Canon PowerShot G12: Conclusions

CONCLUSIONS
The G12 represents a measured update to an already wonderful G11 platform and carries on the better than average ISO performance and excellent still image quality of the earlier camera. Video has now been upped to 720p HD status and there's a useful HDR shooting mode along with multiple aspect ratios and a tracking AF function to tempt G11 owners to move into a 12. That might not be enough to pry another $500 from too many G11 drivers, but for someone contemplating a move into a G12 from most other compacts the camera is an attractive, if expensive choice.

Shutter lag and AF acquisition times aren't too bad, but not class-leading and off the pace a bit compared to the G11. The video quality is good but doesn't feature AF, and coming up short of 1080 HD in your PowerShot flagship while another PowerShot (with a $350 MSRP) already boasts that resolution seems a bit odd. Size and weight will turn a number of potential buyers away.

Still, the G12 is an excellent camera and none of the perceived shortcomings is fatal. And for every buyer who walks away from a "compact" that isn't so compact or light, there's apt to be another who relishes the chance to leave the really big and heavy DSLR at home in lieu of a compact with a RAW shooting capability and a DSLR-like suite of user inputs.

Pros:

• Excellent still image quality
• Better than average compact digital ISO noise performance
• Good video quality
• Very good lens performance

Cons:

• Cost
• Size and weight
• No video AF

Individual Ratings: *

Image/Video Quality 
Features 
Design/Ease of Use 
Performance 
* Ratings averaged to produce final score