The megapixel count of digital cameras is often a deciding factor for many photographers; advanced photographers consider a wider range of specifications before choosing a digital camera.
Currently the market segment for a compact professional camera for photojournalists is booming. Canons’ G series digital cameras surprised a number of critics with image performance approaching DSLR quality in many conditions and the favourite compact of professional photographers and photo agencies.
The Challengers
Panasonic and Olympus recently released their contenders, the GH1 and EP1, based on their DSLR sensor offering a serious alternative to the Canon PowerShot G10. Canon response is the upgraded model, the PowerShot G11.
According to Stephen Munday, Senior Operations Director, Editorial, Getty Images “the quality of images delivered by the PowerShot G series are so good that we use G10 images within our editorial library.
“The unpredictable nature of news photojournalism requires our photographers to get shots in all kinds of situations, and the size of the G10 allows them to do that without drawing too much attention to themselves.”
Reduce Megapixels for Better Images
Experienced photographers know there is more to image quality than just the number of megapixels. The PowerShot G10 fared badly in comparison the challengers as shown in the dxo lab results for noise below. Pixel size is an important factor in overall sensor performance and the G10 is limited by its 1/1.7” size sensor that is only a third the size of an APS-C sensor common in DSLRs.
Canon did something that is probably unique in the short history of digital photography. The new PowerShot model has fewer megapixels than the model it replaces, the G10. This allowed room on the sensor for the larger pixels required to address the G10’s shortcomings.
According to Canon the pixels are 45 per cent larger in the new sensor compared to the old 14.7 megapixel unit in the PowerShot G10, resulting in a significant improvement in signal/noise ratio. Canon says that combined with revised DIGIC 4 Noise Reduction technology the overall result is a maximum noise reduction advantage of 2 f stops.
The larger pixels also help produce better dynamic range. Canon says it is now approximately four times greater than the PowerShot G10. This means a great improvement in shadow details and reduction of highlight blowout in scenes with large differences in contrast.
Photojournalist Use
Particularly for photojournalists who often need to shoot in difficult light conditions the noise performance at higher ISO settings and dynamic range of the sensor are very important.
“The low-light capabilities of the new G11 will be of even greater help in that respect, as it will allow our photographers to shoot high quality images without flash in even more situations," said Munday.
“When shooting in areas of conflict, it’s important to have a compact camera in my bag that allows me to work discreetly but also provides the level of quality required to get the photos I need. The G Series excels in this respect, delivering great quality images from a compact body that is less intimidating than that of an SLR,” said Gary Knight, photojournalist and co-founder of the VII Photo Agency.
Pro Flash Compatibility
Part of Canon’s positioning of the G series as photojournalist camera is the ability to use their range of flashes from their DSLRs. This makes the G11 a good companion for a professional photographer with Canon system as they do not have to carry another flash just for the G11.
Marketing Department Wins One
The PowerShot G11 does come with one marketing gimmick, the flappy paddle LCD screen. It does have one advantage though, it folds so the screen is not exposed keeping it from being scratched when the bullets start flying.
Fortunately, the G11 retains the old-fashioned optical viewfinder preferred by many professional photographers. One big benefit of using the viewfinder is it allows photographers to hold the camera properly to minimize camera shake.
The PowerShot G11 comes with an Image Stabilization lens, but holding the camera properly helps produce sharper shots in low light conditions.
Scheduled to be available in October, the PowerShot G11 Digital Camera retails for an estimated price of $499.99.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
