Canon Announces Powershot G11
Comments(13) 
Avid users of compact cameras were surprised yesterday when Canon announced the Powershot G11. Canon reduced the megapixel resolution to 10 from 15, kept the same lens as the G10, and added a swivel LCD. Canon says its new Dual Anti-Noise System combines a high sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel image sensor with Canon’s enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology to increase image quality and greatly improve noise performance by up to 2 stops (compared to PowerShot G10).
So, one is left with the impression that Canon has backed off the megapixel race in favor of less noise at higher ISOs. This has been a major consideration by professional reviewers who were highly critical of placing so many megapixels on such a small sensor. It was not a concern for me, since nearly 100% of my work with the G10 is done at ISO 80.
I applaud the new swivel back, which will be of great assistance to those who do macro photography or to those of us who want to frame landscape shots at lower heights to the ground.
I am disappointed that the lens remains at 28mm. I would have considered the camera for purchase had it offered a 24mm wide angle.
Sadly, the G11 does not offer HD video. Ouch!
Professional reviewers will no doubt like the smaller resolution and praise Canon for the move away from the megapixel race. All of us look forward to seeing actual photographs done with the camera. Perhaps then we might fairly judge whether Canon’s decision was good or bad.
So, the question is whether the new G11 is a step forward or a step backward? And, one wonders why there is no HD video, since the competition has already taken that step. I would have considered purchasing the camera for HD video alone if it were offered, but I am left out in the cold.
Will I buy one? I doubt it, since my G10 is relatively new and produces high quality images as it is. I refuse to upgrade every time a camera manufacturer offers a new model.
What I am looking for is a camera company that will offer a modular system, that allows me to upgrade modules instead of the entire system, which is not likely to happen anytime soon.
To be available in October, retail price is set at $499.
Totally agree. 24mm is the least wide I would be happy with in a compact. I would really like a nice 21-70 range but it’s unlikeley to happen..
As for HD – well, I’m working more with video and having a compact that can provide me an additional angle on a shot would have been nice. So.. no thanks..
Well, not really interested in video and I look forward to seeing IQ at 10MP, especially for those darker indoor shots. 24mm would have been nice I agree, but I dont think I would be using it so much as a main camera, more of a “just incase” body.
Very sensible thoughts and observations Bill, and very timely from my perspective.
I am a current G10 user, having upgraded from a 4 mega pixel G3. I am constantly amazed at the high quality images this camera produces. I too generally shoot the vast majority of my images at iso 80. I print 13 x 19 inch images that rival those from my 50D. I think the swival lcd is a great feature, but I am surprised how little I miss this feature that my G3 had. I am so pleased with my G10 I don’t think I will be in the market for the G11.
[...] Here’s another good review from photographer Bill Lockhart: Canon Announces Powershot G11 [...]
I’ve been considering purchase of a G10 to use as a travel camera. After reviewing the G11 specs, I’m still inclined to go for the G10 and am hoping to find a better price now that the new model has been announced. I expect that I’ll mainly shoot at low ISOs (even with my 5d, I rarely shoot above 100) and just use a tripod when necessary. For me, trading low ISO resolution for high ISO IQ isn’t a benefit.
Dear All, My business is golf photography… a lot of golf clubs and an increasing amount of Tour photography of players, golf clubs / resorts etc. I use a Canon 40D as my main unit- attached to a 100 – 400mm lens; then a 10D as a back=up, with either a f2.8 or a wide angle lens depending on the situation. I’m considering a G10 or G11 to replace my ageing Ixus 7 as a point nad shoot for up-closes. Any suggestions?
Dom
Canon make me confiuse,I wanna buy G10 but G11 update product, which one I should take.
[...] piece of equipment – a camera – to enjoy. Here are some thoughts in the G10/G11 debate. Bill Lockheart has his say and of course we have [...]
The articulating view finder is great for wildflower photgrapher where your head is at ground level. I own a G@ and probably will get the G!1 because of that feature
the g10 is better than g11…my opinion.
if they had taken out the viewfinder,added hd to video,more or less pixels is fine…still trying to understand my self this matter.help on lense would have been a great addition as well.and for the same price today…makes you wonder.is for family pictures the g11 that’s the race their into now….sales….times have chnaged.we supposed to have gone forward just behind slr’s….and this g11 is not that at all.
I’ll be traveling overseas in a week and may not want to carry my D60. Do I buy a G10, wait for a G11 or just resolve to take Motrin and my DSLR, lenses, etc?
HI Jackie,
Travel is what matters. It is good to travel light when you can, but there is no substitute for quality equipment when you are serious about shooting. I have gotten good shots with the Canon Powershot G10 and with the Canon 1Ds Mark III. What matters most is light. So, what you take with you is a matter of choice that only you can make. Look at it this way — will you ever visit the same place again, how much did it cost you to get there, what do you hope to bring home after the trip? Most likely the answer is that you will never go there again, it cost you a bundle to get there, and what you want to bring home is quality photographs. That means take the Motrin and the DSLR.
Best regards,
Bill