Canon has given its popular PowerShot series a face lift with the addition of the PowerShot G12 Digital Camera. While remaining true to many of its predecessor's features, the G12 comes busting out of the gate with what's fast becoming a standard on digital cameras: digital video (with stereo sound no less!). Shoot 1280 x 720p HD video with stereo audio using this compact, yet versatile camera. Awesome, right?
In addition to riding the video tide the G12 also stays competitive with its 10MP still image capture. Shoot RAW and JPEG files to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, among others, with the help of the camera's 1/1.7" CCD image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, otherwise referred to as Canon's HS System. The G12 additionally sports a 3200 ISO setting for excellent shooting in low light settings.
Long loved for its unobtrusive nature, the PowerShot series of cameras are excellent for the pro or amateur alike - it's no behemoth Pro DSLR, but it still manages to pack in many of the exciting and appreciated features of one. That being said, the G12's a heck of a lot easier to carry around in your bag. Some additional features pros, or anyone looking to make great photos, will appreciate include, the option for manual control, along with Canon's much celebrated Hybrid IS function which is the combination of the genuine Canon 28mm lens, 5x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization. Hybrid IS is particularly touted to make easy work of capturing stunning macro shots.
Another notable feature on the G12 is its High Dynamic Range. Based on the principle of bracketing, HDR helps you capture a well balanced image that presents both highlights and low lights (AKA: shadow) in an appealing manner - giving your images that pop factor! This function also has an aspect to it named, i-Contrast. i-Contrast lets the user determine the amount of HDR correction that's applied to the image, which can be helpful in avoiding highlight blowout and keeping details from getting lost in the shadows. Canon's Tracking AF also comes into play here by allowing the shooter to select a subject to 'track' in case of movement while shooting.
You'll be happy to hear that Canon kept its well-received Vari-Angled LCD screen as well - giving you a whole 2.8" of flip-out, multi-angled flexibility for composition and playback of all your video and still images. As a step up from the previous permutation the G12 features a number of aspect ratios, including: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 4:5, and 16:9. Other notable features include Canon's Smart AUTO, electronic leveling, a high dynamic range, AF tracking, and a front dial - all of which are designed to help make your shooting enjoyable and successful.
In addition, a low light mode, new to the G series, lets you capture images in an astonishing range of conditions. The camera automatically adjusts the ISO speed from 3200 up to an enhanced 12800 when reacting to ambient brightness, subject movement, and camera shake