Canon PowerShot G12 Review

"One of the most highly regarded compact cameras in the world, and for good reason - but it'll cost you! Superb image and build quality combine with an ideal layout and a set of functions that just work, and work perfectly."

The G12 impressed Wired with its excellent low light performance, tough-looking body and great quality HD footage, leading them to say that it's a superb camera for anyone wanting near-professional quality in a small form factor. There are shortcomings that can't be ignored, though, such as its sluggish response times, small image sensor and lack of optical zoom when filming.

Value for money: 7 out of 10 points

TrustedReviews says that this camera offers the quality construction and manual controls of a mid-range DSLR in a more portable fashion. Although lacking the speedy lenses or ultra-small frames of rivals, it compensates with more manual control, lens accessories, and a larger zoom range; yet reviewers say they're still partial to smaller, faster alternatives for their money.

Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars

Digicambuyer considered the G12 to be a versatile performer thanks to its 5x zoom, good high-ISO quality, rotating screen and HD video recording capabilities. Its scene and HDR modes are useful for beginners, while a host of manual controls make it ideal for experienced photographers. It's expensive, but its superb picture quality easily justifies the price.

Cameras.co.uk were taken with the G12's superb image quality and reassuringly hefty build. They said that its rotating screen and close-focusing macro capabilities gave it an edge over the Nikon P7000, although its zoom range of 5x is less versatile than its rival's 7x and Canon's menu structure is a tad more confusing than Nikon's.

"Gold Award"

Digital Photography Review think the Canon PowerShot G12, with its nice big dial controls on a pretty compact frame, may be a great option for photographers who really like to have manual control. It's easier to use than its predecessors, thanks to a front control dial, but they were a bit disappointed that there's no video button, and thought the video mode could be better in general.

"... There's very little noise at high sensitivity settings, with ISO 1600 even being very useable. ... it's a camera you might actually have with you when opportunities arise - the best kind."

Value for money: "good performance" (4 out of 5 stars), "Gold Award"

The Canon G12 delivered an even and dependable performance at all times in their group test, say Digital Photo. Its AF system responds well, the camera operates smoothly and the vari-angle screen is extremely handy. Images showed some fringing, but detail and exposure were decent. Noise becomes evident over ISO1600. It is packed with features for creative types.

Value for money: 9 out of 10 points, "Highly recommended"

The G12 from Canon could be the perfect choice for a photographer who needs to travel light and can't take a DSLR, or for an enthusiast who wants a camera for learning to use manual controls on. If you are looking for more than just a point and shoot camera and want manual control as well as creative modes, ePHOTOzine reckon this is the camera to consider. Just be prepared to pay £360 for it.

Value for money: 17 out of 20 points, "Gold Award"

What Digital Camera mention that when the Canon G10 became the G11, the difference was enormous, yet this upgrade to the G12 has not been so monumental. This is because the G11 was a great camera to begin with. The new Canon G12 has 720p HD video and a thumbwheel has been added. Image quality is spot-on and noise levels are fine. The camera is easy to use and well laid-out.

The Canon PowerShot G12 compact camera has a full range of manual features, say PC Advisor and would be ideal for travellers, due to its compact size and large choice of functions. It has lots of different modes, including sports scene, HDR and custom colour. The image quality does not compare to a proper lens camera or a DSLR, and the video quality is not great.

Info: This product received the same score in this test most recent reviews in Cameras.co.uk.

Value for money: 15 out of 20 points, "Recommended"

Camera Labs thought that the Canon PowerShot G12 was really pleasant to use and felt good in the hand. It is a compact camera for enthusiasts, but as there are now so many alternatives available, with bigger sensors, they wonder if there is much of a market for these cameras anymore. Same size cameras with a DSLR sensor are now available. They loved the screen and the general controls.

"Hot Product"

The G12's price puts it in the same range as many entry-level DSLRs, but for Pocket-lint the expense is well justified thanks to its superb image and video quality and tremendous versatility. Its compact form factor and full manual control capabilities should appeal to enthusiasts or professionals looking for a real workhorse without the bulk of an SLR system.

TechRadar are of the opinion that the Canon G12 is probably the best compact camera on the market today, but they still think that anyone other than beginners or casual photographers would be better off buying a DSLR, for better image quality. That aside, the G12 is nice and petite with solid LCD screen and manual controls. There is some softness at high ISOs.