The G series has a lithium-ion battery, full manual exposure control, an articulated LCD screen (G7, G9, G10, G15, and G16 have a fixed screen), Raw image format capture (all models except the G7), a lens with a wider maximum aperture than standard PowerShot models, remote capture (except the G11), and faster image processing. The range also includes a hot shoe (except the G7 X and G9 X) for an external flash, including Canon's EX range. New models in the series (all containing "X" in their name) have larger sensors than most other point-and-shoot cameras.
In recent years, smartphones and interchangeable-lens cameras have squeezed the compact point-and-shoot market, and as of February 2024 the vlogger-friendly G7 X Mark II and G7 X Mark III remain the only models in the series still in production and available new.
The G7 marked a major change in the G series. Previous G series models had a fast lens, raw image format capture, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD. These were all considered[by whom?] hallmarks 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 (6×), 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%. The tilt-and swivel LCD was restored with the G11, but removed again with the G15.
Removal of RAW image format on G7, but returned for the G9–G15.
Canon G12 records videos up to 720p HD quality, G15 1080p HD and G1 X 1080p. G15 and G1 X do allow to use zoom and autofocus during video recording.
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.
Canon's removal of RAW shooting support was heavily criticized. DPReview expressed their disappointment with the loss of RAW format,[1] while Luminous Landscape stated that the removal of RAW required too many technical decisions had to be made while shooting instead of during post-processing.[2] RAW support can be enabled on the G7 using a free firmware add-on.
The G9 was released in 2007. RAW support was restored, and it has a larger LCD screen, and a 1/1.7″ sensor rather than the 1/1.8″ sensor on previous models.[3]
The G11, released in 2009, reintroduced the flip out and twist LCD (2.8″). It also has a lower resolution sensor than that of its predecessor, the G10, because the new CCD favoured low light performance over resolution.[4]
The G1 X was introduced in February 2012 and is the first large-sensor entry in the series as designated by the "X" after the model number. It is also the first model in the series with a CMOS sensor. The G1 X's sensor measures 18.7 x 14.0mm (1.5"), which makes it 16 percent larger than Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors and 20 percent smaller than Canon's APS-C sensors. G1 X was significant that it did not replace the older G12 but created a parallel model in the first time in G-series. Later that trend would continue with five parallel models from 2015 on. The camera is also bigger and heavier than the other G-series cameras, and the zoom range in equivalent 35mm is only 28-112mm (4x).[5] With its maximum aperture over its zoom range being F2.8-5.8, and with its sensor smaller than Canon APS-C sensor, the G1 X camera-lens system can be compared to the APS-C DSLRs using the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Kit Lens: the G1 X is a little faster (wider aperture) at the wide angle and comparable thereafter, but with a longer zoom.
Released at early 2014, the G1 X Mark II has a 13.1-megapixel (in 4:3 aspect ratio), but still 1.5" CMOS sensor as the predecessor, a 24-120mm (5x) f/2-3.9 relatively a fast zoom lens, for better shallow depth of field throughout the maximum-aperture range, and sharp shots even in low light, a DIGIC 6 processor with capability to take 1080/60p MP4 video shoots. The camera lacks a built-in viewfinder but supports an external electronic one. It has no microphone input or headphone jack.[6][7]
In October 2017, Canon introduced the third model of the G1 X-series: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III. It replaced the 1.5" sensor with a 24 megapixel APS-C sensor used in many Canon EOS DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The camera also was much reduced in size and weight, weighting only 399 grams. To achieve the reduced size the zoom range was reduced to 15–45mm (24–72mm in 35mm equivalence) and the size of the aperture was reduced from f/2.0-3.9 to f/2.8-5.6. The Mark III also has a built-in viewfinder and a DSLR-like form factor much similar to the G5 X. It also is the first PowerShot (with the exception of waterproof D-series) to have weather sealing.
G3 X is the only superzoom model in the G-series. It offers a 25x zoom (24–600mm equivalent) with aperture f/2.8-5.6. It offers an alternative to the Canon Powershot SX-series cameras with much better image quality. Because of the lens, the camera is much larger than other G-series cameras - weighing 739 grams. The camera also supports an optional electronic viewfinder: either the EVF-DC1 or the EVF-DC2.
The G3 X matches the Sony RX10 III and IV for the longest zoom range available on a large-sensor bridge camera but in a much smaller package than its Sony counterparts.
In Q3 2015, Canon introduced the PowerShot G5 X as the successor to the Canon PowerShot G16. The G5 X uses a 1-inch sensor, significantly larger than the G16's 1/1.7" sensor. The G5 X is essentially a G7 X with a built-in electronic viewfinder, whereas the G16 had an optical viewfinder. The G5 X also has a DSLR-like form factor with the viewfinder in the center instead of the rangefinder-like offset viewfinder on the G16.
