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Canon PowerShot G12 reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Canon PowerShot G12 Camera. Here are the reviewers:
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- 03 February 2011 - |
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- 4 |
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- 19 January 2011 - |
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- 3.5 |
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- 23 November 2010 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 17 November 2010 - |
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- 0 |
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- 09 November 2010 - |
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- 0 |
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- 09 November 2010 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 02 November 2010 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 27 October 2010 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 19 October 2010 - |
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- 4 |
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- 18 October 2010 - |
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- 0 |
TrustedReviews 's conclusion / rating - 03 February 2011 |
What you're buying into here is a camera that provides the build quality and manual controls of a mid-range DSLR yet remains just about pocketable. It doesn't offer the fast lenses and more compact bodies of some rival high-end compacts but counters this with even great manual control, the option to add lens accessories like filters and a greater zoom range. For our money, though, we would take the faster more compact alternatives.
What's more we wonder, like its arch rival Nikon, how long Canon will be content to go without fielding an interchangeable lens compact system camera, and missing out on gaining its own share of a rapidly expanding market. These cameras offer true DSLR quality in more compact bodies and are a tempting alternative to having both an SLR and high-end compact...
TrustedReviews's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
DPReview 's conclusion / rating - 19 January 2011 |
Arguably, there was very little wrong with the Powershot G11, and with the G12, Canon has smoothed out a few more rough edges. What remains is a very pleasant camera indeed. The G12 is quick, responsive and well-designed. Although it can be used as an 'auto everything' compact, the G12's real strengths only come to the fore when it is used in its A,S and M modes. The G12's twin control dials plus big, chunky, ISO, exposure compensation and mode dials offer a level of 'proper' manual control which is rare in any camera, let alone a compact model.
No camera is perfect, of course, and we do have some criticisms of the G12, albeit relatively minor ones. For one thing, we're disappointed that with all of the various buttons and dials which pepper its surface, Canon couldn't find room for a direct movie shooting button. This wouldn't be such an irritation if the shortcut button could be reassigned accordingly, but unfortunately this isn't possible. We recently criticized the Pentax K-5 for just such an omission, and arguably, quick access to video shooting is even more important in a compact camera than a DSLR.
Our other main criticism of the G12 also relates to video. Although video resolution has increased from VGA to 720p resolution, a 24fps frame rate lags behind the best of the competition (although it should be said that a lot of videographers prefer it to 30fps+), and the video functionality is still fairly limited. Disabling optical zoom during movie shooting makes sense in one respect - it avoids the issue of zoom noise on the soundtrack - but it would be nice to have the option in some situations. Likewise AF during movie recording. Not an essential function, perhaps, but handy, and something which is offered by some of the G12's competitors.
In the final analysis, the Canon Powershot G12 is an excellent compact camera which offers an exceptional amount of manual control. However, as we mentioned in the introduction to this review, as well as its 'traditional' rivals like the Nikon Coolpix P7000 and Panasonic LX5, it also has to compete against a new crop of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras like the Olympus E-PL2 and Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5.
This is a problem, because whilst there is no doubt that for some photographers, the (slightly) smaller size of the G12, plus the convenience of its fixed 28-140mm zoom will be points in its favour, these photographers are less likely to value its abundance of manual control options. Fans of 'hands on' photography that actually need all of the buttons and dials might well find a camera like the Olympus E-PL2, with its much larger sensor and interchangeable lens capability, more attractive. We have no hesitation in saying that the G12 is the best Canon G-series camera to date, but its original USP - as a bridge between compact cameras and DSLRs - is in danger of being eroded...
Complete review here
CameraLabs 's conclusion / rating - 23 November 2010 |
Canon's PowerShot G12 may only represent a modest update over its predecessor, but by addressing some of the criticisms of that model while adding a few small but neat new features, it's become a preferable camera overall. So the first headline is Canon's flagship compact has just got even better.
Unfortunately for the G12 though, the market for enthusiast-level compacts is changing quickly, and Canon's top dog is looking increasingly uncomfortable. Panasonic's Lumix LX5 may not sport an articulated screen or optical viewfinder, but by packing a wider and brighter lens, with snappier focusing and manual control over movies into a smaller, lighter and cheaper package, it'll be preferred by many enthusiasts. If however you're after a truly pocketable compact which still offers a decent degree of control, then Canon's own PowerShot S95 is much more compelling.
The biggest problem for the PowerShot G12 though is the availability of cameras sporting DSLR sized sensors and removeable lens mounts, that are roughly the same size and weight. Almost unbelievably, models like Sony's Alpha NEX-5 are actually smaller and lighter than the G12, at least when fitted with a fixed prime lens. To be fair, these so-called 'EVIL' compacts become bigger and heavier when fitted with zoom lenses, and they're also more expensive than the PowerShot G12, but many enthusiasts would be more than happy to make these sacrifices to enjoy their quality and flexibility.
