Canon PowerShot G10 goes for the resolution boost

(Credit: Canon USA)

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1 offers interchangeable lenses, Nikon's CoolPix P6000 provides GPS--the feature sets on enthusiast compact cameras are all over the place these days. So, should we be disappointed that the whizziest new feature of Canon's PowerShot G10 is its almost-15-megapixel resolution?

First, the basics:

	Canon PowerShot G9	Canon PowerShot G10	Nikon Coolpix P6000	Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
Resolution	12 megapixels	14.7 megapixels	13.5 megapixels	10 megapixels
Sensor size	1/1.7-inch	1/1.7-inch	1/1.7-inch	1/1.63-inch
Lens (35mm equivalent)	f2.8-4.8 35-210mm (6x)	f2.8-4.5 28-140mm (5x)	f2.7-5.9 28-112mm (4x)	f2.0-2.8 24-60mm (2.5x)
LCD	230,000 pixels, 3 inches	460,000 dots, 3 inches	230,000 pixels, 2.7 inches	460,000 dots, 3 inches
Optical viewfinder	Yes	Yes	Yes	Optional
Hot shoe	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Max ISO sensitivity at full resolution	ISO 1600	ISO 1600	ISO 1600	ISO 3200
Raw format supported	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Movie capture	VGA 30fps, 1024x768 15fps	VGA 30fps	n/a	848x480 30fps
Mfr. pricing and availability	$499.99; now	$499.99; October	$449.95; late September	$499.95; now

First, this doesn't look like the kind of update that will inspire envy in G9 owners. The couple extra megapixels probably isn't worth it, and though Canon giveth with the improved wide-angle coverage, it taketh away in total zoom range. The bump to Digic 4 will probably help with photo quality; usually each generation of image processing does eke out some improvements, but some of that must go to compensating for noise on the same-size but higher-resolution sensor, as well as to maintaining performance. The new capabilities in the processor--Face Detection, Servo AF, Face Detection Self-Timer, and Intelligent Contrast Correction--are probably more important to the audience of snapshot-camera users than the manual enthusiasts who tend to buy the G series models. As for the competition, the Nikon P6000's built-in GPS is a mighty attractive option, but traditionally the Nikons have had disappointing performance, so a lot may be riding on how well they stack up against each other for speed.

[lostatsea]

14MP on 1/1.7 sensor = more noise!! if you want image quality I would opt for the LX3. The Gx series has terrific build quality, but this is a sacrifice of image quality to the MP gods. I would think the audience in this price range would be more discerning.

[lostatsea]

14MP on 1/1.7 sensor = more noise!! if you want image quality I would opt for the LX3. The Gx series has terrific build quality, but this is a sacrifice of image quality to the MP gods. I would think the audience in this price range would be more discerning.

[Houckster]

I'm not sure that more noise is an inevitable result of a higher pixel count and it the new Digic IV processor may have this problem controlled. But even if it isn't, software is available that will clean this up quite well. Some people might balk at post exposure processing but for me, that's part of the fun and the satisfaction. The G10 is on my list. I just wish I could get it in time for my vacation.

[bigf762]

"So, should we be disappointed that the whizziest new feature of Canon's PowerShot G10 is its almost-15-megapixel resolution? ???????"

Does this reviewer know anything about cameras and photography???
I've read Cnet reviews on many products - printers. mobile phones etc. and I always end up asking the same question " When will Cnet hire reviewers who are capable of understanding a product and reviewing it from the perspective of its potential users?"
The Canon Powershot G10 is designed for photographers and any photographer will tell you that the single most significant new feature on this camera is the 28mm wide angle lens.

"and though Canon giveth with the improved wide-angle coverage, it taketh away in total zoom range"

a 5X zoom starting at 28mm kills a 6X zoom starting at 35mm any day.

"this doesn't look like the kind of update that will inspire envy in G9 owners"

I predict that G9 owners will be trading in their cameras in droves to buy the new G10, and make it one of the most successful products Canon has produced. Why? Because Canon are finally starting to provide real photographers with what they really want in a compact camera.