Canon PowerShot G12

The Canon PowerShot G12 is one of critics' favorite digital cameras. It's really in a class by itself, reviewers say: It's a fixed-lens camera that offers almost all of the manual control of a bulkier, pricier digital SLR (single-lens reflex) camera, with great photos and 720p HD video. Other brands try to fill this niche, but not as successfully as Canon -- for example, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 lacks the Canon's optical viewfinder, and testers say it's not as easy for point-and-shooters to get great results with the Panasonic. The Canon's special, experts say, because it's simple enough for novices yet satisfying for a pro.

Advanced camera that won't intimidate

The G12 keeps everything good from the critically acclaimed Canon PowerShot G11 -- the capable 10-megapixel sensor, versatile 5x zoom lens (28 mm to 140 mm range) and rotatable 2.8-inch LCD display are high points -- and it adds the ability to shoot 720p HD video. The G12 allows manual control with new front and back control dials that testers find easy to manipulate. An optical viewfinder and hot shoe both come standard. We found universal praise for the G12's image quality.

Drawbacks tend to be minor, but if you intend to use this camera to shoot video, keep in mind that you can't use the optical zoom in video mode, and there's no jack for an external microphone. If you prefer interchangeable lenses, the Sony Alpha NEX-5N earns the best reviews for its excellent image quality and responsive touch screen. If you want something smaller but still advanced, experts recommend the fixed-lens Canon PowerShot S100 (*Est. $400).

The bottom line

Experts love the Canon G series, and the Canon PowerShot G12 is no exception. If you're looking for manual control without the hassle of interchangeable lenses, the G12 is a good choice. Testers highly recommend the G12 after putting it through its paces at PhotographyBlog.com, DCResource.com and Steves-Digicams.com. Owner feedback at Amazon.com offers a fair picture of how it performs in everyday life.