A memory card is required but not included with this item.
Please be sure to purchase a memory card that suits your needs.
The Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera is a point-and-shoot with expansive creative possibilities. Going beyond the genre's name, the G15 provides you with any number of options for capturing your vision - from 1080p HD video recording to 10 fps continuous burst shooting to numerous shooting modes. In addition, the G15's compact form-factor makes it well-suited for being your go-to image maker.
The PowerShot G15 also features a 5x optical zoom 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) f/1.8-2.8 lens. The lens gives you a good overall range for shooting in most any situation, from group shoots to macro close-ups. The aperture range lends itself to capturing successful images in low-light conditions as well as the ability to render shallow depth-of-field.
The camera's 12.1MP CMOS sensor works together with the DIGIC 5 image processor, comprising Canon's HS SYSTEM. The aforementioned low-light performance is a hallmark of this duo; enabling the ISO to be set up to 12800, if need be. The processor also enables fast transfer of data while powering the copious features and functions of the camera.
Two examples of these functions are High-Speed AF and High-Speed Burst HQ. These two provide the G15 with a continuous capture rate of 10 fps while maintaining image quality. Of course, Intelligent IS image stabilization, a vast range of shooting and recording modes - including 12-bit multi aspect RAW + JPEG capture, and many other features ensure that the G15 is more than the name 'point-and-shoot' would suggest.
Other ways the G15 gives you an edge for your photographic endeavors include the optical viewfinder, a 3.0" LCD, a hot shoe, and a tripod mount. An HDMI connection also provides you with a one-cable connection to your HDTV for instant sharing of recorded videos. In addition, the PowerShot G15 can be used with multiple Canon accessories to expand the camera's creative power. Optional compatible accessories include Speedlites, an underwater housing, and a tele-converter lens, to name a few.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Pixels |
Actual: 13.3 Megapixel Effective: 12.1 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/1.7" CMOS |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV Audio: Linear PCM |
| Max Resolution | 12.1MP: 4000 x 3000 @ 4:3 |
| Other Resolutions |
8.9MP: 4000 x 2248 @ 16:9 2.1MP: 1920 x 1080 @ 16:9 0.2MP: 640 x 360 @ 16:9 10.6MP: 4000 x 2664 @ 3:2 5.3MP: 2816 x 1880 @ 3:2 0.2MP: 640 x 424 @ 3:2 12.0MP: 4000 x 3000 @ 4:3 5.9MP: 2816 x 2112 @ 4:3 1.9MP: 1600 x 1200 @ 4:3 0.2MP: 640 x 480 @ 4:3 8.9MP: 2992 x 2992 @ 1:1 4.4MP: 2112 x 2112 @ 1:1 1.4MP: 1200 x 1200 @ 1:1 0.5MP: 480 x 480 @ 1:1 7.2MP: 2400 x 3000 @ 4:5 3.6MP: 1696 x 2112 @ 4:5 1.1MP: 960 x 1200 @ 4:5 0.1MP: 384 x 480 @ 4:5 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 4:5, 16:9 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
EFL: 6.1-30.5 mm (35 mm equivalent: 28-140 mm) Aperture: f/1.8 (W) - 2.8 (T) |
| Zoom |
Optical: 5.0x Digital: 4.0x |
| Focus Range |
Normal: 2.0" (5.08 cm) - Infinity Auto: 0.4" (1.02 cm) - Infinity Macro: 0.14" (0.36 cm) - 1.6' (48.77 cm) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80-12800 |
| Shutter |
1 - 1/4000 seconds 15 - 1/4000 seconds in Manual Mode |
| Exposure Metering | Center-weighted, Evaluative, Spot |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: AE Lock, Manual, Program Shift, Safety Shift Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/3 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Tungsten, Underwater |
| Burst Rate | Up to 10 fps at 12.1 MP for up to 10 frames |
| Self Timer | 10 Seconds, 2 Seconds |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Flash Modes |
Auto Flash On Off Slow Sync |
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range |
Wide: 1.6 - 23' (0.49 - 7.01 m) Telephoto: 1.6 - 15' (0.49 - 4.57 m) |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC |
| Still Images per GB | JPEG: 399 @ Highest Resolution |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC/PAL |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Audio Recording | With Video |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Diopter Adjustment | - 2 to +2 m |
| Screen | 3.0" LCD Rear Screen (922000 pixels) |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) Humidity: 10 - 90% |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | NB-10L Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| AC Power Adapter | CA-PS700 (Optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.0 x 2.9 x 1.6" / 101.6 x 73.7 x 40.6 mm |
| Weight | 10.9 oz / 0.31 kg Camera only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Best G Canon yet.
