Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34759 in Camera & Photo
• Size: Medium Size
• Brand: Canon
• Model: G2
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Platforms: Windows NT, Mac OS X, Windows, Mac OS 9 and below, Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, Windows Me, PowerMac, Windows NT 5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 3.5, Windows 2000, Macintosh, Windows 98
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 4.80" w x 2.50" l, .92 pounds
• Memory: 32MB
• Display size: 1.8

Features

• 4.1 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond
• 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds 24 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
• Movie mode captures variable amount of video depending upon memory card size
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

Amazon.com Product Description
Quite simply, the Canon PowerShot G2 is an elegant, easy-to-use joy of a digital camera that boasts impressive 4-megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom, a bright LCD monitor that swivels off to the side of the camera and tilts up and down as needed, and maximum overall creative control in addition to a fully automatic mode. Of course, none of this comes as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with its popular predecessor, the PowerShot G1. Both of these cameras have features and picture-taking modes similar to Canon's EOS cameras, which means they have what Canon calls a "very camera-like feel." Some of the G2's more obvious improvements over the G1 (besides higher resolution) include a champagne gold finish, larger grip for easier handling, improved image and color quality, new photo-effect shooting mode for various effects, including black-and-white and sepia, and a new high-speed selectable three-point autofocus.

The G2's 4-megapixel CCD captures images at user-selectable resolutions of 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,024 x 768, and 640 x 480. This range allows for detail-rich 8-by-10-inch prints that match the results of film cameras as well as easy-to-upload images for the Web and e-mail. Choose between three varying degrees of JPEG compression or store images in the 10-bit RAW data file format for faster transfer without any image quality loss. Your computer easily translates the RAW files into TIFF files using Canon's included software.

The telescoping, 3x optical zoom lens (34-102mm equivalent on a 35mm camera) with 3.6x digital zoom, offers both automatic and manual focus control. The improved, high-speed, selectable three-point autofocus system allows flexibility in composition over the single focus point of the G1. A distance scale has been added on the LCD monitor for precision focus adjustment that works best for extreme close-ups. Improved circuitry allows the G2 to perform these advanced functions with faster image capture times and longer battery life than the G1.

Like the G1, the G2 has point-and-shoot settings that take the guesswork out of almost all situations, but the manual controls and creative options are where this camera stands out from the competition. Twelve EOS-style shooting modes allow for a wide range of creative possibilities, with manual focus zoom, adjustable aperture priority at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO, selectable shutter speed, and six preset white balances--sunny, cloudy, tungsten, etc. Canon has provided four presets for professional results when shooting for maximum depth of field, portraits, landscapes, and night scenes. Other creative controls include the photo-effect mode that allows four possible variations of the normal color saturation: vivid color, standard color, sepia tones, and standard black-and-white.

Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. Autoexposure bracketing allows you to intentionally over- and underexpose two extra shots to help capture the best picture possible. Five different flash modes, including red-eye reduction, handle after-dark challenges. The TTL hot shoe is fully compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes. The included software package goes beyond standard image processing with a remote capture function that allows complete control and manipulation of the camera functions from your computer keyboard. Canon's Stitch Assist program allows you to combine up to four images into one, seamless, panoramic view.

Exterior design features include the highly versatile LCD monitor from the G1 that needs no improvement; its 270-degree rotation allows all angles of image composition from around corners to self-portraits. Changes in ergonomics, as requested by the users of the G1, include a contoured grip for better one-handed shooting and a more streamlined look. Photographers new to the digital market will find the G2 as easy to use as previous PowerShot models, while professionals will be pleased with the improved selection of creative options for capturing the best possible images.

The G2 comes complete with USB port and cable for connection to PC or Macintosh computers; Canon's digital camera software package for downloading, processing, and organizing your images; a NTSC cable for connecting to a television set; a rechargeable BP-511 lithium-ion battery pack and AC adapter for charging the battery in the camera; a generous 32 MB CompactFlash card; infrared remote control; lens cap; and neck strap. The camera weighs about 14.8 ounces, and its dimensions are 4.8(W) by 3.0(H) by 2.5(D) inches.

