Macro mode
A number of you have Canon G12s and I was curious about the camera, so I rented one. My primary reason for renting one was to let Debra try it out. She has a smaller camera, a few years old, and wanted to see what a more advanced camera might offer her. After she finished with it, I got to play with it for a few days. Today, it goes back to LensRentals.com. This is not a review, merely some impressions that I had while using it.
What’s the same?
The one thing that I noticed about the camera was that, from what I could tell, it was just a bigger S90, with controls in different places. This made it very easy to use as I was familiar with the meaning system and, or the most part, where things were located on the camera. I was able to operate the camera flawlessly … well, almost. The front ring is there. The screen size is about the same.
What’s different?
Ergonomically, the G12 feels better in my hands. Though Canon still doesn’t have the same talents as Nikon, as far as ergonomics go, it felt better. There’s a grip on the front, a thumb rest on the back, and some things are well thought out. As Debra mentioned, I don’t feel like I’m going to drop the camera, which is how I feel most times when I pick up the S90 and why I always use the strap around my wrist.
I did, however, initially have trouble. My thumb and the AE lock button kept getting together. It was rather annoying. Over the few days that I used the camera, I had to always be aware of the position of my thumb so that I didn’t hit that button unless I wanted to.
Another control that I kept hitting was the Function Set button. It is raised above the surface on a small platform. It resided directly at the base of my thumb. If I adjusted my hand a bit, my thumb kept hitting the button and bringing up some mode that I didn’t want. So, I had to be aware of my hand position. This was distracting.
I like the slightly longer zoom range, 28-135 vs 28-105, though I would really love something like 28 – 200, but we can’t have everything.
The viewfinder was interesting, but not useful. It does have a diopter adjustment, but no information inside. It might be somewhat useful for framing, but after looking through it a couple of times, I pretty much abandoned it in favor of the rear LCD.
The rear LCD swivel idea is nice, but I found that, in practice, I didn’t use it except to flip it around and place it flat against the camera, just like the S90 or an other P&S that I’ve seen. I guess that it could be useful, but I’ve gotten use to not having one so, not a selling point.
I did really like the ISO dial on the top as well as the exposure compensation dial, which I did not use. I prefer exposure lock and recomposing. It’s faster than messing with that dial, but it was a good idea to put LEDs there to be able to see in dimly lit conditions.
Of course, being larger, it’s quite a bit heavier than the S90, twice as much actually: 396g vs 197g and you can really feel it. I had it in the pocket of my windbreaker and there was a noticeable drag weight there. Also, it’s big enough that it didn’t fit into my pants pockets so well, unless I was wearing cargo pants. Then, again, the weight on one side is noticeable.
I had no complaints whatsoever on the picture quality. They were pretty the much the same as the S90. Of course, the G12 has better video capabilities than the S90, but my iPhone incredible HD video capabilities and it is rare that I use video.
Overall, I enjoyed using the camera and can see why those of you who have them enjoy it. It is a great camera. However, I didn’t see it, necessarily, as an upgrade to the S90, just a different S90, or perhaps the S90 is just a smaller G12. 
Up next, I have a Nikon 1 – V1 on the way. This weekend is Chinese New Year’s festival at The Peaceful Dragon. I’m really curious about the ability to do 60 fps with an electronic shutter as well as 400 fps slow motion video. The camera arrives tomorrow so I’m going to have to immerse myself in it quickly so I can get some good use out of it on Saturday … since my D300 is STILL in NY at Nikon’s repair facility waiting on parts.
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Paul, if you don’t already have it, I would recommend Richard Franiec’s camera grip for the S90/S95. I makes a world of difference in the ability to hold and grip the small frame of the S90 without adding any bulk or awkwardness. I’ve used one on my S90 since shortly after getting it and would not want to do without it.
Yeah, I need to get one of those. Thanks for the link. That little add-on will probably make all of the difference and I won’t feel like I’m going to drop it all the time.
I do have the G12, Paul, but I’ve never used the S90, so I can’t compare them. My primary complaint with the G12 (as it was with the G10) is the one you mention – inadvertantly hitting the “Function Set” button with my thumb. It can be annoying sometimes. I’ve also seen some strange in-camera choices for white balance. Easily fixed with RAW images, of course, but I’m puzzled by the fact that it “misses” sometimes. Maybe it’s because I’m comparing it to the 5D MK II (which rarely gets it wrong).
