Canon has given its popular PowerShot series a face lift with the addition of the PowerShot G12 Digital Camera. While remaining true to many of its predecessor's features, the G12 comes busting out of the gate with what's fast becoming a standard on digital cameras: digital video (with stereo sound no less!). Shoot 1280 x 720p HD video with stereo audio using this compact, yet versatile camera. Awesome, right?
In addition to riding the video tide the G12 also stays competitive with its 10MP still image capture. Shoot RAW and JPEG files to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, among others, with the help of the camera's 1/1.7" CCD image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, otherwise referred to as Canon's HS System. The G12 additionally sports a 3200 ISO setting for excellent shooting in low light settings.
Long loved for its unobtrusive nature, the PowerShot series of cameras are excellent for the pro or amateur alike - it's no behemoth Pro DSLR, but it still manages to pack in many of the exciting and appreciated features of one. That being said, the G12's a heck of a lot easier to carry around in your bag. Some additional features pros, or anyone looking to make great photos, will appreciate include, the option for manual control, along with Canon's much celebrated Hybrid IS function which is the combination of the genuine Canon 28mm lens, 5x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization. Hybrid IS is particularly touted to make easy work of capturing stunning macro shots.
Another notable feature on the G12 is its High Dynamic Range. Based on the principle of bracketing, HDR helps you capture a well balanced image that presents both highlights and low lights (AKA: shadow) in an appealing manner - giving your images that pop factor! This function also has an aspect to it named, i-Contrast. i-Contrast lets the user determine the amount of HDR correction that's applied to the image, which can be helpful in avoiding highlight blowout and keeping details from getting lost in the shadows. Canon's Tracking AF also comes into play here by allowing the shooter to select a subject to 'track' in case of movement while shooting.
You'll be happy to hear that Canon kept its well-received Vari-Angled LCD screen as well - giving you a whole 2.8" of flip-out, multi-angled flexibility for composition and playback of all your video and still images. As a step up from the previous permutation the G12 features a number of aspect ratios, including: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 4:5, and 16:9. Other notable features include Canon's Smart AUTO, electronic leveling, a high dynamic range, AF tracking, and a front dial - all of which are designed to help make your shooting enjoyable and successful.
10MP CCD Image Sensor + DIGIC 4 Image Processor
The PowerShot G12 employs the HS SYSTEM by combining a powerful 10MP CCD sensor and Canon's DIGIC 4 Image Processor. Thanks to this technological advancement, the G12 is reported to be more sensitive than cameras with identical megapixel counts - delivering spectacular images with minimal noise. Increased sensitivity demands a higher ISO speed, and the G12 delivers with a new maximum ISO setting of 3200. Blur and camera shake are notably reduced for sharpness and clarity
In addition, a low light mode, new to the G series, lets you capture images in an astonishing range of conditions. The camera automatically adjusts the ISO speed from 3200 up to an enhanced 12800 when reacting to ambient brightness, subject movement, and camera shake
720p HD Video with Stereo Sound
The PowerShot G12 lets you record video in beautiful high definition (1280 x 720/24p). The camera also makes it easy to display HD videos, and still photos, on your HDTV with a mini HDMI connector. Using the mini HDMI you'll have a direct, one-cable connection to your HDTV for an enjoyable HD experience with no degradation of image; not to mention the ability to display up to 130 still images at once. The PowerShot G12 also includes 5x optical zoom for shooting video. Simply set the zoom at 5x optical and then start recording video for quality, close-up scenes. Additionally, the camera's Smart AUTO technology helps ensure high quality video files
RAW + JPEG Still Images
The PowerShot G12's RAW mode lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. RAW gives you clearer images and complete creative control in editing. RAW images are transferred directly to your computer where they can be edited using image adjustment software or a processing application. The camera can also be set to allow simultaneous recording of both RAW and JPEG images while shooting
2.8" Vari-Angle LCD
The PowerShot G12 gives you a large 2.8" PureColor System LCD screen for excellent control when framing your shots. But size is only part of the story. Canon's PureColor System LCD offers spectacular color, resolution, and contrast even at an angle. The screen is durable and easy to see. It is a great for gathering friends and family around to see your images
Hybrid IS
The PowerShot G12 is equipped with Canon's advanced Hybrid IS function, which corrects camera shake from two sources to deliver sharp, blur-free images - even when you zoom in close to your subject. Hybrid IS employs both an angular sensor and an accelerometer, enabling it to suppress both the blur caused by the angle of the camera and the 'shift blur' that happens when your subject moves parallel to the camera - a problem that is especially noticeable at large zoom factors
28mm Wide Angle Zoom Lens
The G12 is a highly versatile camera with a wide angle zoom lens that reaches all the way from 28mm at the wide end to 140mm at the telephoto end (35mm format equivalent). You'll capture more image in every shot, and add greater depth to your photography overall
5x Optical Zoom
The G12 is equipped with a long, 5x optical zoom - and Canon's own optical image stabilizer technology which keeps images steady and blur-free all through the zoom range - even in low light - by detecting motion and generating a corrective signal. Because it's an optical system, more corrective movement is allowed with no degradation of image quality
Storage Options
The G12 records to external flash memory - making it easy to store and transfer your stills videos. The camera is compatible with the following storage options: SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HCMMC+
Host of Optional Compatible Accessories
The PowerShot G12 is compatible with the Speedlite flash series intended for all EOS series SLR cameras. Attach a Speedlite flash to the hot shoe, and you can set and control the flash on the "Flash Control" menu in the camera. With a Speedlight, the G12 is given extra functions such as autoflash metering, FE lock and Flash exposure compensation - continuous shooting with external flash. Also Canon's Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 enables you to have multiple slave flashes and wireless control. A Tele-Converter lens designed for the G12, Filter Adapter FCA-DC58DB and WP-DC34 Waterproof Case is also available
Smart AUTO
Just set the G12 to Smart AUTO and you're ready for maximum enjoyment from your picture taking every time. It's a relaxing and satisfying way to shoot because you can completely concentrate on your subject knowing that the camera has the technical details covered. Advanced Canon technology intelligently analyzes your situation and shooting conditions. Then it automatically selects an appropriate setting from specially defined settings. So whether you're photographing flowers, a captivating sunset, or your friends at the park, you can be confident that you're getting dramatic, memorable images
Additional Connectivity
The G12 provides you with direct connection to Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Inkjet Photo Printers, and PictBridge-compatible printers using the camera's USB 2.0 connection and included cable