Canon PowerShot G16 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera Review

Product Description

The Canon PowerShot G16 Compact Digital Camera, with built-in Wi-Fi, is an advanced point-and-shoot camera featuring a 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7" high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor to produce high quality still imagery and full HD 1080p video. Together they form the Canon HS SYSTEM, which helps to improve the image quality of dimly-lit shots by reducing noise and enhancing the overall clarity. Additionally, the processor offers a range of speed-related assets throughout the camera as well as a High Speed AF system for maintained sharpness in a variety of shooting conditions. The built-in Canon 5x optical zoom lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 28-140mm, covering wide-angle to telephoto length perspectives. For instant sharing and transferring of photos and movies, built-in wireless connectivity is available and helps to expedite sending imagery directly to an Android or iOS mobile device through the use of the free Canon Camera Window app.

From the Manufacturer

Incredible Imaging, Ready to Share

With performance and creative expression approaching that of an SLR camera, the new PowerShot G16 camera makes unlimited imaging not just portable, but now wireless, too! Built-in Wi-Fi^® offers easy set-up and powerful capabilities: upload stills and video to Facebook^®, Twitter^®, YouTube^™ and Flickr^®; send to email; share to tablets and smartphones; print wirelessly; and transfer to PCs. You'll be eager to share the spectacular images you create with the 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 6 Image Processor. Together they create the Canon HS SYSTEM for significantly improved resolution in an expanded ISO range of 80–12800. Stunning 1080p/60p Full HD video is possible thanks to the DIGIC 6 Image Processor: vividly realistic and incredibly smooth. A 5x Optical Zoom offers excellent shooting versatility, and the bright f/1.8 lens performs brilliantly in low light. Continuous shooting with full resolution has been boosted up to EOS-caliber speeds, and High Speed AF puts images in focus almost the moment the camera is aimed, so you can freeze that perfect shot. Intelligent IS counteracts camera shake for clear shots in any situation. Shoot HDR photos without a tripod, and add dynamic new finishing effects. You can also capture breathtaking images of the nighttime sky with new star shooting modes. Enjoy pro-like advantages such as Multi aspect RAW, which lets you take control over the editing process, and compatibility with Canon Speedlite flashes and a variety of EOS System accessories ensures you a world of photographic discovery.

Share Images and Video, Wherever, Whenever

Built-in Wi-Fi^® gives you more options for sharing with friends, family and the whole world

The PowerShot G16 camera is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi^® technology for on-the-go convenience when you want to share your photos and videos with friends, family and the whole world. The camera can connect directly to both iOS^® and Android^™ devices*, and upload images via the free Canon CameraWindow app** without a computer. And because the PowerShot G16 captures video using easy-to-share MP4 format, it's never been easier to upload video files. Easily post your images to social networking and media sites – Facebook^®, Twitter^®, YouTube^™, and now Flickr^® – through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY^# or save them to the online photo album to share anytime, anywhere. Enhanced Wi-Fi^® makes posting in real time possible, so you can keep everyone up to date with photos even as events unfold. Easily control the destination of your uploads to social networking sites; share with everyone, or send photos to selected groups. You can also add comments, even in other languages^{^}. Transfer images to other Wi-Fi^® equipped PowerShot cameras, send images to your computer, or print your photos directly to a wireless PictBridge certified printer.

Enhanced Wi-Fi^® features make connecting and sharing easier than ever

Built-in Wi-Fi^® on the PowerShot G16 camera has new features that streamline set-up and sharing for a faster, easier, more comprehensive experience than ever. WEP Key input is no longer necessary, and you can even set up and manage your camera/web service transfer preferences without the use of a software CD or USB cable – Wi-Fi^® and a web browser are all you need! And, new Automatic Switching through the Image Sync function makes saving and organizing your images easier^##. When the camera finds a linked PC on the same wireless network, images are sent directly to it. Otherwise, images are temporarily stored on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY^# then transferred once a connection is made, eliminating the need for cables.

* Compatible with iOS version 6.0/6.1 or later and Android devices version 2.3/4.0/4.1/4.2 or later. Data charges may apply.
** This software enables you to upload images to social network sites. Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain privacy related information such as people and places. If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this software.
^# One-time registration is required on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY online photo album.
^{^} The PowerShot G16 supports English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
^## Initial set up is required.

Phenomenal Images and Incredible Performance Start Here

12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor

The PowerShot G16 camera employs a Canon 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, which delivers state-of-the-art imaging performance and is optimized for use in compact cameras. Utilizing a sophisticated light-capturing design, it provides high sensitivity for improved high ISO capture with reduced noise. It is capable of rapidly capturing and moving image data to the processor, enabling faster continuous shooting and faster autofocus.

Canon DIGIC 6 Image Processor

The PowerShot G16 camera is equipped with the very latest Canon proprietary processor, the DIGIC 6 Image Processor, which makes several important advancements to image quality both in stills and video. Improved light sensitivity allows for higher resolution with less noise when shooting in dark conditions, and Dynamic IS now detects and compensates for tilt and parallel movement (shift blur) to create video that's exceptionally free of distortion. The DIGIC 6 Image Processor also enhances the performance capabilities of the PowerShot G16, powering full resolution high-speed continuous stills shooting (see dedicated section for more details). And video recording is better than ever, as the DIGIC 6 Image Processor enables Full HD at 60p, as well as MP4 recording. Highly compressed MP4 video not only preserves space on your memory card but also improves playback on mobile devices. Plus, with MF Peaking possible thanks to the new processor, you'll have a pro-level focusing tool at your disposal.

Canon HS SYSTEM for exceptional low-light performance up to ISO 12800

The PowerShot G16 camera gives you the power to create images with spectacular depth, detail and emotional resonance. The 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor works in concert with Canon's own latest-generation DIGIC 6 Image Processor to create the renowned Canon HS SYSTEM. With the Canon HS SYSTEM, you'll experience excellent tracking performance even in low light, and achieve gorgeous still image quality even at high ISO speeds all the way up to ISO 12800; beautiful low-light shots are possible with minimal noise and maximum detail in highlight and shadow areas. The Canon HS SYSTEM lets you use higher shutter speeds to capture clearer images with reduced noise and blur in a variety of situations for incredible photos and videos.

Stunning Full HD Video That's Better Than Ever

1080p/60p Full HD video

With the camera's advanced DIGIC 6 Image Processor enabling MP4 format recording, the PowerShot G16 camera lets you shoot video at a selectable frame rate of 60 fps or 30 fps. 1080p/60p Full HD video is extraordinarily smooth and rich in playback, ensuring that your important memories and creative film clips look their absolute best. Video recorded at 30 fps has also been improved through the combination of the DIGIC 6 Image Processor and Fine Movie Detail Processing, with reduced noise and high resolution.

HDTV Playback via HDMI with CEC Support

It's easy to enjoy and share the videos you shoot with the PowerShot G16 camera. Simply connect its HDMI terminal to your HDTV using an HDMI cable. And because the PowerShot G16 supports HDMI-CEC technology, you'll be able to control the playback of your images and videos on any CEC-enabled HDTV using the TV's remote control. (CEC – Consumer Electronic Control – is part of the HDMI specification, enabling components in a system to communicate with one another.)

A Bright and Powerful Lens Lets You Capture More

5x Optical Zoom (28mm–140mm) and a bright f/1.8 (W) – f/2.8 (T) lens enables you to capture more in your frame, and is ideal for low-light conditions or using shallow depth-of-field for dramatic, soft backgrounds

The PowerShot G16 camera's 28mm Wide-Angle 5x Optical Zoom lens with a focal length of 6.1–30.5mm (35mm film equivalent: 28–140mm) achieves f/1.8–f/2.8, making it one of the camera's most exciting features. The Wide-Angle lens gives your images a distinctive sweep and grandeur, capturing landscapes, cityscapes, tall buildings and wide groups of people with ease. The large f/1.8–2.8 aperture allows you to achieve shallow depth-of-field for creating portraits with beautiful, soft background blur, and incomparable Canon optical technology delivers a high performance lens enabling incredible images, even in low light.

