The G series offers features such as the use of a lithium-ion battery, an articulatedLCD screen (G7, G9 and G10 have a fixed panel), Raw image format capture (all models except G7), a lens with a wider maximum aperture than standard PowerShot models, remote capture (except G11), and faster electronics.^[1] The range also includes a hot shoe for an external flashgun, including Canon’s EX range.

The Canon PowerShot G is a series of digital cameras released by Canon. The G series cameras are Canon’s flagship ‘compact’ models aimed at prosumerphotography enthusiasts desiring more flexibility than a point-and-shoot without the bulk of a digital single-lens reflex camera.

G1 to G6Main specifications

Common features across the early G series were:

• A fast lens (minimum F number of 2.0).
• A flip out and twist LCD, along with a smaller status LCD on the top of the camera.
• Raw image format capture.
• 1/1.8″ CCD sensor.
• Manual selection of aperture and shutter priority.
• Custom white balance.
• Built in flash.
• Hot-shoe for external flash.
• USB connectivity.
• A Compact Flash card slot.
• Availability of optional wide and teleconverter lenses.
• Canon’s proprietary EOS shooting modes, allowing the photographer to select different exposure settings for different environments.
• Included infrared remote control.
• In-built neutral density filter from the G3 onwards.
• Lithium ion battery.

G7 to G12

The G7 marked a major change in the G series. Previous G series models had featured a fast lens, Raw image format capture, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD. These were all considered hallmark features 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 1 cm. 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 (see below.)
• Removal of RAW image format on G7, but returned for the G9–G12.
• No infrared remote control.
• Change from CompactFlash to SDHC card storage.
• Black, mostly metal, body.

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 4.25 cm while the G6 is 7.3 cm), making it more portable.

The decision to remove RAW shooting support was heavily criticized. DPReview stated that they were disappointed with the loss of RAW format,^[2] while Luminous Landscape stated that the removal of RAW meant that too many technical decisions had to be made while shooting instead of post-processing.^[3] RAW support can be enabled on the G7 using a free firmware add-on.^[4]

The G9 was released in 2007. Among its features were restored RAW support, a larger LCD screen, and a 1/1.7″ sensor rather than the 1/1.8″ sensor on previous models.^[5]

The G11, released in 2009, reintroduced the flip out and twist LCD (2.8″). It also features a lower resolution sensor than that of its predecessor, the G10, because the new CCD favoured low light performance over resolution.^[6] It has been suggested that the G10 is better if you don’t frequently shoot photos over 200 ISO, or require a flip-out screen.^[7]

Model	Release date	Sensor resolution,size, type	Lens (35 mm equiv) zoom,aperture	Image processor	LCD screen size, subpixels	Memory	Size W×H×D (mm)	Weight (body, g)	Photo	Notes
G1	September 2000	3.3 MP 2048 × 1536 1/1.8″ CCD	34–102 mm (3×) f/2.0–2.5		1.8″ vari-angle	CF	120 × 77 × 64	420		First member of the PowerShot G series.[8]
G2	August 2001	4 MP 2272 × 1704 1/1.8″ CCD					121 × 77 × 64	510		[9]
G3	September 2002		35–140 mm (4×) f/2.0–3.0	DIGIC			121 × 74 × 70	481		Introduction ofDIGIC processor. Introduction of internal neutral density filter.[10]
G5	June 2003	5 MP 2592 × 1944 1/1.8″ CCD			1.8″ vari-angle 118,000					[11]
G6	August 2004	7.1 MP 3072 × 2304 1/1.8″ CCD			2.0″ vari-angle 118,000		105 × 73 × 73	380		[12]
G7	September 2006	10 MP 3648 × 2736 1/1.8″ CCD	35–210 mm (6×) f/2.8–4.8	DIGIC III	2.5″ fixed 207,000	SD,SDHC,MMC	106 × 72 × 43	320		Introduction ofDIGIC IIIprocessor. Introduction of a new lens brought a 1 cm 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.[2]
G9	August 2007	12.1 MP 4000 × 3000 1/1.7″ CCD			3.0″ fixed 230,000					Similar to the G7. Most notable changes were reintroduction ofRaw image format capture, a better LCD, and a new sensor.[13]
G10	October 2008	14.7 MP 4416 × 3312 1/1.7″ CCD	28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–4.5	DIGIC 4	3.0″ fixed 461,000	SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+	109 × 78 × 46	350		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.[14]
G11	October 2009	10 MP 3648 × 2736 1/1.7″ CCD			2.8″ vari-angle 461,000		112 × 76 × 48	355		Reduced CCD resolution to 10 MP. Vari-angle screen. Improved noise control – up to ISO 12800 in 2.5 MP resolution.Second curtain sync for flash.[15]No remote capture support.
G12	September 2010						112.1 × 76.2 × 48.3	351		Adds 720p video recording, front control dial, andHybrid IS.[16]
G1 X	January 2012	14.3 MP 4352 × 2248 1.5″ CMOS	28–112 mm (4×) f/2.8–5.8	DIGIC 5	3.0″ vari-angle 920,000	SD, SDHC, SDXC	117 × 81 × 65	492		First PowerShot G with CMOS. Introduced DIGIC 5 and a redesigned 4× wide-angle lens. Adds 1080p video recording.

Accessories

The Powershot G series can accept a number of photographic accessories. Filters and other threaded lens accessories can be used with an adapter tube. Adapter tubes are available from Canon or third party suppliers. Most adapter tubes have 58 mm filter threads. In addition to standard filters and close-up lenses, the adapter tube can be used to attach wide angle or telephoto converter lenses to the Powershot G series. 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.

Use by journalists

G series cameras have seen some use by photojournalists. John D McHugh used a G12 when covering the 2011 Bahraini uprising.^[17]