Canon PowerShot G11
Canon this week announced an addition to their very popular G series line – the Canon PowerShot G11.
The PowerShot G11 features a list of specifications that a mid to higher level photographer looking for a compact camera will want to consider. It has a 10 megapixel high sensitivity CCD sensor, a 28-140mm image stabilized lens, 2.8 inch tilt and swivel LCD screen, Flash Sync of up to 1/2000th of a second, Digic 4 image processing, HDMI connectivity, RAW shooting plus plenty more.
The Canon PowerShot G11 should hit stores in October with a recommended retail price of $499.99. It is already available for pre-order at Amazon at this price.
Canon Powershot G11 News Release
Canon today announces the launch of the feature packed PowerShot G11, the successor to the multi award-winning PowerShot G10 – the favourite compact of professional photographers and photoagencies the world over.
Commenting on his use of the predecessor to the PowerShot G11, the PowerShot G10, Gary Knight, acclaimed photojournalist and co-founder of the VII Photo Agency, said: “As a photojournalist who covers warzones, one of the main challenges I face is getting high quality images in hostile environments.
To achieve this I need a camera that offers great image and build quality without the bulk, and the PowerShot G series is perfect for this purpose. When shooting in areas of conflict, it’s important to have a compact camera in my bag that allows me to work discreetly but also provides the level of quality required to get the photos I need. The G Series excels in this respect, delivering great quality images from a compact body that is less intimidating than that of an SLR.”
Professional photographers will benefit from the G11’s greatly expanded dynamic range. Canon’s new Dual Anti-Noise System combines a high sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel image sensor with Canon’s enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology to increase image quality and greatly improve noise performance by up to 2 stops (compared to PowerShot G10). The PowerShot G11 also includes i-Contrast technology, which prevents high-light blowout whilst retaining low-light detail – ideal for difficult lighting situations.
The premium quality Canon lens delivers picture-perfect performance, offering a 5x wide angle (28mm) zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (IS). This allows handheld shots to be taken at much slower shutter speeds (4-stops) than conventional non-IS models – allowing perfect shooting in darker conditions or at a lower ISO. Greatly reducing blur caused by camera shake, photographers can shoot at longer focal lengths and in lower light conditions without the need for a tripod.
The digital compact includes the ability to shoot in RAW format and is compatible with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, ensuring that photo shoots can be easily integrated into a photographer’s workflow.
Stephen Munday, Senior Operations Director, Editorial, Getty Images, comments: “The quality of images delivered by the PowerShot G series are so good that we use G10 images within our editorial library, and our photographers using the G series models do so because of the image quality and flexibility they provide.”
He continues, “The unpredictable nature of news photojournalism requires our photographers to get shots in all kinds of situations, and the size of the G10 allows them to do that without drawing too much attention to themselves. The low-light capabilities of the new G11 will be of even greater help in that respect, as it will allow our photographers to shoot high quality images without flash in even more situations.”
Alongside superb image quality, the compact size of the PowerShot G11 and a 2.8-inch vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD (461k dots) make it the ideal choice for professional photographers to use where an SLR is impractical or obtrusive. The G11 is ergonomically designed for faster, accurate menu scrolling. Analogue style dials for ISO and exposure compensation give photographers instant, familiar access to common settings and features.
“I’ve been a user of the G series since the G5” says Edmond Terakopian, photojournalist and winner of the British Press Awards Photographer of the Year and a World Press Photo award for Spot News. “Recently I’ve been using the G10 which is absolutely spot on; image quality, usability, reliability and build quality are all excellent. It’s the one camera that’s always with me, no matter where I am; whether on or off duty. I know I can rely on it to help me get the picture, no matter what.
Over the years I’ve used my G Series cameras on the occasions when assignments have needed discretion. It’s a satisfying feeling telling a picture editor that the photograph he’s just complemented was from a compact camera.”
