Canon PowerShot G12 HD video review

This review covers all the specs of the Canon PowerShot G12. Here is the content of this review:

Specifications

Appearance and design

Equipment

Control and interface

Functionality

Video and photo quality

Battery

conclusions

A bit of news and the sequence of development of cameras.

The PowerShot G12 is Canon's all-new compact G-series camera and the first PowerShot to support HD video. And here is some background and comparisons.

Last year, the Panasonic Lumix LX5 was presented, which is also a representative of high-quality cameras, quite compact in size. Such devices are designed for fastidious and advanced users. Namely, models of cameras with a good zoom, a lens with a sufficiently large aperture, small size, high-quality assembly and extensive options for setting up shooting in manual mode. The representative with the same indicators from Nikon is CoolPix P7000 and CoolPix P500. And it is clear that Canon PowerShot G12and there is a representative of the same category, and I'll tell you about him. Canon PowerShot G12 can compete with more expensive models and win the attention of fans of "mirrorless": Samsung NX100, Sony NEX-3, Panasonic GF2 and Olympus E-PL1.

Specifications

Matrix type: CCD
Matrix dimensions: 1 / 1.7 inches
Resolution: about 10 megapixels.
Photo resolution: maximum 3648 by 2736 pixels
Lens: f = 6.1 - 30.5 mm, F2.8 - 4.5
Zoom: 5-fold
Image conversion processor: DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology
Stabilization: optical stabilizer Hybrid IS, with movable lens
optic
Monitor: TFT technology, 2.8 inches, resolution 461 thousand pixels, swivel
Focusing: 9-point face detection AF, manual focus.
Autofocus: one-time, in automatic mode - continuous
Excerpt: 15-1 / 4000 sec.
Shooting speed: 4 frames per second.
Possible modes of operation: program mode, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual mode, auto mode, scene mode, quick mode, low light mode
Scene modes:

- portrait mode;

- landscape mode;

-children and animals;

-intelligent exposure mode;

-function SuperVivid;

-poster photography;

-leaves;

-snow;

-beaches;

-fireworks;

-shooting under water;

- accent color mode;

-Color change mode;

- extended dynamic range mode;

- "fish eye" effect;

-mode for creating miniatures;

-nostalgia;

-shooting a panorama.

Possible photo effects:

- disabled;

- lively colors;

-neutral effect;

-black and white effect;

-lightening skin tones;

- darkening of skin tones;

- juicy blue;

-sepia;

- juicy green;

- juicy red;

-customized;

-positive film.

Light sensitivity: AUTO, from 80 to 3200
White Balancing: auto, daylight, cloudy, incandescent, other types of light, flash, underwater, user settings 1, user settings 2
File formats: JPEG and RAW for photos, MOV for videos
Video: 1280 by 720 pixels, 24 frames per second
Built-in flash: - 50 cm - 7 m, it is possible to connect an external flash
Memory: SD memory cards, support SDHC and SDXC cards
Interfaces: USB connector, HDMI mini.

Appearance and design

The appearance of G-series cameras has not changed for a long time. Restraint and correct forms are axioms for a high-quality camera (it just so happens). The large number of controls is indicative of the richness of functionality. Recently, the term "soap dish for the pros" will appear. The same can be said about Canon PowerShot G12, since its small body hides a lot of functionality, with buttons and levers all over the place for customization.

And it is already a tradition for Canon to delight consumers with the quality of materials used to make the camera body. A magnesium alloy, high-quality plastic and leather are used in the body, in the areas of contact with the user's hand.

Canon PowerShot G12 It is convenient, but you will have to get used to its dimensions, the parameters are 112.1 x 76.2 x 48.3 mm, and the weight is 401 grams, this is such accuracy.But with such a weight, it will be difficult to carry the device in your pocket.

The functional elements have undergone changes, but only slightly. Comparing with the Canon PowerShot G11, you can see the appearance of a wheel on the front panel, which is an assistant in manual exposure adjustment. Everything else remained intact. On the front panel there is a preflash, a viewfinder (its window), a button for opening the aperture and, of course, a lens.

The top panel houses the power button of the device, the shutter, which is combined with the zoom control, built in a pyramid, two selectors for adjusting the sensitivity and modes, a hot shoe for an external flash, an exposure compensation wheel, microphones - 2 pcs. The sensitivity step has been changed to 1/3 - this is an additional one difference from the previous generation camera.

On the left side there is a speaker and a hole for a neck strap. On the right side under the cover there are connectors and a second strap hole.

On the lower edge is the common area, or rather the compartment, which houses the memory slot and battery. There is also a threaded hole on the bottom edge for screwing the device onto a tripod.

On the back surface - the whole set of control keys: Shortcut - a button for which the user can configure, a shortcut button to any selected function, photo and video playback, lock, two buttons with many functions, a key with five positions and a rotating ring, change buttons displayed on the monitor and the button for calling the main menu. Naturally, there is a swivel display on the rear panel.

Complain about camera build quality Canon PowerShot G12 can be considered a crime - it is flawless.

Equipment

Charger
AV cable
USB cable
Neck strap
CD with software

Control and interface

Canon PowerShot G12 - a rather unusual camera to operate, this is due to its almost square shape. It was the shape that led to the unusual feel when holding the camera in your hand. But this is a feature that will take getting used to. And it is the thickness of the case that gives the feeling that it works with a quality SLR camera.

