Canon PowerShot G16 Digital Camera {12.1MP}

Canon PowerShot G16: the G-series compact with an f/1.8 lens and full PASM control.

The G16 sits at the top of Canon's proven G-series lineage, built around a 12MP 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor paired with the Digic 6 processor. That combination drives burst shooting at 12.2 fps and keeps RAW+JPEG writes moving without locking up the buffer, even on a mid-range UHS-I card. The 28-140mm equivalent lens opens to f/1.8 at the wide end, giving you real low-light latitude that most compact zooms can't touch. Optical image stabilization backs that up across the zoom range, and ISO extends to 12800 for when the light genuinely drops.

Full PASM exposure modes, an optical viewfinder, a hot-shoe for external flash, and dedicated physical dials for exposure compensation give this camera a handling profile closer to a small interchangeable-lens body than a typical point-and-shoot. RAW capture, 7 white balance presets with two custom slots, and AE bracketing across three frames at 1/3 EV steps round out the controls for photographers who want to work deliberately. The 1080/60p video, super slow motion at up to 240fps, Star Time-Lapse mode, and built-in Wi-Fi for remote shooting via smartphone make the G16 a genuinely capable multi-purpose tool. At 356g and 109 x 76 x 40mm, it fits in a jacket pocket without negotiation.

Who It's For

Street photographers who need quick AF, an f/1.8 aperture for dim interiors, and a pocketable body will find the G16 responds without hesitation. Travel shooters get a 28-140mm range, optical stabilization, and built-in Wi-Fi for transferring images to a phone in the field. Journalists or documentary shooters covering a beat can rely on 12.2 fps burst and continuous RAW+JPEG capture for fast sequences without buffer stalls. Astronomy and long-exposure enthusiasts have Star Time-Lapse, 15-second shutter speeds, and manual focus to work with at night.

Key Features

• 12MP 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor with Digic 6 processor
• 28-140mm f/1.8-f/2.8 lens with 5x optical zoom
• 12.2 fps burst in JPEG; RAW+JPEG at 1.6 fps continuous
• Full PASM exposure control with AE bracketing and exposure compensation dials
• 1080/60p video with 240 fps slow motion and Star Time-Lapse
• Optical viewfinder, hot-shoe flash mount, built-in Wi-Fi with smartphone tethering

FAQ

What's the aperture range on the G16's lens?

The lens opens to f/1.8 at 28mm (wide end) and stops down to f/2.8 at 140mm (telephoto end). That f/1.8 wide aperture is genuinely useful for low-light work on a compact.

Can you shoot RAW on the G16?

Yes. The G16 captures RAW files, and with a mid-range UHS-I card, you can shoot RAW+JPEG continuously at around 1.6 fps without buffer lockup - a significant advantage over competing compacts at the time.

Does the G16 have manual focus?

Yes. Manual focus is available through the 4-way controller; there's a dedicated MF button on the rear. Macro mode focuses as close as 1 cm for detail work.

What video frame rates does the G16 offer?

Standard video records 1080p at 60 or 30 fps, 720p at 30 fps, and 480p at 30 fps. Super Slow Motion captures up to 240 fps at 240p resolution. Star Time-Lapse is also built in.

How does the Wi-Fi work for smartphone connectivity?

Install Canon's free Picture Window app, then pair via your existing Wi-Fi network or create an ad-hoc connection from the camera. You can view and download images to your phone at full, medium, or small resolution, and optionally append GPS data from your phone's location logs.

What's the burst rate, and does it work with RAW?

The G16 bursts at 12.2 fps in JPEG mode. RAW+JPEG bursts at approximately 1.6 fps continuously without locking up on a decent UHS-I card - that's fast for a compact shooting uncompressed.

Is there an optical viewfinder?

Yes, an optical tunnel viewfinder with 80% coverage. You also get a 3-inch 922,000-dot LCD and an optical image stabilization system across the entire zoom range.