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Canon PowerShot G16 First Impressions Review

Sep 26, 2013 at 12:00:15 GMT

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Canon's PowerShot G16 might not be a massive upgrade compared to its predecessor, but it is a a solid camera that evolves the G-series in some interesting ways. In this article, we take a look at the G16's real-world performance and dig into its new Wi-Fi feature as well as taking a critical look at its improved video mode. We've also added many more images to our previously-published gallery of real-world samples. Click through for a link to our first-impressions review.

Click here to read 'First Impressions Review: Using the Canon PowerShot G16'

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Canon PowerShot G16

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Canon PowerShot G16 Compact Camera●

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Canon PowerShot G16 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 1080p Full-HD Video	Too low to display
Canon PowerShot G16 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 1080p Full-HD Video	Too low to display
Canon PowerShot G15 12MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Black)	Too low to display
Canon PowerShot G1 X 14.3 MP CMOS Digital Camera	$599.00
Canon PowerShot S120 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 1080p Full-HD Video	Too low to display
Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera (Black) with 32GB Card + Battery + Case + Flex Tripod + Accessory Kit	$459.95
Canon PowerShot G16 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 1080p Full-HD Video Ultimate Bundle With 32GB Secure Digital High Speed Memory Card, Digpro Deluxe Case, Extra Battery, Card Reader, Tripod , Card Wallet , HDMI Cable , Screen Pro	$549.00
Canon PowerShot A2300 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Digital Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 720p HD Video Recording (Red)	$84.90
Canon PowerShot SX500 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 30x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black)	$224.96
Canon PowerShot A4000IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 720p HD Video Recording and 3.0-Inch LCD (Blue)	$94.99
Canon PowerShot A810 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Digital Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 720p HD Video Recording (Red)	$74.99

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Comments

Total comments: 292

Whrere, oh, where is the tilt and swivel screen, eh?

2 upvotes

Despite my concerns on the price...I bought this camera and got it from Amazon last night. I am not so sure the AF has improved in low light over the G15. But the image quality is impressive. The rounded handgrip up front makes it more comfortable to hold but the thumb grip on the back is slightly smaller.

0 upvotes

Would agree with "JustmeMN" >Minor updates mean continued sales, with minimal R&D expenses.<
Evolution can be beneficial, small but impressive tweaks, rather than throw it away each time.
Saving R&D costs can mean better value products.
In same way I had several 35mm Canon cameras ..
AE1, E1, EOS600 ......... development of the family.

0 upvotes

Panasonic GX-7, LF-1 and Nikon's P7800 all have accurate EVFs leaving the Canon with a highly inaccurate glass tunnel to roughly guess what you are getting. As I need corrected vision close up, a VF is essential so this means the Canon Gs are still off the list. Pity, as I like Canon products overall and would have bought the G15/16 had it come with a decent OVF or EVF. One other thing, Canon have a shorter zoom range than the competition so why can't they give us a 24-140mm to compete with Nikon and Panasonic's 28-200mm?

0 upvotes

Panasonicus:

The GX-7 only just shipped in the USA, it costs a great deal more. The LF1 is the only pocket raw camera with a built-in EVF.

And I believe the Nikon has a bit slower lens.

The reason for less zoom on the Canon is that the lens is faster than both the Nikon and the LF1. Most people who buy this camera are far more interested in a fast lens than zoom range.

There are also those who prefer an optical view, even if it's not perfectly accurate--particularly when the cited LF1 is not the greatest.

0 upvotes

As long as people continue to buy GXX cameras, Canon will continue to make them. Minor updates mean continued sales, with minimal R&D expenses.

2 upvotes

Surprised at how Canon keeps ignoring the market overall. Still one more iteration without a 24mm wide lens, still just 12mp and a small sensor compared to the now leading RX-100 cameras. Still too heavy, still too big.

Just my opinion.

5 upvotes

Canon already made the mistake of entering the more pixels race in earlier versions of the G series.

Thankfully Canon learnt that better image quality at higher ISOs is more important than simply more pixel cramming, and Canon revised the sensors in later G cameras to have 10 and now 12MP. (Wikipedia link to G series: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_PowerShot_G)

Frankly 8MP would be better.

