Looks like that PowerShot G11 we
spotted this morning was indeed the real deal, and it's being followed by five other compatriots announced by
Canon this fine morning. Starting with the big boy, you're looking at a 10 megapixel sensor, 2.8-inch vari-angle LCD, 5x optical zoom, RAW support, a hotshoe and an MSRP of $499.99 when it lands in October. Moving on, we've got the $429.99 PowerShot S90, an all-business point-and-shoot model with a 3-inch LCD, 10 megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 processing engine, RAW support and a 3.8x optical zoomer. Moving right along, there's the SX20 IS megazoom ($399.99), which packs a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 720p (30fps) video mode, an HDMI output, 20x zoomer and a 2.5-inch vari-angle display. The SX120 IS is a simpler beast (albeit bulkier), sporting a 10 megapixel sensor, 3-inch LCD, 10x optical zoom and AA battery support for $249.99, while the $329.99 SD980 IS Digital ELPH snags a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 3-inch touchscreen, 720p movie mode, 5x optical zoom lens and four different colors (silver, blue, gold and purple). Finally, the $299.99 SD940 IS offers up most of the SD980's amenities save for the LCD and zoom, which is replaced by a non-touch 2.7-inch version and a 4x lens. The full specifications are there in the read link.
posted Aug 19th 2009 9:31AM
The megapixels races are over. 14.7M to 10M.
Finally we start to get better pixels instead of more crappy ones.
I was going to say the same thing. If Canon wanted to claim that they make the best cameras, this was pretty-much a must-do for them. It's hard to make that kind of claim while putting stats ahead of image quality.
Yep that's why panasonic ZS3 with only 10MP won many awards as point and shoot camera of the year pretty much from every pro review.
Canon should focus at image quality over MP but i can not blame them most causal consumers believe higher MP = Higher picture quality.
Agreed, even my G9 is still 12MP vs. the G11's 10MP. Granted I don't fully blame camera manufacturers for pursuing higher resolutions as ill informed consumers and salespersons have long been pushing mega-pixels as a distinguishing aspect between models for years. Talk to any engineer who's been working on digital cameras for years and you'll hear all sorts of grumbling over it. Seems as though there's becoming enough of a perception that mega-pixels aren't the be all that manufacturers can feel comfortable enough to push more reasonable resolutions without worrying about a competitor one upping them by a mega-pixel.
Hi EVERYONE,
I've set up a little petition to motivate Canon to add HD video recording to next year's G12.
Take a look - http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/CanonG12
Fraggle
We hate our G10 so much my Dad is selling it.
For Canon to give the marketing department two fingers and drop from 14.7 to 10 is a god-send.
The G11 is an improvement to the G10 in almost every way except the god-awful placement of the G11 logo.
Nice lineup, though.
Actually, the logo placement (while too large) is perfect: While shooting, your pointer finger will cover it up.
Every way? The only differences I know of are a lower MP sensor and a rotating screen. So by "every" you mean "two"?
Huge disappointment IMO.
If better picture quality and a rotating screen is a huge disappointment,
what were you expecting? X-ray?
Frankly, I was expecting 720p movie. Pretty much every new camera out there has it. Even some cellphones...
And we are talking about the high end Canon, right... so yes, it is disappointing.
They also bumped up the flash sync speed.
Was I expecting X-ray? No.
Was I hoping for better zoom? Yes. Bigger sensor? Yes. 720p? Yes. Stereo sound? Yes. Better codec? Yes. Optical zooming during video? Yes. Faster continuous shooting? Yes.
It takes virtually zero effort to throw in a lower MP sensor, and minimal effort to engineer a rotating screen, something that the G6 had! Don't get me wrong -- this is an improvement to one of the coolest cameras on the market... I was just expecting Canon to catch up on some of the basics, especially 720p.
The S90 is looking like my next camera. It seems to be pretty much the small cam I've been waiting for.
Have you looked at the Panasonic equivalent. I shopped around for a while and came to realize that for all Canon and Nikon's prowess in the dSLR world (which is totally deserved), their P&S offerings fell short of the Pani stuff in every category. Though Canon's return to sane sensor resolutions might be a sign that they're getting serious about things.