I have owned G cameras since G-1 and this is the best of all. I use it as my "always with me" camera. Quality build, quality pictures and video,...Read complete review
I have owned G cameras since G-1 and this is the best of all. I use it as my "always with me" camera. Quality build, quality pictures and video, and ease of portability. I do not miss the swiveling screen, and have always found it more of a hinderance than a help. I can think of little improvements. The optical viewfinder could be better, but I think that is not possible without increasing the size of the camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Latest from Canon G Series
I use the G15 when i don't want to carry around the Canon 7D. The G15 easily fits my pocket and i find it handy to have a quality compact with me but not be...Read complete review
I use the G15 when i don't want to carry around the Canon 7D. The G15 easily fits my pocket and i find it handy to have a quality compact with me but not be in the way when i don't need it. I've used other G series camera and i don't find this significantly different. The lens is faster although i rarely shoot wide open ... the sharpness seems to same as other G cameras and the closeness that the macro can shoot is amazing. The viewfinder is there for convenience, not accuracy as it offers no information on what you are about to shoot and in tele-shooting is off center quite a bit. However, for the price, it works well for what i want and as long as i work in the parameters of its abilities - its a good camera.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 127 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I was a professional photographer and am now a real estate agent. My DSLR is just too bulky to carry around with me. The G15 has excellent image quality for those beautiful morning after a snow fall photos on the way to the office. I look forward to delving into more of the features soon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Really love this small and compact camera but packed with feature. I am using this as a backup from my DSLR. this is the first time I have seen Canon did not ship the media card with the camera. At least what they could do was including the small media/storage so customer can play with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I use this camera as my fall back camera when I am shooting a big job. In fact, its so easy to use and the images were so nice that some of the pictures were picked over the ones that were taken with a professional digital camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I use this camera for all of our trips. There is such a variety of ways to take pictures. I like the different lenses, like the fish-eye lense, etc. Sometimes, I wish they had a wrist strap for it instead of one around the neck. I have another Canon camera with a wrist strap and really like it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I got this the day before I left on a trip, and couldn't download the manual. After a while, I was able to figure out almost all of the features. Many were the same as the previous Canon I owned. It requires some coordination to adjust all the dials and knobs, but it allows many variations. The pictures are extremely clear! Even when I was on a moving boat, I could get close-ups of wildlife that were perfect. I could also take pictures through the glass of a glass-bottomed boat. This camera thinks of everything. I was disappointed that it does not come with a USB cable; at that price, they should throw one in.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
This camera is always with me. It's one of the must-carry item in my bag. This camera produces great images (comparing to other P&S cameras,) and it also produces great videos.
BTW, make sure to get a fast SD card to bring the best out of this camera!
