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Canon PowerShot G15 photo samples

The PowerShot G15 may have a different sensor than the G12, but the lens has more of an impact.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
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1 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

JPEG profile

Areas of focus look pretty good in JPEGs through ISO 200; then color noise and noise-reduction artifacts kick in. You can see how much detail you lose on the fur as well as the softness of the details on the tape measure. I wouldn't recommend going above ISO 1600.

Like the S110, the G15 inexplicably blew out exposure on the book page.
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2 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

ISO 80 JPEG

At ISO 80 the camera produces good detail without aggressive sharpening.

(1/80 sec, f2, ISO 80, Evaluative metering, AWB, approx 30mm)
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3 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

ISO 100 JPEG

The camera produces natural-looking sharpness at ISO 100 as well.

(1/100 sec, f2.5, ISO 100, Evaluative metering, AWB, approx 62mm)
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4 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

ISO 200 JPEG

At ISO 200 you still get decent detail, but it also starts to get a little soft.

(1/50 sec, f2.8, ISO 200, Evaluative metering, AWB, approx 105mm)
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5 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

Out-of-focus areas, raw vs. JPEG

This detail comes from an out-of-focus area of the previous image. You can see how the sharpening in the JPEG produces some contouring and graininess in the out-of-focus areas, but the raw trade-off is softness in the sharper areas.
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6 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

ISO 800, raw vs. JPEG

At higher ISO sensitivities, you can really get some better results shooting raw to minimize color noise, improve edges, and decrease fringing.

(1/30 sec, f2.2, ISO 800, Evaluative metering, AWB, approx 45mm)
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7 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

ISO 1600 JPEG

By ISO 1600, photos have that processy, special-effect look when viewed up close. However, they can still print pretty well as large as 13x19 if you use the raw files.

(1/100 sec, f2, ISO 1600, Evaluative metering, AWB, approx 28mm)
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8 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

Highlight recovery

There generally isn't a lot of detail available in blown-out highlights, but there's enough to fix sky and clouds.

(1/125 sec, f3.2, ISO 80, Evaluative metering, AWB, approx 28mm)
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9 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

Color

Overall the G15's color rendering looks good; it's a little cool and contrasty, but not as bad as from the S110.
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10 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

Center sharpness

The lens tops out at f8, but remains relatively sharp throughout most of the aperture range.

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