Continuous Shooting Gives You Exactly the Shot You Want

Full Resolution Continuous Shooting and High Speed AF

Powered by the DIGIC 6 Image Processor, the PowerShot G16 camera gives you a seamless, pro-like continuous shooting experience that's fully available in P, Tv, Av and M modes. Shooting and processing are now performed in tandem, eliminating buffering time to deliver speeds up to 9.3 fps***. Streamlined new processing makes the camera's High Speed AF the fastest in Canon compact camera history, achieving focus nearly the instant the camera is aimed. With no separate mode setting and no reduction in image quality, you can freeze brilliant action shots with ease.

*** The first six shots are shot at a rate of 12.2 fps. From the sixth shot onward, it becomes approximately 9.3 fps. The PowerShot G16 can continuously shoot up to 522 shots at approximately 9.3 fps when using an SDHC/SDXC UHS-I card based on Canon's standard test method.

Optimal Image Stabilization in Any Situation

Intelligent IS automatically chooses from six different modes to optimize image stabilization for the shooting condition

It's easy to capture clear, steady images with the PowerShot G16 camera, even in low light without using a tripod. That's because the camera is equipped with Canon's innovative Intelligent IS. The system analyzes camera movement and applies the best shake correction method for the shooting situation – allowing you to focus on framing and capturing your shot. For stills, the system automatically selects among Normal, Panning, Macro (Hybrid) and Tripod IS modes. When shooting video, the system automatically selects among Dynamic, Powered, Macro and Tripod IS modes.

Normal	Corrects for a wide range of camera movement when shooting stills.
Panning	Panning motion is detected so that IS does not interfere with desired camera movement.
Macro (Hybrid)	Corrects for shift-type camera shake, which typically occurs in macro (close-up) shooting.
Dynamic	Effective for video shooting at wide-angle focal lengths, eliminating the unwanted shaking that typically occurs while walking.
Powered	Compensates for hand movement when shooting video at the telephoto end of the zoom range, where camera shake is magnified.
Tripod	When tripod use is detected, the Image Stabilizer is stopped because it is not needed.

Set Your Creativity Free

Full range of shooting and recording modes, including 12-bit multi aspect RAW+JPEG as found in Canon EOS DSLR cameras, for the ultimate creative control

As with many EOS DSLR cameras, the PowerShot G16 camera uses a 12-bit converter to process the output of the CMOS sensor, resulting in true color, smooth tonal transitions and natural gradations. The PowerShot G16 lets you shoot in RAW mode, which records all the information captured by the sensor, giving you outstanding flexibility and complete creative control when editing your images with Canon's powerful bundled software, and the camera allows you to record in RAW and JPEG formats simultaneously. Now in RAW mode, you can even select among several aspect ratios, including 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, and 4:5.

Take Your Creativity Further with Optional Accessories

Compatible with genuine Canon Speedlite flashes and EOS System accessories for additional creative options

The PowerShot G16 camera lets you expand your creative options with a variety of optional accessories. Tele-Converter TC-DC58E*, for example, enlarges the camera's reach by 1.4x. A lens hood is included to block unnecessary light from outside the angle of view.

Several Canon Speedlite flashes are also available for use with the PowerShot G16 to give you advanced options for exposure and illumination*. Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX is perfect for close-up and macro shooting, and the innovative Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX delivers a directional quality to macro illumination.

Waterproof Case WP-DC52, designed especially for the PowerShot G16, lets you use the camera to document your snorkeling and diving adventures all the way to depths of 130 feet (40m). The case is also great for protecting the camera from rain, ocean spray at the beach and any wet conditions.

* Conversion Lens Adapter LA-DC58L is required for Tele-Converter TC-DC58E, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX and Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX.

Beautiful Images with Beautiful Detail

High Dynamic Range Scene Mode with New Artistic Sub-Modes

Shooting in high contrast environments can often result in photos with overexposed and underexposed sections. So to tackle this problem, Canon developed the High Dynamic Range shooting mode to make shooting even more intuitive. Under High Dynamic Range the camera will shoot three different exposures in succession (underexposed, overexposed and normal) and then merge them into a single image. Underexposed areas are combined with the overexposed and vice versa, resulting in an evenly detailed image with flattering shadows and highlights. The PowerShot G16 camera allows you to use this feature without a tripod and features four sub-modes in addition to Natural – Art Standard, Art Vivid, Art Bold and Art Embossed – which provide striking effects that add to the creativity of your compositions.

