Product Reviews

With the introduction of the G10, Canon has remedied one of the few criticisms of itsexcellent G9, that it lacked a wide-angle zoom, by changing the lens zoom ratio to ahandier 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 range. Like its predecessor, the lens on the G10 is optically image stabilised. There's the same size 3in LCD panel too, but this no longer has the blue colour cast of the original and packs an impressive 461k dot resolution. That's a considerable improvement over previous models, but it's still not quite up tothe same quality seen with the 921k dot screens on some high-end DSLRs.

We were hoping to see a Cmos sensor,maybe even an APS-C size imager like that found on the Sigma DP1. We suspect that's coming, but it hasn't materialised yet. Instead, the G10 has a 1/1.7in type CCD. At just 7.6 x 5.7mm theG10's sensor is the same size as that used by the G9, but packs in an incredible 14.7 million pixels. All the same that's only a10% linear increase over the previous model, or around another inch at 300dpi.

With the new Digic IV processor, ISOs run to a DSLR-like ISO1600 at full resolution and the G10 boasts a new iContrast option for lifting shadow detail in underexposed areas from in-camera Jpegs. It's similar to the Auto Lighting Optimizer found on Canon's DSLRs, but includes face-recognition technology for backlit portraits as well as anything else.

In the hands, the G10 has seen some ergonomic tweaks. A largish handgrip to thefront and thumb-rest to the rear will beappreciated and is a significant improvement over the G9. And the metal shell feels

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almost as durable as Canon's pro-level DSLRs, but the overall effect is heavier and bulkier than we've seen of late. It's not what we would call a pocket camera.

In use the G10 feels fast, sure and reliable. Up to three Raw files can be buffered and write times are no longer thana couple of seconds. It has all of the AF modes from the G9 including face-detection, that's handy for portraits in front of busy backgrounds, and the AiAF options. These should be explored, as not only can you adjust the size of the nine-point array, but the group can be moved off-centre if necessary. Without doubt it's the best AF system we've seen on a compact.

We were also pleased to see that Canon hasn't radically changed the layout of controls. The flush-fitting playback button isfiddly, but handling overall is first-rate, due to the excellent Eos style rear-command dial. Even the notorious Print Button can becustomised as a shortcut to a number ofuseful options, such as white-balance, focus lock and the like.

Strange as it may seem though, the Canon G10 lacks the 1024 x 768 pixel video option of the G9, which was useful even though it was just 15fps. By contrast, G10 sticks with the640 x 480 pixels at 30fps, and uses the new H.264 codec. Intruth there's no appreciable difference in video quality. Asfor stills the picture quality pips the G9.TheG10's .CR2 raw files are now supported by Canon's supplied DPP utility, but in either case converting from Raw or in-camera Jpegs at base ISO havemore fine detail.

Noise levels are similar, too. You wouldn't want to go above ISO400, for example, except when really pushed. That said, someslight chroma and luminance noise are visible in shadow areas at low ISOs when viewed at 100% magnification. Colour accuracy is excellent too, even under mixed indoor lighting. And while we noticed some slight barrelling and fringing, it was nothing to be concerned about.

Ultimately, while we've a few grumbles, the G10 comes as close as we've seen to the most compelling compact suitable for occasional semi-pro and pro use. If you're in the market for this type of camera, you really can't pass it up.