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<td><a href="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/canon-g12.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-955" title="Canon Powershot G12" src="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/canon-g12.jpg" alt="canon-powershot-g12-bridge-camera" width="335" height="225" /></a></td>
<td>CANON POWERSHOT G12 can be summed up pretty quickly with... if it aint broke, don’t fix it.” And as a result, it inherited lots of the good features found in its predecessor, the G11.

But the one thing Canon did want to improve with the G12 is the user experience, taking into consideration the controls, and adding HD video recording.</td>
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Let's get to the gist of it in the tabs below.

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[tabhead id="1"]  Overview  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="2"]  Cheers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="3"]  Jeers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="4"]  Who is it for?  [/tabhead] [tabhead_last id="5"]  The Verdict  [/tabhead_last]  [tab id="1"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Launched in August 2010</li>
	<li>14 megapixel resolution</li>
	<li>2.8-inch vari-angle/swivel LCD</li>
	<li>Hybrid image stabilization system for blur-free shots</li>
	<li>Slow 1.97 frames per second continuous shooting</li>
	<li>Successor to Canon PowerShot G11</li>
	<li>Suggested retail price of US $499.99</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="2"] [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Well-built camera body</li>
	<li>Addition of front control dial</li>
	<li>Packed with great controls</li>
	<li>Reliable optical image stabilization</li>
	<li>HD movie mode</li>
	<li>Excellent image quality</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="3"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
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	<li>Slow in burst shooting mode</li>
	<li>Cannot optically zoom and autofocus while recording videos</li>
	<li>Expensive</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="4"]
 Proud beginner

 Casual photographer

 Point &amp; shoot photo fan

<strong>√ DSLR photo fan</strong>

 Advanced photographer

People who are looking for a very capable bridge camera that will allow them to experience DSLR functionality, in a smaller and lighter body should definitely give the G12 a try.[/tab] [tab id="5"]CANON POWERSHOT G12 continues the legacy of Canon G-series cameras with its superb overall performance. To many review sites, it’s the best camera as yet created in the G-series.
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<strong>Build Quality &amp; Design: </strong><strong>Solid and beefy.</strong>

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From the get go, you will notice that the CANON POWERSHOT G12 is designed like one of the classic rangefinders, which have always been a favorite with ethusiasts. It is a substantial compact camera with a retro look – which all of the Canon G-series cameras proudly sport.

With a tank-like construction, the G12 is one of your best bets for a camera that feels solid and sturdy in the hands. Due its slightly larger size, it may not fit in your pocket but can still be carried in a small camera bag or purse. It looks and handles very much the same way as its older sibling the G11 does.  <a href="http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/canon/powershot-g12/steves-conclusion-102.html">Steves-digicams</a> cited three notable changes in the G12’s design from that of the G11’s: front control dial, added steps on the ISO control dial, and a rubber pad placed at the rear of the camera for added comfort for your thumb. Essentially, Canon didn't attempt to fix what isn’t broken, yet they've added some remarkable improvements.

The CANON G12 sports a 2.8-inch articulating LCD which makes shooting in awkward positions much easier.

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<strong>Controls &amp; Ergonomics: Numerous controls.</strong>

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The CANON POWERSHOT G12 has many controls and buttons, laid out intuitively on the body. They've managed to arrange the controls in such a way that the body does not feel cluttered and all of the controls can be easily and swiftly accessed whenever you need them.

As mentioned earlier, the new front control dial – a button not present in the G11 – is a welcome addition in the G12 as the user can tweak the settings in manual mode quickly.

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<strong>Shooting Performance: Great lens, though slow in burst shooting.</strong>

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The CANON POWERSHOT G12 is a fairly responsive camera. According to the test done by <a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G12/G12A.HTM">Imaging-</a><a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G12/G12A.HTM">resource</a>, this camera is quick to power up in 2.7 seconds. Shutter lag when prefocused is at 0.76 seconds and 0.754 when fully autofused in telephoto. Shot-to-shot times are only pegged at 2.4 seconds.

The G12 has an improved continuous shooting speed rate but as <a href="http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G12/verdict.shtml">Cameralabs</a> aptly mentioned, “the speed is only 2fps. That may be twice as fast as the G11, but remains far too slow to be useful for action photography.”

Similar to the G11, the G12 also sports a 5x optical zoom lens (28 – 140mm equivalent) with aperture range of f/2.8 – 4.5. <a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G12/G12A.HTM">Imaging-resource</a> commended this camera’s lens for controlling color fringes around high contrast subjects, otherwise known as chromatic aberration. It also has Canon’s hybrid image stabilization technology which helps address camera shake.

