Canon PowerShot G15 review: Have Canon got the balance right?
By Kevin Carter - Thursday, November 29, 2012 Camera Review| Introduction | Measurement | Comparisons | Conclusion |
Canon’s PowerShot G15 is the latest iteration of the popular G-series compacts aimed at enthusiasts. It packs a number of refinements over its predecessor, not the least being a new f/1.8-2.8 high-speed zoom, larger, high-resolution screen and a smaller, more compact body. It also marks the move from CCD to a Canon made CMOS with a fourfold increase in maximum sensitivity and full HD (1080p) video capture. Will the new Canon show any advance in image quality over the earlier G12? Read on to find out.
Canon’s PowerShot G-series cameras need no introduction to enthusiasts; they’ve been instrumental in defining the ‘prosumer’ compact category since the introduction of the original G1 over a decade ago. The PowerShot G15 is the latest iteration based around a ‘High Sensitivity’ 12-MP 1/1.7-inch type Canon CMOS sensor in combination with a new high-speed image-stabilized zoom lens, the equivalent to 28-140mm. As mirrorless cameras have impacted the sales/desireablity of high-end compacts, the G15 sees a return to the more compact dimensions of the earlier G7 and G9 models.
Although it has a similar range of focal lengths to that found on the previous model, the G12 (and slightly wider range over the large sensor G1X variant) the G15 boasts a truly fast f/1.8-2.8 variable maximum aperture. Not only is this lens over stop faster (brighter), a real benefit for available light photography while permitting some extra degree of depth of field control, it has a complex optical construction including multiple asperhrical surfaces as well as single UD (Ultra low Dispersion) glass element. While aspherical elements are common, UD glass is usually reserved for the firm’s L-series lenses and should help reduce chromatic aberration.
Elsewhere, the G15 continues to provide auto, semi-auto and full manual exposure control along with raw file option, an optical viewfinder, and a new larger 3-inch LCD (920k dot) PureColor II G (albeit now fixed instead of articulated). The G15 is the first in the series to feature a CMOS sensor and Digic 5 processor which boosts maximum ISO settings fourfold to ISO 12,800 and adds faster AF with face ID and tracking. Video shooters shouldn’t feel left out either. The G15 gains a new dedicated video-capture button to go with the vital 1080p (up from 720p) 24fps clips for today’s movie-making moguls. Moreover, all of this squeezed into a new smaller lighter and more pocket-friendly body.
Measurement
Comparisons
Conclusion
Comments
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Added by Tripodasaurus |
April 28
Canon G15 vs Canon G12
I suppose market research dictates that most folks in this segment want a smaller camera. The older G12 is small enough to fit into a jacket pocket and for me that's small enough thank you very much! There must be many folks with large hands like mine where beyond a certain reduced size, controls become too fiddly to be enjoyable.
One major attribute of the G12 is its articulating screen. I find it invaluable when using a tripod since most light tripods don't extend high enough to reach my eye level, requiring either bending or stooping or both to look through the viewfinder. The G12's screen turned upwards means one can happily use the camera on a low tripod for hours at a time. Ah! bliss. For me, photography is all about enjoying the experience of taking interesting photographs and less about the current fashion of having the latest or technically the top rated gear. The best gear for me is that which brings me the happiest day out and that's not necessarily the sharpest lens or smallest size etc. I'm keeping a tight hold of my G12 and clinging on to photographic happiness for as long as possible. Thank you DxOMark for pointing out the differences and helping me stay happy! Am I bucking the trend here? Reply |
Further readings for the Canon PowerShot G15 review: Have Canon got the balance right?
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Canon’s PowerShot G15 is the latest iteration of the popular G-series compacts aimed at enthusiasts. It packs a number of refinements over its predecessor, not the least being a new f/1.8-2.8 high-speed zoom, larger, high-resolution screen and a smaller, more compact body. It also marks the move from CCD to a Canon made CMOS with a fourfold increase in maximum sensitivity and full HD (1080p) video capture. Will the new Canon show any advance in image quality over the earlier G12? Read on to find out. |