Canon PowerShot G12

1947 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
usability (541)
portability (522)
performance (448)
image quality (401)
screen (279)

Negative
shutter (29)
manual adjust. (2)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 1947 reviews of Canon PowerShot G12. The average rating for this product is 4.4/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews. Reviewers really like the size and image quality. The performance and usability also get good views. Reviews are divided on the viewfinder. Many are less positive about the manual image adjustments and shutter.

portability, usability, performance, image quality, size

shutter, manual adjust.

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Canon PowerShot G12 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 91/100 = Excellent quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 1947 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

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Features

portability
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usability
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performance
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image quality
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size
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Showing 1 - 608 of 942 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (920)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Canon PowerShot G12

alaTest has collected and analyzed 126 user reviews of Canon PowerShot G12 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.4/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers really like the size and image quality. The performance and usability are also appreciated. There are some critical views about the shutter and price.

portability, usability, performance, image quality, size

price, shutter

92% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Canon PowerShot G12

alaTest has collected and analyzed 470 user reviews of Canon PowerShot G12 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.4/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.2/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.com. People really like the size and image quality. The performance and usability are also mentioned favorably. There are some mixed views about the viewfinder.

portability, usability, performance, image quality, size

90% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.ca)

Amazon.ca review summary for Canon PowerShot G12

alaTest has collected and analyzed 2 user reviews of Canon PowerShot G12 from Amazon.ca. The average user rating for this product is 5.0/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.ca. Comments about the image quality and size are overall positive. The usability and durability also get good feedback.

zoom, durability, usability, size, image quality

100% of the reviews on Amazon.ca give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : PJ Jacobowitz (pcmag.com)

Canon PowerShot G12

The Canon PowerShot G12's images and features are excellent for a point-and-shoot camera, but at its size and price, you can get far better.

Very good image quality for a compact camera. Optical viewfinder. Manual controls. Articulating LCD.

Pricey. Bulky. Small sensor for such a big camera.

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Mar, 2011

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Expert review by : Dan Havlik (wired.com)

Review: Canon G12

Power and precision in a small package. Canon's G12 hasn't changed a lot since the previous model but, as the old saying goes, if it...

Tank-like build feels like it can take a pounding. Tons of external controls on the camera body will bring out the pro in you. Locking down the resolution at 10 MP means it’s a better performer in low light. Very good 720p HD capture with stereo sound....

Even lower-priced competing models offer higher-resolution 1080p HD video capture. Only digital zooming during video capture degrades quality. Imaging sensor is still tiny, though other advanced compacts have gone big. Antiquated menu system

Feb, 2011

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Expert review by : Lori Grunin (cnet.com)

Canon PowerShot G12 review: Canon PowerShot G12

Canon PowerShot G12

Optical viewfinder; articulated LCD; built-in neutral-density filter; very good photo quality for its class.

Shot-to-shot performance still a little sluggish; some annoying controls.

Relatively unchanged from its predecessor, save the addition of 720p video, the Canon PowerShot G12 remains a very good, more-or-less compact model, designed to please photo enthusiasts.

Feb, 2011

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Expert review by : Tim Moynihan (pcworld.com)

Canon PowerShot G12

Thanks to its easy operation and adroit balance of strong performance, helpful hardware, and fun shooting modes, the 10-megapixel Canon PowerShot G12 ($500 as of January 3, 2011) earned our top pick in a recent roundup of five advanced point-and-shoot...

Superior image and video quality ; Optical viewfinder ; Easy to use ; Superb blend of automated and manual controls ; Adjustable, swiveling LCD screen ; Fun-to-use creative scene modes

Maximum aperture of F2.8 ; A bit bulky

The G12 delivers excellent image and video quality, and it backs up its manual controls with fun scene modes, an optical viewfinder, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD screen.

Jan, 2011

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Expert review by : Barney Britton (dpreview.com)

Canon Powershot G12 Quick Review

This is the latest in our series of 'Quick Reviews.' We use this format for cameras that are operationally similar and identical in terms of output to models we've already reviewed. We test to confirm the image quality is identical (noise tests and...

Good image quality, useable results achievable up to ISO 3200 (if shooting Raw) Accurate metering and focus Good JPEG resolution (though stick to Raw for best results) Fast and responsive in use Excellent build quality Good ergonomics (extra control...

Poor optical finder (but no worse than G11/Nikon P7000) No direct video recording button 24fps maximum frame rate in 720p movie mode (although many people prefer this to 30fps+) Rear control dial can be hard to manipulate precisely Video function lacks...

For this Quick review we ran some basic studio tests to confirm that the G12's

Jan, 2011

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Expert review by (dpreview.com)

Canon Powershot G12 Review

The G12 is an excellent compact camera, with a proven 10MP CCD sensor and effective ergonomics. Fans of 'hands-on' photography will love the big chunky dials, and the addition of a front control dial makes the G12 easier to get to grips with than its...

Enthusiasts who want the maximum manual control in a compact (ish) package

Video enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a slim, portable compact.

Although barely a year separates the release of the two models, the Canon Powershot G12 was launched into a considerably more competitive market than its predecessor the G11. Despite this, Canon hasn't felt the need to make a huge number of changes in...

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Expert review by : William Chambers (steves-digicams.com)

Canon PowerShot G12 Review

Unmatched high ISO performance by the majority of consumer cameras on market today Finally, HD video!

Well built frame ; Useful new front control wheel ; Produced beautiful 10M photos ; Nice 5x optical zoom lens with true optical image stabilization ; Fast f/2.8 aperture aids with low-light performance ; Fast AF system, even in low light thanks to...

It's still very easy to accidentally move the Exposure Compensation dial, which can cause images to be over or under exposed ; Space between LCD and rear control wheel is a bit cramped ; Excessive amounts of Red-eye with Red-eye Reduction Lamp on, and...

Canon has impressed us once again with the most powerful and capable G-series camera to date. The G12 excels in various environments, especially low light thanks to class leading high ISO performance and a fast lens. Very few grips with this one, such...

Nov, 2010

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Expert review by : Mark Goldstein (photographyblog.com)

Canon PowerShot G12 Review

The Canon PowerShot G12 is the 2010 version of Canon's premium compact camera, aimed at the DSLR owner looking for a backup model or the enthusiast who wants DSLR functionality without the added size and weight. The new Canon G12 inherits most of the...

The Canon Powershot G12 offers just enough new bells and whistles to make it a worthwhile upgrade from the previous model and keep it competitive with its main rivals, most notably the very similar Nikon Coolpix P7000. The high price-tag does put it...

Oct, 2010

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Expert review by (imaging-resource.com)

Canon G12

The Canon PowerShot G12 retains the same 5x optical zoom lens from the PowerShot G10 and G11, which offers 35mm-equivalent focal lengths ranging from a useful 28mm wide-angle to a 140mm telephoto. And as with its predecessor, the Canon G12 includes...

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Printed: ISO 80 and 100 shots look good at 16x20 inches, if a little soft. Sharpening improves matters. Color and corners look good, but the red swatch is a little soft at this size and ISO setting. 13x19-inch prints look better straight from the camera.

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Expert review by : Buy-n-Shoot.com (buy-n-shoot.com)

Canon PowerShot G12 Digital Camera Review

Canon makes their range of digital cameras simple. The G12 is a solid, feature enriched camera for a solid price. The quality of image and video is good and at the higher end of it’s market’s cameras and will satisfy most users. Zoom range is good,...

Sep, 2012

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