aside 26 Aug

Canon G10 Announced

I’ve always been a fan of Canon’s ‘G’ line of cameras. The G1 that I have sitting in my drawer is slated to become an Infrared Camera once I have time enough to do the conversion. The G7 I have is my backup camera but is currently in use as I wait on some warranty repairs for my G9 which failed (lens stuck open) while I was in Calgary. Fortunately for me, I always travel with a backup. The G7 with an external Speedlite 430EX flash shoots really really good quality photos – this is evidenced by recent shots in my flickr photostream.

At the same time, I have to mention that the G7 I have had been put through the ringer. Allegedly it’s shot thousands and thousands of aerial ‘map’ shots for a well known company.

All aside, with the G9 in the shop for at least 6 – 8 weeks (that’s at least 2000 photos missed), and the outright refusal to go back to my little digital snappy, rather than buy a new G9, the G10 is here in October!

Thanks to PopPhoto.com for the deets, HERE. More on the camera, after the jump.

PopPhoto’s details:

Canon’s newest flagship compact packs 14.7 megapixels, a 28-140mm 5x zoom, a 3 inch 460K pixel LCD and DPP-supported RAW into a familiar, but not identical body as its predecessor.

Canon Powershot G10 Announced

Canon’s newest flagship compact packs 14.7 megapixels, a 28-140mm 5x zoom, a 3 inch 460K pixel LCD and DPP-supported RAW into a familiar, but not identical body as its predecessor.

By Jack Howard
August 26, 2008

Canon has today announced the Canon Powershot G10 (SRP: $499), a 14.7 megapixel luxe-class compact digital camera as the replacement to the popular G9.  The G10, along with the other compact cameras announced today, is powered by the Digic 4 processor.

Key upgrades and features of the G10 include:

  • True 5x zoom wide angle lens (28-140mm equivalent.)
  • Face Detection can recognize profiles.
  • 14.7 megapixel capture
  • RAW format files editable in Canon Digital Photo Pro (instead of ZoomBrowser/Imagebrowser like the G9)
  • ISO up to 1600 with binned pixels lo-rez 3200 scene setting
  • ISO dial now wraps around mode dial.
  • Exposure Comp has own dial to left of the hotshoe (where the ISO dial was on the G9.)

The Canon Powershot G10 will be available in October 2008. Stay tuned to PopPhoto.com for a full test of this cool new compact camera.

Press release forthcoming.

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    Now, Nikon recently launched the Coolpix P6000 which is already on the market – this camera has a GPS in it but the RAW mode is Nikon’s and therefore painful if not impossible to use in mainstream post-processing software. That in mind, I’m a bit disappointed that the G10 isn’t boasting a GPS as well. For now, I’ll have to keep the location tagging software tuned on my Nokia E71 to seed every batch.

  • juan maragna

    I can understand why the G10 does not have a built-in GPS… added complexity! If this is an issue, why not consider the Eye-Fi Explore SD memory card with Wi-Fi and geotagging capabilities? http://www.eye.fi/products/explore/

    Cheers

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    Ahh! I tend to sometimes overlook the fact that simplicity is brilliant. Of course, from a buyer’s perspective when one puts a spec sheet side by side, I wonder whether one would say the G10 is lacking. I don’t think it’s a big deal but in the end, the consumer will decide and who knows what happens in the future. Isn’t the G10 supposed to be the last of the G-series?

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    One note on the Eye-Fi SD card – it doesn’t have a GPS built in but rather uses information from WiFi access points nearby and geolocation recorded by Skyhook Wireless.

  • Teppo

    If I just knew whether it is a 28-140 / 2 or the dull 2,8 objective :-)

  • http://www.raj.jp Raj Taneja

    @Teppo, we’ll just have to wait.

    On another note, I was going to go buy a Sigma DP-1 the other day instead of wait for the G10. I’ve heard reports from the field that the camera is really slow. If that’s the case, I’ll have to wait for the G10 (or for my G9 to be repaired – $186 in damage) since most of my photojournalistic shots are time sensitive.

    Real bummer in my mind – the DP-1′s specs look really really sweet.

  • Lisa

    Hi, I’m quite impressed with your nightclub photos taken with the G9, I thought you need a dslr for clear pictures like that.

    Did you use a external Speedlite flash with the G9 for your nightclub photos?

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    Hi @Lisa,

    You definitely don’t need a DSLR to produce great photos. I’m using a Speedlite 430EX II for my external flash and it works like a charm!

  • Lisa

    Ok, thanks!

    I’ve been trying to look for a camera that does not need a external flash, for nightclub photography.

