3 frame-per-second bursts. Any D-SLR—even the cheapest—will do 3 fps. In other words, if action sports are your thing, the Canon G10 is not for you. That said, we didn’t waste our time on a soccer game, but rather concentrated on snapping typical photos taken outdoors and in. The G10 features DIGIC 4, Canon’s newest imaging processor that’s also found on D-SLRs such as the Canon EOS 50D. Along with pushing 14.7MP files through the system, the processor helps improve Face Detection and powers the new i-Contrast feature that automatically evens contrast and enhances shadow detail, per the manufacturer.

We started off in Auto with JPEG Super Fine compression with optical image stabilization and i-Contrast engaged. We also enabled grid lines, which is a real plus when framing wide-angle shots. After Auto, it was time to shift to the various scene modes and finally to manual options with RAW shooting.

Although the G10 is a bit of bruiser, the camera is really a pleasure to take snapshots with. It has a substantial feel, and your inner photographer emerges once you realize this is quite a powerful tool that you’re holding in your hands. Let’s re-emphasize—this is definitely not the fastest acting camera on the block—slow and steady is the key as you frame your shots and make adjustments. That said, Face Detection worked really well with solo and group shots. After taking many photos, it was time to turn out 8.5x11 full bleed prints with no tweaking via photo editing software or printer.

This first word that popped out of our mouths upon examining the finished results was “gorgeous.” Images shot outdoors in bright fall sunshine were magnificent, the best we’ve seen from a P&S camera to date. Colors were as accurate as can be with that nice overall Canon “feel” we like so much. Detail in the far corners and edges was excellent as well. Manhattan skyscrapers were beauties with very good building detail. Images shot at night in Night Scene came out very well too, as you could see the individual windows on the Met Life tower from several blocks away. The OIS did a fine job keeping image blur relatively under control to boot.

As for shots taken indoors, this P&S has similar noise problems to other compact digicams. Noise reared its ugly head at ISO 400, and a still life taken at ISO 1600 had dots galore, though you could make an acceptable 4x6. Sadly, the noise-handling characteristics of the G10 pale in comparison to almost any D-SLR simply because of physics. The larger imaging devices used in D-SLRs keeps noise under control. The Canon EOS 50D is also a 15MP camera, but the results aren’t even in the same league. Then again, the 50D is $1,399 for the body alone versus $499 for the G10. Regardless, a $500 D-SLR will still do a better job.

In terms of the video capabilities of this camera, they’re really nothing to discuss in any great detail. It takes 640x480 pixel clips at 30 fps—a.k.a. VHS level. Today, when camera makers hype the fact their latest-and-greatest offerings can take high-def 720p video and beyond, this is poor by comparison. And the sound quality is what you’d expect from a two-pinhole mic.

Conclusion

We really liked the Canon PowerShot G10, but it’s only for a sliver of shutterbugs out there—especially with a price tag of $450 in the real world.

Yes, it takes very fine images at low ISOs with good light. The wide-angle option is also a real plus, and the superb 3-inch LCD screen is great for framing your shots and reviewing them. The camera has a ton of adjustments to keep you inner gadget geek enthralled for a long time as well.

However, this digicam is slow when it comes to saving images and the burst mode is paltry when compared to any D-SLR. And digital noise is a problem for the device, just as it is for almost every compact digicam on the market.

If you’re a serious, thoughtful photographer looking for a carry-around digicam, by all means – buy this baby. But if fast-moving subjects are more your speed and/or you like shooting in dim available light, the G10 is not for you.

Pros:

• Versatile wide-angle zoom
• Terrific shots in good light
• Great feel and ergonomics
• Excellent LCD screen
• Optical image stabilization


Cons:

• Expensive compared to a D-SLR
• Relatively slow
• Digital noise at ISO 400 and above
• Video should be higher quality