Canon PowerShot G10 Digital Camera Review

Canon PowerShot G10

Digital Camera Review

The Canon PowerShot G10 is a high-end 14.7-megapixel compact point-and-shoot with a 5x zoom, aimed squarely at advanced photographers who want a plethora of manual controls and support for RAW in a relatively small form factor. Larger than most compacts, and pricier at $499.99, the G10 is pockmarked with the buttons and dials that those advanced shooters will love. Those who aren't as advanced will find it confusing.
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Canon PowerShot G10

The Canon PowerShot G10 is a high end compact point-and-shoot camera. A lot is packed into the G10's relatively small body, including many more dials and buttons than you will find on more consumer-friendly cameras. Also lacking in consumer appeal is the look of the camera, which is blocky and angular, lacking the smooth curves and clean lines that you'll find on prettier, cheaper cameras. It should hold up well, however, with a metal body and chassis.


Front
The front of the Canon PowerShot G10 is dominated by it's 6.1 - 30.5mm, 1:2.8-4.5 lens (28mm - 140mm equivalent). Above the lens is the front of the viewfinder. To the right of the viewfinder at two o'clock from the lens is the flash, which is not protected in any way. At ten o'clock from the lens, to the left and slightlly below the viewfinder, is the auto focus assist lamp. The left side of the front has a slightly textured leathery finish, which allows for a better grip with your right hand when holding the camera.

 


The textured area on the left helps you hold the G10 more securely.

Back
The most prominent feature on the back of the Canon PowerShot G10 is the three-inch 461,000 pixel LCD display, a high-resolution screen compared to most pedestrian point and shoots. Above the LCD you will find the viewfinder with diopter adjustment to the left. Above the top left corner of the LCD is a customizable shortcut button that doubles as a direct print button when playing back photos. Above the top left of the LCD is the playback mode button.

To the right of the LCD are the main set of controls. At the center you will find a standard 4-way pad with a center select button that allows you to access manual focus (up) right (flash) various functions like manual focus with each of the four directions. Surrounding the 4-Way is a rotating dial that can be used to make various adjustments. Above these controls are two buttons for resizing the frame and metering. Below are Menu and Display buttons. At the top right of the back is an AE Lock/Microphone button.down (burst mode / self-timer) and macro (left).

 


The plethora of controls on the back let you make a lot of one-touch adjustments.

Sides
The left side of the Canon PowerShot G10 holds the strap mount and the speaker when playing back video.


Nothing but a lanyard loop on the left side.

The right side has a cover that opens up to reveal the A/V Out, Remote Terminal and mini USB port.


On the right of the G10 you'll find the cover for all the camera's ports.

Top
On the top of the Canon PowerShot G10 you'll find another plethora of buttons and controls. Starting on the left you have an Exposure Compensation Dial, Hot Shoe and the microphone for video capture. Next up is a dual-ring dial with ISO controls on the bottom ring and mode controls sitting on top of it. To the right of this is the shutter button that sits atop the zoom toggle, and just behind that is the power button.



The new exposure compensation dial is a welcome addition for manual mavens.

Bottom
The bottom of the G10 holds the tripod mount in the center and the cover for the battery and memory card slots to the right of it. This cover slides off to the right, but felt a bit insecure and prone to accidental movement.



The battery cover felt a bit fragile.

 

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