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What's in the Box
- NB-10L Lithium-Ion Battery Pack for PowerShot SX40 HS
- CB-2LC Battery Charger for NB-10L Battery for PowerShot SX40 HS
- NS-DC11 Neck Strap
- Digital Camera Solution CD
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
The Fast New Canon PowerShot G15
Canon just 
announced the new 12.1MP PowerShot G15, a compact digital camera with a fixed wide angle 35mm equivalent 28-140mm lens that has a maximum aperture of f/1.8—more than a stop faster than the previous generation. Its high sensitivity 12.1MP 1/1.7” CMOS sensor is combined with the onboard DIGIC 5 image processor by Canon’s HS System, which results in faster performance and improved image quality. The G15 can shoot 12-bit multi-aspect RAW+JPEG files, has a 3” LCD and an optical viewfinder, the ability to zoom 5x optically and 4x digitally, and you can utilize a separately available Tele-Converter lens as well as Speedlite flashes. Focus is achieved either manually or with its high-speed autofocus system. A dual axis electronic level enables you to compose even shots and its High Speed Burst HQ capability enables you to shoot up to 10 frames per second. The G15 is also capable of capturing Full HD 1080p moving images with stereo sound.
Similar to a DSLR, the G15 features a dial for quickly accessing Aperture, ISO, Exposure Compensation, Step Zoom, White Balance, Aspect Ratio, i-Contrast and focus parameters. The maximum ISO is 12800 and the shutter speed is 1-1/4000 of a second. Its 3” LCD screen has a resolution of 922,000 dots with 100% coverage. There are three light-metering methods: Evaluative, Center-Weighted and Spot. An Intelligent IS feature automatically chooses the best possible modes for image stabilization. A dedicated movie button allows you to start shooting .MOV videos, and the camera’s zoom can still be used when rolling. You can adjust the exposure compensation before you start recording a video by +/- 3 stops in 1/3-stop increments. A built-in mini HDMI output makes it possible to connect the G15 directly to your TV.
If you want to use the optional TC-DC58E Tele-Converter and Speedlite flashes, you’re going to need the separately available LA-DC58L adapter. The Tele-Converter increases the reach of the zoom by 1.4x, and if you have access to a Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite Flash, the LA-DC58L adapter enables you to use it with the PowerShot G15. All the way wide, the normal focusing range on the G15 is 2” (5cm) to infinity. In Auto mode it’s 0.4” (1cm) to infinity, and in Macro AF mode it’s also 0.4” (1cm) to infinity. A hot shoe is available atop the G15, and data is stored on SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.
What’s the difference between the new G15 and the previous model?
The last generation of this cam
era is the PowerShot G12, which features a lower resolution 10MP 1.5” CMOS sensor and has a maximum aperture of f/2.8—making it dramatically slower than the G15. The new G15 has a 12.1MP 1/1.7” CMOS sensor. The G12 has the DIGIC 4 image processor; the new G15 has the DIGIC 5. At 2.8”, the LCD on the G12 is smaller; however, it’s an articulating screen. The 3” screen on the new G15 is fixed. The G15 shoots Full HD video in 1080p, while the last generation was limited to just HD 720p. What do you think? Could this be your next camera?
