Canon Powershot G12 review

An impressive premium compact that is big on features

The Canon PowerShot G12 is the successor to the popular PowerShot G11. Canon describes the upgraded G12 as the new benchmark in premium compacts. Combining 10MP with a CCD sensor and a high performance Digic 4 processor the image quality this camera provides is superb but is it really worth the heavy price tag?

The retro design style and rugged exterior makes the G12 feel durable and hardwearing. Fortunately packed full of features that make up for the fact that it isn’t particularly compact or pocket-able and feels rather weighty in hand, it is unlikely to appeal to everyone. 

Featuring a vari-angle LCD screen it is easier to shoot at awkward angles whilst allowing you to check the composition and exposure settings in live view. It is also handy to rotate and close the screen to avoid any scratches when not in use.

Designed for easy access shooting the G12 features almost all of its manual and automatic shooting options on the body. The excess amount of buttons and dials is likely to intimidate a first time buyer or beginner, however, although initially fairly daunting its intuitive design actually makes it surprisingly easy to get to grips with.

The G12 offers you the best of both worlds with the chance to explore the manual settings slowly before gaining complete creative control, the ability to preview manual exposure adjustments on screen before shooting makes this a great camera for the pros, enthusiasts and step up users wanting to get to grips with the technical aspects of photography. It is also easy to switch and opt for shooting with the intelligent auto settings for quick captures. Added automatic scene modes and My Colour effects are available making it even easier to achieve creative shots in camera. Great added shooting modes include a straightforward HDR setting that captures and compresses three exposures together, in camera. A flexible nostalgic shooting mode that allows you to alter the intensity of an aged film effect and preview the results before capture. Users can also purchase underwater casing for the G12 to make use of the included underwater shooting mode.

As the first in Canon’s G series to feature HD video, the G12 offers keen moviemakers 720p (24fps) with added stereo sound. It is also possible to add some artier effects with the availability of My Colour mode and miniature in video capture.

The G12 also features a new HS system, which is great for shooting in low light conditions. You can now capture quality shots in low light conditions using an extensive ISO range that works well with minimal noise and great image quality.  The ISO can be pushed further reaching up to ISO 12800 when opting to shoot in low light mode, however, be prepared to downsize on quality at this height with images at only 2.5MP.

With a wide 28-140mm lens the G12 is great for both landscapes and portrait shots. The 5x optical and added 4x digital zoom range provides great quality, sharp and detailed shots, the new Hybrid IS technology improves the optical Image Stabilizer that works well when shooting hand held up close. Reviewing captures there is no visible image distortion and only minimal chromatic aberration is present.

Test shooting with the G12 proved that it lives up to Canon’s great reputation, with fantastic rich colour representation and excellent image quality. It is easy to navigate and in fact we found it encouraging enough to make you want to experiment more with the manual modes. The camera also offers you room to expand on your technical skills and creativity. The additional hot shoe makes the camera compatible with Canon’s range of EX Speedlites, great for fill in flash use and you have the option to add lens filters.

The G12 is a great camera that will build users confidence in their technical skills and creativity. With a heavy price tag that is likely to deter buyers it is worth having a look online for more affordable purchase prices.