tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post8693349971971769207..comments2024-03-26T10:38:58.586-07:00Comments on PHOTOGRAPHIC CENTRAL: Canon G12 Review FinalCarl Garrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-68111653994383640092013-03-01T16:32:51.134-08:002013-03-01T16:32:51.134-08:00Thanks !
Ricoh GV2 :)
CThanks !<br /><br />Ricoh GV2 :)<br /><br />CCarl Garrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-25438766675281424142013-03-01T08:14:52.026-08:002013-03-01T08:14:52.026-08:00Hey Carl,
What fixed optical VF for the hot shoe ...Hey Carl,<br /><br />What fixed optical VF for the hot shoe would you recommend?<br /><br />thanks! great blogAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-76874776291701658122012-01-17T17:36:34.660-08:002012-01-17T17:36:34.660-08:00Hi There- as everyone has said, what a great revie...Hi There- as everyone has said, what a great review! its good to see some enthusiasm! im a newbie to photography, and have been extensively researching which p&s to go for.... and have pretty much settled on G12. <br /><br />The problem with all of the reviews ive read is that they dont make sense! i'm not a photographer- just some one that wants to take great photos! so i have no idea what all the specs actually relate to. i found your review to be very helpful, and i hope to buy my g12 soon. <br /><br />Just one question: the G1X has just been announced... any thoughts on how this will compare based on your knowledge? should i buy G12 or wait a couple more months till G1x? <br /><br />thanks heaps- cocococofognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-22848100689194454112012-01-04T08:05:49.703-08:002012-01-04T08:05:49.703-08:00carl,
wondering about the wide angle attachment. ...carl,<br /><br />wondering about the wide angle attachment. just got a g12 and i need to do interior shots (would be able to use a tripod, no people, just architecture).<br /><br />you warned on your 'glee' post about not zooming all the way out. i'm assuming you mean that the lens needs to stay as retracted as possible?<br /><br />is the correct lens the .45x hd2 for a g10?<br /><br />thanks much, new to this. last camera was a nikon slr when i was in grad school. <br />don't miss the big lenses, love the small form factor, and i'm re-learning how to take photos that don't come out of a smartphone or fully auto point and shoot.bmikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14690285578204158345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-74467859666353921592011-12-16T20:28:35.269-08:002011-12-16T20:28:35.269-08:00Thanks Andy,
Like you I am just as curious what w...Thanks Andy,<br /><br />Like you I am just as curious what will happen with the G series. Likely I'll have some information from Canon at CES/PMA but that might be under NDA. I hope not so I can share the news.. oh wait, the leak site will probably have pictures and specs out weeks in advance, so there won't be any surprises.<br /><br />Silly me :)<br /><br />CCarl Garrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-69257555477123293892011-12-16T19:50:36.412-08:002011-12-16T19:50:36.412-08:00Nice review, Carl, as always. I've been fasci...Nice review, Carl, as always. I've been fascinated with the Canon G series ever since I bought my son a G10 to travel with to Europe. Now in my early 70s, I'm getting increasingly weary of toting my Sony a700 and a bagful of lenses around, and have often thought about picking up a G12. Seeing the improvements that Canon has recently made in the S100 over the S95, I'm anxious to see what they may have in mind for the G13. Will they add the new Canon 12MP CMOS sensor with improved photo and video resolution--perhaps together with an improved DIGIC image processor? Will they increase the wide end of the zoom lens to a 35mm-equiv. 24mm and/or maybe increase the focal length to compete better with the Nikon P7100? Might a maximum f/2 aperture be possible at the wide end? How about adding a dedicated movie button? A few such improvements could really persuade me to climb aboard the Canon G bandwagon!<br /><br />Andy BAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-66071916000934608162011-10-26T07:56:26.162-07:002011-10-26T07:56:26.162-07:00very good review. I've been looking at getting...very good review. I've been looking at getting a smaller camera for general use, keep in car etc and this is one of the contenders. Also the Fuji X10, Sony NEX (with prime lens for indoors maybe). <br />I'd love to be able to have them all for a week.<br />The main thing I'd imporve would be the viewfinder.<br /><br />Very nice website/blog by the way.<br />Cheers,<br />Pa.Patrick Dinneenhttp://www.photoblog.ienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-16440521378822698532011-08-15T05:05:29.544-07:002011-08-15T05:05:29.544-07:00Thank you for the detailed article on the G12. Rec...Thank you for the detailed article on the G12. Received mine recently and am enjoying it very much.<br /><br />In case you haven't come across it yet, there is a program shift function, if that is what you were referring to. While in Program mode, press the AE Lock (*) button, and the available shutter/aperture combinations appear towards the bottom of the screen at which time the rear control dial is turned to make the adjustments.<br /><br />Page 101 of the manual briefly touches on it.<br /><br />Thanks again for the article.<br /><br />CurtAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-86538286662989165142011-08-04T12:59:42.058-07:002011-08-04T12:59:42.058-07:00Carl