| Camera Type | Compact digital still camera with built-in flash, 5x Optical, 4x Digital and 20x Combined Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer |
| Sensor | 12.1 Megapixel, 1/1.7-inch CMOS |
| Total Pixels | Approx. 13.3 Megapixels |
| Effective Pixels | Approx. 12.1 Megapixels |
| Focal Length | 6.1 (W) – 30.5 (T) mm (35mm film equivalent: 28–140mm) |
| Digital Zoom | 4.0x |
| Focusing Range | Normal: 2.0 in. (5cm) – infinity (W), 1.3 ft. (40cm) – infinity (T) Normal with Tele-converter: 2.0 in. (5cm) – infinity (W), 2.5 ft. (75cm) – infinity (T) Auto: 0.4 in. (1cm) – infinity (W), 1.3 ft. (40cm) – infinity (T) Auto with Tele-converter: 2.5 ft. (75cm) – infinity (T) Macro AF: 0.4 in. – 1.6 ft. (1–50cm) (W) |
| Autofocus System | TTL Autofocus, Manual Focus |
| Viewfinder | Real-image zoom viewfinder |
| LCD Monitor | 3.0-inch TFT Color LCD with wide viewing angle |
| LCD Pixels | Approx. 922,000 dots |
| LCD Coverage | Approx. 100% |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 (W), f/2.8 (T) |
| Shutter Speed | 1–1/4000 sec. 15–1/4000 sec. (in Tv and M modes) |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, ISO 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400, 8000, 10000, 12800 |
| Light Metering Method | Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot |
| Exposure Control Method | Manual Exposure, Program Shift, Safety Shift, AE Lock |
| Exposure Compensation | Still Images: ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments Videos: ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments (not available during shooting) |
| White Balance Control | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Underwater, Custom 1, Custom 2 |
| Built-in Flash | Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off |
| Flash Range | 1.6 ft. – 23 ft. (W), 1.6 – 15 ft. (T) (50cm – 7.0m (W), (50cm – 4.5m (T)) |
| Recycling Time | 10 sec. or less (battery voltage: 7.4 V) |
| Flash Exposure Compensation | ±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments |
| Hot Shoe Availability | Available |
| Shooting Modes | C1, C2, M, Av, Tv, P, Auto, Movie Digest, SCN, Creative Filters, Movie Portrait, Smooth Skin, Smart Shutter, High-Speed Burst HQ, Handheld NightScene, Underwater, Snow, Fireworks, Stitch Assist High Dynamic Range, Nostalgic, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Soft Focus, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap Standard, iFrame Movie, Super Slow Motion Movie Smile, Wink Self-timer, Face Self-timer |
| Photo Effects | My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color |
| Self-Timer | Approx. 10-sec. delay/approx. 2-sec. delay/custom |
| Wireless Control | Not Available |
| Electronic Level | Dual axis |
| Continuous Shooting | Normal: Approx. 2.1 shots/sec. (in P mode) Approx. 10 shots/sec. (in High-Speed Burst HQ) AF: Approx. 0.9 shots/sec. (in P mode) Approx. 5.2 shots/sec. (in High-Speed Burst HQ) LV: Approx. 0.9 shots/sec. (in P mode) |
| Storage Media | SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card |
| File Format | Design rule for Camera File system, DPOF (Version 1.1) compliant |
| Image Compression | Superfine / Fine |
| JPEG Compression Mode | Still Image: Exif. 2.3 (JPEG) Video: MOV (Image: H.264; Audio: Linear PCM (Stereo) |
| Number of Recording Pixels | Still Images: 1) 16:9 – Large: 4000 x 2248; Medium 1: 2816 x 1584; Medium 2: 1920 x 1080; Small: 640 x 360; RAW: 4000 x 2248 2) 3:2 – Large: 4000 x 2664; Medium 1: 2816 x 1880; Medium 2: 1600 x 1064; Small: 640 x 424; RAW: 4000 x 2664 3) 4:3 – Large: 4000 x 3000; Medium 1: 2816 x 2112; Medium 2: 1600 x 1200; Small: 640 x 480; Raw: 4000 x 3000 4) 1:1 – Large: 2992 x 2992; Medium 1: 2112 x 2112; Medium 2: 1200 x 1200; Small: 480 x 480; RAW: 2992 x 2992 5) 4:5 – Large: 2400 x 3000; Medium 1: 1696 x 2112; Medium 2: 960 x 1200; Small: 384 x 480; RAW: 2400 x 3000 Videos: Full HD 1920 x 1080: 24 fps (23.976) HD 1280 x 720: 30 fps (29.97) iFrame Movie HD 1280 x 720: 30 fps (29.97) Movie Digest HD 1280 x 720: 30 fps (29.97) Miniature Effect HD 1280 x 720: 6 fps / 3 fps / 1.5 fps Miniature Effect 640 x 480: 6 fps / 3 fps / 1.5 fps Super Slow Motion Movie 640 x 480: 120 fps Super Slow Motion Movie 320 x 240: 240 fps 640 x 480: 30 fps (29.97) |
| Video Out | NTSC/PAL (dedicated connector (female) with unified type of digital, audio and video) Mini-HDMI connector |
| Audio Out | Stereo (dedicated connector (female) with unified type of digital, audio and video) |
| Other | SD memory card slot; direct connection to Canon SELPHY, PIXMA Photo Printers & PictBridge compatible printers |
| Power Source | Battery Pack NB-10L, Compact Power Adapter CA-PS700 (included with AC Adapter Kit ACK-DC80) |
| Shooting Capacity | Approx. 350 shots using LCD monitor Approx. 770 shots when LCD monitor is off |
| Playback Time | Approx. 7 hours |
| Operating Temperature | 32–104°F/0–40°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10–90% |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 4.20 x 2.99 x 1.58" (106.6 x 75.9 x 40.1 mm) |
| Weight | 12.4 oz. (352g) |
Comments
Has anyone had a problem with the video audio? Seems to me like the audio gain is too sensitive, or sounds tinny.
