Why Less is More... Canon PowerShot G11
20 August 2009
The Canon PowerShot G11 is the latest in release in the G-series which is the flagship model of its range of compact cameras and is targeted at the more advanced users who prefer to have a lightweight and compact sidearm to their DSLR. When Canon announced the PowerShot G10 to replace the G9, the focus was on the whopping 14.7 megapixels of the sensor. Sure, there were features which were missed in the G9, which put off people, but the 14.7 megapixels was an attractive number, especially as the DSLR market was going through a renewed megapixels war. With the launch of the Canon PowerShot G11, we can see a return to the core values of the G-series camera and that's state of the art technology to deliver the highest quality image for the photographer.
The reduction from the 14.7 megapixels to an unassuming 10.0 megapixels represents more than just a move away from high megapixels but rather a focus on vastly improved noise performance as well as better results across the dynamic range. Considering that the 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) 5x optical zoom lens is unchanged, most of the changes come from the improvements of the coupling of the new sensor and the DIGIC 4 processor. With the area of each pixel within the new sensor 45% larger than those in the sensor of the G10, a marked improvement in signal/noise ratio is achieved. In fact, with processor optimised to the new sensor, Canon claims that the overall result is a maximum noise reduction advantage of 2-stops. If this is not clear enough, it means that noise level thats as low as a quarter that of the G10 at the same ISO sensitivity. Canon also indicates that the Canon G11's dynamic range has been expanded to a level approximately four times greater than its predecessor.
Another addition in the PowerShot G11 is the introduction of the ND Filter. A physical disc that slides in front of the light path and reduces the light by 3-stops, it allows you to create certain effects in daylight which may require a slower shutter speed than possible at the lowest ISO settings. The Canon G11 also offers a host of features which maintains its place as the flagship of Canon's PowerShot technologies. The Smart Auto mode offers a simple, hassle free way of making the best use of the G11's technologies without being bogged down by the settings. Using Scene Detection Technology, you have a choice of optimised settings from 22 scenes and, at the same time, still benefit from automatic dynamic range optimisation as well as the Enhanced i-Contrast, which will increase the gain of the darker areas to heighten the details without blowing out the rest of the image. Other features such as Face Detection technologies (FaceSelf-Timer and Face Select & Track), Motion Detection Technology and Servo AF/AE are also included. The last is another improvement that allows the G11 to ensure that the exposures of moving subjects are also accurately rendered.
One of the most welcomed features is the return of the vari-angle LCD. The last G-series camera to have this was the G6 and with its return in the G11 we can benefit from the flexibility of composing in more challenging positions. Self-portrait would also become easier. The 2.8-inch PureColor II VA LCD, while slightly smaller than the 3-inch LCD of its predecessor, offers the same resolution of 461k dots for a clear, detailed display.
All in all, it is refreshing to see Canon take the initiative to re-evaluate its flagship model and take bold steps to redefine the performance of a camera beyond the often misleading specifications that most consumers hang on to. The Canon PowerShot G11 will definitely be one of the cameras on the top of our list for test when it comes out.
The G11 has fewer mega pixels than the G10, but the sensor size is the same. the G11 follows the same control layout and design as the G10. The 10.0-megapixel G11 delivers very good images. G11 has very nice design. Very good image quality. Great flip-out LCD screen.
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a nony mouse
22 Oct 2009, 1:35pm
Can someone show the same photo using a g10 and g11, say one using the same ISO and f-stop setting and perhaps include sun shadows clouds sky and other things so that there are real examples of dynamic range. I mean just getting sky and landscape would be nice to see.
Anonymous From AUSTRALIA
25 Aug 2009, 12:45am
Interesting preview. By the way, the G10 does have a ND filter.
The Canon PowerShot G11 is the latest in release in the G-series which is the flagship model of its range of compact cameras and is targeted at the more advanced users who prefer to have a lightweight and compact sidearm to their DSLR. When Canon announced the PowerShot G10 to replace the G9, the focus was on the whopping 14.7 megapixels of the sensor. Sure, there were features which were missed in the G9, which put off people, but the 14.7 megapixels was an attractive number, especially as the DSLR market was going through a renewed megapixels war. With the launch of the Canon PowerShot G11, we can see a return to the core values of the G-series camera and that's state of the art technology to deliver the highest quality image for the photographer.
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