The Canon PowerShot G6 is a very good choice for those who want a full-featured camera and photo quality that rivals what you'd get from a digital SLR. The G6 has a refined body design compared to previous G series Cameras. There's a more substantial grip, a larger LCD display (2"), and the LCD info display has a backlight. Also, the G6 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor.
The G6's 7.1 Megapixel CCD sensor delivers sufficient image resolution to produce photo prints beyond 11x14" in size while still allowing for for creative post-shoot cropping. The fast f/2.0-3.0 4x optical zoom lens (35-140mm equivalent in 35mm format) has been optimised to the sensor's requirements, with improved spectral characteristics, while fine adjustments have been made to the color reproduction parameters of the DiG!C image processing algorithms. Furthermore, the 9-point AiAF Focus System allows for automatic, accurate focusing even with off-center subjects and adds to the capacity of the camera to be used for candid work. Additionally, enhancement of the focussing system means single and continuous AF speeds have dramatically improved.
A choice of 12 modes gives users complete control over the camera in every possible shooting situation. Along with all the fully manual and aperture / shutter priority modes expected in an advanced digital camera, the G6 includes two Custom modes for storing preferred camera settings, Portrait and Landscape modes to minimise / maximise depth of field appropriately, and a Night Scene mode providing slow sync speed for realistic shots, balancing exposure to maintain both background and foreground detail. Stitch Assist works in five modes to enable precise alignment of up to 26 images for panoramic and poster shots, merged later with PhotoStitch software. Three minute video clips with sound can be recorded in movie mode, or up to 30 seconds at VGA resolution. Photo effects include sepia, vivid colour, black and white, neutral and low sharpening.
- Custom (C1, C2)
Define and store your own settings to achieve the effects you prefer. - Auto
Shoot freely while the camera sets all parameters. - Manual
The user controls every aspect of the shot, including aperture and shutter speed. - Portrait
The camera chooses a large aperture, focusing the subject and creating beautiful background blur. - Aperture Priority (Av)
The user defines the aperture, and the camera chooses the corresponding shutter speed. - Shutter Speed Priority (Tv)
The user selects the shutter speed, and the camera finds the appropriate aperture. With slow exposure times, Canon's noise reduction system activates to ensure low image noise. - Program (P)
Similar to auto, but user has access to exposure compensation features. - Landscape
A small aperture creates greater depth-of-field for sweeping scenery shots. - Night Scene
For impressive sunset or nightlife shots, the camera properly exposes the background and uses slow-sync flash for the subject. - Stitch Assist
Perfectly align sequential shots to create seamless panoramas. - Movie
Choose one of three movie quality modes to create clips with sound up to three minutes long. Edit and replay your movies right on camera. - Photo Effect
Advanced creative effects include:
Vivid Color yields vibrant shots with dramatic contrast.
Neutral Color produces images of subtle, elegant tonality.
Low Sharpening creates a soft-focus filter effect.
Sepia recreates the look of vintage photographs.
Black & White delivers enhanced clarity and is especially useful for shooting text.
Custom lets you create and store your own special effect.
Super Macro Mode lets you shoot spectacular close-ups as close as 2 inches from your subject.
Wide-Area FlexiZone AF/AE provides the ability to move the AF point freely around in the frame, without recomposing the shot.
Spot Metering lets you link exposure compensation to the AF point or the center of the frame.