Canon PowerShot G11 vs G9

Canon PowerShot G9 v the new G11

You'll also notice a difference in the textured finish of the top-plate; it's plastic on the G11

Canon PowerShot G9 (left) v G11 (right). The G11 is taller and considerably deeper, thanks to the vari-angle screen.

Notice the smaller size of the rear command dial on the G11 (left); it's more fiddly in use.

I thought I would upload a quick series of shots showing the size comparison of the Canon PowerShot G11 against our own G9 (which we used for the unboxing video, in the previous post).

My first impressions are favorable, even though the vari-angle screen makes the G11 slightly larger than the G9 (and likely the G10, though I don't have one to hand).

One point I would like to share immediately is that I was a little shocked to see the rear of the G11 appears to be made of plastic, like the Nikon P5000/6000 series. That's a real shame, as both the G9 and G10 were the most rugged feeling compacts on the market.

Please use these links to check prices or help support our site and buy from approved retailers:

B&H Photo (NYC)

Amazon US:

Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD


Amazon UK:

Not yet available

Canon out 10MP PowerShot G11

As expected Canon today announced the upgrade to the high-end G10, called, not surprisingly, the G11. What is a surprise though, is that resolution drops from 14.7-megapixels to 10-megapixels (to reduce noise levels, and allow sensitivity up to ISO3200 at full resolution).

However, while industry pundits expected the sensor to be a CMOS unit, and maybe use a large DSLR format sensor, Canon stayed with the 1/1.7-in type that's usually reserved for digital compacts. Despite that, it seems like manufacturers are finally getting the message about pixel counts. Certainly rival Panasonic seem to be selling all they can make of the 10-million pixel LX3 / Leica D-Lux 4.

The image stabilized (IS) lens looks to be identical to the G10's, and we applaud the return of the vari-angle screen to the G-series compacts - not seen since the G7, if memory serves*. All that's missing is a fast maximum aperture. Still, you can't have everything, after all what would they sell you tomorrow?

According to Canon, the PowerShot G11 will be available from early October 2009 priced at $499 / £569.00 / €659.00 RRP inc. VAT. Can anyone tell me from Canon, why Europe is paying such a high price?

Read the full press release here.

Our friend David, over at the MacCreate site, had live coverage of the event from NYC.

The PowerShot G11 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo, Amazon US and Amazon UK.

* Never trust to memory when you can look up one of your own reviews; it was G6, not the G7, that was the last G-series to have an articulated screen.

DxO Labs publish IQ assessment for new Canon, Sony, Pentax and Nikon DSLRs

DxO Labs, the software company behind DxOMark, the free online resource providing IQ assessment of popular DSLRs and compacts, has today added data for the Canon G7 and S90 compacts as well as EOS 7D, Nikon D300s and D3000, Sony A500, A550 and Pentax K7.

Press release:

DxO Labs also adds detailed RAW image quality measurements on dxomark.com for Canon PowerShot G11, S90 and EOS 7D; Sony A500 and A550; Pentax K7;
and Nikon D300s and D3000

December 11, 2009 – DxO Labs announces today the publication of detailed RAW-based image quality data and DxOMark Sensor rankings on its popular http://www.dxomark.com www.dxomark.com website for a range of Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony digital cameras, including some of the latest models in the advanced compact and DSLR categories.

“A new compact camera category, sometimes referred to as Advanced Compacts, has emerged, bringing to photographers many advanced features, in particular being able to shoot in RAW,” said Nicolas Touchard, Vice President of Marketing, DxO Labs Image Quality Evaluation. “Since these compact-style models, such as the Canon G11 and S90 or the Olympus EP1, are targeting demanding amateurs, we found interesting to analyze their sensor performances in comparison with entry-level DSLRs such as the Nikon D3000, Sony A230, or Canon 1000D. Such comparison is particularly relevant given that the two categories have overlapping price ranges.”

dxomark.com results indicated that the best Advanced Compacts demonstrate remarkable image quality performance, especially considering their very compact form factor: overall, the difference between the top models from the Advanced Compact category and the entry-level DSLRs is only about 1 to 2 stops. And as these new compact cameras can shoot in RAW, demanding photographers can match the JPEG image quality of entry-level DSLRs by using the most advanced PC or Mac RAW conversion software solutions, which can recover the one to two stops of dynamic range that these compacts are missing.

