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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Components
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03.Design / Layout
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04.Modes
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05.Control Options
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06.Conclusion
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07.Specs / Ratings
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08.Comments
Canon PowerShot G10
Previous: Page 4
ModesNext: Page 6
ConclusionManual Control Options
The Canon PowerShot G10 offers users an excellent selection of manual control options including Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual modes. This is far more than the typical point and shoot, and approaches the level of control available from SLR cameras.
As if that wasn't enough there's also manual focus, manual white balance and a dedicated dial for exposure compensation, a big plus in a world full of multi-use buttons. Manual focus can be turned on by pressing up on the 4-way controller, and then adjusted using the rotating dial surrounding the 4-way. The G10 provides useful manual focus assist, zooming in on the center of the scene so you can better judge focus accuracy. White balance offers two slots to save white balance settings, a handy feature. All in all the G10 is one of the more impressive compact cameras on the market from a manual control perspective.
Focus
We found the auto focus on the G10 to be quick and responsive, even when we quickly changed scenes or zoomed in. The presence of a manual focus is a major plus, and we found the easy access by pressing Up on the 4-way along with the rotating dial to make actual adjustments to be an intuitive interface on a camera that lacks a focus ring on the lens barrel.
Manual focus on a compact is a welcome feature.
ISO
In another nod to control freaks who love to have a dial for everything, the Canon PowerShot G10 has a dedicated dial for ISO settings. Ranging from 80-1600 in addition to Automatic and a high ISO setting that roughly corresponds to ISO 3200, this allows you to make quick ISO adjustments on the fly without bothering with menus. Of course those who have no idea what ISO is will likely find themselves wondering why there's a dedicated dial for it.
White Balance
White balance settings don't have their own dedicated dial (there's only so much room on the camera, after all), but white balance is the first option available in the Function Set menu, which can be accessed by pressing the center select button of the 4-way. The available white balance options are Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash and Underwater. There are also slots for two manual white balance settings (setting the white balance by shooting a white or grey surface), which provides nice flexibility when moving between different lighting environments.
White balance options include two slots for settings.
Metering
The Canon PowerShot G10 has a typical selection of metering options, including evaluative, center weighted and spot metering.
Evaluative, center weighted and spot metering are available.
Shutter Speed
The G10 offers a decent range of shutter speeds from 15 to 1/4000. This is an upgrade over the G9's maximum speed of 1/2500.
Aperture
The Canon PowerShot G10 offers a maximum aperture of f/2.5 at the widest setting and f/4.5 at the highest telephoto magnification, a fairly typical range for a point and shoot camera.
Image Stabilization
The Canon PowerShot G10 has optical image stabilization for those who have had too much coffee before shooting.
Picture Quality / Size Options
The G10 offers three quality options, Superfine, Fine and Normal. There are seven size options ranging from full size 4416 x 3312 to the smallest at 640 x 480. There's also a Widescreen option that takes photos at 4416 x 2480. More impressive is support for RAW photos at full size, a big plus for high-end shooters. At 14.7 megapixels it's taken a step up from the G9's 12.4 megapixel sensor.
Picture Effects Mode
Once you've taken your photos you can go hog wild with picture effects, including Vivid, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone and Custom. Go ahead, have some fun.
Shop for the Canon PowerShot G10
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