See All Digital Cameras

Canon PowerShot G11

Discontinued
Reviewed
May 2010
by ConsumerSearch
Canon PowerShot G11

Pros
  • Comprehensive manual and automatic controls
  • RAW format support
  • 5x optical zoom
  • Wide-angle 28 mm lens
  • Articulating LCD display
  • Optical viewfinder
Cons
  • Bulky size
  • No HD video recording
  • Stiff control wheels
Where to Buy
 

The Canon PowerShot G11 has been replaced by the Canon PowerShot G12 (*Est. $420). The successor model to Canon's G10, the G11 represents a hardware rethink: superfluous features have been dropped, such as remote-capture support, and more importantly, the G11's 10-megapixel sensor is a step down from the G10's 14-megapixel resolution. But reviewers agree that this is the right move. The lower megapixel count on a same-sized sensor means the G11 has better image quality, especially in low light. Plus, the G11 has better auto features and a faster continuous shooting rate than its predecessor. It also adds an HDMI output, though most reviewers lament the fact that Canon still hasn't added HD video recording capabilities to its G camera line. Another welcome return is an articulated LCD screen (last seen on 2004's G6 model), which, though slightly smaller at 2.8 inches, retains the resolution of the G10's display. Critics all praise the image quality from the 28 mm lens, which allows wide-angle shots and close-ups to a 5x optical zoom. Optical image stabilization, a flash hot shoe and an energy-saving optical viewfinder are other pluses. Though build quality is very good, some reviewers quibble over the stiffness of the control wheels (though others like that it makes accidental adjustments unlikely). The camera is a bit bulky, critics add, but they agree that it's more portable than a digital SLR (single-lens reflex) camera, and almost as powerful.

Many enthusiast websites rave about the Canon Powershot G11. Imaging-Resource.com, DCResource.com, DPReview.com, PhotographyBlog.com and Steves-Digicams.com all provide exhaustive analyses. CNET (Asia) also provides a good, easily digestible overview for those more interested in a general sense of the camera's usability, and less concerned with detailed specifications.

image
Canon G12 10 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8 Inch Vari-Angle LCD
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $499.99   
Average Customer Review:  
Where To Buy
Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD

 (202 reviews)
Buy new: $499.99   20 Used & new from $269.99

In Stock.

 

Our Sources

1. Imaging-Resource.com

Reviewers at Imaging-Resource.com say that the Canon Powershot G11 "is the G10 done better." This exhaustive review not only stresses improvements in the G11 over the G10 -- such as better low-light shooting and the return of an articulated LCD screen -- but goes over every feature in its own right, including build, optics and ease of use.

Review: Canon PowerShot G11, Shawn Barnett, Zig Weidelich, and Dave Etchells, Nov. 21, 2009

2. DCResource.com

Jeff Keller takes a thorough look at the Canon Powershot G11, praising image quality and recommending it for novices and enthusiasts alike. However, there are some quibbles, such as the fact that the memory card can't be accessed while the G11 is mounted on a tripod. Keller's review also has a number of handy charts comparing the G11's features and specifications to the G10 and other models.

Review: DCRP Review: Canon PowerShot G11, Jeff Keller, Dec. 11, 2009

3. DPReview.com

The Canon Powershot G11 gets DPReview.com's "highest rating" from Richard Butler, who is impressed with the camera's versatility in this comprehensive review. Butler admits that with nearly every niche in the camera market filled, there is often a competing model that edges out the G11 in one or more aspects; but for overall quality and flexibility, the G11 remains a top choice.

Review: Canon PowerShot G11 Review, Richard Butler, Dec. 2009

4. CNET (Asia)

Leonard Goh at CNET Asia says the "G11 is a really good camera which has all the bells and whistles that enthusiasts and advanced users will appreciate." He says that the only downsides, such as a stiff scroll wheel and lack of HD video support, are "minor." Some sample photos comparing low-level results with other Canon and Panasonic cameras are provided as well.

Review: Canon PowerShot G11, Leonard Goh, Nov. 16, 2009

5. PhotographyBlog.com

Gavin Stoker recommends the G11 for its better LCD screen and low-light performance, but says the still-available G10 might be better if resolution is more important to the consumer. Stoker concludes that, for the prosumer looking for the best all-round camera, the G11 is slightly bested by more expensive cameras from Olympus and Panasonic. But these, Stoker adds, cost more and require separate lenses.

Review: Canon Powershot G11 Review, Gavin Stoker, Oct. 22, 2009

6. StevesDigicams.com

In this lengthy review of the Canon Powershot G11 camera, editors say that the model "offers an outstanding value, and we have no problem giving it a high recommendation." Image quality is praised, as are other minor fixes, such as better menu screens, while the lack of an HD video option is regretted.

Review: Canon Powershot G11 Review, Editors of Steves-Digicams.com

Digital Cameras Runners Up:

Sony Alpha NEX-7 *Est. $1,200 with kit lens

8 picks including: Amazon.com, DPReview.com…

Fujifilm X-Pro1 *Est. $1,400 body only

3 picks including: Amazon.com, DPReview.com…

Canon PowerShot G1 X *Est. $750

2 picks including: Amazon.com, DPReview.com…

Fujifilm X-E1 *Est. $1,400 with kit lens

2 picks including: Amazon.com, DPReview.com…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 *Est. $800 with kit lens

2 picks including: Amazon.com, TrustedReviews.com…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 *Est. $1,300 body only

2 picks including: ePhotoZine, DigitalCameraInfo.com…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 *Est. $465

2 picks including: Amazon.com, DPReview.com…

Samsung NX20 *Est. $900 with kit lens

2 picks including: Amazon.com, Imaging-Resource.com…

image
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 16MP Digital Camera with APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor (Body Only)
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $1,399.95 $1,399.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
image
Fujifilm X-E1 with 18-55mm Lens 32GB Deluxe Bundle Kit
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $1,257.99
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
image
Panasonic DMC-G5KK 16 MP Compact System Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Black)
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $699.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
image
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3K 16.05 MP Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera with 3-Inch OLED - Body Only (Black)
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $1,299.99   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
image
Samsung NX20 Kit 20.3-megapixel Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens-Black
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $1,099.99 $606.69   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  

Back to top