Canon PowerShot G12 Digital Camera {10MP}

Canon G12: the serious compact with full manual control

The G12 occupies a specific and well-understood place in photography: a pocket-able camera that refuses to behave like one. Full manual exposure, aperture priority, shutter priority, RAW capture, a hot shoe, and a dedicated exposure compensation dial on top, these aren't compromises bolted onto a consumer point-and-shoot. They're a complete control set that works in the field without hunting through menus. The 28–140mm f/2.8 lens covers a practical range for most shooting situations, and the fully articulated 2.8" LCD makes low-angle and overhead compositions far less frustrating than cameras with fixed screens.

The 10MP CCD sensor pairs with Canon's Digic 4 processor and pulls usable images at ISO 80–3200, with shutter speeds ranging from 15 seconds down to 1/4000 sec. That 15-second floor means genuine long-exposure work without external gear. Macro focus down to 1 cm opens up close-up shooting that most compacts can't touch. Optical image stabilization helps in low light, and six white balance presets plus custom white balance give you real color control on location. At 401 grams with a 370-shot battery life, this is a camera you can carry all day without noticing it.

Who It's For

Travel photographers who want RAW files and manual control without carrying an interchangeable-lens system will find the 28–140mm zoom range and compact body a practical pairing. Street shooters benefit from the fully articulated screen for discreet framing from the hip or chest level. Photographers who work close will appreciate the 1 cm macro focus range for product or botanical detail work. Journalists and documentary photographers drawn to the hot shoe and second-curtain sync can mount an external flash and maintain full creative control over mixed lighting situations.

Key Features

• 10MP CCD sensor with Digic 4 processor for RAW and JPEG capture
• 28–140mm f/2.8 lens with 5x optical zoom and macro focus to 1 cm
• Full manual exposure control with aperture priority, shutter priority, and M mode
• Shutter speed from 15 seconds to 1/4000 sec for long exposures without gear
• ISO 80–3,200 with optical image stabilization for low-light steadiness
• Fully articulated 2.8" LCD with 461,000 dots for any shooting angle
• Hot shoe for external flash and dedicated exposure compensation dial on top

FAQ

What makes the G12 different from other compact cameras?

It has full manual exposure control, aperture and shutter priority modes, RAW capture, a hot shoe for external flashes, and a dedicated exposure compensation dial on top. You're not digging through menus to shoot - the controls are built into the body.

Can you shoot long exposures without a tripod or external gear?

Yes. The shutter speed goes down to 15 seconds, so you can do genuine long-exposure work on location. Optical image stabilization helps when you're hand-holding in low light.

How close can you focus with the macro mode?

Down to 1 cm (0.39"), which opens up serious close-up work that most pocket cameras can't touch.

What's the zoom range and does it cover general shooting situations?

28–140mm equivalent, 5x optical zoom. That's wide enough for environmental portraits and landscapes, and long enough for detail work without needing to move close. The f/2.8 aperture stays constant across the range.

How does the fully articulated LCD help in the field?

It flips, rotates, and swivels. Low angles, overhead shots, selfies, or awkward compositions become straightforward instead of a guessing game. You see exactly what the sensor sees.

Is the battery life realistic for a full day of shooting?

Canon rates it at 370 shots per charge. With careful use and turning off the LCD periodically, that's a solid day. The camera weighs only 401 grams with battery, so carrying a spare is painless.

Does it shoot RAW, and what white balance control do you get?

Yes, full RAW in Canon's CR2 format. You get six white balance presets plus custom white balance, so real color control on location without post-processing guesswork.