Canon Powershot G7

The Canon Powershot G7 is a long awaited update to the G-series of Canon cameras which features a 6x Optical Zoom lens, ten megapixel sensor (CCD) and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

The Canon Powershot G7 features image stabilization, hot shoe for flash, face detection, ISO of up to 1600 and 25 shooting modes.

The G7 will retail for a price of $600 USD and should be available in October.

Compare Prices of the Canon Powershot G7 and get the latest price on the Canon PowerShot G7 at Amazon.

Canon Powershot G7 News Release

CANON COMBINES TOP-TIER TECH AND CLASSIC CAMERA DESIGN INTO LINE LEADING 10-MEGAPIXEL POWERSHOT G7 DIGITAL CAMERA

Canon’s PowerShot G7 digital camera, the new flagship of Canon’s ever popular fleet of PowerShot digital cameras will be sailing into stores beginning in October, equipped with a boatload of Canon’s newest technological achievements and user-friendly features and carrying an estimated selling price of $599.99.Designed to delight even the most die-hard photo enthusiast, the 10-megapixel PowerShot G7 digital camera continues the tradition of imaging excellence, innovation and ease of use that began when the PowerShot G1 was introduced a mere six years ago.

Compact and comfortable to hold, handle and use, the PowerShot G7 digital camera is an aesthetic treat as well, harking back to the look and feel of classic Canon cameras. From its retro “wet black matte finish,” leather-toned grip and the detailed knurling and analog-style “click-click” of the camera’s top side ISO Speed Dial and Shooting Mode Dial, to the stylish metallic accents of the body’s aluminum-finish parts and metallic-finish bayonet ring, this PowerShot G7 conveys a sense of “camera-ness” rarely encountered in the world of digital photography. Photo panache and feel appeal not withstanding, the PowerShot G7 remains true to the G-Class tradition by offering an array of the industry’s advanced photographic features.

“In the PowerShot G7 we have created the ultimate prosumer compact digital camera for the discerning hobbyist, the photo enthusiast and for those who require uncompromising photo quality for business and industrial applications,” states Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Faster, more responsive, more efficient and easier to use, thanks to Canon’s proprietary new DIGIC III image processor and a newly enhanced and intuitive user interface, the PowerShot G7 digital camera also offers users a greater level of creative control and flexible shooting options than ever before.”

The Eyes Have It
The “brain” of the new camera is DIGIC III, the newest iteration of Canon’s ultra-efficient (and proprietary) image processor. Making its debut on the PowerShot G7 digital camera (along with Canon’s three newest Digital ELPH models) the DIGIC III chip accounts for the camera’s higher performance levels including faster start up, autofocus and shutter response times, and of course, improved image quality and more efficient power consumption; resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

What’s more, thanks to the DIGIC III chip’s more aggressive noise reduction, the PowerShot G7 digital camera is able to shoot at ISO equivalent speed ratings from 80 to as high as 1600. This increased sensitivity at the top-end allows users to select faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing camera shake and subject blur during hand held low-light photography.

With Canon’s new Face Detection AF/AE technology (working in concert with Canon’s 9-point Autofocus system), the camera can detect, lock on and track up to nine human faces in a scene simply by pressing the shutter button halfway. The face detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects the optimum subject and not simply the closest face (based on Canon’s Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus and exposure to ensure the best possible results for even easier picture taking moments.

Reflections in an Image Stabilized Glass Eye
True to Canon’s tradition of optical excellence, the PowerShot G7 digital camera is equipped with a fast and sharp f/2.8-4.8 6X optical zoom lens (35-210mm, 35mm equivalent). Canon’s specialized SR coating augments the all glass lens, the first time this lens coating technology has been applied in a compact digital camera. In combination with the lens’ aspherical elements, the SR coating helps reduce flare and ghosting, delivering a cleaner image to the camera’s CCD sensor in the process. The precision lens also features an extreme macro setting that focuses down to one centimeter.

The PowerShot G7 digital camera also features a Lens-Shift type optical image stabilization system that can help defeat the effects of camera shake in low light situations, or while shooting handheld. This optical image stabilization system is based on advancements made in the development of Canon’s EF lenses and video lenses. Unlike electronic or “digital image stabilization systems” that typically degrade image quality, the PowerShot G7 digital camera’s lens shift-type preserves maximum optical performance while providing up to three stops of shake correction in shutter speed equivalent.

