Canon Powershot G1

Click on the G1 to take a QTVR tour

The Canon PowerShot G1 is equipped with a 3.34 megapixel 1/1.8-inch CCD. Captured images feature a high resolution of up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels. Still images can be saved in standard JPEG format with three levels of quality or as Canon raw format. The RAW file is saved using numerically lossless reversible compression which means that it only takes 2.5MB of space versus the 9.4MB uncompressed TIFF files from most other 3-megapixel cameras. The G1 also records QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) digital movie clips (with sound) at 15 frames per second up to 30 seconds in length.

Thanks to the dedicated digital signal processing IC the images are captured at high speed without losing any detail. In single frame mode the G1 can capture Large/Fine mode images in less than two seconds. The autofocus and exposure is set within 0.7 seconds of pressing the shutter button and the image is captured within 0.07 seconds of pushing the shutter button all the way down from the halfway point. In continuous mode the G1 captures up to 10 Large/Fine JPEGs at a rate of 1.7fps with the LCD and flash off. Users can switch between record and playback modes in an instant, the lens remains extended unless you put it in the Off position for more than 0.8 seconds.

Exposure options abound with full AUTO mode or Program AE, shutter speed priority, aperture priority and full Manual or choose one of the Image Zone pre-programmed modes. ISO sensitivity is adjustable between 50, 100, 200, 400 or automatic. White balance can be automatic, one of five presets or manually customized. The focus can be automatic or manual. Auto exposure bracketing (AEB) captures three exposures, taken with a single shutter release, at stops over and under the targeted exposure. For that perfect exposure under not-so-perfect conditions you can switch to spot metering. A special noise reduction feature virtually eliminates digital "noise" for exposures of 1.3 seconds or longer.

The builtin 5-mode (Auto, Redeye, Slow-sync, On, Off) flash will handle most average picture taking tasks.  If you need greater flash range or the much prefered lighting of bounce flash -- the PowerShot G1 functions in full TTL with a Canon Speedlite 380EX (shown above) or the 220EX, 420EX or 550EX.

Images are stored on CompactFlash Type I or II cards which are available in sizes up to 300MB or for the ultimate in storage use an IBM Microdrive (170MB to 1GB.) The G1 is powered by a lithium rechargeable battery pack that's good for 300 to 800 pictures per charge. A high-speed USB port builtin eliminates the need for an external card reader.

On the back is a 270-degree swiveling 1.8-inch TFT color LCD with 113,578 pixels of resolution (521 x 218) that can be used for framing, review and menu operations. When framing, approximately 97% of the captured image is shown.

This is the same type of swiveling color LCD that was first seen on the Pro 70 almost two years ago. It can can tilt up or down and can be turned all the way around to face forwards...

or the LCD can be folded up against the back of the camera with the screen exposed or turned around the other way to protect it.

To save battery power switch off the LCD and frame your shots with the eyelevel optical viewfinder. There is a diopter adjustment for those of us with less than perfect eyesight. The LEDs on the side indicate recording, autofocus and flash status. The eyelevel finder shows approximately 87% of the captured image.

The only thing found in the optical viewfinder is a set of cross hairs, no framing or parallax guidelines and no data display. It is definitely time for prosumer cameras to have more sophisticated eyelevel viewfinders whether they be optical or mini-LCD types.

On top is the monochrome data LCD, hot shoe flash with TTL contacts for Canon 220EX, 380EX, 420EX or 550EX automatic speedlights, the combination Mode dial and power switch which also sets the Record, Playback and Connect to PC modes, the combination shutter release and zoom control and the Drive mode button.

The data LCD lets you know the camera settings without using the color LCD. Shown here with a shutter speed of 1/60 and an aperture of F2.0, Medium/SuperFine image setting, single exposure mode, macro mode enabled, self-timer/remote activated, flash set to On, battery level is full, 486 shots remaining and white balance set to Auto.

Depending on the operational mode other icons are displayed on either the monochrome data display or the color LCD for the various programmed AE modes, drive modes, spot metering, exposure compensation, flash exposure compensation, AE lock, manual focus, digital zoom and raw mode. The ISO setting and manual focus distance is not displayed on either LCD.

A flat bottom with a metal tripod socket and the battery access door.

Left and right side views.

The difference that two years makes... If you've been waiting for a replacement for the Pro 70 -- your ship has arrived.  It's not only smaller but now it has nearly twice the resolution and a longer focal length zoom.