Previously a DSLR-sized sensor demanded a DSLR-sized body, so a model like the G12 was an ideal carry-everywhere companion for enthusiasts. But now the space and weight saving over an EVIL alternative is minimal.
Interestingly in today's market, Canon's PowerShot S95 feels the most relevant in its peer group. It may not ultimately offer the same degree of control and features as the G12, nor Panasonic's LX5, but with smaller dimensions, it crucially delivers a more portable proposition to models with bigger sensors. In contrast the G12, despite sporting a wonderful array of manual controls, is just physically too close to models which pack-in DSLR sensors, and that's difficult for enthusiasts to ignore.
That said, the PowerShot G12 remains a delight to use, and if you're happy with its relative heft, lens range and high ISO performance, then there's a lot to like. Certainly if you're into physical controls, you'll be in dial-heaven. Ultimately we can recommend the G12 to enthusiasts who fully understand the other options available, but like the Lumix LX5, it misses out on our top rating in an increasing market of alternatives with big sensors. As the market for EVIL cameras steadily grows, we wonder how many more generations of the G-series we can expect - at least those equipped with small sensors anyway...
CameraLabs's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
Imaging Resource 's conclusion / rating - 17 November 2010 |
The PowerShot G12 manages to improve on the G11 without taking any backward steps. It represents more a refinement than a revision, but that only reflects what a solid camera the G11 was.
Despite that, the G12 is getting squeezed on one side by its own slimmer and nearly-as-capable PowerShot 95 stablemate. And on the other side, it's getting pushed by a handful of small mirrorless cameras that aren't quite as small, but pack larger sensors. It's simply a different landscape in 2010.
I found myself picking up the Canon G12 rather than the Olympus E-PL2 next to it simply because it was slightly smaller and its image quality was always pleasing. I might just have easily picked up an S95 or a Panasonic LX5 if one of those had been sitting on the table, though.
What's clear in this crowded field is that what used to be the top of the mountain, the flagship among digicams, is now something of a compromise. A pleasant compromise, I hasten to add, but not the slam dunk of years past.
On the other hand, compromise is an art, and Canon has delivered such an artful one that it easily merits a Dave's Pick. It's the best G-series PowerShot I've had my hands on...
Imaging Resource's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
Steves Digicams 's conclusion / rating - 09 November 2010 |
We've been in love with the G-series line ever since the G1 in 2000. The PowerShot G12 is the best model in this series to date, offering amazing build quality, excellent image quality, superior High ISO performance, robust shooting performance, and a plethora of useful exposure modes and controls. This camera is sure to please just about anyone who picks it up to snap some photos, whether you're a seasoned photog looking for a compact walk-about camera, or a newbie looking for a powerful unit that will help you learn more about photography. With a suggested retail price of $499 US, the G12 is not cheap. However, it offers an amazing value and fills the gap between consumer point-n-shoots and EVIL or entry-level dSLRs perfectly. We give the G12 our highest recommendation for those who can afford the price. If you love the features of the G12 but want a camera that's a bit more compact, check out the PowerShot S95, which shares many of the G12's specifications...
Steves Digicams's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
LetsGoDigital 's conclusion / rating - 09 November 2010 |
The Canon PowerShot G12 is a camera with great appeal to photographers. Thats certainly not without reason. The image quality is very solid and its control feels like coming home for photographers. The small improvements and new functions are included, but are not distinguishing enough to speak of a new camera. If you can find the G11 for a good price, go for it. If not, the Canon PowerShot G12 is ready for your next photographic adventure, its a wonderful camera!...
LetsGoDigital's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
DigitalCameraReview 's conclusion / rating - 02 November 2010 |
The G12 represents a measured update to an already wonderful G11 platform and carries on the better than average ISO performance and excellent still image quality of the earlier camera. Video has now been upped to 720p HD status and there's a useful HDR shooting mode along with multiple aspect ratios and a tracking AF function to tempt G11 owners to move into a 12. That might not be enough to pry another $500 from too many G11 drivers, but for someone contemplating a move into a G12 from most other compacts the camera is an attractive, if expensive choice.
Shutter lag and AF acquisition times aren't too bad, but not class-leading and off the pace a bit compared to the G11. The video quality is good but doesn't feature AF, and coming up short of 1080 HD in your PowerShot flagship while another PowerShot (with a $350 MSRP) already boasts that resolution seems a bit odd. Size and weight will turn a number of potential buyers away.
Still, the G12 is an excellent camera and none of the perceived shortcomings is fatal. And for every buyer who walks away from a "compact" that isn't so compact or light, there's apt to be another who relishes the chance to leave the really big and heavy DSLR at home in lieu of a compact with a RAW shooting capability and a DSLR-like suite of user inputs...
