Canon Powershot G10 Review (Summary)
Comments(15) I was a bit surprised by the number of visitors who read my initial review of the Canon Powershot G10, and I especially appreciate all the comments and questions that visitors have made.
Ralph Says Hi to the G10
Let me sum up some of the goods and bads of the camera thus far.
Noise
As with the G9, the G10 displays unacceptable amounts of noise in images shot at ISO 400. In fact, I would not likely shoot at higher than ISO 100 when using the camera. (With the caveat that it is possible to shoot at ISO 400 and use some magic in photoshop to reduce noise to acceptable levels.)
Lens
The 28-140mm instead of the 35mm-210mm on the G9 is an improvement for me, since having a wider angle lens will aid in doing landscape photography. And, at the same time I have the chance to do portraits at around 100mm. A good choice on the part of Canon. My only wish is that it were a 24mm lens instead.
Barrel Distortion
Some users report that the G10 displays unacceptable barrel distortion. I have found distortion, but the distortion is typical of a wide angle lens and has been minimal in the shots I have done. Examples shown by visitors to this blog clearly demonstate the issue, with some of them excessive. All wide-angle lenses will produce some degree of barrel distortion, including lenses that cost a great deal of money. Keeping a camera level and the subject square to the film plane normally minimizes barrel distortion. Such distortion is easily corrected in Photoshop.
Ergonomics
In my opinion the ergonomics of the G10 are superior to the G9. It is much easier to hold and use. Moving some dials helped me immensely and adding others makes a great deal of sense to me.
Viewfinder, WYSINWYG
The viewfinder is not accurate. In the photo below, the color chart filled the viewfinder when I took the shot. In order to center the subject, one must move the camera up and slightly to the right. In other words, what you see is not what you get. I don’t understand why Canon engineers can’t fix this issue or provide me with a viewfinder that fits in the flash slot that is correct. Many of us prefer to shoot with the viewfinder, that is my preference and I find it difficult to do. As well, when extending the lens to 140mm the barrel of the lens appears in the viewfinder making it even more troublesome to use.
Exposures
With the help of the live histogram it is nearly impossible to overexpose a shot using the G10, however, the camera does have a tendency to blow out highlights. I note an improvement using the G10 versus the G9 which often required that I keep the exposure to -2/3 to avoid overexposure. The G10 may require a -1/3 exposure in high contrast situations, but the live histogram is a great aid in compensating as it was with the G9.
Image Quality
So far, I like the image quality I am getting with the G10 when shooting in RAW mode. Converting RAW files is only possible using the DPP software provided by Canon. One must buy or upgrade to Adobe CS4 in order to process RAW files with Photoshop software as Adobe will not support the G10 for CS3 users, that is, when Adobe updates CS4 with additional plugins, right now it is not supported. However, Adobe will provide a RAW to DNG converter, for free, that will enable one to convert RAW files to DNG and the open them with CS3. An extra step, but one that will work.
Colors
Colors appear natural and vivid using the G10. One issue that does affect colors is that one does not have a choice when shooting, one must use sRGB. I wish Adobe 98 were available.
Over-expectations
The Canon Powershot G10 is not a DSLR and one cannot expect that the camera will rival or replace one. It is what it is, a small compact camera that is intended for everyday use when one does not want to carry a larger camera and two or three lenses.
My expectations for using the camera on my forthcoming trip to Slovenia and Scotland loom in my mind. Hopefully, upon my return from that trip I will be able to share with you more about my feelings about this camera and finally write a complete review.
Some reviewers are suggesting that the G10 produces images and prints of up to 13″ X 19″ that are indistinguishable from high end medium format cameras! See: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/kidding.shtml
In the meantime, I sorta like the creative things I can do with it. Check back in November for my complete review.
Bill – I think your pictures are excellent. I have just bought a G10 and hope I can do just half as well as you seem to be doing. I hope you don’t find the light in Scotland too dark!
Your comments on the camera are helpful and encouraging – I’ve tried to make my own comments but have virtually given up in favour of a link to your far greater expertise.
Have a great trip.
Martin
Hi Martin,
Remember this, we each see light in different ways. Creativity is within each of us, the camera then is nothing more than a tool to reach what we see and what we want to communicate to the viewer. I have no expertise, except that I study light. No camera can make one find light, that is within our individual souls. It is the light that matters. For me, it is the light that dances.
Any camera, no matter what it provides in the way of attributes, can overshadow our own vision of the world we see. The camera is not the issue, the issue is the photographer.
Good luck in your quest, I share it with you.
Best regards,
Bill
In the right hands a box with a hole can take good pictures
Bill you never cease to amaze, whatever camera you use they look good!! Unfortunately I am put off spending small DSLR money on a compact that cannot handle ISO400, it is a shame Canon saw fit to up the res and not overall IQ.
Thanks for the review.
N
Thanks Bill. I think it’s fair to say that some people have a better eye for a picture than others. You undoubtedly have a very good eye, and I suspect you also select only the best images with which to go public.
Keep it up!
Martin
Neil,
Perhaps someday we will see companies stress engineering over marketing. What the industry needs now is innovation. Innovation will drive change. And competition too. Right now, Sony, Canon, and Nikon dominate the marketplace, but we see Panasonic, Olympus, and Leica moving toward new ideas as with the Panasonic G1 offering. I hope the G1 offers good image quality as it’s design is totally revolutionary. A small camera like the G1 with Leica lenses would be a real alternative. I read that such offerings will occur in 2009. Most sample images from the G1 on the net today are not large enough to make any judgments about IQ. So, I wait.
