Chockablock with manual controls
Ditto for hardware features
Disappointing color accuracy
Heavy distortion at the wide angle
Introduction
The Canon G12 is a high-end point-and-shoot that sports an image sensor that is larger than that typically found in a fixed lens camera. It sports an optical independent viewfinder, an articulated rear LCD, and a substantial, albeit lightweight, body size. It offers a host of manual controls and dials, including physical dials for both exposure compensation and ISO speed, in addition to both a front and rear control dial. Aimed at enthusiasts looking for greater control out of a point-and-shoot camera or as a second camera for those who want to leave the DSLR at home, the G12 offers the full photography experience in a relatively compact package.
| This review is organized into 16 pages | ||
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Page 1
Product Tour
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Page 2
Color
As with the G11, the G12 disappointed with its color accuracy results, emphasizing vibrancy for certain colors, but with generally pleasing real-life results. Read More... |
Page 3
Noise
The Canon G12 had the second-best noise performance of our test group and kept noise to acceptable levels in all lighting conditions and up to its highest ISO speed. Read More... |
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Page 4
Resolution
The Canon G12 suffers from heavy distortion at the wide angle that quickly evens out, with decent sharpness and little chromatic aberration for a compact camera. Read More... |
Page 5
Video
The Canon G12 renders motion very well for a camera of this type, with surprising color accuracy, though it only supports 720/30p and has few video controls. Read More... |
Page 6
Sample Photos
A gallery of photos taken with the Canon PowerShot G12 Read More... |
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Page 7
Playback
The G12 offers a solid amount of editing and playback features, with multiple slideshow options and color filters on hand. Read More... |
Page 8
Hardware
While not every feature is perfect, the G12 has all the bells and whistles a high-end point-and-shoot can offer, including hot shoe, viewfinder window, larger than typical image sensor, and substantial metal body. Read More... |
Page 9
Controls
With dual control wheels and dedicated shooting mode, ISO speed, and exposure compensation dials, the Canon G12 offers more physical control than just about any camera on the market under $1000. Read More... |
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Page 10
Design & Handling
The G12 feels like a slightly bulkier rangefinder-style camera, with a durable metal body and just enough grip. It’s large without being overwhelming, though it certainly stands apart on a shelf beside compact point-and-shoots. Read More... |
Page 11
Canon G11 Comparison
 We compare the G12 to the G11. Read More... |
Page 12
Panasonic LX5 Comparison
 We compare the G12 to the DMC-LX5. Read More... |
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Page 13
Olympus XZ-1 Comparison
 We compare the G12 to the XZ-1. Read More... |
Page 14
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Canon PowerShot G12. Read More... |
Page 15
Photo Gallery
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Part 16
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Canon PowerShot G12. Add your comments... |
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Canon G12 Manual
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