So drop the more pixels unconditionally makes a better image implication. Even the vaunted Sony RX100 suffers from pixel cramming sins. Though the new one, with the BSI sensor, sure looks better at higher ISOs. Anyhow in either case, those Sonys have a much bigger sensor than the Canon.

In fact Canon is not “ignoring the overall market”, cameras like the Panasonic LX7 and the Olympus XZ2 have 10 and 12MP sensors respectively, and those are direct competitors.

It's no longer the year 2003.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

4 upvotes

I would agree with HowaboutRAW.

I have a Canon G12 which I use more often than my Canon 5D Mk2, 40D, Lumix GF1 and other film cameras.

I don't think Canon is ignoring the market overall with the G series. In fact, the G has an established customer base. Those who go diving but could not buy a DSLR housing would most likely use a G series camera with its affordable housing. Many journalists would use a G camera for small assignments. The G series is adequite for many travel writers who do not need enlargement larger than A3. Contrary to what others say, it is quite a capable "small" camera.

Most important, it must be user friendly. I have no complaints about my G12 for what it can do. The G16 should be better.

10Mp is more than enough, 12Mp is about the ceiling for the sensor size. Just keep it that way.

Hey, I could do an A3 enlargement with an image taken with the 7Mp Powershot A620 years ago without any problem. So how big do you want to go?

Comment edited 9 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I also 100% agree with whataboutraw.
The g12/ g15,,etc continue to be very popular. This is the reason canon does continue to make them.
When it does come to more pixels in a small sensor..,canon make a good move.
Less pixels are better.

0 upvotes

Gunther35
Aloha and thank you for posting your comments--organized, on topic and to the point. The type of comment that is needed on any camera forum. Agree or not, you have given clear and precise observations.
Mahalo

0 upvotes

When I bought my G9 it was the compact camera of choice., it could shoot raw, it had full manual controls and a magnesium aloy body. It was one of a few compacts a professional photographer considered. This was in 2007. For me this is where my interest in the G series ended, although still excellent cameras , compact iLCs with aps c sensors and interchangeable lenses and being able to use old Lieca , Contax and Angenieux lenses via adapter for the same price as G series camera ended my enchantment. I remember the outrage when the G7 didn't shoot raw. Given that the new bodies are plastic, the price is high and the sensors are small and they are made for professionals who are aware of all this, I wonder how they even sell at all. The blunders of the EOS M and now this ? Can't Cannon at least put an aps-c sensor to at least make it worth looking at ? Cannon has more than proven they make excellent ones. can't imagine buying this camera, I think others feel the same. 9 fps per second is nice but not enough of a rationale to get the camera. Is Cannon asleep? Is a stubborn moron in market research holding everyone hostage at Cannon ? Are they trying to lose a lot of money and reap the rewards of an obscure subsidy or stock option of some kind? I really can't account for any reasons Canon has for making an obsolanete camera and figure out why anyone would want to buy it? I remember when Canon made the best cameras on the market from the 1980's until now. Nikon and Sony are catching up and in some ways even surpassing Canon. Canon's response seems to be bending over backwards to fail. Hopefully Canon will wake up, otherwise the mid 2000's will be remembered as a once great maker a remembered fondly in spite of it's failures like a Voightlandänder and the German camera industry before they lost out to the Japanese in the early 70's

0 upvotes

You can't make a APS-C camera this size with this small a lens. But, I agree. they could have a much larger sensor. The G1-X seemed to be a logical new path but focus was slow (so I hear).

1 upvote

The Nikon Coolpix A is a compact camera with an APS-C sensor. To keep the camera compact, using that sensor size, they had to use a fixed 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) lens. No zoom.

0 upvotes

M4/3rds?
Same size, much bigger sensor, IQ equivalent to APS-C except for large print pixel peepers, better internal EV in some models, large collection of great glass smaller and lighter than APS-C lenses etc.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I bought a Panasonic G3 and yes, it is not much larger or heavier than a G series. Panasonic are, however, building newer Gs larger and heavier defeating the purpose of small. If only the G had a decent OVF or EVF.

0 upvotes

I still use my G9. It's a great camera.