From the Manufacturer
Canon’s new PowerShot G2 is a precise and powerful tool for professional and advanced amateur photographers who want a very high-resolution digital camera that can offer them the quality, performance, and reliability that they're accustomed to finding in fine 35mm SLR cameras. The 1/1.8-inch 4-magapixel CCD in the new Canon PowerShot G2 creates a postcard-sized image that displays no visible pixellation. Physically, the CCD is identical in size to the ones used in earlier Canon digital cameras, but it can accommodate 4.0 million pixels because the pixel size is considerably reduced. The result, of course, is a far more densely detailed image.

Richly detailed images with 4.0 M CCD & superb lifelike color

The PowerShot G2's 4 megapixel CCD provides high resolution for prints that are comparable to the products of fine 35mm cameras. This increase in resolution produces a dramatic difference in image quality over the standard 2 megapixel class cameras. The CCD is also equipped with primary color filters (RGB) for superior color reproduction. While in the past, primary color filters caused images to be somewhat noisier than complementary color filter, the G2 includes a new IC with improved signal processing to compensate for this. So images are not only rich in detail but also include true-to-life color, and lower noise levels than ever.

Powerful 3x optical zoom and smooth 11x digital zoom

The G2 features a genuine Canon 3x Optical Zoom lens giving a 35mm equivalent focal length of 34 to 102mm. And, for even more dramatic close-ups, the G2 has a 3.6x digital zoom. Combined with the optical zoom, you can zoom smoothly in on your subject to a magnification of up to 11x!

Vari-angle LCD for easier handling and shooting capability

The G2 was designed with a Vari-angle LCD so that you can shoot from any angle easily. The camera also has easy to access controls like stacked dials (main dial and mode dial) to turn the camera on or off or select the shooting mode. The G2 also has any easy to use Omni Selector to control the zoom or image selection during playback. And the optical viewfinder includes a built-in dioptric adjustment feature to adjust to your eyesight.

12 shooting modes including movie and sound

The G2's 12 EOS-based shooting modes lets you take your desired shot.

Manual

You're in complete control of all the camera's settings. A digital read-out on the LCD monitor gives updated exposure info. You set the aperture controlling the depth of field and the shutter speed is set automatically. For the utmost in convenience, the G2 sets the aperture and shutter speeds completely automatically.

Auto

All the camera's parameters are set automatically. Pan-focus gives maximum depth of field and faster shooting speed.

Portrait

The camera automatically sets to a large aperture for background blur.

Landscape

The camera automatically sets to a small aperture for clear landscape shots.

Night Scene

Background exposure and slow sync flash combine for subjects taken at night.

Photo Effect

For black and white, sepia, neutral, or vivid color images.

Stitch Assist

For easy to create panoramic shots.

Direct print mode (for card photo printer CP-10)

With Direct Print Mode you can print brilliant credit card-sized photos using the Card Photo Printer CP-10 without computer connection. In 3 easy steps: Connect, Select and Print, your pictures will be ready in less than a minute. Choose from one of three formats, credit card-sized borderless images, credit card-sized bordered images or 8 mini-labels. A special cropping feature included in the G2 allows you to exactly size the image you want to print according to what appears in the frame of the LCD monitor.

Customer Reviews

Canon G2 -The BEST digital camera for under $1000US! Period!
The Canon PowerShot G2 is a digital camera consumer's dream come true, and a nightmare for other digital camera manufacturers.

Make a list of features you'd expect and not expect to find from a "prosumer" digital camera, and chances are you'll find them on the G2. This is a little camera that was designed to act a lot bigger than many other digital cameras in its class.

You only have to pick up a G2 to realize that there's a lot more to it than meets the eye; this camera's significantly heavier and feels sturdier than any other camera in its class! The extra weight means better camera stabilization. The G2's sturdiness inspires confidence and makes the camera feel like a photographic tool, not an electronic gizmo.