As you say, the image quality is very good. And it doesn’t suffer from noise issues like the G10 does. I can raise the ISO a bit and still get good photographs. All in all, a good backup camera and a good camera to carry when you’re travelling “light”.
Interesting comparison. I’m glad you did that.
As you know I really like my G12 and it gives me very impressive results to the point that between that and the X10 I have just about given up using my “real” cameras. But if I already had a S90/S95 or even an S100 I probably wouldn’t also want a G12. The G1X may be another story with the larger sensor, but unlike a lot of people I’m happy to wait for real-world feedback and reviews.
I have some of the same issues you had with the handling of the G12 which is why I generally leave my RRS L-bracket on it. It gives just enough extra surface area – albeit on the left side – to improve the overall handling. And while it looks a little silly, on a tripod with a polarizer (using the Lensmate adapter) it is an excellent landscape camera.
I really like the idea of being able to “try before you buy” and look forward to your thoughts on the Nikon. There have been some mixed opinions on that camera, but I think the people who have actually used it – as opposed to the forum jockeys who happily dismiss it out of hand because of the “too-small” sensor size – have actually been quite impressed. I think there is a real future in these compact cameras and am looking forward to seeing how they evolve and what is announced in the coming year.
Tom, regarding the mixed opinions, I rather like to see for myself. You’re absolutely right about the forum jockeys who like to talk badly, or even praise cameras that they’ve never put their hands on, or worse yet, those that haven’t been released all based on specifications or proposed specifications. It’s really quite ridiculous.
I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the Nikon 1 – V1 and trying it out for a week. I don’t think that I’m in the market for one, but I find the technology interesting. I might have go find me a basketball game to shoot with that thing.
Also, since Nikon are very good about making things compatible, my SB-600 flashes will work with it. I’ll reserve judgment on the sensor size until I see what it can do. Usually, sensor size doesn’t bother me so much save for the issue of all of that depth of field that it brings with it. I like to have a bit more control of the DOF.
It will arrive tomorrow sometime during the afternoon.
I don’t own any Canon products, but I am eagerly awaiting your review of the Nikon 1 – V1. I’ve been living with Nikon products a long time and I find it difficult to use the Canon cameras because the control layout is quite a bit different.
Ken, I’m looking forward to handling it and seeing what’s it like. I’m particularly interested in the electronic shutter. As for Nikon products, I’m a fan. Ergonomically, they are unbeatable. They really know how to design a camera that feels natural in the hand. Canons just don’t feel right and the controls seem awkwardly placed. However, I have, generally, liked Canon’s point & shoots better.
The viewfinder was one of the reasons I bough the G12 and you as you discovered it’s disappointing and never used. The larger size is a reason I went for it instead of the S95. I wanted the compact size for my travels and I find it is not near as intrusive as the DSLR. I’ve really been impressed with the image quality of the G12. I am interested in the Fujifilm’s X-Pro1 rangefinder but that will be out of my price range. I also will be interested in your report on the Nikon 1.
Yeah, the viewfinder was pretty pointless. I didn’t know about the new Fuji camera. I suppose I’ll be renting that one when it comes out to give it a try. Next on my list is the Fujifilm X-100. I’ll probably do that one sometime in March. It was on my list to buy before the M9, but after reading a few reviews and finding out that it wasn’t really fit as a rangefinder, I decided to forgo it and save my $$$ to get the M9. I have an upcoming post about my thoughts on the M9. You might be surprised … I’ve not written it yet, but it is floating around in my brain.
I just – perhaps foolishly – put my name on a list for an X-Pro 1 and will have to decide about it once pricing is announced. I probably just need to let myself succumb to the siren song of the M9 but this new Fuji is calling my name. There’s also supposed to be an Olympus announcement soon.
Pretty strange for a guy who claims to be gear-agnostic, huh? But these little compact cameras are getting interesting and I truly want to stop hauling around so much stuff.
Paul, I continue to use my 2-year old S90 almost every day. Didn’t see enough reason to get the S95 nor the S100 and was curious to see your take on the G12.
The stick-on grip took away the “slippery bar of soap” problem for the S90. Do get it.
Whenever I hand the camera to anyone, I always have them slip on the wrist strap. One “oops” would certainly spoil my day.
Thanks.
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