Visit our
Canon shop to see the
full range of Canon products.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical Details
- Highest image quality
- Full photographic
- Stress free operation
- Extensive system
- Powerful software
- Supplied with Free Vanguard case
Product details
|
Product Description
Product Description
Quite simply, the Canon PowerShot G2 is an elegant, easy-to-use joy of a digital camera that boasts impressive 4-megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom, a bright LCD monitor that swivels off to the side of the camera and tilts up and down as needed, and maximum overall creative control in addition to a fully automatic mode. Of course, none of this comes as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with its popular predecessor, the PowerShot G1. Both of these cameras have features and picture-taking modes similar to Canon's EOS cameras, which means they have what Canon calls a "very camera-like feel". Some of the G2's more obvious improvements over the G1 (besides higher resolution) include a champagne gold finish, larger grip for easier handling, improved image and colour quality, new photo-effect shooting mode for various effects, including black-and-white and sepia, and a new high-speed selectable three-point autofocus.
The G2's 4-megapixel CCD captures images at user-selectable resolutions of 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,024 x 768 and 640 x 480. This range allows for detail-rich 8-by-10-inch prints that match the results of film cameras as well as easy-to-upload images for the Web and e-mail. Choose between three varying degrees of JPEG compression or store images in the 10-bit RAW data file format for faster transfer without any image quality loss. Your computer easily translates the RAW files into TIFF files using Canon's included software.
The telescoping, 3x optical zoom lens (34-102 mm equivalent on a 35 mm camera) with 3.6x digital zoom, offers both automatic and manual focus control. The improved, high-speed, selectable three-point autofocus system allows flexibility in composition over the single focus point of the G1. A distance scale has been added on the LCD monitor for precision focus adjustment that works best for extreme close-ups. Improved circuitry allows the G2 to perform these advanced functions with faster image capture times and longer battery life than the G1.
Like the G1, the G2 has point-and-shoot settings that take the guesswork out of almost all situations, but the manual controls and creative options are where this camera stands out from the competition. Twelve EOS-style shooting modes allow for a wide range of creative possibilities, with manual focus zoom, adjustable aperture priority at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO, selectable shutter speed and six preset white balances--sunny, cloudy, tungsten, etc. Canon has provided four presets for professional results when shooting for maximum depth of field, portraits, landscapes and night scenes. Other creative controls include the photo-effect mode that allows four possible variations of the normal color saturation: vivid colour, standard colour, sepia tones and standard black and white.
Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. Autoexposure bracketing allows you to intentionally over and under-expose two extra shots to help capture the best picture possible. Five different flash modes, including red-eye reduction, handle after-dark challenges. The TTL hot shoe is fully compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes.
Exterior design features include the highly versatile LCD monitor from the G1 that needs no improvement; its 270-degree rotation allows all angles of image composition from around corners to self-portraits. Changes in ergonomics, as requested by the users of the G1, include a contoured grip for better one-handed shooting and a more streamlined look. Photographers new to the digital market will find the G2 as easy to use as previous PowerShot models, while professionals will be pleased with the improved selection of creative options for capturing the best possible images.
Manufacturer's description
The most fully featured digital camera for the advanced photographer.
Canon launches their first four-mega pixel camera, the PowerShot G2. This technologically superior digital camera offers the advanced amateur or semi-professional photographer excellent image capture and quality and provides the user SLR-like control.
The PowerShot G2, like its predecessor offers an array of features, high image quality, operation ease, system accessories and application software, all combining to be the choice for advanced digital photographers.
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organise and find favourite items. |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Electronics
I researched thoroughly when recently trying to decide which digital camera to buy; they are still comparatively expensive items and I wanted to eke out every last drop of value for my money! Initially I was going to buy the well-priced Minolta Dimage 7i on account of its flexible zoom, top quality lens, and 5MP resolution. However, on seeing the shots produced I felt that for the extra outlay the shots were not as good as examples from the Canon Powershot range that I'd seen. The Minolta suffers somewhat from excessive noise, even at lower ISO settings, whereas that isn't an issue with the Canons.
I got the chance to borrow the Minolta and found that it was also a bit bulky for my needs and once more found all roads leading to Canon. After some more spec checks online and a going over of a friends Olympus I narrowed my choice down to either the Canon Powershot G2 or its newer sibling the G3.
If money had been no object then I may well have gone with the G3, but as it was I found little in the specs to justify buying it over the consequently discounted G2 (great prices available, see above for instance). So I went for the G2 and I haven't been disappointed - the camera is everything I wanted and more.
If you're a beginner you'll appreciate a camera you can use immediately but can also grow with considerably, this camera positively encourages you to become creative. If you have any experience, you should find the SLR-type feature set can handle almost anything you throw at it - inspiring you to great photographs and allowing you to focus on the advantages digital brings rather than what you're giving up by moving from film. Rest assured that image quality is fantastic, especially in RAW mode.