From the tilt-and-swivel LCD, the magnification loupe for manual focusing, dedicated and fully functional flash hot-shoe, evaluative metering, IR autofocous assist mechanism, ISO 50, RAW image format, etc., etc., this camera has it all!.

Many photographers will argue that the real measures of any camera lie in the controls and results. The G2 doesn't disappoint in either of these respects. Although you'll have to familiarize yourself with the camera's controls initially, you'll soon find them very intuitive and actually use them more often than not.

The quality of images captured with the G2 is nothing short of superb! You'll get clean, detailed, very high-resolution photographs with the G2, especially if you use the camera's RAW mode at ISO 50.

The Canon PowerShot G2 is still a point-and-shoot digital camera. Anyone who's ever used an SLR will miss the optical viewfinder, true manual focus, and lens selection not available in the G2. However, this can be said for any other digital camera in the G2's class. In every other respect, the G2 rises above its inherent limitations and really challenges its competition to try and keep up!

Beyond the camera itself, Canon has really done the consumer proud by offering most every accessory that you would want included at no extra charge, i.e. an remote control unit, high-capacity rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, and remote capture software.

If you're in the market for a capable digital camera at a reasonable price, thank Canon for making the choice really very simple.

Positives:
- extensive feature set
- excellent build and design
- superb results, especially in RAW mode at ISO 50
- Excellent lens produces very little distortion and chromatic aberrations
- extremely reasonable price
- All the accessories that should come standard do come standard.

Negatives:
- Certain exposure adjustments, i.e. flash compensation, aren't available in full manual mode.
- The fact that the G2 isn't an SLR.
- Not much else.

Good digital camera, but much room for improvement
I consider myself an advanced amateur photographer. I own a Minolta 3xi SLR, and this Canon G2 is my first digital camera. I have done extensive research on 3MP to 4MP digital camera. The final candidates are: Olympus C-4040Z, Canon G2, with G2 being the winner.

Things I like about G2 (from personal experience):
- swivel LCD very useful in quite a lot of situations.
- swivel LCD protects LCD when not in use.
- long battery life. I have bought an extra battery just in case, but I have never used it so far (I have been using G2 for more than 3 months now). On average, I can use one charge for about 200 shots, with 50% of shots taken with flash; or > 300 shots on normal usage. I think I will use the extra battery when I go on travelling...
- manual focus magnifies the subject, thus allowing easy and accurate focusing.
- ability to show 9 thumnails at a time, and ability to let you jump 9 photos forward/backward at a time.
- remote control comes very handy. The downside is: I always forget to turn on the remote control feature on the G2, and I wonder why my remote control is not working... I wish future cameras will allow use of remote control, without having user to remember to turn on/off the remote control feature everytime he wishes to use it.
- G2 normally produces good and sharp photograph.

Things I dislike about G2:
- slow to focus: causing me to miss many great photos.
- unable to auto focus: the camera could not auto focus during night time even with street light. The G2's light assist does not help much and is of little to no use. Fortunately, manual focus is available. On another situation, I cannot auto focus on subjects are close (less than 1.5 foot) to the camera.
- video recording has max time limit of 30 seconds. This is useful for short clips, but generally videos require much longer than 30 seconds block. Note: Olympus C-4040Z has no video time limit.
- unable to zoom in or out after you have started video recording. However, you can zoom in or out before starting a video session.
- flash insufficient. When taking indoor pictures, flash assisted photos will look artificial, and gives you a feel that there is insufficient light (i.e. subject too bright, background too dark). I have read that adding an external flash will solve this problem, although I have never tried it. In the meantime, I use Night mode to compensate for this artificial lighting. With Night mode, your photo will look natural. The drawback is: the subject will need to stay still a little longer for the shot, so that there is more exposure for the darker areas. Unfortunately, my subjects do not always stay as long as I want them to.
- auto stitching does not work very well. Initially, I was impressed by auto-stitching. But upon further examination, I find that the stitching is done correctly only on certain parts of the photo. For example, auto-stitch is done correctly at the bottom half joining two pictures, but somehow auto-stitch did not stitch the top half correctly (i.e. top half is misaligned). In all, I would give auto-stitching a B- to C+ grade.
- photos taken tend to be more magenta in color. Fortunately, I can resolve this by setting Saturation level to Low (from Normal).
- noise found in higher ISO. Generally, G2 produces good quality photo at ISO 50 or ISO 100. I do not recommend using any ISO higher than 100 since I experience a lot of noise at these higher ISO.

