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.

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.

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

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.