Many thanks for yr opinion. I am moving to b...Carl<br />Many thanks for yr opinion. I am moving to better qlty photograpy, but not to reflex, yet, and I have seen G12 as the solution.<br />A desition factor is viefinder: a EVF or a poor OVF are a must. I have lost many opportunities because the strong sun just showed myself on the screen...<br />What about the shot-to-shot speed for G12? <br />I know it is not s reflex, but decent..?<br /><br />IgnacioAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-81513796634614576752011-08-03T07:14:27.064-07:002011-08-03T07:14:27.064-07:00Hi Carl
I am steping up in photography and I will ...Hi Carl<br />I am steping up in photography and I will take your comments in favor of G12. One point: optical viewfinder is a must to me. I travel to desertic areas and LCD is absolutelly unuseful... Even a EVF or a poor OVF is a real value to me. I really miss other P&S camera options having it.<br />Many thanks!!<br />IgnacioAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-36530807982346324862011-07-10T23:05:00.193-07:002011-07-10T23:05:00.193-07:00Randy, thank you for that. Glad the review helped ...Randy, thank you for that. Glad the review helped you decide. The G12 is a great camera, more camera than most people will ever need, and it's darned fun to use. I have several cameras but I think the G12 is the camera I'd pick if I had to have only one camera that I'd need to do "everything". That includes family videos, travel, backpacking, photo sales, you name it. The G12 is the premium swiss army knife of cameras.<br /><br />Have fun, tell me how you end up liking it.<br /><br />CCarl Garrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-1025826151641993192011-07-07T00:27:16.029-07:002011-07-07T00:27:16.029-07:00Dear Carl, I'm a newbie in the most usual way....Dear Carl, I'm a newbie in the most usual way. I have bought and returned (2) DSLRs without opening up the box. Some kind of strange buyers remorse or something.. For the past three days I've been on a mission as to finding the best bang for the buck camera for me. I'm disabled and on a fixed income with very little saved up. I have just begun reading about this same camera. Your review puts all the nails in the coffin for me as now I'm very positive of buying this camera. I want to thank you for this unbiased (Er).. opinion Ha!... Well at least it was honest. I see myself with this, more camera than I need mentality and yet I'm sure the growing and learning curve will not drive me to insanity. I have you to thank. With kindest regards, Thank you, Randy Hopkins rhopkins1@bak.rr.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-27979099515079107432011-06-24T14:33:27.016-07:002011-06-24T14:33:27.016-07:00Great review.
I've been using digital cameras...Great review.<br /><br />I've been using digital cameras since around 2000 or 2001 when I got the Olympus C3000 to replace my Canon Elan II film rig. Moved up to the Sony F717 after a couple years (loved that camera). Then graduated to a Canon Rebel XTi when it came out... I had finally arrived, or so I thought. A couple of years ago, I tried the Nikon Coolpix series, the Sony DSC series, and the G10, but the image quality and feature set were simply not up to snuff. Always went back to the XTi which I knew I could trust!<br /><br />Like many, I've acquired several lenses (mostly primes - love primes), a flash, a big bag, etc. and, frankly, I just don't like carrying the thing around anymore. This is especially true when we travel (Disney World, various other places, airplanes, and so on). I invariably end up watching the trip from behind the lens. Not always a bad thing, but I'm pretty tired of it.<br /><br />Lately I thought I wanted to upgrade the XTi with a T2i or T3i. I bought and returned them within a few days simply because bang for buck they just didn't completely trump my XTi... plus they'd force me into dragging my gear (and an extra person) all over the place to justify the expense. No thanks.<br /><br />I just picked up a G12 myself last night after doing lots of research. Fact is... I'm loving the thing and I haven't had it 24 hours yet! I took it out last evening to work it out during a good sunset... all handheld, spinning dials, pushing buttons, and HAVING FUN for a change! I'm thrilled with how simple it is to get a good shot with a lightweight, all-in-one camera again. Here's a few shots from last night. http://flic.kr/s/aHsjv5eU7c<br /><br />Bravo to Canon for this retro-feeling, modern, totally capable camera - they did it right. Thanks again for your review.<br /><br />KewlpackKewlpackhttp://flic.kr/ps/r4AmNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-34025695524598526992011-06-01T04:07:42.105-07:002011-06-01T04:07:42.105-07:00Carl,