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<strong>Image Quality: Good color and saturation.</strong>

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It’s a thumbs up for the CANON POWERSHOT G12 when it comes to image quality. The G12 retains its predecessor’s lens, sensor, and image processor which afforded its older brother the ability to produce sharp and detailed photos so it is no longer surprising that the G12 can do the same. Photos have nice colors and saturation.

The CANON POWERSHOT G12 is also a decent performer across all ISO ranges, it can easily keep up with other cameras in its category - but that said, it could still be improved upon. Cameralabs noted that “the use of a slightly larger sensor (in the G12) than average compacts means you'll enjoy fair results at 400 ISO, or even 800 at a push, depending on your expectations.” Its full report on the G12’s high ISO performance can be read <a href="http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G12/high_ISO_noise.shtml">here</a>.

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<strong>Special Features: HD movie mode and in-camera HDR.</strong>

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Apart from the new front control wheel, one of the most noteworthy additions in the CANON POWERSHOT G12 is the 720p HD movie mode, a feature which the G11 did not have. Video clips look smooth and detailed but it is rather frustrating that you cannnot optically zoom and autofocus during filming. Nonetheless, the HD recording remains an essential upgrade.

Another new feature is the in-camera HDR. As <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong12/page4.asp">DPReview</a> noted, this is really not a must-have function but is one of the nice-to-haves. For a sample HDR photo taken with the G12, click <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong12/page4.asp">here</a>.

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<strong>The Beginners' Lens Ratings</strong>

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This table will help you evaluate the usefulness of a camera according to various photographic situations. These ratings are based on our photographers’ experience, taking into consideration both the features and other reviewed performances of the camera:
•	1 flash is a poor performance;
•	5 flashes herald a stellar performance.

The notes column features observations from advanced photographers. Feel free to agree/disagree in the comments below.
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Photo Type</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Camera Rating</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Notes</strong></td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Action / Children</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">This camera not ideal for action shots based on the burst shooting rate.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Landscape / Architecture</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4  flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Producing great shots at 28mm, the G12 makes a good companion in shooting nice landscapes and architecture.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Low light</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Its f/2.8 lens, Low Light mode, and hybrid IS technology will be a big help when shooting in dim light.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Portrait</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">The G12 shoots nice-looking portraits with natural and soft skin tones.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Rough conditions</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">The construction makes it suitable for shooting under normal conditions, but not suitable for rough conditions.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Safari-like</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">At 140mm as the longest end of the zoom, it is more difficult to capture subjects at a distance.</td>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CATEGORY		:	Bridge</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TOTAL RATING	:	22 / 30</strong></p>
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<strong>The Verdict (Extended version)</strong>

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CANON POWERSHOT G12 continues the legacy of Canon G-series cameras with its superb overall performance. To many review sites, it’s the best camera made in the G-series.

Canon’s G-series camera line has been well-loved by many photography enthusiasts for its great quality, and the CANON POWERSHOT G12 lives up to their decade strong reputation. Canon's new baby will not disappoint with its excellent controls, build, and ergonomics, as well as its image and video quality. Overall, this camera is a joy to use for general photography, especially if you are using the manual modes.

US $499.99 may be a bit pricey, but considering the many features, it's worth splashing out.

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<strong>Review Digest</strong>

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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>CAMERA REVIEW WEBSITE</strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>WHAT THEY HAVE TO  SAY</strong></td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G12/G12A.HTM">Imaging-resource.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“The PowerShot G12 manages to improve on the G11 without taking any backward steps. It represents more a refinement than a revision, but that only reflects what a solid camera the G11 was.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G12/verdict.shtml">Cameralabs.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“Canon's PowerShot G12 may only represent a modest update over its predecessor, but by addressing some of the criticisms of that model while adding a few small but neat new features, it's become a preferable camera overall.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/canon/powershot-sx30-is/canon-powershot-sx30-is-review.html">Steves-digicams.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“This camera is sure to please just about anyone who picks it up to snap some photos, whether you're a seasoned photog looking for a compact walk-about camera, or a newbie looking for a powerful unit that will help you learn more about photography.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_powershot_g12_review/conclusion/">PhotographyBlog.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“The Canon Powershot G12 offers just enough new bells and whistles to make it a worthwhile upgrade from the previous model and keep it competitive with its main rivals…”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong12/page9.asp">DPReview.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“The G12 is an excellent compact camera, with a proven 10MP CCD sensor and effective ergonomics. Fans of 'hands-on' photography will love the big chunky dials, and the addition of a front control dial makes the G12 easier to get to grips with than its most recent predecessors. Our only significant concern is with the G12's uninspiring movie mode.”</td>
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