X

Canon PowerShot G11 (photos)

A discussion of the design and features of the Canon PowerShot G11.

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
33765879_DT1_540.jpg
1 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Big

While it's not nearly as sleek as a lot of the enthusiast models coming out these days, such as the Olympus E-P series or Canon's own S90, the larger size does allow the G11 to accommodate a usable optical viewfinder and large, easy-to-turn dials.
33765879_DT2_540.jpg
2 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Please reinvent the wheel

Last year, I said of the G10's similar controller, "Like the G9 and the G7 before it, the G10 uses a four-way switch plus Set/Function button, which is surrounded by a scroll wheel. I love the scroll wheel, but find I tend to accidentally hit one of the Manual focus, macro, drive mode or flash switch when I'm trying to press the middle button." Canon seems to have tweaked the design of the wheel, and I find it more troublesome: now I frequently press one of the switches while I'm scrolling as well. It's especially difficult to control in cold weather with numb fingers.
33765879_DT3_540.jpg
3 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Articulated LCD

The relatively large--3 inches--flip-and-twist LCD is one of the highlights of the G11.
33765879_DT4_540.jpg
4 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Exposure compensation dial

The exposure compensation dial is a useful and retro control.
33765879_DT5_540.jpg
5 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Dial it up

In addition to giving the camera a retro feel, the dials on the G10 are really practical and much faster to use than even direct-access buttons, which always require at least some navigation. That flying camera icon, Quick Shot mode, is new to the G11 (see next slide).
33765879_DT6_540.jpg
6 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Quick Shot mode

If you like this type of control panel interface, you're out of luck unless you're OK shooting in Program mode. You only have access to this in Canon's Quick Shot mode, a semiautomatic program mode that activates continuous autofocus and face detection (those two empty boxes on top get shutter speed and aperture readouts when you focus).

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos