Features & Controls

Like it's predecessor, the G12 features a very nice 5x optical zoom lens, which offers an equivalent zoom range of 28-140mm. This is a fast f/2.8-4.5 all-glass aspherical zoom lens, which retracts inside the body when powered down and is protected by a built-in lens cover.

The G12 is equipped with a fast nine-point TTL AF system, which also features an AF-assist lamp for instances where you are shooting in low-light conditions. You can move the AF point to the desired area within the frame by pressing the AF Point Selection button on the back of the camera, and using the 4-way controller. It also features FlexiZone and Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB technologies, along with Servo and Tracking AF modes.

The focusing range is:

• Normal AF: 2.0 in./5cm - infinity (W), 12 in./30cm - infinity (T)
• Normal (With Tele-Converter): 1.8 ft./55cm - infinity (T)
• Macro AF: 0.4 in. - 1.6 ft./1 - 50cm (W), 12 in. - 1.6 ft./30 - 50cm (T)
• Manual Focus: 0.4 in./1cm. - infinity (W), 12 in./30cm - infinity (T)

The G12 also utilizes Canon's most recent image stabilization technology, called Hybrid IS. Building off the success of their proven optical IS systems from the past, this new Hybrid technology now employs both an angular sensor and an accelerometer, which help it combat both angular and shift blur. Unlike electronic stabilization systems that typically degrade image quality with high ISO noise, Canon's uses a "lens-shift" system built right into the optics of the lens (which is the best type of IS out there).   This stabilization system, combined with the G12's fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, will allow the you to produce much more pleasing results in challenging lighting conditions, especially low-light where most cameras struggle. 
 

On top of this OIS system, Canon has also incorporated their newer HS (High-sensitivity) system into G12, which further enhances this cameras low-light capabilities. It combines a large 1/1.7" 10-megapixel high-sensitivity CCD image sensor with their DIGIC 4 processing unit, to help produce much less noise at higher ISO settings (max. manual setting of ISO 3200 on this model or 12800 in Low-light mode). 

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 allows the use of 58mm filters, and Canon also offers their ring accessory kit RAK-DC2 that lets you to personalize the look of your G12 (or G11).

Here you can see the built-in flash, which offers modes for Auto, On, Slow Synchro or Off. There are also options for flash output/compensation (±2.0 stops in 1/3-stop increments), Red-Eye Correction, Red-Eye Reduction, FE Lock, 2nd-curtain Synchro and Safety FE.

Flash range at ISO Auto is:

• 1.6 ft. - 23 ft. (50cm - 7.0m) at Wide angle or 1.6 - 13 ft. (50cm - 4.0m) at Telephoto

The G12 also features a hotshoe for using optional flash units like Canon's 220EX, 380EX, 430EX II or 580EX II Speedlites.

Above we can see the G12's real-image, zoom viewfinder. This is a tiny optical viewfinder for that 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, and on the right is the Play mode button.

Next we have a close up view of the top of the G12. 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, 80 - 3200 in 1/3 EV steps) with the Mode dial mounted in the center/top. It has positions for Smart Auto, Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Custom 1&2, Movie, SCN, Quick Shot, and Low light modes. You can also see the built-in microphone above the dials to the left. 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. Out in front on the grip is the front control wheel, which toggles various settings depending on the exposure mode being used as well as helps you quickly scroll through the menu or files stored on the SD card. Last but not least is the On/Off power button.

Like the G11, the G12 features a slick 2.8-inch "Vari-angle" LCD monitor, which can be rotated up to 270 degrees. This is a high-resolution display with 461,000 pixels, offering a vivid live image for framing, browsing the menus, or playing back images and video. With a rotating display, you have a great deal of versatility in framing with shooting positions that are just not possible with a fixed display (self-portrait, over a crowd, waist level, etc.). You can even rotate the screen around to be closed inside the camera, protected while you use some other means to frame you subject; like the OVF or an external monitor via the A/V out.

Here you can see the LCD in the closed position, which helps protect the display while it's being carried in your camera bag or purse, etc. Controls on the back include: at the upper right is the AE Lock/FE Lock button, which also controls the Program Shift option. 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 files 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, Bracketing, Flash output compensation, Image quality and Image size, etc.). In record mode you press "Up" to enable/disable Manual focus, "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, which 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 overlay information displayed on it during both Record and Playback modes. The MENU button calls up and dismisses the menu screens.

At the top you can see the HDMI output port, which when used with the optional HTC-100 HDMI cable, allows you to connect your G11 to a HDTV set (you can also use the supplied cables to connect to a HDTV at standard definition resolution).

Next we have the Remote Terminal port, which accepts the optional Remote Switch RS60-E3, allowing you to release the shutter button without touching the camera.

At the bottom is the a combination port that handles both the standard definition Audio/Video output as well as USB 2.0 (high-speed) connectivity to a computer for downloading files or Direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer. The operation of this port is determined by which of the supplied cables you insert into it.  

The Powershot G12 utilizes a card slot located inside the battery/memory card compartment on the bottom of the camera, which supports use of SD/MMC/MMC+ cards up to 2GB or SDHC/HC MMC+ cards up to 8GB. The G12 is also compliant with larger capacity SDXC type memory cards. Above you can see the G12 with a speedy SanDisk Extreme (30MB/s) 4GB SDHC card.  The number of photos you can capture will all depend on the size of your card, and the quality settings used - see the tables below for the approximate storage capacity. Note: N=Normal F=Fine
Storage Capacity varies depending on camera settings. This data is estimated from Canon's standard shooting conditions. Figures for Movie Mode represent total capacity of the particular media.

The G12 is powered by the same proprietary Canon NB-7L 7.4v 1050 mAh Li-ion battery pack used with past models (as well as the SX30 IS). This battery is charged in the included rapid charger, which features fold-away prongs, providing excellent portability. Canon claims a battery life of approx. 370 shots with the LCD on or 1000 shots when the LCD is off, and a continuous playback time of approx. 7 hours (using CIPA standard testing methods).

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