The Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera [Amazon] is ready for pre-order. $499.99

Canon G11

There are some seemingly great improvements to the new G-Series camera from Canon that has become a favorite amongst photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. A reduction of mega-pixel count and a few new features should give many photographers reason to think of upgrading.

Features:

* New 10-mega-pixel High Sensitivity System; DIGIC 4 Image Processor

* Bright 2.8-inch Vari-Angle PureColor System LCD plus optical viewfinder

* Wide-angle 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm); Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer

* Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined shooting situations

* RAW + JPEG shooting and recording modes; capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Amazon has the full list of highlights. I’ll go over the ones I find notable.

New 10-megapixel sensor coupled with Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor

“The PowerShot G11 employs a newly developed, 10-megapixel High Sensitivity System by combining a powerful CCD sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor. Thanks to this technological advancement, the G11 is dramatically more sensitive than cameras with identical megapixel counts, and delivers spectacular images with minimal noise. Increased sensitivity demands a higher ISO speed, and the PowerShot G11 delivers with a new maximum setting of ISO 3200. Blur and camera shake are notably reduced for the ultimate in sharpness and clarity.

In addition, a new Low Light mode lets you capture images in an astonishing range of conditions. The camera automatically adjusts the ISO speed from ISO 320 to ISO 12800 in relation to ambient brightness, subject movement and camera shake.”

An improvement in low light performance over industry marketing megapixel count is a huge step in the right direction. Canon seems to have figured out that their customer base for these cameras is informed photographers that won’t fall prey to simple marketing strategies.

“A new Face Self-Timer automatically detects an increase in the number of faces and makes the appropriate adjustments. For instance, to include a photographer’s face in a group shot, there’s no need to rush in. Just put the camera on a stand or tripod, select the Face Self-Timer, and the camera will wait for the photographer’s face to get on-camera before it takes the shot. Motion Detection now tracks moving subjects in a much larger range, and the new Servo AF retains focus on a moving subject after the shutter button is pressed halfway – allowing you to wait for the perfect shot without refocusing. Also, Face Detection and Motion Detection are markedly improved.”

Pretty cool for photographers (like myself) who often find that they aren’t in enough of their own photo albums.

Notably left out

Time-lapse doesn’t seem to be anywhere in the product descriptions and press releases I’ve come across. Did Canon not find that many photographers were still buying G9s because of that one feature?

HD Video

In an age where many camera manufacturers are putting HD video into every camera that they can Canon has opted to leave out the HD in the video capabilities of the Canon G11. So what’s up with that? Perhaps Canon is trying to maintain that gap in features they seem to have always maintained throughout their camera lineup. Don’t forget that they sell video cameras and may not want to marginalize the sales of that department by providing customers with the “all-in-one” solution that the public is clamoring for. The question you should ask yourself is: Do I need HD video?

So what do you think? Did Canon listen to its customers? Is the Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera worth the upgrade?