I am trying to use the miniature movie mode to perform time lapse video of clouds. It used to be possible to do this on the old Canon G9 and I had hoped to use the miniature movie mode to do the same thing on the G15.
BUT the G15 blurs the edges to enhance the miniature effect. It ispossible it seems to reduce the size of the blurring but how can I eliminate it completely to get good clear time lapse video?
Thanks for any help on this.
According to the G15's manual (pg104) you can choose the areas you want to keep in focus but there does not seem to be a way to turn off the blurring.
Is it true that this camera only takes certain kind of memory cards? I have a few memory cards already. I don't want more unless I really have to.
The camera can accept SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.
I just got this camera at Christmas and in the first batch of about 50 pictures, around 10 of them say incompatible JPEG, and about 10 more have a line going through them where one section is offset from the rest of the picture. A handful of them have a discolored band going through it. I will be happy to email these pictures for someone to look at. I'm trying to figure out if it's a camera issue and I need to exchange the camera, or it's a memory card issue. I am using at 32GB SDHC card.
The best and fastest way to see if the card is defective is to try another one as you will know right away. It does not sound to me like software, so if its not the card, it may be the sensor needing servicing.
What is the length of the G15 1080p video limit with single click? 20mins? 30mins? 60 mins? or until the card is full?
Hello Anthony-
The maximum file size per clip is 4GB or 29 min 59 sec.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
How would one go about shooting panorama shots with this? i did not see that listed in the specs. Also, with the G12 i believe I saw complaints that the focus would not adjust if the shooting subject is moving towards the camera - is this still the case with the G15?
thanks!
Hello,
The Canon G15 has a Panorama function covered on page 118 of the user manual.
Stitch Assist
In general, P/S cameras use a less effective auto focusing system as compared to SLR cameras. Contrast Detection can be slow when trying to shoot moving subjects. An SLR's Phase Detection process is better suited for shooting action.
Ridiculous that Canon won't allow users any manual control in video mode. This is one of the most demanded features ever. Every time they release a new p&s camera, hundreds of people around the net ask this question, and the answer is always the same. Such was the case with the s95/ s100/ s110/ G12/ and G1x. Why won't Canon just belly-up and grant their users this simple request like Panasonic did with the LX-5/7? I (like many others) are supporting other brands because of this one repeated kick to the groin by Canon. PLEASE Canon, just add manual control in video like your competitors are doing for us. Support Panasonic. At least they seem to be trying.
Hello,
Would like to know if it is possible to set an aperture on the video mode.Also if I could change the aperture manualy while I am shooting
thank you.
Fernando
Hello,
When shooting video, the camera is in full auto and you do not have manual options.
Can you take still pictures while taking video?
No you cannot.
Do we know yet if it has manual controls for video mode? Like setting the ISO? Frustratingly "automatic" on the G12.
Hello,
According to the manual on Page 290, you do not have many non Auto options for shooting video including selecting the ISO. For video, the manual only shows "Auto ISO" for video.
Right now Lightroom does not support RAW conversion so you'll have to wait 3-4 months for their next update (last one just happened before the release).
Strangely the camera does not seem to operate my speedlights correctly. Occasionally it will communicate with it and once I got a very low power flash but often it will just grey out all flash controls. I'm returning as I assume this is just a single defect and not a widespread problem, but I'm curious if anybody else is having this issue.
I may have missed it in the specs, but should I assume the G15 has a built-in neutral density filter the same as the last few models? I'm almost paranoid they may have dropped it since they also dropped the swivel screen!
Hello,
I am afraid to say the G15's manual (page 95) does not list a built-in neutral density filter.
The manual does in fact specify an ND filter for the G15 - page 133 "Using the ND filter".
Do you know if it is possible to "program/choose" the start focal when I turn ON the camera? So that when I open the camera opens directly on 35mm or 85mm or others?
Hello,
The manual for the G15 is not yet available so we cannot be certain of all of its features. The G1X does have a custom function setting that allows you to turn on the camera to a desired focal length. We are thinking that the G15 will have this feature but we honestly don't know if it will. Once the manual is published we will be able to know for certain.
I understand that you now have the manual, any news on this point?