In 2019, the G5 X line was updated with a new model — the G5 X Mark II — that replaced the micro USB port with a USB-C port and offered 4K video recording. The G5 X Mark II also included a new lens and a pop-up electronic viewfinder that required manual operation like on older Sony RX100 models. This update returned the line to a rangefinder-like body shape and emphasized its photography focus, compared to the more vlogging-oriented G7 X line.
With the G7 X, Canon added its own model to the large-sensor compact camera market. The G7X is Canon's first 1-inch sensor model and boasts 20 megapixels and the DIGIC 6 image processor. Despite this, the camera is still small enough to be pocketable like its primary competitor, the Sony RX100. It has a 4.2x zoom (24-100mm in 35mm format), a maximum aperture of f/1.8-f/2.8, ISO 12800, Full HD video shooting, 31 AF points, and Wi-Fi/NFC support. It inherits many characteristics of the previous G-series cameras, including the comparable G1 X Mark II. The G7 X is the first G-series camera without a hot shoe.
In 2016 Canon announced the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II which follows the original G7 X. It retains the same sensor and lens as its predecessor. The main improvement is the new DIGIC 7 Processor. In fact the G7 X Mark II is the first Canon camera to use this new chip.[8] This new chip leads to better AF performance, object tracking, reduced ISO noise and higher speed burst shooting. Some other improvements are that the screen can now flip both up and down, a new grip, tiltable flash, auto functionality for the ND filter, battery charging over USB, and a new timelapse mode.
In 2019, the G7 X line was updated with a new model — the G7 X Mark III — that replaced the micro USB port with a USB-C port and offered 4K video recording. The G7 X Mark III had mixed reviews due to inconsistent autofocus especially at close range, but it continued to be popular thanks to its portability, ease of use, and pleasant straight-out-of-camera color rendition.
In Q3 2015, Canon introduced the PowerShot G9 X as the successor to the Canon PowerShot S120. Even with the 1-inch sensor, G9 X is similar in size to the S120. The larger sensor necessitated that the zoom range be reduced from 5x to 3x, that is from 24-120mm to 28-84mm. With the introduction of the G9 X, the S-series was discontinued. It also meant the end of the use of 1/1.7" (9.5mm diagonal) sensors in Canon cameras. Higher-end models henceforth used 1-inch (16mm diagonal) sensors or larger, and whereas other models using 1/2.3" (7.7mm diagonal) sensors.
In 2017 Canon updated the G9 X line with the G9 X Mark II offering the new Digic 7 processor, faster operation and built-in RAW processing. No external changes were made.
Introduction of DIGIC III processor. Introduction of a new lens brought a 1cm macro mode and lens shift optical image stabilisation. Maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200. Face detection auto focus. The only G series camera to lack RAW mode capture. No Compact Flash support.[1]
G9
August 2007
12.1MP 4000 × 3000 1/1.7″ CCD
3.0″ fixed 230,000
Similar to the G7. Most notable changes were reintroduction of Raw image format capture, a better LCD, and a new sensor.[14]
Introduced DIGIC 4 and a redesigned wide-angle lens with shorter zoom range. Increased LCD and CCD resolution. New higher-capacity Lithium Ion battery NB-7L.[15]
G11
October 2009
10MP 3648 × 2736 1/1.7″ CCD
2.8″ vari-angle 461,000
112 × 76 × 48
355 g
Reduced CCD resolution to 10MP. Vari-angle screen. Improved noise control – up to ISO 12800 in 2.5MP resolution. Second curtain sync for flash. Added HDMI Out.[16]
No remote capture support.
G12
September 2010
720p 24fps
112.1 × 76.2 × 48.3
351 g
Adds 720p video recording, front control dial, and Hybrid IS.[17]
First PowerShot G with CMOS. Introduced DIGIC 5 and a redesigned 4× wide-angle lens. Adds 1080p video recording. The first model that did not replace the previous one.
G15
September 2012
12MP 4000 × 3000 1/1.7″ CMOS
1080p 24fps
720p 30fps
640x480 120fps
320x240 240fps
28–140mm (5×) f/1.8-2.8
3.0″ fixed 922,000
107 × 76 × 40
352 g
Adds a quicker zoom lens (f1.8-2.8 rather than f2.8-4.5) with 'intelligent IS' image stabilization, adds 1080p video recording (24 fps), adds a dedicated movie record button, quicker autofocus, extended ISO range (up to 12800), fixed rather than articulated screen.[18]
Note that the weight up to G12 is for the camera without the battery and from G1 X on the camera including the battery and the memory card.
Accessories
Canon Powershot G9 with custom accessories
The Powershot G series can employ several photographic accessories:
Filters and other threaded lens accessories can be used with an adapter tube available from Canon or third party suppliers.
Close-up lenses
Wide angle or telephoto converter lenses
Starting from the G7, there is a bayonet mount on the front of the camera around the lens to directly attach lenses and accessories.