The G11 is equipped to deal with any light condition. Low Light mode enables photographers to shoot up to ISO 12,800 in reduced 2.5MP resolution at 2.4fps capturing brilliant shots indoors without the need for a flash, whilst a built-in Neutral Density (ND) filter decreases light levels by 3 stops allowing creative control in bright conditions.
The camera’s highest flash synchro speed has been increased to 1/2000th seconds, reducing the possibility of overexposed bright scenes. A real time histogram displays brightness levels on the PureColor II VA LCD screen, so photographers can easily view conditions and change settings when shooting.
The PowerShot G11 gives photographers the freedom to perfectly shoot fast-paced action. Quick Shot mode takes images almost instantly after pressing the shutter, so fast moving objects are always captured, whilst Servo AF/ AE continuously adjusts focus and exposure to optimise settings when photographing moving subjects.
The PowerShot G11 can be used with a wide range of Canon accessories, including the Speedlite 270EX, 430EX II and 580EX II; Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX and Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX flashes for enhanced shooting options; the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite Bracket BKT-DC1 and Remote Switch RS-60E3. Underwater photographers can even team the PowerShot G11 with the specially designed Waterproof Case WP-DC34 – an underwater housing allowing full control of the camera at depths down to 40m. The PowerShot G11 includes an HDMI port so users can review images on a full HD screen via an optional HDMI cable.
25 Responses to “Canon PowerShot G11” - Add Yours
August 21st, 2009 at 1:09 am
It’s interesting to note that they actually reduced the number of megapixels in the G11 from the previous model. The G10 supported 14 megapixels while this is 10. The reason is to reduce noise at higher ISO’s.
I think this is a good idea and supports those who complain about the image quality of the 50D over the 40D.
I hope Canon drops the megapixel increases (at least until the technology catches up) and keeps working on providing better image quality. 10 megapixels should be plenty for the average user.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:10 am
I’m extra happy that Canon bucked the trend with the G11 and reduced pixel density, but I have to say, the stats are a bit of a let down for the following reasons:
- No CMOS
- Lens still isn’t bright enough. Should be f/2.0 or brighter. And since it’s a carryover from the G10, this lens will probably have the same dust problems as earlier models (although I have had no such trouble with my G9 with years of use).
- No HD video (seriously?!)
Everybody complained when they took away the articulating screen that was previously seen in the G-series, but I can’t honestly say that I missed having it on my G9. I think I’d rather have a less bulk and larger screen in the end. LCDs have a pretty wide viewing angle these days. I guess everyone has their own preferences though, and they can’t tailor it specifically to my wants.
I’m going to hold onto my G9 until Canon builds a G-series with a wider, brighter lens, CMOS sensor, and HD video.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:24 am
It’s really an interesting camera to buy but I think that it isn’t a real pocket camera….Looking to the dimensions I’m much interested in the new canon S90.
It has the same sensor end processor an an aperture of 2.0 in a smaller body!
August 21st, 2009 at 5:16 am
I’m a Nikon user, but have heard nothing but praise for these compacts. Especially with RAW support.
But, as someone pointed out above, no video?? Did we miss that?
August 21st, 2009 at 5:25 am
I had a G9 and sold it after 6 months because, for some reason (like my fault) I had “significant” difficulty in convincing the camera to focus on what I wanted it to focus. It was forever giving me blurry flowers against razor sharp backgrounds, etc.
So I got rid of it and bought at Pentax k200D – a beautiful DSLR that takes advantage of the Pentax lenses I’ve collected over the last 50 years.
BUT… the Pentax, small as it might be, is no match for the convenience of carrying the G9 around.
I guess I’ll be dipping into my pension money and ordering a G11. I can’t wait to see how my PWIIs like trying to sync at 1/2000!
August 21st, 2009 at 5:32 am
@geoff: The G11 does have video, but it isn’t HD. It’s the same old 640 x 480 @ 30fps with monaural audio that has been used forever. In this age, you better come to the table with HD in your flagship compact.