1 upvote

Hi : You ask :" Can't Cannon at least put an aps-c sensor to at least make it worth looking at ? ".
G1X has an APS-C sensor.., and was not popular !!!
People complained a lot.
The G series at the time , sold much better than the aps-c canon which was the canon G1X.
In fact the september 2011 when a small sensor G was due , canon did not launch any G small sensor camera.
January 2012 G1X was launched.

It was a flop

0 upvotes

I actually think the G16 might compete well with my RX100II.

In favor of the G16:

1) Built in viewfinder
2) No buffer at 9 fps!
3) IQ will be pretty close at the tele focal lengths because the lens is almost 2 stops faster at the tele end.
4)Better ergonomics ( I always prefer a smaller lens to body ratio)
5)A second custom setting on the dial
6)longer telephoto reach
7)A remote cable switch

In favor of the RX100II:

1) Better IQ at wide focal lengths and lower light
2) Pocketable
3) 20MP
4) tilting LCD

2 upvotes

You are confusing image quality with apeture, they are never related

0 upvotes

I thought the G1X was the worthy successor to the G-series cameras. Coming out with the G16 when the G1X and the Sony RX100 are already out seems odd.

0 upvotes

In the USA, the G1X still retails for $700.

Yes it has big sensor--though likely of course a Canon sensor, not say a Sony.

Then it has a slower lens than later G series cameras, or the first G series cameras too.

It' s good bit bigger than the G16.

And, really most important: The AF does not have a good reputation.

1 upvote

The body of the Canon G1 X is 7% wider and 21% taller than the Canon EOS M. If Canon ever creates a G2 X, it should have a smaller body.

1 upvote

The G1X has accurate but very slow focusing. The lens is slow, too. It has no close-up capability at all--the way cameras used to be, when you bought a macro lens and got outstanding macro results. It's large and not stylish. But the absolute worst feature is that once you see the image quality, you're not going to consider any of the other G series.

0 upvotes

AbrasiveR:

Perhaps I should have said "slow" instead of "bad reputation".

I've not tried the G1X, but I'm sure it has plenty good image quality when shooting raw, but as you say it has a slow lens and slow AF.

It remains fairly expensive too. It's something that Canon should replace with V2. Yes, I know it will take something out of lowend SLR sales.

0 upvotes

The Canon G1X seems to me to be a "clunker" with a poor VF, no close-up ability, large and heavy and slow focusing. Why buy it when Micro 4/3rds offers far more?

0 upvotes

Panasonicus:

If you're thinking of the G1X, then yes it makes sense to also look at the MFT cameras.

Though the G1X has a screen with greater articulation and the lens collapses into the body--so those are features some may seek out. Technically the G1X also has a bigger sensor.

0 upvotes

I think some may have a misunderstanding regarding the G1X. There is nothing on the market today that packs a near-APS C size sensor and zoom lens in such a small package.

My experience has been that the G1X's autofocus is in the same general performance category as the G11/G12...not a speed demon but acceptably decent. What often gets overlooked is its ability to really crank up the ISO and still maintain excellent image quality. Yes, macros aren't its strong suit.

As far as overall flexibility in taking images under a very wide variety of lighting conditions, it far outshines the G15/16. This is a very underrated camera.

0 upvotes

Why so big the physical size??

2 upvotes

clearly to make up for the ridiculously small sensor.

8 upvotes

There may be additional reasons, but it has to be tall to fit in the optical viewfinder.

1 upvote

There is a segmant of the market that still believes that bigger is better irrespective of sensor size. People that have large hands or that are used to the ergonomics of a chunky design that is big enough to grip firmly love this design. This is one of the reasons why people have not crossed over the compact mirrorless cameras and are still buying traditionally styled DSLRs. Also, a larger camera is peceived to be the tool of a serious or semi-pro photographer and unfortunately many amateurs like to be seen with a big camera around their necks rather than some dinky looking toy (their thinking, not mine). This is possibly why the Panasonic GH3 has grown to DSLR size to capture this market despite its smaller mirrorless heritage.

Cheers

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Bring back the 200mm on the tele-end and I'm sold. Been waiting to upgrade my G7 since like forever, but 140 is not enough for me, and I don't dare to switch to Nikon.

1 upvote

Most people, though not all, would want a faster lens, and that limits the zoom range. Or the lens gets much bigger+heavier and the camera is a good bit more expensive.