    I’ll keep looking…

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    @Lisa,

    You don’t need an external flash but it takes off a considerable amount of post-process time in red-eye reduction, etc.

    The built in flash works just fine.

  • JD

    I just bought a G9 (no patience re G10) as quick coverage from my 5D and 40D. I do a lot of HDR processing and was really suprised by the amount of noise. Any thoughts on noise reduction with the G9? (Hope the G10 is better). JD

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    @JD you’re right noise, especially with Canon seems to be an issue. There is software out there that tones this down. Apparently the Digic IV processor in the G10 will really help with noise.

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    Canon Powershot G10 Digital Camera now official!!

    Canon U.S.A. Combines Advanced Technology with a Professional Style Design in Its Latest Addition of High-End G-Series Cameras

    Canon PowerShot G10 Digital Camera, the Flagship of the PowerShot line, Boasts Uncompromising Specs and High-Quality, Making It a Must-Have for the Advanced Amateurs

    Last update: 12:00 a.m. EDT Sept. 17, 2008
    LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Sep 17, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the newest addition to its top-of-the line PowerShot G-series digital cameras. The PowerShot G10 digital camera offers serious amateur shooters and professional photographers several essential ingredients for a flagship model, including Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, 28mm Optical Image Stabilized lens and RAW mode. This trilogy of style, performance and image quality is an ideal professional complement for anyone seeking the photo quality of a DSLR, combined with the convenient size of a point-and-shoot.

    As the successor model to the popular PowerShot G9 digital camera, the PowerShot G10 digital camera is loaded with Canon’s latest technologies, including a long-anticipated 28 mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom, 14.7 megapixels and 3.0-inch Pure Color LCD II screen.

    “With exquisite image quality, the latest image processor and advanced functionality, the Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera brings an elevated level of performance and usability to the PowerShot line,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “By enhancing key technologies in this camera, including our proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor, Canon has merged the functions typically found in a DSLR with a smaller body form to provide affordable and portable options to photo enthusiasts of all types.”

    Control Options
    The controller wheel is equipped with a dedicated Exposure Compensation Dial, which allows quick and intuitive adjustment of exposure compensation and the “My Menu” function for registering five user-selected options from the shooting menu, as well as 26 shooting modes. Additionally, the Custom Mode better allows the user to record two types of shooting parameter settings, thus offering the ability to arrange their most often used settings on their LCD display. A host of accessory options are offered, including the remote switch, Macro Ring Lite and Macro Twin Lite (when used with an additional attachment, available in January 2009). Now consumers can utilize similar accessories found in the Canon EOS line, therefore expanding a user’s ability to customize.

    Canon DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
    The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, a proprietary technology, accounts for the camera’s higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality.

    One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs. Additionally, the processor’s high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash. The new Intelligent Contrast Correction function automatically improves image quality in high-contrast shooting situations.

    The Genuine Canon Face Detection technology has evolved even further, thanks to DIGIC 4. Improved features include the ability to recognize human faces at most angles. Another innovation is the Face Detection Self-Timer, which automatically takes a photo two seconds after a new face enters the scene.

    Availability and Pricing
    Scheduled to be available in October, the PowerShot G10 digital camera will have an estimated selling price of $499.99*. Kit contents will include a battery, charger, neck strap, USB and A/V interface cables, Canon Digital Solutions Software CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty.

    New Product Feature Set

    Product Feature PowerShot G10 Digital Camera
    Image Processor DIGIC 4
    Advanced Face Detection Technology
    Advanced Motion Detection Technology
    Face-Detection Self-Timer
    Servo AF
    Intelligent Contrast Correction
    Megapixel 14.7
    Optical Zoom 5x
    Focal Length 28 — 140 mm wide-angle lens (35 format
    equivalent)
    LCD Screen 3-inch PureColor LCD II with 461,000 dots
    Image Stabilization Optical Image Stabilization

    *Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

    Canon U.S.A. Web site:
    http://www.usa.canon.com

    OR

    For sales information/customer support:

    1-800-OK-CANON
    ccenter@cits.canon.com

    OR

    Editorial:
    Canon U.S.A., Inc.
    Wendy Klonsky, 516-328-5078
    wklonsky@cusa.canon.com
    OR
    Kevin McCarthy, 516-328-5950
    kmccarthy@cusa.canon.com

  • roam one

    Hi,
    What settings do you use for nightclubs with and without the Speedlite 430EX II?

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    @roam-one – With the flash, I usually use P mode and evaluate every scene by pressing the star or asterix button (*) on the camera. Without, it’s all about Tv mode and holding still – I’ll usually experiment with both increasing the ISO as well as the time until I get the appropriate exposure.