The PowerShot G7 digital camera’s new 1.4x/2.3x, onboard, digital tele-converter achieves the digital equivalent of having an actual teleconverter lens attached to the camera. The camera also offers a new Safety Zoom that enables non-stop digital zoom operation at reduced resolution settings up to the maximum magnification possible before the image begins to degrade. Optional optical wide-angle (WC-DC58B), telephoto (TC-DC58C) and close-up (58mm 250D) supplementary lenses are also available for the PowerShot G7 digital camera.**

Admiring the View
The PowerShot G7 digital camera is equipped with a newly enhanced, 2.5- inch color LCD screen with approximately 207,000 pixels, a wide viewing angle and 15 brightness settings making it easier to read the display menus and easier to preview and review subjects and scenes. Adding to the ease of composing a picture in the proper print proportion, the PowerShot G7 is appointed with optional grid lines and a 3:2 aspect ratio print display overlay. Simply put, this convenient composition guide overlays horizontal gray bars at the top and bottom of the LCD screen so that photographers can compose and shoot their images in the proportion best suited to the print size they wish to make (typically 4”x 6”).

Making Special Scenes
When it comes to special scenes, the PowerShot G7 camera makes a quantum leap over its predecessor with the addition of 13 new modes for a variety of scenic shooting situations. Notable among the special scene modes (which include portrait, night snapshot, kids & pets, indoor, foliage, snow, beach and fireworks settings etc.) are the new ISO 3200 and Aquarium settings that permit low light, no-flash photography in situations where using a flash would ruin a picture by bouncing back off aquarium glass or other reflective surfaces. For those whose photographic passions take them beyond the water’s edge and beneath its surface, the PowerShot G7 camera also has an underwater special scene mode. In order to actually take the camera underwater, users must safely ensconce it in the optional waterproof case WP-DC11, specifically designed for the PowerShot G7 and rated safe to depths of up to 130 feet.

Improving upon Excellence
A combination of technological advancements, as well as the introduction of the DIGIC III image processor has allowed the PowerShot G7 digital camera to become the fastest G series camera to date, with a startup time approximately twice as fast as its predecessor at 1.4 seconds (LCD monitor on). Other firsts on a G series model include Optical Image Stabilization and the addition of 13 new special scene modes for a variety of shooting situations. The PowerShot G7 model also adds the “My Colors” function. Users have added flexibility with an increased ISO sensitivity, which ranges from 80-1600, or as high as ISO 3200 in the special scene mode. With the enhanced noise reduction, users can confidently shoot in low light scenes.

Other New Features of the PowerShot G7 Digital Camera:

• USB 2.0 high speed interface
• SDHC Memory Card/SD Memory Card/MultiMedia Card compatibility
• Addition of “My Colors” function that allows users to creatively adjust the colors, contrast, sharpness and saturation of images for a completely custom look while shooting or during playback.
• 25 language menu options
• 1024 x 768 XGA movie mode (maximum recording time of 31 minutes)
• 16:9 widescreen photos to fit today’s widescreen TV’s
• 25 shooting modes including 16 special scene modes, and two user customized shooting modes
• Approximately 20% lighter than PowerShot G6 model (including battery and memory card)
• Hot shoe accommodates Canon 220EX, 430EX, 580EX, MR-14EX*and MT-24EX*Speedlite models
• Sound recorder stores up to two hours of voice memo
• “ My Category” makes it easy to sort images while shooting or during playback based on user preferences
• Real time histogram while shooting to check exposure levels
• An Image Inspection tool that, when engaged in the REC. Review mode, permits users to make certain that their images are in focus.

Compare Prices of the Canon Powershot G7 and get the latest price on the Canon PowerShot G7 at Amazon.

Canon Powershot G7 Reviews

Digital Camera Info reviews the Canon PowerShot G7 where they write - 'The high-end G-series got infused with some spunk with the introduction of the G7; the camera line now has a vast selection of scene modes and color effects. The Canon PowerShot G7 is a great camera, but the pre-production model had its flaws. The body got very warm after about ten minutes and would probably be able to melt butter (I didn’t test that claim though; I don’t think Canon would appreciate that). The optical viewfinder wasn’t very impressive, nor was the battery life. But in the end, the flagship Canon PowerShot G7 has a lot to offer with a new DIGIC III processor and substantial resolution. The camera also packs 25 exposure modes, vast amounts of manual controls and significant flexibility through its hot shoe connection and conversion lens options. '

DP Review posted their review of the Canon PowerShot G7 and writes - 'Specification aside, the G7 is a camera I'd find a lot easier to wholeheartedly recommend if the cons list at the top of this page were a bit shorter, but as I discovered, once you tame it, most of them can be overcome. It's not for everyone (and it's not the best 'social camera' as the focus can struggle in low light unless you stick to the short end of the zoom), but after a month or so of testing I find myself liking it more and more.'