1 upvote

Live on the edge ...
Keep your Canon, and boldly go where you've never been before.
You might end up with a Casio and be happier then ever.
Think of what you could be missing....

0 upvotes

As HowaboutRAW mentioned, count me in as one who would rather have a faster lens rather than more zoom for a "G2X"

Jim

0 upvotes

Does G16 maintain MF when rear LCD turned off?

0 upvotes

G15 with its f/1.8 lens, good af, low price, and excellent image quality at <=1000 iso handle most situations very well and is a great deal.

G16 seems to address the fps issue for those needing great action photography at low cost. It also fixes the main complaint regarding G15 video (that it didn't support 1080p60). So, a nice incremental bump.

Going forward, the biggest issue holding back the G series is noise at >1000 iso and the minimal zoom (5X is starting to look pathetic). My guess is that G17 will have a variable f/1.4-f/2.0 lens with 10x zoom. Faster lens = less noise for most shots. That seems much more realistic than assuming they'll get a larger sensor down to g15/16's size and price point without sacrificing lens speed, fast a/f, and fps.

0 upvotes

The G-series was a serious contender during the early boom of DCs but with the advent of MILC, I find it increasing difficult to find a justification for this line. There are M4/3 and NEX cameras that offer better quality and performance with less bulk and comparable prices, and compact DCs that fit in your pocket with similar image quality, which makes me wonder what benefit the G-series offers in today's market.

1 upvote

And a few months after this Canon G16 ships, it will retail for less than those system camera bodies. So the comparable prices thing is misleading.

With lenses those are all bigger than the G16.

It is lovely that Canon stuck with the wheels for adjustment on this G series. Sony could learn something from that.

No, barring some radical change in sensor technology–prisms, Samsung’s Isocell perhaps–this smaller G series isn’t likely to compete with the likes of the Sony RX100 or MFT cameras for high ISOs. But this is a good smallish camera, with real manual control and very good image quality at lower ISOs.

Finally: It shoots raw, and Canon fixed the slow lens problem of versions like the G12.

Does it have stiff competition from the likes of the Fuji X20 or the Olympus XZ2? Yes.

2 upvotes

Nex-3N (with pancake zoom) sells for $449, so the Canon needs to drop $100 just to match that price

3 upvotes

ET2--

That Sony is being discounted to get to that pricing, and the Sony has a slower lens.

0 upvotes

I cannot understand the NEX3 being touted as an alternative. The whole point of the G cameras is you do not have to wade through labyrinthine menus to do anything as is necessary with the stripped to the bare essentials entry level NEX's.

Comment edited 50 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

Most people would never be able to see any differences in prints between the current small sensor cameras and the load of apsc cameras flooding the market. You are better off investng in a great printer and fine art grade paper if results are important to you.

PS: we need a "dislike" button.

3 upvotes

Panasonic LF-1, GX-7, Nikon P7800 all have electronic viewfinders and the Fuji X20 has more than an inaccurate tunnel a la Canon G series. The market appears to be moving toward accurate viewfinders and for me not having an EVF or a reasonably accurate OVF is a deal breaker. Pity the G16 didn't catch up with Nikon and Panasonic in this area.

Comment edited 10 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

The LF1 is still an outlier for cameras that small, and has a much slower lens than the G16--particularly when zoomed.

The GX7 has not even shipped yet, in the US, and has a much bigger sensor, takes interchangeable lens, so is in a significantly different category+costs a good bit more.

1 upvote

5x lens? Nikon beats it.
No tilt-swivel screen? Nikon beats it.
But the Nikon is infuriatingly slow to use.

Can someone come out with a mash up?
Great image quality, 10x bright lens, very zippy, 10MP enough- use big pixels to gather lots of light, WiFi, = great travel zoom.

5 upvotes

Leica V-Lux 1. Bright lens, 10x, 10mp.

Done.

0 upvotes

Panasonic G6 with compact 14-140mm zoom. Or, if the G6 is too large the "not much bigger than a Canon G series" G3 will do it but it lacks wifi.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

One question to the reviewer: does the new grip make the camera more comfortable to hold?

0 upvotes

I can answer that because I just got the camera last night...up front it does but the thumb grip on back is slightly smaller and less comfortable than on the G15...so it's pretty much a wash between the two.

