Best Buy Out There!
Written: Mar 09 '01
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Pros: Functionality, Features, Price
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended based on great feature set and reasonable price.
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| dmezzer's Full Review: Canon PowerShot G1 Digital Camera |
In the evolving Digital Camera marketplace there is at any point in time one camera which offers just the right mix of features, functionality and ultimate value as to be considered the best buy on the market. That honor, in my opinion, is currently held by the Canon Powershot G1.
With the Powershot Canon has addressed some key, yet very simple short comings of existing digital camera functionality and have pushed the evolution of the genre ever so slightly in the right direction. While seemingly a small step in terms of technology, these product enhancements make the G1 stand out from the pack enough to really be noticed.
Enhanced Features
Lithium ION Battery Pack
Tied for the distinction of most outstanding new feature for this camera has got to be the Lithium ION battery and the option of using an IBM Microdrive for digital image storage. The unit comes with one rechargeable Lithium ION battery which is the same battery used in Canon’s digital camcorders. This battery is supposed to be good for 500 pictures per charge which should for most eliminate any requirement for a backup battery pack. The Powershot G1 comes with a battery charger / AC adapter and is charged while in the camera. An orange light on the viewfinder indicates when the battery is finished charging.
Storage Options
Standard equipment included with this camera include a 16 mb Compact Flash Type I. The Compact Flash slot on the side of the G1 can handle Type I and Type II Flash Cards and is fully compatible with IBM Microdrives with 340 MB, 512 MB and 1 GB capacities. Combined with the potential for such enhanced storage capacities, image storage can be in compressed JPEG format or uncompressed in RAW format which is a proprietary Canon format with advantages in file size over uncompressed TIFF. Quality modes thus are RAW, JPEG, Superfine, Fine and Normal. Connectivity to the PC can be achieved directly from the camera using the G1’s USB port and the supplied cables or RS232C with the purchase of an optional cable.
Flash Options
The G1 has a 5-setting built-in flash which is rated at 0.7 to 4.5m in wide angle and 0.7 to 3.6 in Telephoto which is an improvement over most comparable digital cameras available today. A Focus Assist light uses white light to gauge the light requirement for a shot and assist the auto focus in low light situations, as well as delivers when in red-eye reduction mode by providing a beam of light prior to a shot which dilates the pupils of the subjects reducing the changes of red-eye occurring in the image.
For flash options over and above the built in capabilities the G1 features a Hot-Shoe which allows use of a range of Canon studio flashes to used instead. External flash support is generally not to be found on digital cameras in this price range.
Flip-Out LCD and Remote
The LCD on the G1 is another exceptional feature which facilitates the taking of shots from just about any imaginable angle. It folds out like the LCDs on most digital camcorders and offers untold convenience in taking close-up shots of objects or self-portraits. It’s anti-glare coating greatly enhances its use in bright sunlight when most digital LCDs are useless. An optical viewfinder is present as well which might be useful at night when the LCD is more difficult to see. Although a 10 second self-timer is a feature of this camera, it also comes with an infrared remote with an operating distance of 15 feet. Combined with the swiveling flip-out LCD and the tripod mount this is an ideal camera for self-portraits or studio style shots when you may want to be out of the immediate area to avoid casting shadows on the subject matter.
Image Quality and Control
This is a 3.34 Megapixel camera which produces pictures in resolutions of 2048x1536, 1024x768, or 640x480. The G1 offers a wider range of ISO settings than offered by most digital cameras with a 50-100 ISO in Auto mode and the ability to manually set the ISO to 50, 100, 200, or 400. The ability to emulate 50 ISO film means that the G1 can produce slower film, longer exposure type images which aren’t as likely to contain the ‘noise’ inherent at faster film speeds. ISO settings for conventional cameras are determined by the film and (unless you are using APS) you are locked in until the end of the roll. Digital cameras offer the flexibility of changing the ISO on the fly and providing a greater range is a valuable enhancement. The G1 features an excellent range of manual settings of which a full discussion really goes beyond the scope of this introductory review. For someone truly interested in this camera who would benefit from a highly technically detailed description of its photographic abilities, a wealth of technical information is available from the manufacturer describing all of the possible settings and I’d strongly recommend taking a look.
Some Other Features of Note
- Standard lens has a max aperture of f2.0, good for low light. 3x Zoom and an iris-like aperture can be used to create background blur for professional style portraits. Special lenses can be attached for use with the G1.
- Movie Recording and Playback capability. The G1 can capture a 30 second clip of video and sound at 15 frames per second which can be played back on the LCD, a TV or your PC. They’ve even allowed the choice of video output format of NTSC (North America) and PAL (Europe). Also supports the creation of audio clips in WAV format.
- Black and white mode.
- Spot Metering
- Saturation Control
- Sharpness Control
- Detailed Top LCD
Dimensions
At 14.8 ounces (without batteries) and with dimensions of 4.7” x 3” x 2.5” this camera has a smaller footprint than it’s nearest competitors which is a big plus in camera portability. Construction is of metal and plastic with a rubber door covering the digital I/O and DC socket. The controls are well placed and the camera has a conventional and pleasing appearance to it.
Conclusion
Upon consideration of the capacities and enhanced features of this camera and it’s price of about $1000.00 US the G1 should end up the short list of anyone who has waited until now to enter the market for a digital camera and should even not be ignored by those looking to possibly upgrade from their digital purchase of a year or two ago. Canon is a company with a compelling reputation in the Photography world and it appears as if they’ve really jumped on the digital bandwagon to deliver a product truly deserving of carrying the proud name. For those making the switch from 35mm into digital the G1 will not disappoint in terms of manual control and capabilities. For those who are just beginning to catch the photography bug, this is a camera which will cater to the novice, while offering plenty of room to grow as your interest and desire for greater control and experimentation grows and creates the demand for more manual control over the shooting process. Strongly recommended.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 900.00
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