Capture the Night Sky Like Never Before

New star shooting modes

Starry skies were formerly out of reach to all but experienced SLR camera users, but new star shooting modes on the PowerShot G16 camera make these wonderfully impressive images accessible to all. With just a tripod and simple settings, you can capture exquisite Star Nightscapes, Star Trails, and Star Time-Lapse Movies. The modes can be performed fully automatic or with manual controls for extra versatility. Support functions including Night Display and Star Emphasis have also been added, making any starry sky easier to capture.

Additional Features

Hybrid Auto creates a beautiful and steady 720p HD video clip every time you shoot a still image

Hybrid Auto records up to four seconds of video every time you shoot a still image, then automatically joins the clips and pictures* into a video that captures the essence of special days: vacations, important occasions, any time you're shooting many shots in a day. With Hybrid Auto, this “highlight reel” is more beautiful than ever. Hybrid Auto automatically recognizes the scene and optimizes camera settings to capture the highest possible image quality. The resulting 720p HD video is properly exposed, crisp and steady.

* Pictures can be withheld from the resulting video via menu settings.

Pro-style Manual Focus Control

The PowerShot G16 camera makes manual focusing easier than ever before – for both still images and video – with MF Peaking, a concept inherited from EOS cameras. It clearly outlines the focused subject with a line, making it simple to fine-tune focus and achieve just the effect you want. The line itself can be customized for color and width.

Dual Axis Electronic Level

The PowerShot G16 camera has a Dual Axis Electronic Level, featuring an artificial horizon over the image on the rear LCD screen or in the viewfinder for easy leveling while shooting. The dual axis electronic level shows both horizontal roll and vertical pitch, making it easy to identify when the camera is in a fixed level shooting position and ready to take the shot.

EOS-like Dial Setting

Like EOS Digital SLR cameras, the PowerShot G16 camera employs a pro-style Front Dial. The Front Dial can be set to control shooting parameters including aperture, shutter speed, step zoom, white balance, i-Contrast and aspect ratio.

User rating and reviews

This camera really has no nasty surprises to it. It takes excellent photos and decent video, is a great performer, well-built, great ergonomics, and has an easy to use interface. In other words, a typical Canon.

Like its predecessors before it, the camera produces nice photos, especially when you consider its sensor size. Canon has done a great job of squeezing out all they can from this relatively small 1/1.7" sensor. Image quality is not night and day over the G15, but it captures a little more detail in the lower ISO settings. Noise performance is unchanged from the G15. You can only get 100% clean images from this camera at largest sizes through ISO200, but things really don't start getting sloppy until you get past ISO1600. The camera does a good job of balancing noise, noise reduction, and detail retention up the ISO scales. If you're willing to shoot and process the RAW files, you might be able to get away with larger prints up to ISO1600. In summary, it has the best noise performance of its enthusiast compact peers with the same size sensor but is not surprisingly behind the Sony RX100 II and about on par with the Fuji X20. Color performance is good as always. Overexposure is still a bit of an issue but it doesn't seem to blow out highlights as bad as the G15 did.

The autofocus system on this camera is fast and reliable, but not night and day over its predecessor like Canon claims. I find in low light the AF to be only slightly faster but to put this in context, the G15 was an all around decent performer in the autofocus department. Most people should be pretty happy with the performance, though. The lens zooms in and out quickly. Burst performance is remarkable on this camera and it can qualify as an excellent budget action shooter, especially if you shoot JPEG. Image stabilization is also rock solid.

Ergonomics are great on the camera. I like the more rounded hand grip vs. the G15. The menu system remains straight forward and easy to use. Battery life is excellent and the camera feels sturdy and well-built. The LCD on back is bright and clear. The optical viewfinder is usable but Nikon has stepped up the game a little bit by including the EVF in their P7800. While it's not the greatest EVF around (still not bad), it provides a better viewfinder shooting experience than the G16.

I don't think anybody who buys this camera will be disappointed. It is not a ground breaking product, but does everything reliably well and like the G15, will give you many years of good photos and dependable operation. Recently the G16 has been selling for around $450 on Amazon, which I think is a pretty decent price for what you get.