In addition to the advanced compact model data, DxO Labs has also published the performance results on dxomark.com for some of the latest DSLR models featuring APS-C size sensors from various manufacturers: Sony (the A500 and A550); Nikon’s new D300s model (clearly showing improvement over the D300); the results of the long-awaited EOS 7D from Canon; and lastly, the ranking for the Pentax K7.

Canon G11 - iPhone App Training Video

A training video that explains the basic controls of the Canon G11. This video runs 1 hour and 20 minutes in length and can help new users become proficient with their camera in a short period of time.

Price: $24.99/Download

At Last, New Canon G12 Brings HD Video Option

We've been waiting for this feature for a long time, and at last Canon have done it, albeit with 720p/24 HD video (the same as the Nikon  P7000). Other than that, things are pretty rudimentary, such a 10 megapixel CCD sensor, 5x lens with teleconverter, DIGIC 4 processor, and 2.8-inch 461k-dot articulated LCD (remaining the same as the now defunct G11). The difference though is that you now get new Canon's Hybrid IS system from the S95 for better macro performance, along with a new HDR mode and front command-dial. It'll be $499 when it hits in early October.

Check the price of the Canon PowerShot G12 (Amazon US).

Canon PowerShot G11 Unboxing

Stay tuned for some ISO comparisons from a production quality G11. They should be posted later in the day.


Update; my thanks to the guys at 1001 Noisy Cameras for help spreading the love.




Please help support our site and buy from our approved retailers:

B&H Photo (NYC)

Amazon US:

Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD


Amazon UK:

Not yet available

Canon PowerShot G11 noise examples

ISO80

ISO100

ISO200

ISO400

ISO800

ISO1600

ISO3200

Each of the above out-of-camera Large/Fine JPEGs were taken with a production quality G11 and are displayed at 100-percent actual pixels, saved and sharpened for the web using Photoshop CS4. I may have to supply smaller crops, judging by the slight differences above.

Update: I've added samples from the PowerShot G9 here, for comparison.

Please help support our site and buy from our approved retailers:

B&H Photo (NYC)

Amazon US:

Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD


Amazon UK:

Not yet available

The New Nikon P7000

Is this Nikon's answer to the Canon G11? Many fans seem to think so. Interestingly it has a lower megapixel count that the P6000. The P7000’s superb image quality is guaranteed by a wide-angle 7.1x zoom NIKKOR lens giving a 28mm to 200mm range (35mm format equivalent), with optical Vibration Reduction (VR), two ED glass elements and Nikon’s brand new EXPEED C2 image processing system. The large 10.1 effective megapixel 1/1.7” CCD sensor facilitates wide dynamic range and exceptional low light performance whilst the 7.5cm (3.0”) high resolution LCD (920K dot) monitor assists composition, movie making and playback in brilliant detail.

Mark Pekelharing, Product Manager, Consumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V., says: “The COOLPIX P7000 boasts a raft of advanced features and ergonomics found in SLR cameras, making it the ultimate compact option for advanced SLR users and professional photographers who want high quality images in a discrete and responsive body.” He added, “Our professional customers have really helped to drive decisions about the feature set, and the results speak for themselves; great quality photography…anywhere”.

The P7000 is packed with cutting-edge technology to ensure the best image quality available, with a large 1/1.7” sensor and EXPEED C2 image processing system to provide enhanced low light performance and movie recording. Its 7.1x zoom NIKKOR lens has two ED glass elements to reduce chromatic aberration and fringing at longer focal lengths. What is more, it also includes a built-in ND filter to expand exposure options in very bright conditions.

The P7000’s wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 3200 is expandable to Hi 1 (ISO 6400 equivalent), while low noise night mode ensures fine results in extremely low light conditions, such as in candlelit interiors and a Noise Reduction (NR) adjustment function enables photographers to manage the impact of noise in their images.

For situations where choosing the right setting proves difficult, D-Lighting automatically ensures images look natural, rescuing underexposed shadows caused by very high contrast lighting conditions. COOLPIX in-camera Picture Controls, based on the technology from Nikon's award winning digital SLRs, allow the user to manage camera processing according to personal taste while the new bracketing functions enable the photographer to take sequences with slightly different settings, varying exposure, ISO sensitivity, or white balance, and select the one that best suits the intended effect. A newly-added Virtual Horizon can also be displayed in the LCD to make sure the camera position is perfectly aligned.