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 Digital IXUS is a series of digital cameras released by Canon. It is a line of ultracompact cameras, originally based on the design of Canon's IXUS/IXY/ELPH line of APS cameras.
A digital single-lens reflex camera is a digital camera that combines the optics and mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a solid-state image sensor and digitally records the images from the sensor.
Lumix is Panasonic's brand of digital cameras, ranging from pocket point-and-shoot models to digital SLRs.
Bridge cameras are cameras that fill the niche between relatively simple point-and-shoot cameras and interchangeable-lens cameras such as mirrorless cameras and single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs). They are often comparable in size and weight to the smallest digital SLRs (DSLR), but lack interchangeable lenses, and almost all digital bridge cameras lack an optical viewfinder system. The phrase "bridge camera" has been in use at least since the 1980s, and continues to be used with digital cameras. The term was originally used to refer to film cameras which "bridged the gap" between point-and-shoot cameras and SLRs.
The Canon PowerShot S is a series of digital cameras released by Canon, as part of the wider PowerShot range. The S-series was originally a line of compact point-and-shoot cameras, slowly evolving into a prosumer line of cameras slotting right beneath the G-series cameras. The line later branched off into Canon's line of super-zoom cameras. The PowerShot ELPH line is a branch of the S-series, due to its model number designations in the United States, as well as the similarities between the PowerShot ELPH S100 and the PowerShot S10
Live preview is a feature that allows a digital camera's display screen to be used as a viewfinder. This provides a means of previewing framing and other exposure before taking the photograph. In most such cameras, the preview is generated by means of continuously and directly projecting the image formed by the lens onto the main image sensor. This in turn feeds the electronic screen with the live preview image. The electronic screen can be either a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
General Imaging was a manufacturer of digital cameras headquartered in Torrance, California, established in 2006 by Hiroshi "Hugh" Komiya, a former executive of Olympus Corporation. General Imaging sold their cameras internationally under the General Electric name, used under license. General Imaging was licensed to manufacture and sell their cameras under the AgfaPhoto name in Japan. On October 5, 2015, General Imaging filed for bankruptcy.
The Canon PowerShot TX1 is a Canon digital camera. It was released on February 22, 2007 The TX1 is a hybrid device designed for both still imagery and video recording. It offers both HDTV movie capture, as well as 10× stabilized zoom and 7.1 megapixel sensor. It is designed to improve upon hybrid offerings by competitors such as the Sony Cyber-shot M1, Sony Cyber-shot M2, and Pentax MX4. It is oriented vertically and uses the camcorder-like swivel LCD viewing screen. Canon compares the hybrid camera's size to that of the Canon ELPH series of cameras. The company distinguishes the camera for its optical image stabilizer technology, DIGIC III image processor, face detection technology and red-eye effect correction with a mention of its built-in lens cover and scratch-resistant, anti-reflective LCD screen.
The Olympus Pen E-P1 announced on 16 June 2009 is Olympus Corporation's first camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system design standard. The first camera to use the Micro Four Thirds mount was Panasonic's G-1 camera.
The Canon PowerShot S95 is a high-end 10.0-megapixel compact digital camera announced and released in 2010. It was designed as the successor to the Canon PowerShot S90 in the S series of the Canon PowerShot line of cameras.
The Fujifilm X30 is an advanced digital compact camera announced by Fujifilm on August 26, 2014. It succeeds the Fujifilm X20 whose 12 megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor it shares. The X30 abolishes the tunnel optical viewfinder of the X20 and offers an electronic viewfinder instead. In terms of more advanced compact cameras, it occupies the middle ground between the Canon PowerShot G16 and Nikon Coolpix P7800 on the one hand, and Sony RX100 series and Canon PowerShot G1 X series on the other. In terms of Fujifilm's own product line, it is positioned as a more compact and affordable model than the Fujifilm X100S, which has a larger APS-C sized sensor that records 16 megapixels.
The Canon PowerShot G16 is a digital compact camera announced by Canon on August 22, 2013.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X is a compact digital camera announced by Canon Inc on September 15, 2014. It did not replace any model in the Canon line-up. Instead, it was a new camera intended to compete with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100-series cameras. With the introduction of G7 X, there were three parallel models in the Canon PowerShot G-series: G16, G1 X Mark II, and G7 X.
The Canon PowerShot G3 X is a large sensor digital bridge camera announced by Canon on June 18, 2015. It marks Canon's entry into this product category, alongside competitors such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000, Sony Cyber-shot RX10 and RX10 II.
The Canon PowerShot G5 X is a compact digital camera announced by Canon Inc. on October 13, 2015. It replaced the older G16.
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II was released by Canon in February 2017. It kept the small size of previous PowerShot models, making it 3 grams lighter than its predecessor. It replaced the Digic 6 processor with a Digic 7 processor, making the camera operations faster. It features a 1.0-inch, 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. The camera is in the Canon PowerShot G series.
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