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Canon 350D vs G12

The Canon EOS 350D (called Canon XT in some regions) and the Canon PowerShot G12 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2005 and September 2010. The 350D is a DSLR, while the G12 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (350D) and a 1/1.7-inch (G12) sensor. The 350D has a resolution of 8 megapixels, whereas the G12 provides 10 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 350D
versus
Canon G12
Canon 350D   Canon G12
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5
8 MP – APS-C sensor 10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor
no Video 720/24p Video
ISO 100-1,600 ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 12,800)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
1.8" LCD – 115k dots 2.8" LCD – 461k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 1.1 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
127 x 94 x 64 mm, 540 g 112 x 76 x 48 mm, 401 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 350D and the Canon PowerShot G12? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 350D and the Canon G12 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The 350D can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G12 is only available in black.

Size Canon 350D vs Canon G12
Compare 350D versus G12 top
Comparison 350D or G12 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon G12 is notably smaller (29 percent) than the Canon 350D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 350D nor the G12 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G12 has a lens built in, whereas the 350D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 350D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 350D gets 400 shots out of its Canon NB-2LH battery, while the G12 can take 370 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-7L power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 350D 127 mm 94 mm 64 mm 540 g 400 n Feb 2005 899ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G12 112 mm 76 mm 48 mm 401 g 370 n Sep 2010 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 77D 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 540 g 600 n Feb 2017 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 750D 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 749ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 760D 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 650D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 500D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 520 g 400 n Mar 2009 799ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 450D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 799ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 30D 144 mm 106 mm 74 mm 785 g 750 n Feb 2006 1,399ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 400D 127 mm 84 mm 65 mm 556 g 370 n Aug 2006 799ebay.com
13.
 
Canon 20D 144 mm 106 mm 72 mm 770 g 700 n Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
14.
 
Canon 300D 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
15.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2009 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G12 was launched at a lower price than the 350D, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 350D features an APS-C sensor and the Canon G12 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the G12 is 87 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 4.6. The sensor in the 350D has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G12 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Technology-wise, the G12 uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 4) than the 350D (DIGIC II), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Canon 350D and Canon G12 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the G12 offers a higher resolution of 10 megapixels, compared with 8 MP of the 350D. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.07μm versus 6.41μm for the 350D). However, it should be noted that the G12 is much more recent (by 5 years and 6 months) than the 350D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Canon G12 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G12 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 18.2 x 13.7 inches or 46.3 x 34.7 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 14.6 x 10.9 inches or 37.1 x 27.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 12.2 x 9.1 inches or 30.9 x 23.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 350D are 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm for good quality, 13.8 x 9.2 inches or 35.1 x 23.4 cm for very good quality, and 11.5 x 7.7 inches or 29.3 x 19.5 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 350D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot G12 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-12800.

In terms of underlying technology, the 350D is build around a CMOS sensor, while the G12 uses a CCD imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

350D versus G12 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the 350D provides substantially higher image quality than the G12, with an overall score that is 13 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.4 bits higher color depth, 0.4 EV of lower dynamic range, and 2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 350D APS-C 8.0 3456 2304none21.810.863760
2.
 
Canon G12 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/24p20.411.216147
3.
 
Canon 77D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.397178
4.
 
Canon 750D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
5.
 
Canon 760D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
6.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
7.
 
Canon 650D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
8.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
9.
 
Canon 500D APS-C 15.1 4752 31681080/20p21.711.566363
10.
 
Canon 450D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
11.
 
Canon 30D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.510.873659
12.
 
Canon 400D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.066462
13.
 
Canon 20D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.911.072162
14.
 
Canon 300D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
15.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
16.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.551256
17.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The G12 indeed provides for movie recording, while the 350D does not. The highest resolution format that the G12 can use is 720/24p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 350D and the G12 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 350D and Canon G12 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 350Doptical n1.8 / 115 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon G12optical n2.8 / 461 swivel n 1/4000s 1.1/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon 77Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 750Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 760Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon 650Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon 500Doptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.4/s Y n
10.
 
Canon 450Doptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
11.
 
Canon 30Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Canon 400Doptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Canon 20Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Canon 300Doptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
15.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Olympus E-450optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The 350D writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the G12 uses SDXC cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 350D and Canon PowerShot G12 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 350DY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Canon G12Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 77DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon 750DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon 760DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Canon 650DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 500DYmono / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon 450DY- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon 30DY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Canon 400DY- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Canon 20DY- / ----1.1---
14.
 
Canon 300DY- / ----1.1---
15.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Olympus E-450Y- / ----2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
padding

Both the 350D and the G12 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 350D was replaced by the Canon 400D, while the G12 was followed by the Canon G15. Further information on the features and operation of the 350D and G12 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 350D Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon G12 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 350D and the Canon G12? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Advantages of the Canon EOS 350D:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.4 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2 stops ISO advantage).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 1.1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2005).


Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G12:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (10 vs 8MP), which boosts linear resolution by 10%.
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 4 vs DIGIC II).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/24p video.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (2.8" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (461k vs 115k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 350D requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (112x76mm vs 127x94mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the 350D).
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 6 months of technical progress since the 350D launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G12 is the clear winner of the contest (12 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

350D 06:12 G12

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 350D and the Canon G12 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 350D and the G12 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 350D..80/100..+ +o.. Feb 2005 899ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G124/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 77D4.5/5..4/582/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 750D5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 760D5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 650D4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 500D..+ +..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 799ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 450D..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 799ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 30D..+ +..+ +o.. Feb 2006 1,399ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 400D..+ +..+ +o4/5 Aug 2006 799ebay.com
13.
 
Canon 20D......+ +.... Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
14.
 
Canon 300D......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
15.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Canon 350D vs Canon G12

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 350D Canon G12
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5
    Launch Date February 2005 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 899 USD 499
    Sensor Specs Canon 350D Canon G12
    Sensor Technology CMOS CCD
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor 1/1.7" Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.2 x 14.8 mm 7.6 x 5.7 mm
    Sensor Area 328.56 mm2 43.32 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.7 mm 9.5 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 4.6x
    Sensor Resolution 8 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3456 x 2304 pixels 3648 x 2736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.41 μm 2.07 μm
    Pixel Density 2.42 MP/cm2 23.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 720/24p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 80 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 80 - 12,800 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC II DIGIC 4
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 60 47
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.8 20.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.8 11.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 637 161
    Screen Specs Canon 350D Canon G12
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.49x
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 1.8inch 2.8inch
    LCD Resolution 115k dots 461k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 350D Canon G12
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 1.1 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Canon 350D Canon G12
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon 350D Canon G12
    Battery Type Canon NB-2LH Canon NB-7L
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge370 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 127 x 94 x 64 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in)
    112 x 76 x 48 mm
    (4.4 x 3.0 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 540 g (19.0 oz) 401 g (14.1 oz)
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