I think you pretty much nailed it on the G12...Carl,<br />I think you pretty much nailed it on the G12 review, with one minor quibble. We'll get to that in just a moment, but first some background.<br />I'm a fulltime freelance writer, and I sometimes shoot photos to illustrate my stories. I do a weekly blog for www.airgunsofarizona.com -- http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/blog/ -- , and I shoot photos for that as well. In addition, I have had literally hundreds of photos published, and most of these were taken with -- gasp! -- a lowly Olympus D-550. Not once did I have an editor – even magazine editors -- complain about the quality of the pix.<br />Late in 2010, however, frustrated by the postage-stamp screen on the D-550, I started a serious hunt for a new camera. I could have purchased a DSLR and lenses, but I already had a couple of Pentaxes, assorted lenses, and an Olympus IS-3 moldering in a drawer. I learned this from purchasing big, heavy camera systems: after a while, I don’t take them anywhere because they are big, heavy and a pain in the cheeks, even when on assignment.<br />After extensive research, I settled on the G12. I had briefly looked at the mirror-less SLR type cameras and the Olympus Pen, but once you put a lens on any of them, they aren’t nearly as compact or handy as I had initially thought. The G12 slips into a small shoulder pouch (like you might buy for compact binoculars and a birding guide), along with a digital voice recorder, a reporter’s notebook, and a spare battery. In seconds, I can be out the door with it.<br />The G12 has exceeded my expectations. I have literally taken pictures with it that I couldn’t have taken before. I use the optical viewfinder a great deal, and the LCD is excellent for making sure of the framing of critical shots. <br />So here’s the quibble: I think you under-rated the low light mode. I believe it uses pixel averaging to crank up the ISO, and it does a marvelous job, even though you’re limited to just 2.5 megapixels. I hate using flash (I agree with Cartier-Bresson, who said that using flash is like firing a pistol at a concert), and with the low-light mode, if I can see it, I can usually get a picture of it. It has saved my bacon on a number of occasions by allowing me to get photos that the old camera couldn’t have captured.<br /><br />Anyhow, thanks for your excellent review.<br /><br />Cheers, Jock ElliottJock Elliotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17856044820473990888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-26584118356604099322011-04-24T05:32:06.594-07:002011-04-24T05:32:06.594-07:00You're welcome Richard. There are lot of third...You're welcome Richard. There are lot of third party adapters available yet its hard to say who makes what as many of them have similar specifications. From what I can gather from piecing things together is that Opteka appear to make their own lenses and don't share the designs under other brand names (as you so often see with budget lens makers).<br /><br />Again they aren't exceptional, but they are very much acceptable optically speaking. The price is also very decent.<br /><br />Both come with an extra macro lens that is built into part of the design of the lens itself- an added little bonus!<br /><br />CCarl Garrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-51180863515767254022011-04-24T03:28:26.149-07:002011-04-24T03:28:26.149-07:00Hi Carl,
Thanks for the info on the 2.2x Opteka H...Hi Carl,<br /><br />Thanks for the info on the 2.2x Opteka HD 2 and .45x Opteka HD2, This not a very prominent brand here in the U.K<br /><br />Richardrichard ballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-88168284177941808552011-04-23T21:13:34.979-07:002011-04-23T21:13:34.979-07:00Hi Richard-
I have the converters that allow for ...Hi Richard-<br /><br />I have the converters that allow for filters and lenses both. I have a 2.2x Opteka HD 2 and .45x Opteka HD2 that I think are very decent lenses for the G12. I don't use filters as often as I used too preferring instead to do post process adjustments with raw files. Occasionally I'll use a polarizer @58mm, but it's not all that often. I never use an UV filter, and quit using ND filters some time ago (not as motivated as I used to be to deal with them).<br /><br />Just told my wife that had the G12 been available early on in my digital photography trek, I probably would have never wanted another camera. I also wouldn't be writing reviews instead of photographing either! LOL<br /><br />CarlCarl Garrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-51385696189026039672011-04-23T21:07:48.908-07:002011-04-23T21:07:48.908-07:00Hi GB-
I prefer whatever camera is best for the j...Hi GB-<br /><br />I prefer whatever camera is best for the job at the time. The GRD III is more specific, great macro camera and good all purpose 28mm super sharp lens. The b/w and cross process filters add a heck of a lot of fun to the equation too. Had the GRD III been a 35mm lens or offered a converter at least, I think it would be even more versatile.<br /><br />The G12 is much more versatile than the GRD III, it's like night and day difference. Both are excellent compacts but the experience is so much different its like comparing apples to pre-historic microbial life. You can shoot in full auto mode on the G12 and love it to death, and as you progress, you can use all the gadgets you'd like. I think the G12 is a great camera to start a digital career with.