0 upvotes

Thanks! I got the G15 in the end because of the price difference. Love the fast lens, fast operation and multiple dials. Small sensor image quality, but in a great package.

0 upvotes

G17 = no conspicuous, ugly (yes, ugly) WiFi sticker, a tilt screen and a better sensor. ...so hang on.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Amazing so much criticism for a camera that performs so well for the price. Wifi-sticker ugly, really? lol

I'm seriously amused and smiling when reading the comments, so don't confuse this comment as whining, It's seriously amazing to me to read some of the criticisms and comparisons to cameras that are in another class or price range entirely.

8 upvotes

Not impressed. Canon needs to step up their game as of late.

2 upvotes

I still dont get why Canon got back to a G camera with fixed LCD :/

1 upvote

So people step up to the G1X to get it.

1 upvote

G2x please

8 upvotes

My theory: If you want a large-sensor small-body camera, Canon wants you to buy an EOS M. I doubt that there will ever be a G2X, but only Canon knows.

0 upvotes

ugly cyclop of the camera!

2 upvotes

The most interesting compact camera with such a feature set is neither the G16 nor the P7800, while the Nikon would, for my purposes, come closer than the Canon, but rather the Panasonic LF1, which includes both a 28-200mm (eq.) lens and an electronic viewfinder, and it's so small that it's indeed pocketable, something neither the Canon nor the Nikon really is.

2 upvotes

Okay, but the Pana LF1 doesn't have as fast a lens as the G16.

1 upvote

If the LF-1's EVF was reasonable quality I would have been tempted. Put the P7800's EVF in the Panny and they would sell like hot cakes. Canon are falling behind with the G15 and G16 with the old OVF that is far too inaccurate to rely upon for composing your shot.

1 upvote

Panasonicus--

I like the LF1's VF for a first try at this kind of thing in a truly pocket camera.

But I like the optical quality the lens and high ISO capacity of the Olympus XZ10 more--as pocket cameras go. (Yes of course the Panasonic does better video than the Olympus.)

0 upvotes

It's a great little camera. Put a Leica logo on it and most of you guys who now criticize it would be salivating for it.

I have a Fuji X20 which cleanly outmatches the G16 in two areas which are important to me: shutter lag (the X20 has none) and small size. However, the G series is excellent; I've used several, a G10, G12, G14, G1X and they all perform admirably, much better than, say, the Leicas that are nothing but rebadged Lumixes.

5 upvotes

You had a G14? Can you describe it for us please?

12 upvotes

This isn't so far-fetched. Too late now, but if they had put a red dot on the G1X and priced it at $999, DPR would have said "While we have considerable reservations about the G1X's quirks there is no denying the large sensor produces better images than it's competitors."

1 upvote

I wouldn't say that the X20 is smaller than the G16:

X20 - 117 x 70 x 57 mm
G16 - 109 x 76 x 40 mm

1 upvote

HAHA, kind of hard to take this seriously, when you say you've used the G14, which never existed!

2 upvotes

I'd be curious as to how you used the G14 as Canon went from the G12 to the G15, skipping 13 and 14. Are you just making things up to sound impressive? I have used the G15 and just as the article says the shutter lag is pretty much nonexistent so your argument that the Fuji X20 outmatches the G16 is doubtful. While the Fuji is a fine camera I'm inclined to go with the Canon with its brighter lens and much better battery life.

6 upvotes

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/42066782

I said I used it, and I'm pretty sure it was a 14, because it certainly wasn't a 12, certainly not a G1X and definitely not the 10. I never bought one because it did not fit my other need, size. But I was certainly impressed by the G's. And I really stand by my assessment: put a little Leica logo and half the photographers would be salivating but, because it is an evolution of something that is pretty good, everyone is going "yawn".

0 upvotes

No G13 or 14 ever existed. Must have been the 15. I do agree that if Leica made it, it would be a hot little momma, but they didn't. It's the same old boring Canon design with minimal upgrades IMO. The G's are great cameras, but I haven't seen any improvements that would make me jump from the 12 to the 16. I like the LF1, but it's too tiny, so I'll probably go with the new Nikon for a compact.