DCRP has written a review of the Canon PowerShot G7 and writes - "Camera performance was excellent in most respects. The G7 starts up very quickly, more than twice as fast as its predecessor. Focus times were snappy, and low light focusing wasn't a problem for the camera. Shutter lag was minimal, as was the delay between shots. The G7's continuous shooting mode is also quite good, with unlimited shooting at 2 frames/second, which assumes that you're using a high speed memory card. One area in which this camera wasn't so hot was battery life: the G7's numbers are worse than the G6 before it, and below average in its class as well. Photo quality was impressive. The G7 took well-exposed photos with accurate colors, pleasing sharpness, and minimal purple fringing. Noise is kept in check if you keep the ISO at 400 or below, with the higher settings reserved for small prints. The camera did have a big problem with redeye, though. If you take a lot of flash people pictures, you may want to either consider buying an external flash, or just choosing another camera altogether."

DP Expert reviews the Canon Powershot G7 and writes "This camera is a joy to use, except for the absence of the swivelling LCD screen which is incredibly useful. But the images are disappointing. The pixel madness has Canon in its grip -- this is the second camera from the company that has disappointed by its excess pixel-induced image degradation. And to think that nine months ago Canon announced that the pixel race was over."

Trusted Reviews has reviewed the Canon PowerShot G7 and writes - 'While the G7 is unquestionably a superb camera, head and shoulders above anything else at the same size or price, the slower lens, smaller profile and lack of RAW mode will deter many potential buyers from trading in their G6. Instead of the best semi-pro camera on the market, Canon has produced a well specified general purpose camera that will appeal to the more ambitious casual user, rather than as an SLR-alternative for the serious hobbyist.'

Steves Digicams reviews the Canon Powershot G7 and writes - 'I was very pleased with this latest addition to Canon's legendary "G" series line. While we miss the Vari-Angle LCD, the new 6x IS lens is a definite plus. The only negative issues we found were the problem with the optical viewfinder and the higher image noise at ISO 800 and 1600. That said, the G7 is a good choice for the beginner, novice, or enthusiast that wants a less bulky alternative to carrying around a dSLR and a bag of lenses. With an MSRP of around US$599 the G7 offers an outstanding value that will be hard to beat this holiday season.'

PhotographyBLOG review the Canon Powershot G7 where they write - 'The Canon Powershot G7 is the kind of camera that not only makes you feel like a better photographer, but helps you become one too, mixing both comprehensive and happily reliable hand holding features with a plethora of real photographic controls that, along with build quality, at times exceeds that offered by many – if not most – budget DSLRs. OK, so some may bemoan the loss of RAW capture (and another annoyance is that the full manual is only on CD), but to be honest it wasn't something that concerned me greatly, and I'm guessing most of the target audience for this camera will probably already own a DSLR with that feature anyway. This model handles well, and feels like its built to last more than six months – indeed it's one of the weightiest, most brick-like compacts out there for the amateur market. Yet you can still slot it comfortably into an inside coat pocket, meaning, unlike a DSLR, it's also a carry anywhere device.'

PopPhoto puts the Canon Powershot G7 through its paces, and concludes, "The Canon Powershot G7 is a great-looking camera with cool styling, a great build, and good menu navigation. We were expecting big things from this camera, but its performance in the lab is a disappointment, especially at the higher ISOs. Is this the must-have pocket-cam for the pros? Probably not. There are just too many cut corners and sacrifices that many hardcore shooters may not be willing to take. ... In a lot of ways, the Canon Powershot G7 brings both the best and worst of Canon's other digital camera lines into one small package."

ePhotoZine reviews the Canon PowerShot G7 and writes, "There's a slight element that the G7, having been cut down to size, has rather lost something. It has a number of admirable features and is genuinely nice to use, but the performance is slightly off. The loss of the flip-out LCD is a real shame, but for those wanting a camera that's convenient to carry, the large weight and size loss is surely a good thing. The use of colour modes to optimise the picture for specific types is a good thing, but it's surprising to see only sRGB being supported rather than the wider gamut of AdobeRGB. The colour accuracy itself is good, but not quite perfect, while the lens offers very sharp pictures throughout the 6x optical zoom. What is apparent is that colour fringing can be a problem, even against blue skies, never mind white ones, if it's bright. Also, the camera did seem to struggle with any kind of contrast range, often requiring -2EV exposure compensation to retain detail in the sky. Images themselves are full of detail thanks to that huge resolution, while noise is well controlled up to ISO800, but significantly it appears in shadows areas at ISO100."

