Canon Powershot G2 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom Electronics

Average Rating:

Make a list of features you'd expect and not expect to find from a "prosumer" digital camera, and chances are you'll find them on the G2. This is a little camera that was designed to act a lot bigger than many other digital cameras in its class.

You only have to pick up a G2 to realize that there's a lot more to it than meets the eye; this camera's significantly heavier and feels sturdier than any other camera in its class! The extra weight means better camera stabilization. The G2's sturdiness inspires confidence and makes the camera feel like a photographic tool, not an electronic gizmo.

From the tilt-and-swivel LCD, the magnification loupe for manual focusing, dedicated and fully functional flash hot-shoe, evaluative metering, IR autofocous assist mechanism, ISO 50, RAW image format, etc., etc., this camera has it all!.

Many photographers will argue that the real measures of any camera lie in the controls and results. The G2 doesn't disappoint in either of these respects. Although you'll have to familiarize yourself with the camera's controls initially, you'll soon find them very intuitive and actually use them more often than not.

The quality of images captured with the G2 is nothing short of superb! You'll get clean, detailed, very high-resolution photographs with the G2, especially if you use the camera's RAW mode at ISO 50.

The Canon PowerShot G2 is still a point-and-shoot digital camera. Anyone who's ever used an SLR will miss the optical viewfinder, true manual focus, and lens selection not available in the G2. However, this can be said for any other digital camera in the G2's class. In every other respect, the G2 rises above its inherent limitations and really challenges its competition to try and keep up!

Beyond the camera itself, Canon has really done the consumer proud by offering most every accessory that you would want included at no extra charge, i.e. an remote control unit, high-capacity rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, and remote capture software.

If you're in the market for a capable digital camera at a reasonable price, thank Canon for making the choice really very simple.

Positives:
- extensive feature set
- excellent build and design
- superb results, especially in RAW mode at ISO 50
- Excellent lens produces very little distortion and chromatic aberrations
- extremely reasonable price
- All the accessories that should come standard do come standard.

Negatives:
- Certain exposure adjustments, i.e. flash compensation, aren't available in full manual mode.
- The fact that the G2 isn't an SLR.
- Not much else.

To date I have shot maybe 500 or 600 pics and somewhere around 25 to 30 two minute movies. Now I admit the movies at best are only a nice feature, and you shouldnt expect great resolution, but the movie feature is what it is, a perk! Don't expect great resulation with the movie feature, its just a fun feature

What the G2 gives you is out standing pics. I mean absolutely out standing pictures!! With the G2's built in AC battery charger I have had ZERO low battery problems. ( I also own a Olympus 380 and I know that digital cameras can go through batterys like geese goes through oats!!) With the G2 I have taken 200 pics, reviewed every pic, and on the same charge also shot 4 or 5 two minute movie clips, and had battery to spare.

I also bought a 512 meg memory card. At the G2's lowest resoultion I can store 5200 pics (thats five thousand two hundred), at the higest compression and resolution, 280 pics, and maybe 6 two minute movies.

We just finished seven days in Hawaii, probably shoot 240 outstanding pics, and 8 two minute movies. Thats the equivelence of 10 rools of film!! After we returned home I downloaded 50 of the 240 pics, to walmart.com. The entire cost was 17.80 including freight. All of the pics were 35 mm quality. six of the 50 I had blown up to 8X10's. If you are still using a film camera .....STOP!!!

I guess by now you have figured out that I am a G2 fan. Oh by the way today is Christmas. I shot another 144 pics, and 12 two minute movies, I am still on the same charge and the pics were GREAT!!!

The Canon Powershot G2 4MP packs loads of manual and semiautomatic adjustment and focusing control features into a relatively compact (it's somewhat boxy) and reasonably priced package.
In addition to the standard features on would expect-- 4.1 megapixel sensor that creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond, 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus, a 32 MB CompactFlash card that holds 24 images at default resolution; Microdrive compatibility, USB port connections, etc., the G2 has some unique features, such as a swiveling LCD that allows you to point the screen up, down, sideways-basically in the same direction as the lens, whatever direction that may be. This is handy for self portraits or when using the remote (which is included with the camera).
Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. (A a NTSC cable for connecting to a television set is also included.)
Also, the included software package goes beyond standard image processing with a remote capture function that allows complete control and manipulation of the camera functions from your computer keyboard. Canon's Stitch Assist program allows you to combine up to four images into one, seamless, panoramic view.
The rechargeable BP-511 lithium-ion battery pack is exceptional. I got over 340 shots on one charge-just amazing. The battery and recharger are included with the camera.
If heavy use of manual features is your thing-this is your camera. If "point & shoot" is your thing-get a less expensive camera. With the G2 you'll just be paying for capacity and capabilities you'll never use or appreciate.