1 upvote

useless information.

in the west, number13 is unlucky
in east Asia, number 14 sounds similar to the word death

no wonder no 13 and 14

1 upvote

Could have been another 12 for all I know and it just looked different to me. I'm always amazed at how people always grab some tiny detail and hang their entire argument on it.

The point is not the nomenclature, but the camera itself. The times that I've used G's, I have found the image to be really good, the quality solid, the controls very good and the only thing that I didn't like that much was the size and, naturally, the shutter lag.

People are willing to pay $200 or more for the rebadged Lumix under the Leica badge when they are clearly inferior: long lags, slow focus and, in the case of the M's, notorious problems such as the shredding of the memory cards.

Yet, when a manufacturer takes a good product, slowly but surely makes it better, it is criticized because "it is not enough"

1 upvote

That ugly Wi-Fi sticker would be the first thing to go. Makes the camera look cheap.

9 upvotes

I agree!

0 upvotes

I don't think so ... at least it could be worse in red color.

0 upvotes

paint it red!

3 upvotes

It could be worse: like Sony with anodized aluminum advertising on the stupid thing.

0 upvotes

It is amazing that people are actually calling it a sticker but still not getting that means it can be peeled off. It beggars belief really.

0 upvotes

DPR should give this camera a Gold, just to torture fans of Sony RX100 II. :-)

5 upvotes

LOL!

0 upvotes

Nothing quite as bad as rabid Sony fangirlz

0 upvotes

Sigh, Canon is too comfortable with their sales with no upgrade yet with the image sensor. By now, the G series should have been at the level of the Nikon 1 and Rx100, in terms of sensor size.

4 upvotes

GX1 already has a sensor bigger than the 1" sensor of the Sony RX100.

A bigger sensor in the G16 body would mean a bigger lens.

3 upvotes

The G1X is at another level, it is m4/3 territory which made it larger and slower to focus. Between the Nikon 1, RX, and the G, I would preferred the Nikon but I don't need an ILC. The RX seems the best, but the price is steep. The G is huge yet nice to handle but with IQ lagging.

0 upvotes

zod--

The GX1 is slow to focus, because Canon was cheap and lazy about the AF on the camera. Nothing to do with a bigger sensor.

0 upvotes

Agree, but I'd say with high certainty that EOS M2 and G2x will get dual pixel technology from 70D and EVF, making them go from could would shoulda's to hell yeah's.

0 upvotes

Like others -- I see the removal of the articulated screen as an omission for sure. Otherwise, a good tweak to the G series and a possible acquisition if you haven't owned one in quite a while. My G3 was an incredible camera -- and the shots I got from it are still among some of the best pictures I have taken.

Admittedly the RX100 is probably the better all-round camera.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I bought each of the G series- trading in each one for 50% of the cost of a new one- and stopped at the G12. In the interim I bought the G1X for the larger sensor. My problem with all of the series was solved with the new lens on the G15 (which I did not buy). f2.8 reducing to 5.6 or whatever when the lens is extended, is too slow. The other item is the v/f. I shoot only through a v/f and it is difficult with these cameras. We need an EVF. Don't ask me why, but when the price dropped like a stone, I bought the EOS M for the sensor size. I can only use it with one lens and an OVF. I have been waiting for a G1X withe a faster lens. I will give up on the V/F if they will produce one. The lenses and quality are wonderful.

0 upvotes

Do you keep the entire "G harem" in the same stable? Doesn't one get jealous if you pick another for an outing? But it must be quite a show to carry them all about at once.

0 upvotes

vroger1:

You seem to be saying that the G15 has an F2.8 lens, that's a mistake I made too. It, and this new G16, have an F1.8 lens when wide.

0 upvotes

If you want a small form factor and good OVF the SL1 would be a far better choice than the M. Seems like a strange choice.

0 upvotes

Canon follows the degenerating way of humanity. It is a real involution we see here.

2 upvotes

I will be politically incorrect: this comment is dumb. Period. It has nothing to do with photography and it has nothing to do with humans.

9 upvotes

I can't get over how U.G.L.Y. that is!!!!!! LOL!

3 upvotes

If only they use bigger sensor for G16, i would probably eat my G15... :D

0 upvotes

Yawn!