I had, but the Panny's price was a little hard to swallow. I actually have been considering just a regular SD-series Canon as a walk-around camera when I don't want to carry my SLR. The S90 looks to be lighter on my wallet and a touch smaller to boot.
Price schmice! Just make more money! It's easy, right? ....right?
Seriously though, I didn't realize that the Canon was cheaper. That seems like a good enough reason to me.
Well, I'd forego the responsibilities of being "grown up" and jump on the Panny if I wasn't already planning on foregoing said responsibilities and upgrading to a new SLR and lens when Canon releases their next round of updates ;-). Plus, the S90 will shoot CR2's, which will keep my workflow the same as with my Canon SLR.
S90:
10MP 1/1.7" CCD sensor
28-105mm f/2.0-4.9 lens
480p video
LX3:
10MP 1/1.6" multi-aspect ratio CCD sensor ✓
24-60mm f/2.0-2.8 lens ✓
720p HD video ✓
Heck, I'd say the LX3 rivals the G series. My decision was between the G10 and LX3, going for the latter due to better low light performance.
I don't believe the LX3 does HD Video.
@John...
Google is your friend...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmclx3/page16.asp
720p @ 24fps ;-)
Some people might find the 28-105 range more versatile than the 24-60 range. Sure, it's a slower lens, but if you need the tele, you need the tele. And of course, actual performance from the new 10MP Canon sensor is really unknown.
@ rhoadslash
Saw it on Panasonic's site. Didn't mention HD. The ZS3 has HD movie mode though.
Motion Picture 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 640 x 480 pixels 30 fps, 320 x 240 pixels 30 fps/10 fps 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-LX3K.S_11002_7000000000000005702#tabsection
The S90 lens is as fast as the LX3 at wide angle. It is slower at the tele end but it also zooms farther than the LX3. The S90 also has ergonomic advantages with the two programmable control rings. But the biggest advantage of the S90 is that it fits in your pocket. The LX3 is better compared to the G11, then you can complain that it lacks a swiveling screen and a long tele lens.
G11 at 499, aren't you better off getting a rebel xs or nikon d40?
As the owner of both (G10/XS that is), I often find myself using the G10 quite a bit more than the XS - its enough to have some fun with but still pocketable (just!)
Nikon D40? Really? I'd rather get a P&S. I mean half of Nikon's lenses won't work with that POS.
@joeybeast
It depends on your requirements. Certainly a DSLR will generally produce better images, particularly when combined with a quality lens, but you have to consider that the G11 is considerably more portable ("pardon me, but is that a DSLR with a 70-200mm f/2.8 in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?"). Further, such cameras can be used in places where professional photographers are not welcome without being attacked by the camera police. I believe that quite a lot of professionals will use a camera like this as a backup as well.
@Patriks7
Yes, well, you are clearly a nugget. There is nothing wrong with the Nikon D40. Most Nikon lenses designed to be used on a camera with an APC-sized sensor will have a Silent Wave motor. For those non-AFS lenses you can always use manual focusing - really, it's not difficult.
Because you want something with a decent zoom lens and controls for places where you can't bring an SLR, even a micro 4/3s size one. I've considered getting one of these or something similar as a secondary camera because average P&S cameras just don't cut it for me, I just don't want to spend that much on one at this point.
If you want a pocketable camera get a point and shoot.
The G11 is designed for people who want more than a point and shoot, so for the same price range, are you better off getting a really good entry level DSLR instead?
Get an Olympus E420 with a pancake lens. It almost fits in your pocket and is cheap.
@joeybeast
What answer do you want to hear? Only I seem to recall telling you that something like the G11 is a good solution when you need something smaller than a DSLR or as a backup but yet you insist on suggesting that it is comparable to a "normal" point-n-shoot, which it isn't (the addition of manual controls and RAW support is your clue here), and that you'd be better off buying a DSLR. If you already know the answer to your question then don't waste our time asking it, particularly if you are not prepared to listen to alternative view points.
