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Canon G12 Comparison Review

The Canon PowerShot G12 is a fixed lens compact camera that was officially introduced in September 2010 and is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 10 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon G12 a good camera? The G12 has a Camera Elo of 1248. This rating puts the G12 below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the G12 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon G12 is more than 13 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2010.

Headline Specifications
Canon G12
Fixed lens compact camera
28-140mm f/2.8-4.5
10 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
720/24p Video
ISO 80 - 3 200 (80 - 12 800)
Optical viewfinder
2.8 LCD, 461k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
1.1 shutter flaps per second
370 shots per battery charge
112 x 76 x 48 mm, 401 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon G12 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon G12 vs credit card front
G12 versus credit card top view
G12 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon G12 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G12 112 mm 76 mm 48 mm 401 g 370 n Sep 2010 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 429ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon P7800 119 mm 78 mm 50 mm 399 g 350 n Sep 2013 549ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2009 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon G12 was launched in the US market at a price of $499. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Canon G12 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 4.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon G12 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Canon G12 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon G12 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/24p20.411.216147
2.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
3.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
4.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
5.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
6.
 
Nikon P7800 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/30p21.211.720054
7.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.551256
8.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
9.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
10.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
11.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The G12 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the G12 can use is 720/24p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G12 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
#   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 G12optical n2.8 / 461 swivel n 1/4000s 1.1/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Nikon P7800921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Olympus E-450optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LCD screen on the Canon PowerShot G12 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the G12

One convenient feature of the G12 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection 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 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
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon G12Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon P7800Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-450Y- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
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The G12 has a zoom lens built in (6.1-30.5mm f/2.8-4.5), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 28 to 140mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the G12 can be found in the free online Canon G12 Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G12. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G124/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 429ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon P78003/5......4/54.5/5 Sep 2013 549ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Canon G12 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the G12.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Canon G12?

The camera is build around a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Canon G12 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Canon equipped the G12 with the DIGIC 4 image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon G12?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200.

Does the Canon G12 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Canon G12 use?

The camera gets its power from the NB-7L (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, 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 Summary
    Camera Model Canon G12
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5
    Launch Date September 2010
    Launch Price USD 499
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CCD
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.6 x 5.7 mm
    Sensor Area 43 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.5 mm
    Crop Factor 4.6x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 648 x 2 736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.07 μm
    Pixel Density 23.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/24p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3 200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 12 800 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 4
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 47
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 161
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 2.8 inch
    LCD Resolution 461k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness No front-flip
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.1 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type NB-7L power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 112 x 76 x 48 mm
    (4.4 x 3.0 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 401 g (14.1 oz)

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