Please note that one should not compare P&S cameras to DSLR cameras.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Excellent camera. I had a PowerShot G7 which I loved and this G15 is very similar so I like the familiarity plus it has a bit better picture quality and a bigger screen.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Great clear image
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I needed a replacement for a Canon point 'n shoot that survived being carried on a dirt motorcycle in extremely rough conditions. The old 8MP chip was no longer acceptable. I decided to spring for the G15. No disappointments! IQ is much better than my old, reliable 720 IS. So far it has traveled with me and my KTM without difficulties. The surprise was the G15's ability to capture shots rapidly even when it was writing files out of the buffer. The only downside was the rear LCD was not available so I had to guess accurately to get the subsequent shots. I wish it had degrees Kelvin on the White Balance list and I wish the external flash controls were on the external ring for easy access. Otherwise this is as about as good as a pro camera in a small chip size as you can get at the moment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I will use this camera as a backup when shooting 4x5 Provia F100. I had orginally purchased a Nikon Coolpix P7700 and found it did not offer the featurers that the G15 offers. I have not found any things about the camera I do not like and would highly recommend to anyone great compact camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I travel around this rough and rugged country taking photos and videos for business, bands, and for a blog. The G15 has been great so far. (I have only had it a week now) The G15 is much easier to use than the g12, especially the manual focus. It is also easier to hold as it weighs less and has a textured body. The quality of the photos is phenomenal. The lens is 2x faster than the g12 making it a much better low light camera than it's predecessor. I do miss the swivel screen though. It came in handy and was great for protecting the display when traveling or throwing it in a bag. The other thing I don't like is that you can see the end of the lens when trying to use the viewfinder. This is distracting. I wish they would have keep the same battery too. The G15 battery is about 3 mm longer and roughly 3 mm thinner than the G12 battery. Over all I am completely satisfied and would recommend this camera to anyone looking for a point and shoot with flexibility.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Perfect every day camera. I used Sony alpha 100 for a long time and got tired to carry it everywhere i go. This camera is perfect in picture quality, in weight!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Amazing camera for a point and shoot, great value for this price. Love the built-in viewfinder, external controls, metal body. While in video mode you can also shoot stills, very cool. Auto mode does really well, and so many ways to customize image capture I haven't even begun to exhaust them.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Great little camera for on the go. I got this because I liked the many functions and handling of the G12 - which we use on a light box at work. There is no swivel screen on the G15 - definitely not a deal breaker. But I love that it is more compact. Even has RAW in Manual mode! Definitely get an extra battery Not entirely happy with the 'curtain' lens cover, could be a problem with snagging, prefer a lens cap and will probably get one.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I do mainly nature photography and use macro a lot. The G15 is a joy to use. Small, light, and very easy-to-learn controls. Both jpg and RAW images are sharp using autofocus, have excellent color fidelity and low noise. I was also pleasantly surprised by how good its built-in HDR option is. Seems to really work. I haven't played with it a lot yet though. But (there's always a "but") the RAW format is unique to the G15. So if you want to use the same software you currently use for post-processing, make sure it supports "Canon Powershot G15." I assumed that .CR2 equalled .CR2. (It was the extension used by my old G9.) Not so. I wound up having to find new post-processing software! The DPP Canon packages with the camera can do a nice job, but the workflow is terrible so it takes much much longer to process each photo. Seems to me Canon could have tried a little harder to make sure buyers weren't stuck with an incompatible format. I haven't tried its movie capability yet.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I am a long time SLR devotee but needed a smaller camera when I couldn't haul around my heavyweight gear. This fulfills the need. Great optics and zoom range, built to take rough handling and manual controls for the important stuff; not menus.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
simple, portable and very efficient
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
This camera is wonderful, I would like to see Canon include the cable to connect to the computer!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I use this camera underwater in a Canon housing. I have an external flash and video light that attach via Ikelite arms. I have used it in the relatively dark waters of the Pacific NW (Puget Sound) and in tropical waters of Bahamas. Those of you who shoot underwater know the different challenges for each of those situations.
The image quality is really great, including the HD video quality. My dive buddy who shoots a Canon G10 video camera is rather impressed with the image quality. One feature that I used extensively in the Bahamas was the underwater white balance. I had the other people on the dive boat asking "how did you get the color so good on your video clips?"
The only thing I don't like is the audio noise of both the zoom and the autofocus. Both of them show up clearly in the sound track while shooting video. I will have to mute those sounds most of the time when I build dvd's. Inside the housing it really shows up. Outside it is just some low background noise.
