High-Resolution Digital Photography Becomes More Affordable Digital cameras are still more expensive than film cameras with similar features, but the gap between the two platforms is continuing to narrow. In fact, the latest digital cameras are able to compete with film cameras, both on price and on image quality.
The Canon PowerShot G2 is a good example of the new generation of digital cameras that can capture high-resolution images at a price that many serious photographers can afford.
Building on the advanced features and high image quality of the G1, the G2 is a true 4-megapixel camera. It utilizes a 4.13-megapixel CCD with a maximum resolution of 2272x1704 pixels. That's more than enough digital data to produce striking 8x10 prints. Even 11x14 prints look good, ezpecially when output on a higher-end digital printer.
The G2 can capture JPEG images at three compression levels (normal, fine and super-fine), and images in the Raw file format for maximum post-processing capabilities. The Raw file format captures all pixel data, without modifications or optimization, and provides maximum control over important image attributes like white balance, contrast, sharpness, color saturation and bit depth—without adding image-degrading artifacts.
As with other Canon cameras, the PowerShot G2 features outstanding optics. This model comes equipped with a 7-21mm f/2.0-2.5 optical glass lens (equivalent to a 34-102mm zoom in the 35mm format). The lens is constructed with eight elements in seven groups for exceptional image quality, and it can focus as close as 2.4 inches in the macro/wide-angle setting.
The G2 is a sturdy camera that's well designed and easy to use, although it's a little larger and somewhat heavier than competing models. The mode dial, function button, zoom control, and monochrome data LCD are on the top of the camera. A multi-directional navigation button and the other controls are grouped around a flip-out color LCD on the back of the body. The LCD also rotates, making it easy to view and frame compositions when shooting from odd angles.
The color LCD is very viewable, even under difficult lighting conditions. And unlike the LCDs on some some digital cameras which must be viewed straight on, with the G2 you can see images clearly from a variety of angles.
Images can be framed either with the LCD, when precise composition is essential, or with the coupled viewfinder. The latter approach is best when you need to conserve battery power.
The G2 offers a variety of shooting modes from fully automatic to a number of manual settings for more creative control. There's a pan focus mode for maximum depth of field, and a night-scene mode which provides slow shutter sync with flash. Exposure modes include programmed auto exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual (with LCD screen metering readout).
For added control, there are three metering options available: evaluative, center-weighted and spot. Exposure compensation of ±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments is available. The G2 also features auto exposure bracketing—handy when shooting under uncertain lighting conditions.
The small "MF" button on the left side of the body makes it easy to switch from automatic to manual focusing. Autofocus can be set to either single or continuous, depending upon personal preferences and shooting requirements. Manual focus is set with the MF button on the left side of the camera, and adjusted with the up and down arrows of the navigation button. The color LCD is used to comfirm accurate manual focusing.
Shutter speeds range from 8 seconds to 1/1000—sufficient for most action situations.The G2 can be set to shoot at 2.6 frames per second for 5 frames, and 1.5 fps for nine frames—both at maximum resloution.
Adjustable auditory shutter response and virtually no shutter lag make shooting with the new Canon a real pleasure.
When shooting in the automatic mode, the camera adjusts to the ISO equivalence of either 50 or 100, as lighting requires. The ISO equivalence can also be set manually from ISO 50-400. That's not quite as sensitive as some high-end consumer digitals, but more than adequate for most shooting situations.
A variety of color settings can be applied individually or as a group to your images. Options include vivid color (added saturation), natural color (reduced saturation), warm tone (sepia) and black-and-white.
The G2 can also capture full-motion video with audio at 15 fps. The maximum clip length is 30 seconds at a resolution of 320x240 pixels. At a resolution of 160x120, the duration of videos can be extended to two minutes.
The built-in flash is sufficiently powerful for most shooting situations. For extended output and range, the G2 can be fitted with one of Canon's EX-series Speedlite flash units. For instant imaging, it's possible to pair the G2 with Canon's popular CP-10 digital printer, which can print 300x300 dpi credit-card sized dye-sub color prints in under a minute. The CP-10 can also be used to print eight-up mini-stickers. Users can control all print settings directly from the camera's LCD monitor. Digital data is transferred to the printer through a dedicated interface cable.
The G2 completes most camera operations at least twice as fast as the G1, thanks to enhancements to the G2's image processing circuitry. At the same time, power consumption has been cut almost in half. The proprietary battery, which charges in the camera, lasts considerably longer than conventional batteries. For example, it operates as long as five hours in the playback mode on a single charge. The disadvantage of proprietary batteries, however, is that they aren't readily available from all retail outlets. Therefore, it's always a good idea to carry an extra battery or two, especially while traveling or when shooting important subjects.
The G2 stores images are on CompactFlash cards—both Type I and Type II. The high-capacity IBM MicroDrives are also supporteds. The camera can be connected to host computers via a supplied bi-directional USB cable.
The Canon PowerShot G2 has a suggested list price of $999, which includes a 32 MB CompactFlash card, as well as a selection of bundled software. For more information, contact Canon U.S.A., Inc., One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042; 800/OK-CANON. On the Internet at www.usa.canon.com.