Enhanced recording and playback

Some occasions call for capturing more than a picture, so the COOLPIX P7000 comes with an HD movie recording (720p) function. Stereo sound can be simultaneously recorded using a built-in microphone, while the microphone jack enables the use of an external microphone. The extra large 7.5cm (3.0”) ultra-high resolution (920K dot) LCD display offers almost 100% sRGB colour space to make image reviewing a pleasure and the optical viewfinder features diopter adjustment. In addition to this, the HDMI port enables instant sharing on external HD displays.
The P7000’s in-camera editing allows users to take control over their pictures. Tone level information is displayed on a histogram, and exposure compensation, aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity can be minutely adjusted while confirming highlights, shadows and intermediate tone.

For those who prefer to revise their images on a PC or Mac, images can be stored in the enhanced NRW+ (COOLPIX RAW) format, providing an uncompressed digital “negative” which enables advanced editing. NRW+ files are compatible with Nikon’s bundled ViewNX 2 software as well as the optional image editing software Capture NX2

Easy operation, everywhere

The P7000 has been designed for those who wish to have complete control over their photography with the familiar intuitive layout of buttons and dials found on Nikon DSLR cameras such as Command dial and AE-L/AF-L buttons. The P7000 also features an ‘analogue retro’ dial to manage exposure compensation levels in 1/3 EV steps. Manual control over other commonly used functions is accessible via the Quick Menu dial. A User-Setting Function enables users to switch zoom position to a preset focal length, as if using interchangeable lenses. The settings at each zoom position can also be customised according to the user’s intention. Alongside this, the added Zoom Memory function allows one-touch switching to any focal length setting, using a new manual mode dial.

The compact system camera

The COOLPIX P7000 forms the core of a mini-system and is i-TTL compatible with Nikon’s acclaimed Speedlights, a new WC-75A wide-angle convertor for a 21mm equivalent field of view and infra-red remote control ML-L3. The P7000 also comes complete with ViewNX 2 software, long life battery EN-EL14 and charger MH-24. The camera can be further expanded using an external microphone (not available from Nikon). To protect the camera, an optional carry case is also available (CS-P06).

EXPEED C2

The original EXPEED image processing system incorporated all of the accumulated expertise and technologies developed throughout Nikon’s long history. Now the latest evolution of Nikon’s renowned system, EXPEED C2, expands the possibilities of photography even further, with enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality. EXPEED C2 maximizes sensor performance for clear, lifelike images that exhibit vivid colors, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations for outstanding photos and movies.

ViewNX 2

ViewNX 2 is an all-in-one software package that enables users to quickly import, browse, edit and share still images and movies. Building upon the highly successful ViewNX software, ViewNX 2 is a user-friendly suite that offers a huge range of features, going well beyond those supplied as part of a PC’s operating system. Newly-incorporated advanced movie-editing functions have been taken directly from Nikon’s award-winning DSLR range, enabling users to trim clips and blend still images into stunning movie footage. ViewNX 2 comes with all Nikon digital cameras and is also available as a free download.

Nikon my Picturetown

You can now back-up your images safely and securely using my Picturetown, the free online digital photo storage and sharing service brought to you by Nikon. Easily share photo memories with friends and organise precious memories into online collections. You get 2GB of space free to use for storing thousands of memories and you can upgrade your membership to Gold Account at any time if you need to store more pictures.

Canon offers rebates on S90 and G11

Starting from the 21 April, through to 22 June 2010, Canon UK has announced £30 / €35 rebates on their popular PowerShot G11 and S90 models .

Claims must be received by 26th July 2010.

For further details please visit here (UK), or here (Ireland).

Canon PowerShot G9 ISO samples

ISO80

ISO100

ISO200

ISO400

ISO800

ISO1600

Here are the ISO samples from the Canon PowerShot G9, taken under the same lighting conditions, to compare with the shots I posted yesterday from the G11. Although the image size is larger (the G9 is 12MP whereas the G11 is 10MP), I've tried to crop to include the same elements in the photos; the images were then saved for the web (at 600pixels wide) and sharpened in CS4.

Canon add further models to rebate scheme

After the news earlier in the day about the rebates on the popular PowerShot G11 and S90, Canon UK has announced the cash-back scheme will be applicable to more models in the range. Starting from today through to 22 June 2010, purchasing the PowerShot SX210IS, SX120 IS, SX20 IS and the SX1 IS (shown above) will attract rebates of £30/€35, £20/€25, £40/€45 and £50/€55 respectively.

See here (UK) or here (Ireland) for more details.