Canon PowerShot G7

New camera models usually bring new features and better quality. While the Canon Powershot G7 does indeed have impressive new 10 megapixel resolution, face-detecting autofocus and image stabilization, it also lost some of the G6’s best features. Trusted Reviews laments the loss of the G6’s swiveling LCD monitor, wireless remote, and RAW mode shooting. Likewise, PC World complains that the new grip is inadequate for a good grasp. Images from the G7 are crisp and clear, and PC World rated it best among recently tested cameras. However, they were less pleased with the auto-exposure settings indoors, particularly when flash was required. Features that did please include a thumb wheel that make navigating menus easier, and is accompanied by a graphical wheel on the LCD that scrolls as you do. The ISO dial is separate, making it easy to adjust sensitivity on the fly without having to dig through the menu. It does lack a top-display, however, which PC World finds unfortunate.

According to Trusted reviews, the lower image compression is a detractor, as fewer shots can be stored compared to other 10 megapixel cameras. They also found battery life to be lacking, as the battery failed to last for a gig’s worth of pictures. Steve’s Digi-Cams pointed out the vulnerability of digital cameras to high noise levels at higher ISOs, and found the G7 to be no different. While there was no significant noise at ISO 400, from 800 and up, noise becomes quite noticeable. A dedicated scene mode simulates an ISO of 3200, but drops the image size down, which counteracts the effects of noise. Overall though, in standard shooting conditions, most hobbyists will find this camera more than adequate for their needs. However, the G7 touts itself as a semi-pro camera, and it may fall a bit short in this regard.