Canon PowerShot G3

 

Canon PowerShot G3
Page Type Gear Review
Object Title Canon PowerShot G3
Manufacturer Canon
Page By ibndalight
Page Type Jan 24, 2007 / Jan 24, 2007
Object ID 1986
Hits 6852
Vote

Product Description

optics, technical innovations, and aggressive product development. Over the last few years, they've developed a powerful lineup of digital cameras, ranging from surprisingly feature-rich entry-level models, all the way to the extreme high end of professional digital SLRs. Last year, their PowerShot G2 prosumer model was one of the top two or three cameras on the entire Imaging Resource site, a fact I attribute to the superb job Canon did in designing and producing it. - The G2 was one of those rare cameras that really hit all the right notes with the "enthusiast" crowd, offering a rich feature set and excellent image quality.

Now, Canon has updated the G2, calling the result the PowerShot G3. To the surprise of many, they eschewed the five megapixel sensors employed by many of their competitors in high-end prosumer models, choosing instead to stay with the proven four megapixel chip first seen in the G2. (I'm told the reason for this is that Canon was unwilling to accept the image noise tradeoff that the current crop of 5 megapixel CCDs require.) While the sensor has remained the same, numerous feature and user interface enhancements (including a new 4x zoom lens with fast f/2.0 maximum aperture) combine to result in a noticeably different user experience. Read on below for the full story, but based on my early look at the new model, I'd say Canon has come up with a very worthy successor to the wildly popular G2.

 

Features

High Points

4-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as high as 2,272 x 1,704 pixels. (3.87 megapixels effective)
Real-image optical viewfinder and 1.8-inch, color LCD monitor with swivel design.
4x optical zoom, 7.2-28.8mm f/2.0-3.0 lens (equivalent to a 35-140mm lens on a 35mm camera) with auto and manual focus.
New autofocus system with continuously adjustable AF area.
Unique focus bracketing mode.
Digital telephoto as high as 3.5x.
Full Automatic, Program AE, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual exposure modes, as well as three preset exposure modes, and two user-programmable modes.
Manually adjustable aperture settings from f/2 to f/8, depending on zoom setting.
Built-in neutral-density filter can be switched in via the shooting menu. (Equivalent to external ND 0.9 filter, 3-stop exposure cut.)
Manually adjustable shutter speed settings from 1/2,000 to 15 seconds.
Variable light sensitivity: Auto, 50, 100, 200, or 400 ISO equivalents.
Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average and Spot metering modes, with an adjustable Spot area.
Spot metering optionally tied to AF area.
White Balance adjustment with nine settings, including two separate "custom" options.
Built-in flash with nine operating modes, flash metering is TTL (through the lens).
External flash hot shoe.
Flash system supports full wireless capabilities of EOS speedlights, via optional Canon wireless transmitter.
Flash system supports optional ringlight and Macro Twin Light accessory flash units.
Continuous Shooting (normal and high-speed), Stitch-Assist, Auto Exposure Bracketing, and Movie recording modes.
Contrast, Sharpness, and Saturation adjustment.
Vivid Color, Neutral Color, Low Sharpening, B&W, and Sepia options.
Remote control and utilities for operating the camera from a computer.
JPEG and RAW still image file formats, movies saved as AVI / Motion JPEGs.
Images saved to CompactFlash Type I or II memory cards.
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
USB cable for high-speed connection to a computer.
Canon Digital Camera software included, as well as Photoshop LE 5.0.
Powered by Canon BP-511 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, with AC adapter/in-camera charger included

Images

Reviews


Viewing: 1-3 of 3

Dean - Jan 28, 2007 3:10 pm - Voted 5/5

Excellent camera
I bought mine in 2003 and am still using it in 2007. The pictures have been excellent and I have tried a couple lighter cameras that were very promising, including a 7.2 megapixel camera, the Canon A620, but when all is said and done, this camera still delivers the best shots. One nice feature is the battery, it is big enough to give tons of shots before running. down. This is because it is a camcorder battery, not the typical one that comes with a smaller camera.

The newer G models have given more megapixels but lost the RAW format which is a true loss for those who prefer shooting in that mode. You can no longer buy the G3 but should you come across one that is used and in working order, it'd be a bargain to pick up and use. I paid over 700 dollars for mine originally (back in the day) but I've taken over 8000 shots. I've certainly gotten my money's worth. I give this camera an A.

johnmnichols - Apr 8, 2008 8:44 am - Hasn't voted

Thumbs up
I have a Canon G5 (no longer available) and am very pleased. Takes tremendous photos and has endured hundreds of miles of backpacking, trips, etc. I definitely recommend Canon G series cameras (I think the latest is G9) for anyone looking for an advanced point and shoot and doesn't want to deal with the weight and size of a SLR.

silversummit - Jan 30, 2009 10:38 am - Hasn't voted

I have a G5 and a G9
Many of the pictures I have posted currently in my gallery were taken with these cameras. The current model is the G10 but I saw little to recommend it over the G9 which is a wonderful high-end point and shoot with sufficient manual control and raw shooting capability to keep many photographers happy; especially those wishing to keep camera weight down but options open.




Viewing: 1-3 of 3