0 upvotes

I guess it is time for Canon to come up with a EOS M II with the 70D sensor, an articulated LCD and of course with an option of plug in electronic viewfinder. Removing the articulated LCD from G series was not a wise step.

2 upvotes

You mean the Eos M was not a flop?

2 upvotes

I would by this camera tomorrow if it had an Articulating screen

stelios

7 upvotes

...and I would buy it tomorrow, if it had a hi-res EVF!

3 upvotes

If you search all that one specific camera has and that you take as the reference object to comment like you do, just buy that reference camera and do not consider this one. You have an enomous choice, non of all of them has it all, but there would be certainly one that has most of what you look for. If not, keep on waiting ... till the end of days.

2 upvotes

Stelio Canon G1X has both articulating screen and APS-C sensor

2 upvotes

I wanted a RF type Canon for so long... G7, G9, G11... they always seemed to fall short of what I wanted and those tiny plasticky peephole viewfinders... YECH! Then came Fuji with the X100 and XPro1 ... ahhhh

Sorry Canon... your SLRs are first rate and I have many, but I can't see any point in your G series.

1 upvote

You simply missed out then. I had the G7 (still do own it) & it was a really fun camera to use & easy to get impressive results. Now I have moved on, but don't underestimate the ability of this G series just because of some compromises.
G isnt the same league as X100.

2 upvotes

Why did it have to be a Canon?

0 upvotes

if i am shooting Large JPG,
would i be able to transfer only small jpg for social media
on the wifi ?

that would be useful, since social media don't need
large files

0 upvotes

Don't know about Canon. But the sony wifi system gives a choice of file sizes to send by wifi.

2 upvotes

If Canon improves G1X's DR to match T2i's and do something about that Panorama feature too, I will buy that camera no questions! Even if price will go up $200 or so. I've previously owned Canon's compacts and they are great!
Advanced compact from Canon with larger sensor... G1X??

2 upvotes

...and, I hope that wi-fi logo may be removed, what a ugly logo, really. lack of taste for the design/aesthetics, if it exists.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

6 upvotes

This makes me say, "Funny, you'd think that'd be interesting."

I loved the IQ from my G1X - it amazed me. But DR was just not up to the task. Why not tweak that sensor, tweak the lens, add a great EVF and win over a lot of M43 owners? I don't care if it's bigger, it's still much more compact and convenient than a bag of lenses.

They proved, with the G1X, that it can be done. Then they quit. Pity.

6 upvotes

At least they made the G1X, I dont' see anyone else making anything like it.

4 upvotes

@cgarrard, I agree. The G1X is an awesome camera and the sensor is special. I have been hoping for a G2X that is actually slightly smaller and streamlined. It would still be large enough to meet all the requests we are reading about..EVF, tilt screen on and on.

Come on Canon!

We also have the G15. Great ergonomics but it really does need a sensor update.

2 upvotes

I wouldnt be suprised if this was last Gxx they made.

Canon again made product which is obsolete even brand new.

Maybe time for that mirrorless train? Or at least some decent PnS camera ala Sony?

That OVF made laugh. Dont get me wrong, I love OVF on dSLRs, but on G series (which should be premium PnS) its laughable since Panasonic made its G1. And thats been few years now..

2 upvotes

People prefer better IQ can go RX___ or even G1X. People prefer pocketable, macro, faster and better change to capture moment go G16. Some people enjoying taking good picture, some enjoying comparing high IQ picture. Go for your choice. All camera can take good picture, only how much is the chances. That is why Pro go 1DX or D4.

1 upvote

pocketable huh?

2 upvotes

Those 2 cameras are great low resolution, fast cameras.

0 upvotes

G16 pocketable... I dont think so, if yo want pocketable and similar IQ get a S110 or S120

2 upvotes

Jostian, unfortunately there's a big difference between "similar IQ" and "same IQ". Not to speak of a fast lens on the tele side.

1 upvote

"The PowerShot G16 features the same sensor as the previous-generation G15"

First sentence page 2 of article.

Switched off and clicked on another more interesting page.

22 upvotes

agree, the G15's high ISO performance needs work.

1 upvote

IMHO what they should do is dump the sensor completely, put 1" inside, redesign body to be smaller, but still retaining VF (although this time - a bigger one). That should allow this camera to stand a chance against the competition. Cause right now? Making it was a waste of resources.