And for reasons I have yet to understand, it still lacks the really great time-lapse movie mode that the G9 had.
August 21st, 2009 at 5:44 am
@richard: This may seem like an obvious question, but did you experiment with the focus settings on your G9 when you had it? If there’s one thing the G9 does well, it’s macro flower photography, and it’s hard to imagine anyone having difficulty in this respect. I never never never use the so-called “intelligent” focusing (which usually means nearest subject) on any of my cameras.
August 21st, 2009 at 6:29 am
Hi hamhock… it’s been nearly a year and a half since I bid old G9 bye-bye… I really don’t remember the specifics of the settings although I do remember spending quite a bit of time with the manual and experimenting with settings. It wasn’t every shot where I had trouble. Most of the time, on any camera, I use the centre-spot focus setting and freeze that with a half-squeeze and recompose as I wish. I shoot a lot of wild bird stuff and “portraits-in-nature” (now there’s a euphemism you haven’t heard before) – quite a bit of picking a subject from a wide depth of field, and stuff with a lot of contrasty high dynamic range.
I’m not aware of anyone else complaining about the focus on the G9 so I’m assuming the “fault” lies with my technique. I’m willing to give it another try.
As far as “macro flower photography” goes – my partner uses a Sony H5 with SPECTACULAR results in that department. That Zeiss lens produces the highest quality images I’ve ever seen. Too bad the camera is JPEG only but with the superb results obtained there really is nothing to “improve” even if it did have RAW.
August 21st, 2009 at 7:55 am
No HD Video?!?! Come on, that’s just silly.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:02 am
I have a G9 also (a great camera, by the way), and I’m sorely tempted to turn mine in for a new G11. I love the swivel screen and since my DSLR is an Olympus E-620, I can hardly get by with out it! I will be interested to see the reviews. One thing that amazes me is how everyone is fawning over HD video. Why? I have no need of this in my art – still photography and graphic design. I always thought that still photographers were a different breed than videographers. Ah, “the times, they are a changing”!
August 21st, 2009 at 8:13 am
re: geoff
hey, you stole my name! :D
regarding the HD video: I have a D300 and about $8000 of nice Nikon glass. what I need is a good functioning compact for all those other moments. My iPhone does 3mp pics and decent video. The Panasonic LX3 (for about the same cost as the G series) does HD video. I was really hoping to get that HD video option for all those quick carry around moments, often while traveling, in a good compact camera package that supports RAW (LX3 does/doesnt). And I dont think any of the Nikons really fit this bill yet either.
If the LX3 was only a bit smaller, and had a supported RAW, I’d make up my mind.
..hope that explains.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:25 am
Yes some REALLY nice improvements especially fewer pixels for low light but any compact must have video capability and not just 640×480. In my view that almost amounts to an insult. While I use a 5D Mk II, I want a small compact and had been waiting for the G11 to replace my little Panasonic. Now I have to wait longer or go Olympus – but that does not tick all the boxes either.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:32 am
Having only recently purchased the G10 (like only 4 weeks ago!) I won’t be updating to the G11 anytime soon…..
I got the G10 as a back up to my SLR (Canon 450D) and must say that I am disappointed.
Like Richard, I’m sure it’s just my lack of technique or experience, but I am not having much success at all with this camera. After having read rave reviews I was excited to get and play with the G10……
Sadly I seem to only be producing rather second rate pictures. Unless I am shooting in daylight you can forget it…… blurry and out of focus ALL the time. The noise level is awful.
If my subject so much as moves a fraction then it’s delete delete delete!!
I was lucky enough to get some good advice and tips from a gentleman at my local camera shop (he owns and loves the G9) but am still not impressed at all.
Oh well I guess that will teach me for making impulsive purchases…. I will practice and practice some more but am rapidly losing interest!!
