Canon PowerShot G

The Canon PowerShot G is a series of digital cameras released by Canon. The G series cameras are Canon's flagship models aimed at prosumer photography enthusiasts desiring more flexibility than a point-and-shoot without the bulk of a dSLR.

The G series offers features such the use of a lithium ion battery, a flip-out-and-twist LCD, RAW image format capture, a lens with a wider maximum aperture than standard PowerShot models, remote capture, and faster electronics. The range also includes a hot shoe for an external flashgun, including Canon's EX range. The PowerShot G7, released in 2006, was notable for its lack of support for the RAW image format, and the removal of remote capture, and the series' flip-and-twist LCD. Furthermore, the F2.0-F3.0 lens of the G6 was replaced with a slower F2.8-F4.5 design. Following some criticism for this decision, and a perception that the G series was becoming "dumbed down", RAW support was restored with the G9 of 2007.

There are seven models in the series, the latest being the G10 in 2008. Of note, there was never a G4, for reasons explained below. Canon also skipped the G8 model name.

Main specifications

G1 to G6

Common features across the early G series were:
* A fast lens (minimum F number of 2.0).
* A flip out and twist LCD, along with a smaller status LCD on the top of the camera.
* RAW image format capture.
* 1/1.8" CCD sensor.
* Manual selection of aperture and shutter priority.
* Custom white balance.
* Built in flash.
* Hot-shoe for external flash.
* USB connectivity.
* A Compact Flash card slot.
* Availability of optional wide and teleconverter lenses.
* Canon’s proprietary EOS shooting modes, allowing the photographer to select different exposure settings for different environments.
* Included infrared remote control.
* In-built neutral density filter from the G3 onwards.
* Lithium ion battery.

G7 to G9

The G7 marked a major change in the G series. Previous G series models had featured a fast lens, RAW image format capture, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD. These were all considered hallmark features of the G series, but were removed or altered for the G7. Some of the major changes included:
* Introduction of a lens with a minimum F number of 2.8, compared to 2.0 in other G series cameras. Although slower, this lens introduced improvements such as optical image stabilisation, a higher zoom range (6x), and a macro mode that would focus as close as 1cm. The lens would also retract completely into the camera.
* Change to a fixed LCD rather than a tilt-and-swivel model. The fixed LCD was larger (2.5" versus 2.0" on the G6) and increased the number of pixels by 75%.
* Removal of RAW image format.
* No infrared remote control.
* Change from Compact Flash to SDHC card storage.
* Change to the slimmer NB-2LH battery (sourced from the Canon EOS 350D/400D DSLRs and camcorders) capable of fewer shots per charge than the BP-511 battery of the EOS 20D/30D/40D.
* Black, mostly metal, body.

Many of the changes made allowed the G7 to be significantly slimmer than previous G series cameras (e.g., the thickness of the G7 is 4.25cm while the G6 is 7.3cm), making it more portable.

The G9 reintroduced RAW image format capture support. Other changes included an improved LCD (larger, higher resolution), and a change in sensor size to 1/1.7".

Exclusion of PowerShot G4

Canon, based in Japan, omitted the number 4 from the range due to cultural superstition.:"The word "four" is read as "si" in Chinese Mandarin and "shi" in Japanese, a close homonym for the word for death in both languages and in the Cantonese dialect spoken in Hong Kong." [http://www.hardware-one.com/forum/read_msg.php?tid=214&forumid=seriousth]

Amateur Photographer magazine also supported this::"the truth behind the leap from 3 to 5 is one based on cultural superstition — in Japan, the number 4 is considered unlucky. This is because the pronunciation of 4 — “shi” — is the same pronunciation as death. This is the reason why the EOS range jumps from the EOS 3 to EOS 5, and why the latest IXUS digital compacts bucks the trend of the IXUS v2 and IXUS v3 models by becoming the IXUS 400. Indeed, to find a Canon camera with a model number 4 you have to look back as far as the 1950s to the Canon IV."

Accessories

The Powershot G series can accept a number of photographic accessories. Although neither the camera body nor the lens is threaded for direct attachment, filters and other threaded lens accessories can be used with an adapter tube. Adapter tubes are available from Canon or third party suppliers. Most adapter tubes have 58mm filter threads. In addition to standard filters and close-up lenses, the adapter tube can be used to attach wide angle or telephoto converter lenses to the Powershot G series.

Powershot G series cameras have a standard threaded socket for mounting to a monopod or tripod. This can also be used for attaching the camera to various brackets or adapters.

With the hot-shoe for external flash, the Powershot G series can accept not only compatible flash units but also various connecting cords and wireless triggers. However, the Powershot G series is sensitive to the voltage produced by certain flash units, particularly older designs. Canon recommends that the maximum trigger voltage be less than 6 volts for any flash or accessory attached to the hot-shoe.

Flash compatibility is somewhat of an issue with the Powershot G series. Canon EX flashes are compatible but all EX features may not necessarily be usable. In particular, when the Powershot G is in manual exposure mode, the external flash is also in manual mode; that is, ETTL flash control is not operable.

The very compact design of the G7 and G9 has resulted in the creation of a number of ergonometric accessories by third party designers. Some examples include a grip, thumb rest, hot shoe cover and mechanical cable release.

ee also

* Canon PowerShot
* Canon PowerShot A
* Canon PowerShot S
* Canon PowerShot SD or Digital Elph

External links

New models

* [http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17624#ModelDetailAct Canon PowerShot G10 - Canon USA website]
* [http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=15669 Canon PowerShot G9 - Canon USA website]

Old models

* [http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/02_sept_g3.html Canon Press Release - G3]
* [http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=9213 Canon USA G5 info]
* [http://www.neocamera.com/review_canon_g7.html Neocamera Review of the G7]
* [http://www.dphotojournal.com/canon-powershot-g7-review-roundup-sample-photos/ Links to Canon G7 Editor Reviews & Sample Photos]

Reviews at Digital Photography Review website

* [http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong1/ G1] , [http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong2/ G2] , [http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong3/ G3] , [http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong5/ G5] , [http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong6/ G6] , [http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonG7/ G7] , [http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonG9/ G9] and [http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08091702canon_g10.asp G10]