Canon Powershot G10 Review

The G10 features a 5X optical (28-140mm in the 35mm format) f/2.8-4.5 all-glass aspherical zoom lens. When powered down retracts the lens inside of the body and a built-in shutter closes to protect the it.

The G10 features true a "Lens-Shift" Optical Image Stabilization system. Unlike electronic image stabilizer systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon's Lens Shift Optical IS system is based on the advancements made in the development and refinement of Canon's EF and video lenses. Reduced in size to fit this model, this Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in shutter speed equivalent.

An advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system permits the camera to automatically select the primary subject, even when off-center. This model also features Canon's Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB technology, which allows it to detect, lock on and track up to nine human faces in a scene simply by pressing the shutter button halfway. The face detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects the optimum subject and not simply the closest face (based on Canon's Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure, and white balance to ensure the best possible results for easy picture taking moments.

The focusing range is:

• Normal: 50 cm (1.6 ft.)-infinity
• Macro: 1-50 cm (0.39 in.-1.6 ft.) Wide, 30-50 cm (12 in.-1.6 ft.) Telephoto
• Manual focus: 1 cm (0.39 in.)-infinity Wide, 30 cm (12 in.)-infinity Telephoto

In low light conditions the focus-assist lamp helps to illuminate the subject for accurate focusing.

To attach auxiliary Canon lenses just press the button and remove the dress ring, attach the optional Conversion Lens Adapter LA-DC58K and then the Canon Tele Converter TC-DC58D.

The LA-DC58F adapter also allows the use of 58mm filters.

The built in flash offers Auto, On or Off. Flash output compensation (±2.0 stops in 1/3-stop increments), Red-Eye Correction, Red-Eye Reduction, FE Lock, Slow Synchro, 2nd-curtain Synchro and Safety FE are also available. Flash range at ISO Auto is:

12 in. - 15 ft. (30cm - 4.6m) at Wide angle / 1.6 - 9.2 ft. (50cm - 2.8m) at Telephoto

This is a Light-guide zoom flash that changes its angle according to the lens' focal length. The AF-assist lamp also serves as a red-eye reduction lamp.

The G10 also features a hotshoe for using optional flash units like Canon's 220EX, 380EX, 430EX II or 580EX II Speedlites.

Compact and elegantly designed, the optional High-Power Flash HF-DC1 complements your PowerShot perfectly and requires no accessory shoe. With a strong light output (guide number 59 ft.) and wide angular field (28mm), it delivers proper illumination up to approximately 30 feet and in all zoom positions. The flash fires in synchronization with the main flash, and output is adjusted accurately and automatically. A "Manual" mode prevents others from firing your flash.

You can frame your pictures with the color LCD or to save precious battery power you can use the optical finder. This real-image zoom viewfinder offers a 15mm (0.59 in.) eyepoint, approx. 77% frame coverage and dioptric adjustment. Next to the finder are two LEDs that indicate the flash and focus status. To the left you can see the Print/Share/Shortcut button.

Controls on top: on the left is the Exposure compensation control dial (±2EV in 1/3EV steps). To the right of the hot shoe is the ISO mode dial (Auto, HI, 80 - 1600) with the Mode dial mounted in the center/top. It has positions for Auto, Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Custom 1&2, Movie, Stitch Assist, and SCN. You can also see the built-in microphone above the dials. Next is the shutter release with the zoom lens control mounted around it, in playback mode the zoom lever functions as the index and magnified image control. Last but not least is the On/Off power button.

See the next page for more information about the various Record modes.

On the back is a 461,000 pixel 3.0-inch Pure Color II LCD monitor. Unfortunately, the G10's LCD is a fixed display, it cannot be moved to different positions.

Controls on the back: in the upper left is the Play button. Next is the AE Lock/FE Lock button, which also serves as the Microphone button. Next is the AF Frame (image Delete in playback) and Metering mode buttons (image rotate in playback). The 4-way controller lets you navigate menus and select images during playback, the FUNC/SET button accepts menu selections. It also gives you access to the Function shortcut menu, which has many settings (white balance, Color effects, Brake ting, Flash output compensation, Image quality and Image size, etc.) In record mode you press "Up" to change to Manual focus mode, "Right" to toggle the flash mode, "Down" to change the Drive mode, and "Left" to enable Macro focus mode. Mounted around the 4-way controller is the Control dial, this handy dial allows you to quickly navigate the menu, set aperture and shutter speed values, use Program Shift, etc. The DISPlay button turns the color LCD on/off and controls the amount of data displayed on it. The MENU button calls up and dismisses the menu screens.

The I/O ports:

The top port handles AV output (NTSC or PAL format) for displaying image on a TV set, while the bottom one connects USB 2.0 (high-speed) to the computer for downloading image to a PC. It also allows for Direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer. In the center is a port used for connecting the Remote Switch RS60-E3, which allows you to release the shutter button without touching the camera.

The Powershot G10 is equipped with a card slot that supports use of SD/MMC/MMC+ cards up to 2GB or SDHC/HC MMC+ cards up to 8GB. Unlike past models, Canon does not include a card with the camera. Shown here with a speedy OCZ Class 6 4GB SDHC card - see the tables below for the approximate storage capacity.

The G10 is powered by a proprietary Canon NB-7L 7.4v 1050 mAh Li-ion battery pack, that is charged in the included rapid charger. Canon claims a battery life of approx. 400 shots (LCD on)/1000 shots (LCD off), and a continuous playback time of approx. 10 hours (using CIPA Standards.)