Canon PowerShot G10 Digital Camera {14.7MP}

Canon PowerShot G10: the compact that demanded RAW files

The G10 was Canon's answer to photographers who refused to give up manual control when leaving the house without an interchangeable-lens camera. A 15MP CCD sensor in a 1/1.7" package delivers files with the tonal character that CCD is known for, and RAW support means you're working from full data, not a camera-processed JPEG. The 28–140mm f/2.8 equivalent lens starts wide enough for architecture and environmental portraits, with optical image stabilization keeping things sharp at the long end. Full PASM exposure control, a hot shoe for external flash, and 6 white balance presets with custom white balance give you the kind of shooting latitude that was rare in a coat-pocket camera.

The 3" LCD at 461,000 dots covers composition duties, but the optical tunnel viewfinder is there when you need to shoot in bright sun or want a steadier hold. Shutter speeds run from 15 seconds to 1/4000 sec, so long exposures and freezing motion are both on the table. At 390g and 109 x 78 x 46mm, this is a camera that goes everywhere a DSLR won't. The G10's long track record in the field has made it a backup and travel option that still produces files worth printing.

Who It's For

Travel photographers who want RAW files and a 28mm wide-angle starting point without carrying a full system will find the G10's 5x optical zoom covers most situations in one body. Street photographers can use the optical viewfinder for a steadier, less conspicuous shooting style. Photographers who work with off-camera lighting will appreciate the hot shoe, which accepts Canon Speedlites for controlled flash work despite the compact form factor. Macro shooters get a 1cm minimum focus distance, making the G10 capable for close-up product or nature work without any add-on optics.

Key Features

• 15MP 1/1.7" CCD sensor with RAW shooting support
• 5x optical zoom (28–140mm equivalent) with optical image stabilization
• PASM exposure control with 15-second minimum shutter speed
• 3" LCD at 461,000 dots plus optical tunnel viewfinder
• Hot-shoe external flash mount with six flash modes
• 9-point autofocus with manual focus override and 1cm macro

FAQ

Does the G10 shoot RAW files?

Yes. RAW support was a defining feature of the G10 - you get full sensor data to work with in post-production, not just processed JPEGs. Canon Digital Photo Professional handles the files, but standard RAW converters work fine too.

What's the optical zoom range?

28–140mm equivalent, 5x optical zoom. Wide enough for environmental work, telephoto reach for detail shots, all in a pocket camera.

Can you use manual exposure control?

Full PASM is available. Shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual are all there, along with 15-second minimum shutter speed if you want to do long exposures.

Does it have an optical viewfinder?

Yes, an optical tunnel viewfinder. It's useful for bright sunlight shooting and gives you a steadier hold than LCD-only shooting, though the 3" fixed LCD works too.

What external flash can I use?

The G10 has a hot shoe. Any standard Canon Speedlite or compatible third-party flash mounts directly.

What ISO range does it handle?

80–1,600 in manual mode, plus Auto ISO. High ISO auto adjusts sensitivity to prevent blur when hand-holding at the long end of the zoom.

How much does the G10 weigh?

390 grams. Light enough that you'll actually carry it as a backup or travel camera without thinking twice.