On the other end of the spectrum is the next two high end cameras that will be offered by Canon and Nikon. I think it is safe to bet that both offerings will rival images produced by Medium Format cameras.
In the meantime, I have good equipment that produces decent images. So, I will wait before considering upgrading to a new camera.
As for the G10, my test will come soon when I have the opportunity to use it extensively in the field.
Best regards,
Bill
Martin,
Thanks. And yes, only show your best.
Best regards,
Bill
Can you tell me if Adobe Ligthroom 2 will support raw files for the Canon G10?
If it does, would it be possible to import as a DNG file and them use Adobe CS3?
Thanks
Bill W
Hi William,
No. Adobe Lightroom 2 does not support raw files for the G10.
I am not sure about importing a DNG file and then using CS3.
Adobe wants you to buy CS4 in order to convert G10 files. CS3 is not supported.
Best regards,
Bill
Bill: So far, CS4 does not support the G10’s RAW format either.
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html
But … the Camera Raw Updates also work in Elements 6 and 7 (and Lightroom 2.1) so those more affordable programs will support the G10 as well, eventually. (See info below).
Camera Raw 5.1 update October 22, 2008
This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original one that was installed with Adobe® Photoshop® CS4; Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0; and Adobe Premiere® Elements 4.0 software.
Lightroom 2.1 update October 22, 2008
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2.1 update includes these enhancements: Additional camera support for the Canon 50D, Canon 1000D(Digital Rebel XS/EOS Kiss F), Nikon D700, Nikon D90, Sony A900 and more … Includes several corrections for issues introduced by the Lightroom 2.0 release.
Kind regards, Peter Burian
(I am still waiting for a test sample of the G10).
Hi Peter,
Eric Chan of Adobe says:
“G10 support will be available from Adobe starting with the next Camera Raw, Lightroom, and DNG Converter update. . . . You will be able to process G10 raw files in any version of Camera Raw as far back as version 2.4 (with Photoshop CS), version 3.x (with Photoshop CS2), or version 4.x (with Photoshop CS3). However, you will first need to use the forthcoming DNG Converter to convert the G10 .CR2 files to DNG raw files. And there is no extra cost.”
Best regards,
Bill
Thanks Bill for this nice review and images.
Just one question: is the G10 faster than the G9 ? What about the full-press lag ?
Philippe
Hello:
Thanks for all the input on the G10. It seems the question is whether there is a very small camera out there, with RAW capability, that is able to deliver first-rate photos, but without the bulk. Such a camera would sell big.
In reading your report, it is implied but not directly stated that if you use the G10 with ISO settings of 80 and 100, there is no noise problem. Is this true?
I’m wanting a small, pocketable camera that can shoot RAW at 80/100 ISO without noise. Is this the camera?
The other camera/lens setup I’m considering is the new Lumix G1 with an Olympus pancake lens. I haven’t seen the Lumix, but from what I read, it will probably be very, very small, especially when used with the pancake. The problem is that the pancacke does not seem to be a superior lens.
Finally, as to the ability to use Photoshop with G10 images, I’ve heard that Photoshop CS4 will do it. True?
Again, thanks for all the good input.
Bill,
my back feeling the age, I decided to sell my photo “heavies” (Konica-Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR Tamron 18-250mm)and get the best affordable (ie up to 500 bucks) compact I can find. I love taking landscape photos as well as those of architecture. I need very precise, sharp focus. the depth of field is secondary for me. I have absolutely no use for movie modes. The largest prints I ever ordered were A4 (approx. letter-sized, from the 4-meg Canon Ixus 400). Panasonic’s LX3 seems to be an excellent choice but for the limited zooming to 60 mm only. Would it perhaps make sense to take pictures at maximum zoom available and then post-process them, cropping the central parts for close-ups, maybe doubling or even tripling thus LX3’s zoom? I know that this would increase the “grain” but I can live with it. Would this strategy make any sense? Or should the G10 be my choice?
Milos, Prague, Czech Republic, Dec 9 ‘08.
Hi Milos,
I have examined images done with the Panasonic LX3 in great detail. A friend sent me some comparative shots of the same scene done with the LX3 and the G10. Bottom line is that the G10 blew away the LX3 in details, resolution, and exposure.
If you can live with shooting at less than ISO 200, the G10 is for you.
I think the 60mm limit of the LX3 is too restrictive. And, I have found that even when I zoom out to 140mm with the G10 I am getting outstanding results.
Yes, I wish the G10 were 24mm instead of 28mm but I can always move a way back.
In sum, my opinion is, after careful study, is that the G10 is far better than the LX3 across the board.
BTW, I spent six weeks in Slovakia teaching, and I have got to say that folks in your part of the world are fantastic hosts! I must get to Prague.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi, thanks for the putting the review on G10. Your photos are just lovely.
I wish I have had read it before using it yesterday. I took underwater photos with G10 yesterday and used ISO400, the photos had too much noise. I guess I need to get the lightroom 2.0 to process the RAW files. As of now, I converted to JPEG with Canon software then process them later in PSCS3. It’s kinda pain to convert the files…
Regards,
Regina