PowerShot Comparison: Canon G12 vs G15 vs s110

Canon PowerShot s110, G15 and G12

For years I’ve been a fan of the Canon G-series camera and have had reviews on my blog for every version since the G9, but when the s90 came on the scene many Canon faith jumped ship to the smaller and more compact cousin to the G series. I wasn’t impressed with the S series cameras despite their great form factor, so I’ve shunned them in the past. Read on to see why I’ve started to have a change of heart and why my G12 is going up for sale!

Oh, and in case you are wondering there was no G13 or G14 for superstition reasons.

What’s New and What’s Different

Canon PowerShot s110, G15 and G12 Rear View

The s110 and G15 get upgraded to feature the latest LCD’s and image processors from Canon to give you the best image quality that Canon has offered to date on this series camera. You can learn more about the s110 here and the G15 here on Canon’s website. This article will instead focus on some of my observations as a long-term G series owner and a previous s95 and s100 user. I’ll drill into these details in the following sections.

To help illustrate the high-level differences I’ve take some shots that show these cameras side by side. Sadly, I didn’t have a s100 to include in the mix, but you can visualize how much more compact the G15’s become and how smaller still the s110 remains over its sibling.

Canon PowerShot s110, G15 and G12 Overhead View

G15 vs G12 & G1x

During my testing I actually found the G15 to be much closer to the closer to G1X than it was to the G12 in terms of ergonomics. Fortunately the G15 is much thinner thanks in part to its lack of an articulating LCD that I enjoyed on both the G12 and G1X. Of course the advantage to removing this feature is that it not only makes the camera thinner, it also allowed for a much larger display (3.0 vs 2.8 on the G12). To that end, the rear LCD goes up to 922,000 pixels vs only 461,000 on the G12 so it’s a substantial improvement in image quality. The G1X is on paper the same size and pixel density but for some reason the G15 just feels bigger to me. All said though, I really enjoyed the ability to protect the LCD and move the LCD around with the G12/G1X design, so I’m disappointed to see that feature go away. 

You can see from the pictures what the major differences are so I won’t rehash hall of them here, except to say that I miss the rotating ISO knob up top. However, the addition of a record button is a nice improvement but I’m bummed about losing quick access to the timer as well. For those of you who have a pocket tripod and do macro work with the G series, this is definitely a much less user-friendly macro camera due to the LCD and button changes.

The only other change worth mentioning is the move from a fixed to a popup flash. It’s good that its farther from the lens, but bad because its now a mechanical part that makes it easier to break. This design consistent with other cameras in this class, so I’m not losing much sleep over this one – it’s still painful using the built-in flash, so the hot shoe with a 270EX II or 320EX is your best bet if you use a flash frequently. Fortunately the higher ISO range and performance of the G15 reduces the need to use the flash as often as was required on the G12.

Functionality-wise I found the G12 and G15 to be mostly the same with the biggest feature difference being the Full HD (1920x1080) support added to the G15 and the max ISO jumping from 3200 to 12,800.

s110 vs G15

As I mentioned, I didn’t have a s100 to compare against, so I can only draw from what I have on hand. The biggest differences between the two begin with the obvious – there’s a lot more physical buttons on the G15 which makes it faster to adjust the controls. However, the s110 does add a jog wheel to its lens which gives you quick access to some additional features (which one depends on the role you set for that control). It still features the tiny battery that dies too quickly, and all of its electronic do-dads like Wi-Fi support only serve to drain it even faster than ever. This unit does feel better in my hands than prior s series, and it’s the first defect free s series camera I’ve used for the entire review period (all previous models had some serious issue by the end of the review).

The big WOW feature of the s110 has to be its touch screen which really helps it to overcome its lack of buttons. The ability to touch and focus like an iPhone is awesome and really makes it easier and faster to use than a G15 which oddly enough does not have this super helpful feature.

In the past the s series has always been able to boast the advantage of having a faster lens, but for this generation Canon stepped up and gave the G15 a f/1.8 lens that maxes out at 2.8 when zoomed to 30.5mm as opposed to the f/2.0 lens that maxes out to 5.9 at 26mm on the s110. This is a significant shift from the past and definitely gives a big advantage to the G series – especially in low-light zoom conditions.

