One amateur and semi-pro cameraman hassle is to find the perfect compact camera capable of reaching a certain level when traveling around, without always needing DSLR.

Yes there is nothing better than a DSLR when it comes to shooting photos, but let’s face it, whether you’re a pro or not, you don’t always carry a DLSR, meaning that you may loose many possible shots that only the “right time, right place” can provide you… So the question remains, which compact camera you to get to be “always ready”, and this is why Canon made the G10, a powerful point and shoot in a compact shape.

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Canon G10 Specs
- 14.7 Megapixel, 1/1.7-inch type Charge Coupled Device (CCD)
- Focal Length 6.1-30.5mm f/2.8-4.5 (35mm film equivalent: 28-140mm)
- LCD Monitor 3.0-inch TFT color LCD with wide viewing angle
- Maximum Aperture f/2.8 (W) – f/4.5 (T)
- Shutter Speed 15-1/4000 sec. (settable in Tv and M)
- ISO Sensitivity Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600 equivalent (standard output sensitivity recommended exposure index).

First Impression
The G10 is the complete opposite of your average point & shoot. When you first put your hands on the average Ixus where each setting has been reduced to a minimum in order not to scare a possible its future owner. The G10 is exactly the opposite, with direct access to the exposure bracketing, ISO speed and two custom settings that can be changed at will. Rest assured if you don’t know the best setting, there is still an AUTO and SCENE Mode…

This said, the G10 not only looks good, but it’s is also a pretty well built camera. No squeaks a real viewfinder, a flash mount, the ability to add additional lenses… As far I am concerned there is nothing to complain about its handling.

Let’s Shoot Some Pictures Baby!
Interesting, was my first thought on the G10. Granted it doesn’t reach a 50D or 5D MK II photo quality but in good conditions and at low ISO (80 – 100) image quality was so good that I was caught off guard. Images have plenty of detail, nice saturation, and definite “crop ability”. Indeed under good lighting situations, natural or artificial, and at low ISO, the G10 gives stunning result for a compact camera, with few aberration and artifact. The G10 is really outstanding compaired with available most of compact point & shoots.

Now… If the G10 is THE choice for a compact camera under good lighting, the G10, like the G9 or other compact point & shoots, falls short in low light and above 200 ISO… If you shoot at sundown (like I did with the picture of flowers below), you’d better use a tripod to get decent photos under ISO200, otherwise, just forget it. The G10 is no match against a DSLR.

Photo Sample, right click “Save As”…

Conclusion:
What’s to say? I kind of like the G10 despite its weakness over 200 ISO, it’s a point & shoot after all. The G10 is a great little camera that can be used for leisure and if you are willing to learn more about how to play with exposure and ISO and if you’re an amateur or semi-pro wishing to carry along a good camera. If I wanted to start a news blog from scratch and needed a decent affordable compact camera, the G10 would be my first choice!

I almost forgot, the G10 also has a video mode but forget it… This feature is purely for marketing purpose.