Pocket-lint has a review of the Canon Powershot G7 and writes, "the G7 lacks a RAW capture mode. ...Image quality is, overall, good rather than great. ... I still got lots of shots with camera shake as I endeavored to get flash-free images at lower ISOs. ... It’s fair to say the Canon PowerShot G7 is a comprehensively specified and brilliantly built camera, but it is also fair to say it is a disappointment. All the reasons to own a G-series camera (excellent, fast lens, RAW capture, reams of detail and low noise) have been removed by a company trying to keep up with the 10-megapixel “Joneses”. Canon’s premium compact series of digital models has lost its crown."

Camera Labs has a review of the Canon PowerShot G7 and writes, "Knowing what could have been, along with the noise at higher sensitivities, means we can only award the PowerShot G7 our Recommended rating. Sure it’s an excellent compact, with a great lens that’s capable of impressive results, but deep down we know it could have been much more special – and as we mentioned earlier, the PowerShot A640, EOS 400D and Panasonic FZ50 make very compelling alternatives. Canon may now be trying to sell a DSLR to every enthusiast, but there’s still room in the market for a highly capable top-of-the-range compact."

PCWorld has a review of the Canon PowerShot G7 and writes, "The G7 delivered very sharp shots in our tests, earning the best score on this measure among recently tested advanced cameras. Overall, the G7 earned a Very Good rating for image quality. We were disappointed, however, by the indifferent accuracy of its exposures on indoor shots (at automatic settings), especially on shots where we used the built-in flash. On outdoor shots the G7 usually supplied accurate exposures. The slow autofocus proved frustrating: The lens tended to swim in and out for several seconds before locking onto my subject; and in dim lighting, it sometimes produced out-of-focus shots anyway. ... The G7's shortcomings aside, its generous controls and easy navigation may prove an ideal combination for photographers who frequently adjust manual settings in pursuit of the perfect shot."

Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Canon Powershot G7 and writes, "Indoors the camera is very strong. This is another area where it outperforms many other digital cameras. Looking at the indoor portrait shot it is the level of detail the camera has been able to pick out that really catches my eye. There is a touch of red eye, but my test shot suggests the Powershot G7 should be able to control this to a degree. As with any compact digital camera you are likely to see red eye in some lowlight portrait photos. ... Overall there is a lot to like about the Canon Powershot G7. It is a camera aimed at enthusiasts and you will need to commit time to learning how the camera works in order to get the most out of it. You will find that it is time well spent. "

IT Reviews has a review of the Canon PowerShot G7 and writes, "The most important omission for the semi-pro photographer is the absence of RAW mode recording which would give you more control over the final image, and which was present in the G6. Also the battery has been changed to the smaller NB-2LH which on average will allow you 220 standard photos, as opposed to the former BP-511A which easily reached 300. ... Despite these drawbacks, the quality of the images, the speed and efficiency of operation and the flexibility afforded by the range of menus and controls will almost certainly mean that many keen snappers will - perhaps reluctantly - soon be upgrading their old G6 for the new model."

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Canon Powershot G7 and writes, "For the person who wants a digital camera with top performance and extensive features in a stylish, retro-rangefinder package, the Canon PowerShot G7 is an excellent choice. The AF speed of the DIGIC III processor, external flash hot shoe, and intuitive controls position it well as a bridge, or potential backup, to a DSLR. The zoom range could be better on the wide end, going down to 20mm or 24mm (in 35mm terms) would be ideal. The camera can print directly with PictBridge compliant printers (no computer necessary)."

DPInterface has a review of the Canon PowerShot G7 and writes, "Image quality wise, the G7 has good image quality; low noise, low fringing and no vignetting, although redeye is still an issue. Overall, the G7 is a pretty interesting and good package yet there is one final issue - the price. There's Canon's own A710 IS which does almost the same thing (Well, lacking a hotshoe, customization, design, lower resolution and a slightly worse movie mode) for $200+ less. ... The Canon G7 is something if you want a capable camera in a compact, sturdy package or if you're not quite ready for a digital SLR yet. Just remember to take into consideration and try out the G7's less expensive competitors and also similarly priced digital SLRs."

Posted by Darren in our Canon category on September 14, 2006

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