Click to take a QTVR tour of the G7

Canon's G7 is the new flagship of their ever popular fleet of PowerShot digital cameras, and is equipped with loads of Canon's newest technological achievements and user-friendly features. Designed to delight even the most die-hard photo enthusiast, the 10-megapixel PowerShot G7 digital camera continues the tradition of imaging excellence, innovation and ease of use that began when the PowerShot G1 was introduced six years ago.

A combination of technological advancements, as well as the introduction of the DIGIC III image processor has allowed the G7 to become the fastest G series camera to date, with a startup time approximately twice as fast as its predecessor at 1.4 seconds (LCD monitor on). Other firsts on a G series model include Optical Image Stabilization and the addition of 13 new special scene modes for a variety of shooting situations. The PowerShot G7 model also adds the "My Colors" function as well as added flexibility with an increased ISO sensitivity, which ranges from 80-1600, or as high as ISO 3200 in the special scene mode. With the enhanced noise reduction, users can confidently shoot in low light scenes.

True to Canon's tradition of optical excellence, the G7 is equipped with a fast and sharp f/2.8-4.8 6X optical zoom lens (35-210mm, 35mm equivalent). Canon's specialized SR coating augments the all glass lens, the first time this lens coating technology has been applied in a compact digital camera. In combination with the lens' aspherical elements, the SR coating helps reduce flare and ghosting, delivering a cleaner image to the camera's CCD sensor in the process. The precision lens also features an extreme macro setting that focuses down to one centimeter. Optional optical wide-angle (WC-DC58B), telephoto (TC-DC58C) and close-up (58mm 250D) supplementary lenses are also available.

The G7 also features a Lens-Shift type optical image stabilization system that can help defeat the effects of camera shake in low light situations. This optical image stabilization system is based on advancements made in the development of Canon's EF lenses and video lenses. Unlike electronic or "digital image stabilization systems" that typically degrade image quality, the G7's lens shift-type preserves maximum optical performance while providing up to three stops of shake correction in shutter speed equivalent.

Compact yet comfortable to hold, the G7 is also an aesthetic treat, harking back to the look and feel of classic Canon cameras. From its retro "wet black matte finish," leather-toned grip and the detailed knurling and analog-style "click-click" of the camera's top side ISO Speed Dial and Shooting Mode Dial, to the stylish metallic accents of the body's aluminum- finish parts, this PowerShot model conveys a sense of "camera-ness" rarely encountered in the world of digital photography.

The "brain" of this new model is DIGIC III, the newest iteration of Canon's ultra-efficient (and proprietary) image processor. Making its debut on the G7 (along with Canon's three newest Digital ELPH models) this chip accounts for the camera's higher performance levels including faster start up, autofocus and shutter response times, and of course, improved image quality and more efficient power consumption; resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

Canon's new Face Detection AF/AE technology (working in concert with the 9-point Autofocus system), allows the camera 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 and exposure to ensure the best possible results for even easier picture taking moments.

The G7 is equipped with a newly enhanced, 2.5-inch color LCD screen with approximately 207,000 pixels, a wide viewing angle and 15 brightness settings making it easier to read the display menus and easier to preview and review subjects and scenes. Adding to the ease of composing a picture in the proper print proportion, the G7 is appointed with optional grid lines and a 3:2 aspect ratio print display overlay. This convenient composition guide overlays horizontal gray bars at the top and bottom of the LCD screen so that photographers can compose and shoot their images in the proportion best suited to the print size they wish to make (typically 4x6-inches).

When it comes to special scenes, the PowerShot G7 makes a quantum leap over its predecessor with the addition of 13 new modes for a variety of scenic shooting situations. Notable among the special scene modes (which include portrait, night snapshot, kids & pets, indoor, foliage, snow, beach and fireworks settings etc.) is the new ISO 3200 and Aquarium settings that permit low light, no-flash photography in situations where using a flash would ruin a picture by bouncing back off glass or other reflective surfaces. For those whose photographic passions take them beyond the water's edge and beneath its surface, the underwater special scene mode comes in to play. In order to actually take the camera underwater, users must safely ensconce it in the optional waterproof case WP-DC11, specifically designed for the PowerShot G7 and rated safe to depths of up to 130 feet.

Powershot G7 Features:

• 10 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 3648x2736 pixel images
• 6x optical 35-210mm f/2.8-4.8 zoom, 4x digital zoom
• Lens-Shift type optical image stabilization system
• 2.5" high resolution color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority, Manual, and Custom exposure modes
• Pre-programmed creative scene modes for beginners
• Movie mode w/sound at resolutions of 1024x768, 640x480 or 320x240
• 2.0fps Continuous burst capture of Large/Fine images
• Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted or Spot options
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 6 presets or Custom
• Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting
• Light-guide zoom flash, angle changes with focal length
• Hot shoe accommodates Canon 220EX, 430EX, 580EX, MR-14EX and MT-24EX Speedlites
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 1600 (3200 using special scene mode)
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Sound recorder stores up to two hours of voice memo
• Powered by Canon NB-2LH 7.4v 740 mAh Li-ion battery pack
• Direct print and PictBridge Compatible
• USB 2.0 high-speed connectivity for PC and Mac
• SDHC/SD Memory Card/MultiMedia Card compatibility, 32MB card supplied
• Optional wide angle and telephoto lens adapters
• Optional High-Power Flash HF-DC1
• Optional Waterproof Housing WP-DC11

The PowerShot G7 camera kit includes Lithium Battery Pack NB-2LH, Battery Charger CB-2LW, SD Memory Card SDC-32M, Wrist Strap WS-700, USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, AV Cable AVC-DC300 as well as the Canon Digital Camera Solution Disc Version 29.0, featuring the latest versions of Canon's powerful software. The Canon PowerShot G7 is available now for estimated selling prices of US$599.99.

Physical Views

The G7 compared to an average CD disc.

Canon's 10-megapixel models for 2006, the G7 and the SD900 Digital ELPH.