5 upvotes

I agree. That's the problem with these cameras. Their small sensors demand progress with each new generation for them to keep competing or fall behind so much that even the better zoom range isn't enough.

Comment edited 57 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Canon needs to bring their line up to date. For a viewfinder camera, its big and heavy. I would opt for one of their (or Nikon) DSLR, or get something like the Sony RX100 or Fuji for a top shelf small camera.

0 upvotes

To DPR :
What about focus peaking?
What about handheld HDR?
What about the exposure time up to 250s and the new nightscenes?
And the background defocus mode? Is it a useless gadget or not?

Even for a "first impression", please speak about the new functions.

And... are you sure the sensor is the same?
Canon's sites are making a difference
- G15 = CMOS sensor
- G16 = BSI CMOS sensor

Thanks for the review.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

7 upvotes

Peaking is discussed in the fourth paragraph - we hope to include some examples soon.

There's a question mark over the sensor. We've gone back and asked Canon US about it - they're insisting it's the same as the G15 (FSI). Canon Europe's website says BSI CMOS.

We have already amended our text to reflect this inconsistency, but the simple answer is that we can't be sure. Our testing shows little difference between the G15 and G16, but we're only at the beginning of testing.

5 upvotes

I missed the peaking passage. Thanks for your reply.

0 upvotes

Shouldn't this site be big enough to sacrifice a G15 & a G16, and actually open them up and compare the sensors physically?

0 upvotes

@b534202 - It's a lovely idea with just two downsides:

1) We don't own the cameras and they're all returned after we've reviewed them.

2) It's much harder to review a camera when you've ripped it to pieces.

3) I haven't got an ST microscope to assess the pixel architecture, even if I were feeling destructive/investigative.

Comment edited 12 seconds after posting

10 upvotes

I´m also interested who much the HDR is improved (if it´s improved at all). Still a fully automatic mode with no control over ISO, shutter speed or aperture or even AF area? Sony RX100 does it lovely with full manual controls. I use it often. My Canon s95 HDR mode is worthless.

0 upvotes

it says BSI here:
http://cweb.canon.jp/camera/dcam/lineup/powershot/g16/spec.html

0 upvotes

Elaka, unfortunately the G15's HDR mode was also worthless - completely unusable without a tripod and no control over the tiny exposure range. :(

0 upvotes

The Canon G15 viewfinder is not a serious composition tool, nor do I believe it was ever intended to be so. Only a very few of its competitors offer a "tunnel view" viewfinder. It is a handy thing to have when grabbing a shot and due to it's narrower FOV, you are bound to get the subject. It should be compared to cameras in the same price range that have no viewfinder. Let's face it. The only viewfinders worth a damn come in the Leica M's, The Fuji X100's and the Fuji X-Pro-1 and so forth and they are priced accordingly. So, it is unfair to criticize the G15 for the limitations of it's viewfinder.

For what it is, the G15 (CMOS) is a great little camera. Nice to take along when I don't care to take a premium camera outfit with it's greater bulk. With the right settings, I have made some very good 13 X 19 prints with it.

The GX1 is priced higher than the G15. The G15, and I suppose the new G16 are good cameras for the purposes intended. And no one is forced to use the viewfinder.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 6 minutes after posting

4 upvotes

In college, I remember saving up the $300 for a Leica 28mm finder. That would be about $500 today and on the high side even for an outstanding, metal, optical finder. Of course it didn't have multiple focal lengths let alone zoom automatically but those things would have cost a lot more. So, when I hear criticism of these compact camera finders (by the same people are perfectly happy with more expensive cameras that lack a finder entirely).

1 upvote

I use the OVF on my G9 quite often. Is it 100% accurate, no but then again neither are most SLR's. OVF's are very handy in certain lighting conditions, quick grab shots or conserving battery life. You will have to crop final image to replicate what you saw in viewfinder but at least you will have a image to crop!

2 upvotes

My wife has made the excellent point that composing on a screen is not so great once you need reading glasses. A simple tunnel is way better than screen that too blurred to see

2 upvotes

Adding weatherproof to this brick might be interesting. My old idea, refurbished. Cheers! :)

1 upvote

Total comments: 292

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