DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic

Started Aug 31, 2014 | Questions
jijo272
jijo272 Junior Member • Posts: 41
Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic

I have a Canon G9 and on automatic the photos are perfect, stunning, and certainly standout from the photos I take with my Canon G12 on automatic.

I am not a knowledgeable camera person.  I don't own a DSLR.  So I use the Automatic on these two cameras.

Just wonder if anyone could give me a suggestion on what I can do to make the G12 shoot quality photos that the G9 can.

Thanks.

 jijo272's gear list:jijo272's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX70
ANSWER:
Canon PowerShot G12 Canon PowerShot G9
If you believe there are incorrect tags, please send us this post using our feedback form.
oxon1 Regular Member • Posts: 323
Re: Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic

I think its due to sensor type. Can you post examples.

xzactly
xzactly Junior Member • Posts: 36
Re: Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic
1

I had the G9 (Loved it), bought the G12 and was amazed how much I liked it over the G9. Image quality was noticeable better, swivel screen, etc. Sold it to move on to the G1X II was I really like. I don't use automatic settings, usually Av, for the best picture I set at lowest ISO 80, f4~4.5, and let the shutter speed go to what was needed. Still wish I would have kept it, I miss it, but not sure how much I would have used it after having the G1X II. G12 was one of my favorite camera's!!!

Zac

 xzactly's gear list:xzactly's gear list
Canon PowerShot A720 IS Canon PowerShot S120 Canon G1 X II Canon EOS 40D Canon EOS M +2 more
jijo272
OP jijo272 Junior Member • Posts: 41
Re: Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic

oxon1 wrote:

I think its due to sensor type. Can you post examples.

I never had a complaint until after my lens was damaged and I returned the camera to Canon and they replaced the lens.  My daughter in law reminded me of that fact as I asked her to help me adjust it because the color was faded.  Thanks for any suggestions.

Canon G12 taken 8-30-14

Canon G9 taken the same day, 8-30-14

 jijo272's gear list:jijo272's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX70
Florida paddler Forum Member • Posts: 82
Re: Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic
2

A couple years ago, Marco Nero was asked what his camera settings were on the G1X. He said to make sure the camera was in JPEG mode for the changes I will also recommend. Put the command dial into P mode. It is a lot like A but gives you a few more options.

On the function key find the color symbol which should be the second one down. Move the right arrow all the way to “my colors.” Select “menu” and you can now make adjustments. Up and down will move around to the various items you can adjust, right and left makes the adjustments. Marco recommended, and I agree with him, Contrast +1, Sharpness +1, Saturation +2. Select the function button when you are done and you will return to the shooting mode. Shoot some pictures with these changes, and I think you will see some good results.

Frank

PS I really loved my G12, but it tended to give me "soft" photos.  I think the change to the sharpness mode is pretty important.

 Florida paddler's gear list:Florida paddler's gear list
Canon PowerShot G15 Fujifilm X-T2
selected answer This post was selected as the answer by the original poster.
jijo272
OP jijo272 Junior Member • Posts: 41
Re: Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic

Thanks so much for the info, Florida paddler.  I'm going to try the suggestions - they certainly make sense.

 jijo272's gear list:jijo272's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX70
Florida paddler Forum Member • Posts: 82
Re: Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic

That sounds good.  Of course you can adjust those settings a bit to suit your taste.

Frank

 Florida paddler's gear list:Florida paddler's gear list
Canon PowerShot G15 Fujifilm X-T2
Dan Hudson
Dan Hudson Senior Member • Posts: 1,383
Re: Canon G12 Photos are lackluster- Using Automatic
1

Looks as if your 2 cameras focused on different things. The little leaf in the G12 image is a little sharper than the G9. Do not use "auto", it is hard to tell where the camera is focusing with those many rectangles. Choose "P", program mode and you will have only one focusing rectangle. Cameras can't focus on more than one plane anyway. Also check the settings in custom colors on both cameras to see if they are set the same. If not set the G12 like the G9.

-- hide signature --

Christian Amateur Photographer

 Dan Hudson's gear list:Dan Hudson's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX120 IS Canon EOS M50 Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-M 15-45mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum MMy threads