Thank you for your help.
Hello;
Manual Page 170
Custom function settings (C1 + C2) can be saved including "Zoom Positions" of 28, 35, 50, 85, 100 or 140mm's.
how long is video shooting length?
At full resolution 1080p HD with a 32gb memory card, the camera can record 1 hour and 59 mins of video. Below is a link to a specifications page on Canon USA's website, when you scroll down just past half-way, you will see a time table for all the video settings.
http://bit.ly/ULTyKq
On the G15 the maximum aperture is stated as f/1.8 - f/2.8.
What is it's minimum aperture?
On the G11 it is f/8.
Canon has not pusblished the minimum aperture for this camera, it is likely F8 as other past models have been as is the case with other cameras in this category. Canon has not posted the manual online for this camera. Once they do we will be able to confirm.
The minimum aperture is f/8 (I own one)
Does anyone know what is the purpose of these cameras having f/8 minimum aperture, instead of f/22 like the analogic used to have?
What repercusions does it have in the image quality?
Thank you,
Usable aperture range is dependent on the size of the sensor or film that is used in the camera. As APS-C and 35mm film/full-frame sensors have much larger surface area, smaller apertures can be used before diffraction begins to deteriorate an image (on the above sensors, usually f/22 or f/32 are the smallest aperture settings). Large format cameras with 4x5-inch or 8x10-inch negatives were able to go down to f/64 due to the larger surface area.
By comparison, most point-and-shoot cameras use sensors much smaller than APS-C sensors. As such, most point-and-shoot cameras have minimum apertures around f/8, and some do not have apertures at all, rather, they have neutral density filters that control the amount of light that enters the camera (popular on cameras in many cellphones).
it is good to add these features in the G15 but i really sad they did not add wifi and GPS features in this camera still will not buy it
I just finished doing better online research on the Eye-Fi technology, including calling my ISP tech support. The ISP says there is a distinct danger of signal interference since I live in a 64-unit apartment building, most units of which are transmitting on the same frequency and the Eye-Fi network is by definition unsecured. If there is interference while downloading the image data the result can be permanently lost or corrupted images. There is no way to detect this or correct for it.
Also, online complaints are that the Eye-Fi card draws down the camera’s battery life fairly significantly. Also, the Eye-Fi card needs a dedicated card reader; the reader on the computer won’t work, in case one wants to use the expensive Eye-Fi card just like a regular SD card. These are the main problems. There may be others.
My tech support guy just finished a course in Wi-Fi networking and he was fully up-to-date. When pressed, he came down against the Eye-Fi idea due to its real-world problems, even though theoretically it is an interesting idea. I know I won’t take the risk at $99 for the high-grade Eye-Fi system, which I was intending to try on the Canon G15 I am planning to purchase.
The G15 specs say it is compatible with the new Eye-Fi system, which takes the place of Wi-Fi to the extent the images can be transferred to the nearby computer without removing the SD card, and downloaded images are deleted so the card remains at the fullest memory. Camera GPS doesn’t work well according to reviews and takes a lot of power to run. I can easily do without it and keep the battery in use to produce photos. On vacation, this will be an issue.
Eyefi works great, even in a crowded place/spectrum.
We have had one for a year now...
Taking away the articulate LCD screen is a big mistake. While other camera makers(lumix, samsung) putting it in Canon is taking it out. It's a useful feature for self-portrait and interesting angle capturing.
With the G15 fixed screen one can still do self-portraits with the self-timer mechanism and placing the camera on a level with the subjects. The number of times one needs to shoot from ground level is so seldom that making the camera 20% fatter and heavier to accommodate this feature in a compact camera is silly. They did the right thing. Look what a fat pig the Oly ZN-2 became this year by going the exact opposite direction! I was going to buy the Olympia and add a $150 EVF until I saw what they did to the ZN-2 and now Canon has saved the day with the G15! Really, this new Canon approaches PERFECTION in a compact camera at last. With autofocus on, the optical viewfinder will work perfectly once the camera is gotten used to.
The loss of the articulated viewer is a really big deal for grandparents. GrandKids tend to be waist high for a long time. As they grow, it will become less of an issue for me.
I agree that there are times when the articulating screen is useful (I have the G11 and use it for tough shots now and then).
On a day-to-day basis, however, I would probably rather have a smaller camera that fits into my jersey pocket, so this is not a deal-breaker for me. I'll curse the absence of an articulating screen on those occasions when I need it, but I think that I will enjoy the greater portability far more often.