Canon PowerShot G7

Full of useful features. Handy optical viewfinder. Excellent LCD. Built-in color effects ; Too much image noise (graininess) at ISOs above 100

Too much image noise (graininess) at ISOs above 100

Even with the image noise, the PowerShot G7's combination of features and superb color quality make it an exceptional compact camera.

- Excellent color reproduction - Nice 6x lens with optical Image stabilization - Fast auto focus - Face tracking - Remote shooting

- High noise levels over ISO 400 - Limited dynamic range - Soft corners - 220-shot battery life - No optical zoom in movies - No RAW file shooting - Confusing user manuals

Optical image stabilization Thumbwheel and ISO dial

Autofocus can be slow Indoor shots were inaccurately exposed

The G7's shortcomings aside, its generous controls and easy navigation may prove an ideal combination for photographers who frequently adjust manual settings in pursuit of the perfect shot. But photo enthusiasts looking for a backup camera to...

Superb image quality. Sharp images. Lots of options and features.

Shutter lag. Heavy. Expensive. Noisy at high ISOs.

Excellent resolution and respectable edge-to-edge sharpness across the zoom range ; Classic 'rangefinder' styling looks great, fit & finish superb ; Capable of very good results at lower ISO settings ; ISO 200-400 usable for standard sized prints...

Many features that made the G series stand out have been removed; fast lens, raw mode, vari-angle screen, IR remote, big long-life battery, LCD status panel ; Some shadow noise visible even at ISO 80 ; Lack of grip and 'classic styling' don't make for...

There has been so much talk about what the G7 is not that I think it's only fair to look first at what it is; a superbly built, comprehensively featured and highly desirable camera that packs a lot of the functionality of a digital SLR - and an image...

Very good photo quality, low noise through ISO 200 ; 6X zoom lens ; Optical image stabilization ; Cool retro body, built like a tank ; Large 2.5" LCD, visible in low light ; Very good performance in most areas ; Full manual controls, plus plenty of...

A bit letdown when compared to previous G-series models (for reasons specified above) ; Expensive; costs as much as some D-SLRs ; Redeye a big problem ; Below average battery life ; No RAW format support ; Lens visible through viewfinder at wide-angle...

While a disappointing G-series camera, the PowerShot G7 stands on its own, and it earns my recommendation. If you don't mind parting with almost $600 for it, it's worth a look. Don't forget to check out the just as capable -- and less expensive --...

Retro design and sturdy built quality; includes an optical viewfinder ; Face detection AF and AE that works ; Large LCD with good visibility ; Can be remotely controlled from computer ; Unlimited continuous shooting at full resolution ; Very good...

Costly; around the same as entry-level digital SLRs ; No RAW option (Previous G-series had it) ; No rotating LCD (Previous G's had this too!) ; Below average battery life (Also down from the G6) ; Tiny shutter button/zoom controller; no proper hand...

The Canon PowerShot G7 is the (long overdue) successor to the G6 and brings many improvements over the 2 years, though with some step-backs as well. The G7 sacrifices the fast (large aperture) lens of the G6 for a slower lens with more zoom and optical...