Build is impeccable, it feels nice and solid, whilst the quality of the lens is as you would expect for a camera of this price. The degree of control is first-rate and the swivel LCD is one of the best available on any digicam full stop. You will find the results astound you. Add in one of the longest lasting batteries there is (you'll laugh in the face of those other digicam users as they run out of juice and you're still shooting!), a fairly fast 'drive', wireless remote, and a capable flash, and you're on to a winner. I've yet to find an unnecessary or gimmicky feature, even the panoramic stitch mode works well.
My only (minor) niggles are that the AF can sometimes be a trifle slow to lock (although rarely an issue), the lack of threads on the lens (you need an adaptor for filters), and the tripod mount is out of position with the lens (bothersome for panoramas). In addition, the manual focus isn't really accurate or fast enough to totally rely on - you're really just looking for the highest degree of contrast through the LCD which can be hit and miss. I wish there was a ring on the lens barrel, but alas...
The final clincher that swayed me towards the Canon Powershot range was that they can accept converter lenses and a proper flash, meaning that ultimately I can get more flexibility than the Minolta for less cost. I heartily recommend the Canon Powershot G2.
39 of 40 people found the following review helpful
Format:Electronics
This camera is just amazing. I had initially thought of buying the Olympus C4040Z Digital Camera [4MP 3xOptical] as it is supposed to produce larger pictures, but as I was unable to expand the memory on the Olympus above 128mb I considered that it wasn't up to much.
I bought a Canon G2.
The Canon, however, although not able to produce quite as large a picture in theory, in reality can easily produce excellent A3 photo quality pictures on my HP Deskjet 1220c and my Epson photo 1290. Not only this but it is a semi-professional camera and has been used in numerous photoshoots linked to umbrella reflectors...again excellent results. I have also used this with a generic dedicated flash gun and the results are excellent. Control allows for creativity. Auto, Multiple exposure, shutter speed, aperture size, manual setting ect. together with anti-redeye features make this camera a dream. To top it off it you can use a IBM microdrive to increase the memory past what most mortals will need.
The software is excellent and easily downloads your pictures even on Windows XP.
I am aware I haven't included much technical data but it's easy to find this on the net. However, if you want a camera that can do almost anything then you've found it. Not to mention the metal body that protects it (not often found on modern camera's).
Why not do what I did...I went to a local store and looked at the camera...felt the weight, saw the features and realised the quality...then I bought online and saved a fortune.
Buy a Canon...you won't be disappointed!
49 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Electronics
I have held out taking the plunge into digital photography for about a year now. All the other cameras I considered seemed to be computer peripherals and not serious photograpic tools.
The Canon Power shot G2 just feels like using a well specified 35mm camera with the added bonus that its digital. The cameras operation is extremely intuative, it feels right in the hands.
I have read in some magazine reviews that the camera is too heavy,brick like in fact. When using the camera this is in fact an asset, it "sits" in the hands very well.
The optical viewfinder is excellent and the foldout rotating LCD screen is far from a gimmick as it appears to be on many other cameras. It can be used in the same way as a waist level finder on a medium format camera, very good for close ups and portraits.
I would unreservadly recomend the G2 as a first step into digital photography. Its easy to use for all members of the family but still has plenty of scope for learning about photographic techniques.
I would recommend getting at least another 128MB card with the camera, with this you get about 60 images at the highest resolution. The download speed is very fast, I personally dont see any need to buy a card reader. One very useful accessory is Wein safe sync to enable the use of studio flash, its a good way to save on Polariod.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Old school camera
I read all the excellent reviews and thought it just up my street - and affordable too. But it's just so big and bulky I don't feel comfortable taking it out! Read more
Published 6 months ago by Leah
Don't think about it, do it!
I was a Canon EOS 1n HS user for many years and very happy with the camera too however, I am getting older and the 1n HS is a heavy brute to cart about plus I needed a big... Read more
Published on 26 Oct 2002 by Bob Kerr
Very, very impressive
As an ex-professional and owner of an Olympus E-10, I wanted to find something smaller that still retained the pro features I needed. Read more
Published on 30 Jun 2002 by D. Harvey
Great digital camera that works like you expect a camera to!
Wow! Finally a 4megapixel digital camera that has great Auto modes and versatile manual control. Point and shoot and get a great picture, or adjust aperture and shutter speed and... Read more
Published on 26 May 2002
Good camera
I've owned the S20 for over a year and it consistently takes quality hi-res pictures with very good colour depth. It's really a good camera. No doubt about it.
Published on 26 Mar 2002
Digital Mastery
I had been thinking about purchasing a digital camera for a number of years. As a keen photography I had wanted much more than was available until now! Read more
Published on 2 Jan 2002 by Mr. E. N. Heyes
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
