Canon Powershot G7 Digital Camera

CANON Powershot G7 digital camera
Price: $900
Verdict: Perplexing

Low-down: This is a compact 10 megapixel camera with an optical viewfinder and the latest model in Canon's top-of-the-line G series of compact cameras. It has a 6x zoom lens with optical image stabilisation. The focal length range is 35-210 mm, film equivalent. The styling is retro and it looks and feels like a real camera. It will function as a fully automatic point-and-shoot, but that is not its intended purpose. There is a full suite of manual controls, most of which are directly accessible - such as the ISO speed, which is set using an old-fashioned knob. Other settings are quickly accessible using the well-known (and liked) Canon Function button. The optical viewfinder is good, showing about 80 per cent of the picture area, and the LCD screen is a 60 mm, bright and high-resolution viewer. It is not articulated, unfortunately. There is an external flash shoe and a bayonet mount for optional extension lenses.

Like this: The camera will appeal to photographers who remember the days when a camera was not a fashion accessory. It is solid, black and weighty. It is too large for most pockets but will fit into a winter jacket.

Dislike that: Should a happy owner of a Canon G6 think of "upgrading" to a G7? The answer is no. Look at the price. The G7 is $200 cheaper than the G6. The price reduction has been achieved by leaving out RAW processing, an infrared remote control, articulated LCD screen and a fast lens. The G7 lens is a 6x zoom compared with the 3x of the G6 and the G7 has 3 million more pixels and neither of those changes can be called an advance. Using the camera at ISO400 and above (it goes up to ISO1600) picture noise is always evident. [SMH]

Verdict: This camera is a joy to use, except for the absence of the swivelling LCD screen. But the images are disappointing. The pixel madness has Canon in its grip - this is the second camera from the company that has disappointed by its excess pixel-induced image degradation. And to think that nine months ago Canon announced that the pixel race was over.

pictures source: Hardwarezone