Compared to the Nikon Coolpix 4500

The Coolpix 4500 is a very capable digital camera, it's made by a direct competitor and has very similar specifications and features. Both cameras in this test have a four times optical zoom lens, both cameras have a four megapixel CCD sensor (although the 4500 uses a CYGM color filter array, the G3 has an RGB color filter array).

Because the G3's lowest noise levels are achieved at ISO 50 we have provided comparisons with the 4500 at ISO 100 and the G3 at ISO 50 and ISO 100.

Color comparison

Below is a standard shot of a GretagMacbeth ColorChecker chart shot by the PowerShot G3. If you place your mouse cursor over the image it will change to the same shot taken by the Nikon Coolpix 4500. Automatic white balance, shot outdoors. The biggest single noticeable difference is in blue response where the G3 does seem to be more saturated and more accurate. This will also explain why the G3 has better 'blue sky' response than the 4500.

Place your mouse cursor over the image above to see the Nikon Coolpix 4500

Studio scene comparison, G3 at ISO 50

Canon PowerShot G3	Nikon Coolpix 4500
ISO 50, 1/4 sec, F5.0	ISO 100, 1/4 sec, F5.4
1,579 KB JPEG	1,185 KB JPEG

With the G3 at ISO 50 there's very little difference in noise levels, both cameras exhibit some visible noise but low by any compact digital camera standards. Color response is a little different, overall the G3 does better probably because of its RGB color filter array, blues are stronger and greens are more accurate. Also note the strong two pixel square stepping of the yellow crayon in the Coolpix 4500 crop.