My previous underwater camera was a Canon 5SIS. I used that camera for 5 years. It did well until I needed to go to HD video. I am glad I picked the G-15.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
This camera is all I wanted, and more. Many features of my 7D included in this small form factor. Ideal for travel. I can carry this and not have to worry about someone running off with my expensive body and lens(es) and still get good images. It even shoots RAW and jpeg simultaneously.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Best G Canon yet.
I have owned G cameras since G-1 and this is the best of all. I use it as my "always with me" camera. Quality build, quality pictures and video,...Read complete review
I have owned G cameras since G-1 and this is the best of all. I use it as my "always with me" camera. Quality build, quality pictures and video, and ease of portability. I do not miss the swiveling screen, and have always found it more of a hinderance than a help. I can think of little improvements. The optical viewfinder could be better, but I think that is not possible without increasing the size of the camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Latest from Canon G Series
I use the G15 when i don't want to carry around the Canon 7D. The G15 easily fits my pocket and i find it handy to have a quality compact with me but not be...Read complete review
I use the G15 when i don't want to carry around the Canon 7D. The G15 easily fits my pocket and i find it handy to have a quality compact with me but not be in the way when i don't need it. I've used other G series camera and i don't find this significantly different. The lens is faster although i rarely shoot wide open ... the sharpness seems to same as other G cameras and the closeness that the macro can shoot is amazing. The viewfinder is there for convenience, not accuracy as it offers no information on what you are about to shoot and in tele-shooting is off center quite a bit. However, for the price, it works well for what i want and as long as i work in the parameters of its abilities - its a good camera.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 127 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I was a professional photographer and am now a real estate agent. My DSLR is just too bulky to carry around with me. The G15 has excellent image quality for those beautiful morning after a snow fall photos on the way to the office. I look forward to delving into more of the features soon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Really love this small and compact camera but packed with feature. I am using this as a backup from my DSLR. this is the first time I have seen Canon did not ship the media card with the camera. At least what they could do was including the small media/storage so customer can play with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I use this camera as my fall back camera when I am shooting a big job. In fact, its so easy to use and the images were so nice that some of the pictures were picked over the ones that were taken with a professional digital camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I use this camera for all of our trips. There is such a variety of ways to take pictures. I like the different lenses, like the fish-eye lense, etc. Sometimes, I wish they had a wrist strap for it instead of one around the neck. I have another Canon camera with a wrist strap and really like it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I got this the day before I left on a trip, and couldn't download the manual. After a while, I was able to figure out almost all of the features. Many were the same as the previous Canon I owned. It requires some coordination to adjust all the dials and knobs, but it allows many variations. The pictures are extremely clear! Even when I was on a moving boat, I could get close-ups of wildlife that were perfect. I could also take pictures through the glass of a glass-bottomed boat. This camera thinks of everything. I was disappointed that it does not come with a USB cable; at that price, they should throw one in.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
This camera is always with me. It's one of the must-carry item in my bag. This camera produces great images (comparing to other P&S cameras,) and it also produces great videos.
BTW, make sure to get a fast SD card to bring the best out of this camera!