August 21st, 2009 at 10:52 am
@ Jane: Give it some time. I had the same feelings when I first got my G9, but I have definitely warmed to it in the last 1.5 years. Then again, I use it only as an outdoor camera, where the light is typically in high abundance. I found that I had to learn what does and does not work with the camera’s sensor & lens, and once I did that, I became able to exploit it and can now produce really good results.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:03 am
As for geoffs inquiry as to why people want want HD video: I, for one, want HD video because I use my compact (G9) mostly as a travel camera, and being able to produce high quality video is often nice in those settings. I also do a lot of back country snowboarding, and it’s nice to carry something small to shoot video then, too. For serious still photography, I use my DLSR. I would imagine many others have a similar feeling regarding how they divide their time between compact and DLSR.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
To Jane:
I had and loved my G10 – it was a great all-round camera but it unfortunately fell into a creek. What I found was that it was great at low ISO for street, macro and landscape photography but it could not keep up to my wife’s D60 for portraiture (too slow). I reluctantly replaced my G10 with a D90 and now we both shoot with D90’s and a re very happy as our main focus is portraiture. So I guess I receommend a decent SLR for portraits or moving subjects if that is your interest…otherwise the simplicity, quality, price and size of the G10 is great. For an example of what knid of art it is capable of check out this guy’s site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25978351@N07
Otherwise my only complaint was with the useless viewfinder.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I used to have, or actually still have, a G3 which I no longer use. Not because it’s too limited, after all 4Mpx is quite enough in a lot of situations, but because the poor camera is circling the drain with various bits starting to fail. It took amazing pictures though (and still does when it feels like it).
I’m still considering getting a compact to complement my SLR (currently a K10), I tried a Canon S3IS but never liked it much. I shouldn’t have swayed from the trusty G line.
And regarding the lack of “HD” video… Among the 5 digital cameras I’ve used so far (2 of them SLRs), I must have shot, about 0 videos. So definitely a non issue for me.
I’ve worked for quite a while in the moving image industry and a hand held (as opposed to shouldered) camera for filming is right out.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:12 am
The G9 at least had a 1024×768@15fps mode, I wonder why this mode disappeared.
August 28th, 2009 at 5:02 am
For @ geoff (one of them!): The LX3 DOES support RAW, it is one of the characteristics of the LX series.
August 29th, 2009 at 3:37 am
Marcelo,
I was a bit tricky with my wording up there, I was pointing out a “Supported RAW” format; meaning the Lightroom and Aperture don’t support it, correct? Don’t you still have to use Panasonic’s proprietary raw software?
September 11th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Just thought I’d update you all………. I have changed the settings on the G10 to shoot at 9mp instead of the 14+ and presto! Perfect pics in all light! Soooo happy!
Practice has indeed paid off……. as soon as I work out how to put pics up on here I’m going to show some of them off as I am pleased as punch with the results!
Thank you all for your advice and encouragement xxx
September 11th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
@ Jane,
I’m looking at buyin a G10, didn’t know it was possible to change mp’s. How does that work?
Does it reduce the amount of noise on pictures at higher ISO’s?
September 12th, 2009 at 12:00 am
@ jenneke,
Oh yes it definitely works!
I read the manual a few times lol
Theres a setting where you can change it down from the 14mp called L
to 9mp called M? and so on…… definitely makes a huge difference.
If you haven’t purchased the G10 yet why don’t you look at the G11? Apparently it’s back down to the 10mp mark…… sure wish I’d waited now! Oh well it always seems to happen doesn’t it……. you buy something….. whether it’s a camera, PC, TV etc and within weeks it’s “old” and something better comes along!
October 1st, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I find the G11 is a bit plasticy and bulky for a compact
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 am
I can’t imagine moving on from my G9 until HD video is reintroduced in the line. I held off from the G10 for that reason and the G11 doesn’t offer enough to compensate.
I’ve still got a G7 as a backup camera, useful as they use the same batteries as the G9.
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