Canon PowerShot G11 – Tilt and Swivel is back!

By Robert • Aug. 30, 2009

Canon PowerShot G11 Canon has just introduced the latest digital camera in the G-series. Lo and behold! The tilt and swivel LCD screen, long missing since PowerShot G3, is back. The tilt and swivel LCD screen (2.8 inch Vari-angle TFT) allows a photographer to take candid shots from all sorts of angles not possible with a fixed LCD or viewfinder. Why Canon ever took it out is beyond me. Without it, the G-series became just another line of pricey sub-dSLR compact cameras.

Another smart move is reducing the resolution to 10.0MP compared to 14.7MP for it’s predecessor, the PowerShot G10. Together with a new sensor (1/1.7” CCD) and enhanced DIGIC 4 image processor, this lowering of resolution offers substantially improved image quality over the PowerShot G10; especially when using higher ISO sensitivities.

While the resolution has been downsized, the lens is a larger, 5x zoom len (28-140mm 35mm equivalent) which is 2 stops faster than the G10. Included is optical Image Stabilizer (IS) which allows handheld shots to be taken at much slower shutter speeds (4-stops) than conventional non-IS cameras. Focusing modes include: Auto focus TTL, 9-point AiAF with Face Detection, 1-point AF (center or Face Select and Track), Fixed centre or Face Select and Track, and Manual Focus.

The PowerShot G11′s RAW mode lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. Just like with a dSLR, the PowerShot G11 can also be set to allow the simultaneous recording of both RAW and JPEG images while shooting.

The design of the PowerShot G11 follows that of the Canon PowerShot G10. The optical viewfinder, flash hotshoe, tripod mount, and pop-up flash have been retained. Flash sync speed increases to 1/2000th of a second. HDMI output has also been added.

There is also a “Low Light Mode” that enables photographers to shoot up to ISO 12,800 in reduced 2.5MP resolution at 2.4fps capturing shots indoors without the need for a flash. For bright conditions, a built-in Neutral Density (ND) filter decreases light levels by 3 stops.

What’s in the box?

The Canon PowerShot G11 comes supplied with the following accessories: Rechargeable Lithium battery pack NB-7L, Canon battery charger CB-2LZ, neck strap, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM disk, a USB interface cable and an AV cable.

Price and Availability

Canon PowerShot G11 is scheduled to be available at retailers in October. The price in the USA is $499.99 (MSRP). Pricing for the UK has been set at £570. Otherwise, you will need €589 according to Canon Germany.

USB 2.0 PC Data Cable/Cord/Lead For Canon Powershot SD1200 IS G11 IS XS/i XSi