<br /><br />CarlCarl Garrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-70411245702423956702011-04-22T02:12:54.286-07:002011-04-22T02:12:54.286-07:00I could not Agree more with your review of the G12...I could not Agree more with your review of the G12, it puts a smile on my face, one of the best cameras I have ever owned. Had you thought of investing in the filter adaptor 58mm.? I got this and some inexpensive Cokin filters from a good secondhand dealer, there are millions of these kicking around, optically very acceptable. The 270ex flash is great because you can tilt it, add a stofen and put on the over priced Canon extender lead, for more creative off camera effects.<br /><br />Happy snapping,<br /><br />Richardrichard ballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-56530576480493105532011-04-19T07:28:59.545-07:002011-04-19T07:28:59.545-07:00Hey Carl, i have a question for you. I am a beginn...Hey Carl, i have a question for you. I am a beginner, do you think it is best taking the plunge with a "manual" point and shoot (like the G12, or ricoh gr d iii)?<br /><br />Or, maybe its best to stick to a common point and shoot, and then maybe move up to a dslr?<br /><br />So, in short, are the manual controls worth it for a beginner? Considering the pricepoint?<br /><br />Oh by the way, since you like both the G12 and the GR d iii, which do you prefer?<br /><br />I know you're not a shopping guide, so thank you in advance for your time.<br />GB<br /><br />Great reviews by the way, all of the ones i read were a pleasure.(Sorry about the double post)TheDreadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05800989183499889971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-21976386205154316062011-04-19T07:26:53.733-07:002011-04-19T07:26:53.733-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.TheDreadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05800989183499889971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-42179048658724758492011-04-11T17:27:24.117-07:002011-04-11T17:27:24.117-07:00Hi Russell, and thank you very much. Glad you enjo...Hi Russell, and thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed my rantings :).<br /><br />Man I really wanted to get the XZ1 in my hands to try but I might pass. I may in the future only if Oly can service it by adding a AEL LOCK button available through a custom menu item in a firmware upgrade. Without an AEL Lock button I feel the XZ1 misses the intended audience. <br /><br />The IQ isn't nearly as good as the G12 either which is a disappointment, however because of the faster lens you can keep the ISO down, so that isn't as big of a concern. There are a lot of things I like about it but IQ and lack of some external controls aren't them. To me it's a larger S95 san's the great IQ.<br /><br />CarlCarl Garrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-29368616140730764282011-04-11T05:59:54.482-07:002011-04-11T05:59:54.482-07:00Carl
Thanks for another excellent review. I have o...Carl<br />Thanks for another excellent review. I have owned the G10 since it first came out and am looking to pass it on to my wife and replace it with the G12. There is only one other alternative for me; the Olympus XZ-1, and I was wondering if you had gotten your hands on one yet? <br />RussellRussell Cederberghttp://www.russellcederberg.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-61439606797936885702011-04-04T19:16:39.559-07:002011-04-04T19:16:39.559-07:00Anon- Glad you agree, not much difference between ...Anon- Glad you agree, not much difference between the G11 or G12 really, so many of the same comments can apply to both :). <br /><br />Steven- What about the S95? I think there are a lot more differences between the two cameras. Handling is a night and day difference and often that can be very important for a photographer used to manual controls. Battery life is double the S95s. All of the external controls, I could go on and on. <br /><br />They cater to two very different markets. Both are great camera's but I believe the G series is more mature than the S series is. The new S cameras are nothing like the cameras they succeed. Ever use an S70 or S80?<br /><br />Image quality wise there are a lot of similarities of course, not sure on the optics as I've not used the S90/95 yet to examine.<br /><br />Its a personal choice, but I like a smaller camera that still retains excellent external controls and I'm willing to give up pocketablity for that experience 10 times on Sunday and again on Monday.<br /><br />The tilt screen cannot be underestimated, its a huge advantage once you start really using it for all of its benefits- you never want to go without one again.<br /><br />But again, all this is subjective really. At least you know what I think on the matter :).<br /><br />CarlCarl Garrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01561256121516104816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938824791812834583.post-72052855778201245302011-04-04T08:24:51.693-07:002011-04-04T08:24:51.693-07:00What about the Canon S95? For the price of giving...What about the Canon S95? For the price of giving up the optical finder and tilting LCD screen, it's about half the size and weight and (I think) just as good optically. My solution is to rely increasingly on the S95, and then bring out my Panasonic Lumix GH-2 when I want improved video, a really superb viewfinder, and use of my 3 interchangable lenses. However, admittedly, given the superb quality of the S95, it may be quite a long while until I buy an even more advanced 4/3 micro or DSLR camera in the future.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17362056360903884301noreply@blogger.com