I’ve always loved the form factor the s series cameras, but I’ve been disappointed by its usability. However, the G series has lost enough features and the s series has gained enough “exclusive to the s” features (like Wi-Fi) that the gap between them isn’t as tremendous as it once used to be.

Wi-Fi vs Eye-Fi

The addition of integrated Wi-Fi support on s110 was pretty exciting when I first started to review it. Once setup (which is still a bit of a geek experience – even with WPS), it became even more obvious how this is so much more than Eye-Fi. What you end up with is a device on your network that you can pair with your phone, printer, computer and more for an integrated wireless experience. Here’s an example of how my iPhone 5 would see my photos despite the fact that there were no cables between them and the files were still in my camera:

Thanks to this feature you can leverage your phone’s GPS for doing GeoTagging:

I could integrate with Canon’s software on my computer to wirelessly transfer the files to the computer:

Or I could see my device on the network in Lightroom and import files directly with no wires or drive letter assigned (at least on Windows 7):

Overall I was impressed, but then in practice I ended up being disappointed with the performance and ultimately rolling back to Eye-Fi. Eye-Fi seemed to be less of a drain on the batteries and do everything I need without the headache of the camera being locked for certain operations or having to re-pair the camera to the target device. While I liked this feature more than I expected, I’d say it’s only meaningful for those who don’t have an Eye-Fi yet. If you do, I think you’ll still prefer your Eye-Fi (Pro or greater so you can transfer RAW).

Real World Sample Images

100% Crop of a G15 Flower Shot
ISO 80, straight out of camera with zero modifications

I should note that these images were taken with the camera default settings which include noise reduction which find to be horribly over aggressive. Setting in-camera noise reduction off or reducing it to Low and then using a product like Noiseware or DFine will give you much better results. Naturally processing from the RAW is even better, but to avoid human error and additional software variables, I use the in-camera JPEG’s for all of my reviews. In practice, I use the RAW’s.

Here’s a link to the G15 gallery, and here’s a few images you’ll find there (originals in the gallery):

ISO 80, straight out of camera with zero modifications

f/4 ISO 100 – I’m impressed – feels like G1X caliber images

f/2 at 1/80 sec ISO 400 – gotta love the P&S depth of field for macros!

ISO 1600 is much improved!

ISO 4000 is destroyed by horrible in-camera noise reduction
For kicks and giggles, go compare this to a similar image at ISO 5000 in my D600 review <g>

Here’s a link to the s110 gallery, and here’s a couple images you’ll find there (originals in the gallery):

f/2 ISO 200 – wow – insane depth of field due to the tiny sensor

ISO 10,000 is usable

NOTE: Some images were at ISO 10,000 due to an accidental ISO change in-camera that I’m still not sure how it happened – especially given how ISO is buried on this camera.

I still have to do my infamous (or dreaded – ha, ha) bookshelf test with all three cameras, and I hope to get more exciting images with these cameras this weekend.

Conclusion

For the Canon faithful I’ll draw some lines in the sand here. For starters, the s110 is much improved over the s95 that I reviewed back when the G12 came out. The touch screen helps it to overcome some of my past gripes, and the Wi-Fi support plus big rear display really up its value beyond just being compact. As a result, I feel a lot more comfortable recommending the s110 as a nice pocketable point and shoot.

The G15 on the other hand has made good progress getting smaller, but I honestly think it’s lost some of the things that made the G12 so great in the process. While it is smaller and lighter, I still don’t think people will consider it any more pocketable (and truth be told if you can fit a G15 in your pocket, you most likely can a G12 too – both fit in my back jeans pocket). It’s also disappointing to not see some of the s110’s features on the G15 which make it feel a bit dated by comparison.

At the end of the day, I still prefer my Fujifilm X10 as my every day point and shoot camera, and I see little value in upgrading it over G12. However, if you are in the market for a camera of this class I think a great deal on a used G12 is a better investment than the G15. Sure, there’s some image quality improvements in the G15, but not enough to warrant the price difference and not really enough to compete with superior cameras like the Sony NEX-7, Fujifilm X10, and the host of micro four thirds in the compact class. As a result, I’d say if you had to pick then go with the s110 or go outside the Canon brand for a camera that offers more bang for the buck. The G15 is just too overpriced for what you can get elsewhere these days.