Very good placement of the wheels for adjusting shooting parameters. The fingers stretch by themselves and stand on their meta placement. The number of buttons and wheels is large, you can get confused, and at first, the camera will seem overloaded. But this was done for a reason, but to be similar to more professional SLR cameras. And for users who do not like to fumble in the menu - Canon PowerShot G12 exactly what is needed.

Complaints about the placement of function keys are very subjective: it might seem that one or another key could have a field of demanded functionality. But this is all for an amateur.

The interface has not changed in comparison with its predecessors. There is a quick menu available, which allows you to change the basic and most popular settings and shooting parameters with a minimum amount of movements. The change of which is not provided for by external regulators. LCD targeting mode displays the horizon - this is how the camera's spatial position is tracked.

Any actions with the control keys are fixed by certain icons on the display. The menu is perfectly translated and there is no congestion, everything you need to find in it will not be a difficult test.

Functionality

Display Canon PowerShot G12 with good brightness, and makes it possible to aim in bright weather and, in addition, good viewing angles. The main advantage of the display is rotation in two planes, namely 270 degrees. vertically and 180 horizontally. This will make it possible to take pictures from unusual positions by placing the camera above your head, for example. Or even take pictures of yourself. This opportunity cannot be considered an innovation, since now the rotary screen is found all the time.

Canon PowerShot G12 works sparklingly. The camera turns on instantly and is ready to go in an instant.You can't say that about autofocus, although setting it up will take the same second. Quick Shot mode solves the problem of lag in autofocus. In this mode, aiming is fast. In this mode, it is worth shooting moving objects, because focus is on and the shutter time is shortened.

Significant feature Canon PowerShot G12 there is a highly sensitive CCD-matrix and a DIGIC 4 microprocessor, the developers called this combination HS. This tandem was also used in the G11, but there are some changes for the better in the new model. Namely, these improvements affect the quality of images at high ISO values and reduce the amount of noise.

There is a special shooting mode, in poor lighting conditions without using a flash - the frame resolution is reduced to 2.5 MP, and the ISO value in this mode reaches 12800. Blurring is excluded, but may appear due to the formation of color noise and low resolution.

DIGIC 4 gives you the ability to process images. The modes collected in the Scene section are creative modes, which the manufacturer can deservedly be proud of, they give weight to the camera Canon PowerShot G12 in front of its competitors. It is in the Scene section that they list and describe the characteristics, and will give the opportunity to get processed images without resorting to the help of photo reducers. And the quality of such "converted" photographs will surprise you.

Have Canon PowerShot G12 high dynamic range mode appeared. What is this regime? The unit takes three images at different exposures and stitches them together. As a result, a frame comes out with a uniform level of illumination throughout the image. There is only one BUT, this effect works great only when the camera is mounted on a tripod. This is justified by the large gap between shots, the hand may shake, and the images may turn out to be blurry. Panoramic mode uses the camera's processor to perform gluing. It allows you to combine panoramas in two directions, but, in general, it is not convenient enough. And the Smart Shutter mode is equipped with an intelligent shutter release as soon as it finds a smile, a winking person or a new face in the frame.

Someone may be surprised by the lack of night shooting, but a worthy replacement is the “low light” mode.

It is worth talking about the flash and auxiliary accessories. The flash is powerful enough to be sufficient in many cases. And to whom it seems a little will come to the aid of a shoe for an external, additional flash. Included Canon PowerShot G12 there is a UV filter and a waterproof case.

Video. Canon PowerShot G12 corresponds to its segment completely and the ability to shoot video in HD format with an extension of 1280 x 720, 24 frames per second. Proof of that. Good quality. There is a "miniature" effect for shooting, as well as intelligent blurring of space.

Video and photo quality

The lens is equipped with good parameters focusing distance from 6.1 to 30.5 mm, aperture range from 2.8 to 4.5.

The aperture is relatively good, but the focal length range is good and comfortable. The lens design is not satisfactory.

There is the possibility of shooting in RAW format, already mandatory for cameras in this price range.

In auto mode, the device often sets a long exposure, which the optical stabilizer does not like - as a result, blurry frames come out. This needs to be kept under control. Colors reproduce the corresponding reality without distorting, under artificial lighting, the white balance is distorted, the camera rejects the color to yellow.

At high ISOs, as stated, Canon PowerShot G12 good behavior. This applies exclusively to conditions with even lighting.

Frames in 15x10 format are suitable for printing photos. That's only if they are made using the low light mode, and at the highest ISO.

Detailing when photographing in normal conditions is quite decent, it can compete with cameras of a higher class. The same can be said about contrast - it is balanced.

There are no misses in focusing, although the process is long, but clear. It is possible to track the subject of autofocus.

There will be no problems with sharpness either. But if you need a blurred background effect, it is achieved without difficulty. When necessary, the frame is completely sharp.

Battery

The 1050 mAh battery will last for about 350-400 shots.

Total

The camera can be described as “the second camera for the professional”. And for someone who just wants to carry a camera with him and get good pictures - Canon PowerShot G12 can become the first and only.

To summarize the bold line, it is worth noting dignity:

Build quality;

Excellent, full-fledged manual control (setting);

Movable screen;

Large zoom and wide angle lens;

A large number of modes for the flight of fantasies and the manifestation of creativity;

Full auto mode;

The ability to shoot HD video.

And something must be attributed to disadvantages:

Body weight;

Large sizes (almost cubic);

Conservative design;