Summary of main points: G2 is an above average digital camera for an advanced amateur, with many bells and whistles to play with. 3x zoom might be a little too small, but sufficient for most shots. Main problems of camera are slow focusing and sometimes inability to focus. Strengths of G2 are swivelling LCD and sharpness. Considering its price, it gives good value for money, but there is much room for improvement.

Note: You will definitely need a 128MB CF card. 32MB just isn't enough for a 4MP camera.

Finally! A worthy replacement for film
I've had my G2 for about 3 weeks and (thanks to a Big Event) had the opportunity to pump several hundred images into it over a four day period. Once I got used to it, I found it to be a very satisfying replacement for other cameras I've used (SLRs, digital video as replacement for still camera, point and shoot compacts).

I especially enjoy taking candids in available light, and this is the first compact camera I've used that actually lets me do this effectively. This is because I have reliable control over the flash and I can review pictures taken in questionable light to see if they worked or not.

I also used the G2 on a tripod to make a photographic copy of a large family oil painting, and the results were about what I'd expect from typical 35mm film in the hands of a casual user. I used the "remote capture" mode with a laptop, and must say that this mode works, but not as smoothly as you might expect.

When using available light, I admit I'm disappointed that the ISO setting maxes out at 400, but in my experience that's usually been enough, especially with an f2.0 lens, and the G2 can generally provide f2.0 (though you lose that maximum opening at longer focal lengths). The G2 gamely tries to take pictures even when the light is a bit too low, and it simply tries to warn you to hold the camera extra-steady.

The low-light picture results were comparable to what I achieved with film - some sharp, some blurry, some grainy, often depending on the quality of the lighting. The level of detail I achieved in my JPEGs was comparable to what I'd seen under similar conditions with a good film camera.

I often ran the G2 in "slow motor drive" mode since this would allow you to take several pictures in a row. Otherwise the camera would pause dramatically between shots as it pushed the previous image onto the compact flash card. In a sense, this was the biggest adjustment I had to make to this camera -- its computer would occasionally go off and do things, leaving the camera insensible to my need to take a picture, and I'd have to wait a second or two for it to catch up with me. The motor drive mode helped minimize this problem.

Of course, the digital camera, and the G2 in particular, carries benefits that were only fantasies in the world of film. I installed a 256K CF card, and the thing held HUNDREDS of pictures! And even though I overused the motor drive setting, I could go back and discard the less interesting pictures WITHOUT WASTING FILM. So by the end of my 4-day event, I had already edited out many of the less promising pictures I'd taken.

Another G2 shortcoming is that there's no way to change the orientation of a picture stored on the CF card. Even if you tell the camera which way to orient a picture (there's a menu entry), you lose that information if you simply copy the picture off of the CF card. I found that surprising. (For that matter, today's smart camera ought to sense which way is up, and store the image appropriately.)

In closing, let me comment on battery usage. I bought a second battery and didn't start using it till the THIRD DAY of shooting! Note that I mostly relied on the viewfinder, and rarely used the flash. But I regularly used the LCD to review and edit the pictures I'd taken. I never plugged in the camera during the entire four days, since I'd already charged up the other battery. So you can push A LOT of pictures through a single battery charge.

Plusses: the benefits of digital technology, film-like resolution, lots of control, a relatively fast lens, a usable viewfinder, awesome battery life.

Minuses: ISO tops off at 400, the camera's computer can be slow, and you must use separate editing software to orient pictures. But I suspect the G2 is comparable, if not better, than most other digital cameras in these respects.