Please note that one should not compare P&S cameras to DSLR cameras.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Excellent camera. I had a PowerShot G7 which I loved and this G15 is very similar so I like the familiarity plus it has a bit better picture quality and a bigger screen.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Great clear image
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I needed a replacement for a Canon point 'n shoot that survived being carried on a dirt motorcycle in extremely rough conditions. The old 8MP chip was no longer acceptable. I decided to spring for the G15. No disappointments! IQ is much better than my old, reliable 720 IS. So far it has traveled with me and my KTM without difficulties. The surprise was the G15's ability to capture shots rapidly even when it was writing files out of the buffer. The only downside was the rear LCD was not available so I had to guess accurately to get the subsequent shots. I wish it had degrees Kelvin on the White Balance list and I wish the external flash controls were on the external ring for easy access. Otherwise this is as about as good as a pro camera in a small chip size as you can get at the moment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I will use this camera as a backup when shooting 4x5 Provia F100. I had orginally purchased a Nikon Coolpix P7700 and found it did not offer the featurers that the G15 offers. I have not found any things about the camera I do not like and would highly recommend to anyone great compact camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I travel around this rough and rugged country taking photos and videos for business, bands, and for a blog. The G15 has been great so far. (I have only had it a week now) The G15 is much easier to use than the g12, especially the manual focus. It is also easier to hold as it weighs less and has a textured body. The quality of the photos is phenomenal. The lens is 2x faster than the g12 making it a much better low light camera than it's predecessor. I do miss the swivel screen though. It came in handy and was great for protecting the display when traveling or throwing it in a bag. The other thing I don't like is that you can see the end of the lens when trying to use the viewfinder. This is distracting. I wish they would have keep the same battery too. The G15 battery is about 3 mm longer and roughly 3 mm thinner than the G12 battery. Over all I am completely satisfied and would recommend this camera to anyone looking for a point and shoot with flexibility.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Perfect every day camera. I used Sony alpha 100 for a long time and got tired to carry it everywhere i go. This camera is perfect in picture quality, in weight!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Amazing camera for a point and shoot, great value for this price. Love the built-in viewfinder, external controls, metal body. While in video mode you can also shoot stills, very cool. Auto mode does really well, and so many ways to customize image capture I haven't even begun to exhaust them.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
Great little camera for on the go. I got this because I liked the many functions and handling of the G12 - which we use on a light box at work. There is no swivel screen on the G15 - definitely not a deal breaker. But I love that it is more compact. Even has RAW in Manual mode! Definitely get an extra battery Not entirely happy with the 'curtain' lens cover, could be a problem with snagging, prefer a lens cap and will probably get one.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I do mainly nature photography and use macro a lot. The G15 is a joy to use. Small, light, and very easy-to-learn controls. Both jpg and RAW images are sharp using autofocus, have excellent color fidelity and low noise. I was also pleasantly surprised by how good its built-in HDR option is. Seems to really work. I haven't played with it a lot yet though. But (there's always a "but") the RAW format is unique to the G15. So if you want to use the same software you currently use for post-processing, make sure it supports "Canon Powershot G15." I assumed that .CR2 equalled .CR2. (It was the extension used by my old G9.) Not so. I wound up having to find new post-processing software! The DPP Canon packages with the camera can do a nice job, but the workflow is terrible so it takes much much longer to process each photo. Seems to me Canon could have tried a little harder to make sure buyers weren't stuck with an incompatible format. I haven't tried its movie capability yet.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I am a long time SLR devotee but needed a smaller camera when I couldn't haul around my heavyweight gear. This fulfills the need. Great optics and zoom range, built to take rough handling and manual controls for the important stuff; not menus.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
simple, portable and very efficient
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
This camera is wonderful, I would like to see Canon include the cable to connect to the computer!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
I use this camera underwater in a Canon housing. I have an external flash and video light that attach via Ikelite arms. I have used it in the relatively dark waters of the Pacific NW (Puget Sound) and in tropical waters of Bahamas. Those of you who shoot underwater know the different challenges for each of those situations.
The image quality is really great, including the HD video quality. My dive buddy who shoots a Canon G10 video camera is rather impressed with the image quality. One feature that I used extensively in the Bahamas was the underwater white balance. I had the other people on the dive boat asking "how did you get the color so good on your video clips?"
The only thing I don't like is the audio noise of both the zoom and the autofocus. Both of them show up clearly in the sound track while shooting video. I will have to mute those sounds most of the time when I build dvd's. Inside the housing it really shows up. Outside it is just some low background noise.
My previous underwater camera was a Canon 5SIS. I used that camera for 5 years. It did well until I needed to go to HD video. I am glad I picked the G-15.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera:
This camera is all I wanted, and more. Many features of my 7D included in this small form factor. Ideal for travel. I can carry this and not have to worry about someone running off with my expensive body and lens(es) and still get good images. It even shoots RAW and jpeg simultaneously.