Now we just need some new Canon dSLRs to be announced! (60D?!)
i think cannon should a) continue selling the old G10 at a discount andf b) makd a G11S model that is slimmer
If only Sony would do that...
Some great, but confusing features. First of all, I'm glad to see the move away from more megapixels (and focus on higher quality). This feature is why I currently own the Panasonic LX3 as my Point-and-shoot (albeit with a bulky lens). The G11 and S90 both look like great options for my next upgrade, except for one baffling omission: 720p video. I can't understand why they would put 720p on their low-end P&S, but leave them off the higher-end ones with bigger sensors. The S90 just went from being a shoe-in for my next upgrade to yet another great camera with one nagging flaw. Can someone explain why Canon might have done this?
Ditto.
The Canon G11 looks BORING! It is basically a G10 with a rotating LCD screen. Canon should have put that rotating LCD screen on the G7, G9 and G10 YEARS ago! I have an OLD Canon A610 and an even OLDER Canon G5 and they HAVE rotating LCD screens! They did not even bother to re-design the overall look of the G11 body. And no HD video recording?!! No Art Filters?!! No multi-aspect ratio?!! Is Canon resting on their laurels?
This is my fearless forecast: The Panasonic Lumix LX4 will be coming out soon and blow the G11 out of the water! Only SIX MONTHS from now, Canon will release the G12 with HD video and a re-designed body (Without the rotating LCD screen, of course. They will be saving that for the G16)!
Well said!
A sad day for me, as I was looking forward to this release...
I have an older Canon 7 MP Elph that I really like, small, huge 3" LCD and simple. These new models just are not impressing me when I compare to my current one and what I like about.
I have thought about a new camera, would like image stabilization and my wife wants video, figured the new HD video capabilities will get the job done for now. I don't think these Canon will fit my need for a small and simple point and shoot.
Honestly, Canon updates have been more incremental than revolutionary as of late, which irks me most in their SLR updates. I know I'll get flamed for this, but now it seems like any huge SLR updates (like high ISO in the 5D II) are just playing catch-up with Nikon. I just want Canon to give me something to be excited about, not more cameras where I think, "Yeah, that was needed."
What is the point of G11?
Is it really worth making a new model?
They went down from 14m to 10m but still the same sensor, right?
Added a flip screen..
and that's it?!!!!
No HD video!
I would rather get G10. I can control noise shooting under 200 ISO and I can get it around $375
Disappointing!
moving from 14 to 10 megapixels means its a different sensor. In theory the same size sensor with less megapixels will give better dynamic range and less noise. I suspect Canon is doing this in realization that panasonic and (nikon SLR's) are beating Canon in high ISO quality.
Geez, Canon, can we please have some optical viewfinders? Some of us don't like holding the camera at an arms length to shoot photos -- you need IS just to cancel out the shake.
Hopefully the G11's optical viewfinder will be more accurate than the ~ 80% accuracy of previous versions.
Clearly you are an imbecile if you have to hold the camera at arms length to take a picture with the screen
By "arms length" I meant "not pressed up against your face in order to stabilize the camera". Look at any basic photography book and find "shooting stance".
Farsighted people are not, as a rule, imbeciles.
Canon really disappointed me with the G11 it looks like it is still a nice camera but so is the G9 and G10. The new swivel screen is just not enough to make me upgrade from my G9. I waited past the G10 hoping that the G11 would have a larger sensor and or HD video but it has neither so I guess I am going to give the Leica D-Lux 4 a shot and see how it fairs against my G9. Finally, based on the sample photos on the Canon USA website the low light feature looks to be a built-in version of noise ninja. That is not really better low light performance just an in camera post production software trick.
If you have been waiting for a G-series then this is a nice camera but if you have been looking to upgrade then I am not sure it is worth it although I will reserve final judgment until I get my hands on one.
Am I missing something or is the SD 940 IS virtually the same as the SD 780? The only difference that I can see is that the shutter speed is slightly improved. I do not see $50 worth of differences.
I have been keeping my eye on the SD 780 and wanting to get it under $200. I do not want to miss a significant upgrade.
The 780 doesn't have the wide angle lens and has 3x zoom instead of 4x.