DigitalCameraReview's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
PhotographyBLOG 's conclusion / rating - 27 October 2010 |
The Canon Powershot G12 offers just enough new bells and whistles to make it a worthwhile upgrade from the previous model and keep it competitive with its main rivals, most notably the very similar Nikon Coolpix P7000. The high price-tag does put it directly in the firing line of several entry level DSLRs and and the new wave of Compact System Cameras, which ultimately offer better image quality particularly at higher ISO speeds.
While the addition of 720p HD movies with stereo sound is welcome, we can't help feeling that this is something that last year's G11 should really have offered, and the continued inability to zoom during recording is at the very least frustrating. There's also no external mic port as on the Nikon P7000, so you should also consider that camera if video shooting is a priority. Of much more benefit to the photographer is the new front control dial, which in conjunction with the rear control ring makes operating the G12 as near to a DSLR as we've experienced on a mere compact camera. If you spend a lot of time in the Manual shooting mode, this feature alone is worth upgrading for.
The other improvements fall into the nice-to-have rather than essential list - we particularly liked the useful electronic level and the effective High Dynamic Range mode, while the ability to use 58mm filters with the G12 plus the built-in ND filter really makes it a great camera for landscapes. Importantly when comparing it to Nikon's new rival, the G12 doesn't suffer from the painfully slow RAW processing speeds that blighted the P7000's performance.
If you want an all-in-one camera that offers a tried and trusted user interface, speedy performance, excellent image quality and a versatile screen, the Canon Powershot G12 is very easy to recommend. Whether it still offers enough to justify its high price tag in the face of increased competition from cameras with bigger sensors and better image quality in low-light is entirely up to you - we'd just tip the balance in the G12's favour, at least for this year...
PhotographyBLOG's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
Photography Review 's conclusion / rating - 19 October 2010 |
Out of the box the G12 is a very capable camera for the advanced amateur or professional photographer looking for a piggyback camera to add to their bag of tricks and take into the field. before the advent of these compact but fully functional point and shoots photographers in the line of action and adventure sports were put in the situation of bringing into the field a large,heavy SLR camera with a few select lenses as well as carrying all the essential gear for whatever trip they may be on that day, week or month. although the G12 will not replace these cameras it offers a good alternative or piggyback camera to bring in the field for todays photography professionals in situations where a big camera isnt always necessarily better ...
Photography Review's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
DCResource 's conclusion / rating - 18 October 2010 |
The PowerShot G12 is one of very few cameras that feels like a go-anywhere digital SLR. Sure, it's not as fast as the real thing, nor is the image quality as good (at higher sensitivities). But it does offer solid build quality, very good photo quality, generally snappy performance, an optical viewfinder (a rarity these days), manual controls, tons of customizable features, and the kind of expandability that you'd only find, well, on a D-SLR. No camera is perfect, and the PowerShot G12 is no exception. The lens isn't really remarkable considering that this is Canon's flagship camera, especially if you remember the fast lens on earlier G-series cameras. The control layout is a little tight, and can be overwhelming to new users. And while I love having an optical viewfinder, I don't like having a nice view of the lens while at the wide-angle position. The new 720p movie mode is nice, though I wish the frame rate was higher, and that the optical zoom was available while recording. Despite those issues, the PowerShot G12 is an impressive beast, whether you just want a high-end compact camera, or a "second camera" to go along with your D-SLR.
From a design standpoint, the PowerShot G12 is essentially a clone of the G11 that came before it. That means that it sports a well constructed metal and plastic body with a classic rangefinder style. New additions to the body include a front dial for adjusting manual exposure settings, stereo microphones, and more options on the ISO dial. With its countless buttons and dials, the PowerShot G12 can be a bit overwhelming to new users. Once you get the hang of things, though, you start to appreciate having things like ISO and exposure compensation close-at-hand. I do wish that some of the controls were a bit larger, notably the zoom and four-way controllers and the shutter release button. The G12 uses the same F2.8-4.5, 28 - 140 mm lens as the G10 and G11 that came before it. The lens isn't terribly fast (especially compared to classic G-series cameras), but it's sharp across the frame, with minimal purple fringing. The G12 uses Canon's new "hybrid" optical image stabilization system, which reduces both shift and angular camera shake. On the back of the camera you'll find a flip-out, rotating 2.8" LCD with 461,000 pixels. The screen is quite sharp, and it offers good outdoor and low light visibility. As I mentioned above, the G12 has an optical viewfinder with 77% coverage, though I"m not a fan of having the view blocked by the lens barrel when at the wide end of things. Something I like a lot more about the G12 is its expandability. You can add a teleconversion lens, filters, external flash (including dedicated macro Speedlites), underwater case, wired remote control, and more...
Complete review here
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