Where to Buy

B&H loaned me the gear for this article, so I suggest you show them your appreciation by placing your order for a s110 or G15 with them. Click here to order the s110 or click here to order the G15.

Adorama has a kit version of the G15 and a kit version of the black s110 as well as a kit of the white s110.

Other Articles You Might Enjoy

• PowerShot Comparison: Canon G12 vs G15 vs s110–Part II
• Canon 1D X (Real World Usage)
• BlackRapid SnapR Camera Bag + Sling Strap
• Canon 5D Mark III First Look (For Parents Version)
• Canon G12 vs S95
• Canon G1X vs G12 vs Fujifilm X10
• Canon PowerShot s100
• Canon Rebel T4i
• Canon PRO-1 Printer
• Epson Stylus Photo R3000 Printer Review
• EyeFi with the Nikon D800 and Canon 5D Mark III
• Fujifilm X10 (2011 P&S of the Year)
• Gary Fong Flip Cage (great for iPhone and P&S support)
• Sony NEX-7
• Olympus OM-D E-M5 (with 2 lenses)
• Which camera should I buy?
• Which lens should I buy?

Disclosure

B&H loaned me the new gear for this article but the G12 was my personal camera that I paid full price for myself. If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission.

Using the Canon G1X in the Real World vs the Fujifilm X10

Canon G1X has gorgeous auto white balance color

Recently I took the new Canon G1X out for some real-world shooting the way I would use this camera – with my family. I shot with it and my wife (who is your typical “mom” user) shot with it the way normal people would use this camera. I prefer to test this way because it always annoys me when I see a review of shots from a point and shoot camera that look like they belong in a magazine. When I hand a camera of to my wife it needs to “just work” and get great shots, and let’s face it – most cameras disappoint when you shoot this way. Shooting around the house without any aids beyond what the camera comes with is rarely impressive, so honestly I think it’s the best “real test” of what a camera can do.

Shutter Priority at 1/1000 (f/5.8 @ ISO 250) made this possible,
but it’s a tough shot for any camera

These aren’t choreographed or staged shots that are designed to make the camera look it’s best. They are literally real-world shots where you live your life and say “hey honey, hand me the camera so I can get a shot of that”. They are in-camera JPEG’s that are shown as they came out of the camera with no edits, and in most cases are shot using the in-camera default settings. In short, these are shots anyone can get and if you put any effort into it you can probably do a lot better than this!

Click the images to view their originals or on my smugmug gallery. All images are copyright Ron Martinsen and may be viewed for personal use, but many not be used otherwise without expressed written permission.

Not sure what my wife was thinking with his shot, but I loved the detail in the branches.
The G1X certainly has a nice sensor – no doubt!

Using the in-camera ND filter mode , ISO 100, and f/16 (max f-stop) I was able to get to 1/6 sec
Not perfect, but pretty good for P&S on a bright day with no real ND filter

The dynamic range of the G1X is well beyond any previous Powershot

This was a manual exposure where I wanted to go closer,
but the minimum focus distance stopped me

f/2.8 on bigger sensor makes shots like this possible

Minimum focus distance issues makes shots like this tough to get,
but when you do you are rewarded with decent bokeh for a point and shoot

You have to be arms length away from your subject to get focus,
but shallow DOF is quite possible

HDR Mode – Support 100% Required

Newer cameras coming out with built-in HDR are hot, but you wonder if it really works. Well Canon Powershot shooters know that with support this feature works okay, but without it you’ll be frustrated by blurry shots. While the G1X has more dynamic range to give you a much better final result, the algorithm for blending the images remains unchanged from the s100 so you’ll need to check out my tripod recommendations or pick up a Flip Cage Pro if you want a usable end result. Without support the shots are unusable and sadly you can’t choose a shutter speed range that is fast enough to help compensate with this issue. Here’s an example:

You can click the image above to see the original, and it turned out quite nice. The shadows are a bit dark which the in-camera HDR addresses (hover over to view), but the resultant shot is blurry as you can see here.

Mouse over to see the normal exposure
Mouse out to see the HDR exposure

Once again the HDR version gets the best exposure as you might expect, but it’s a totally useless image due to poor merging issues (click for the original HDR version).

Fujifilm X10 vs G1X Head to Head

These aren’t the only head-to-head shots I will do, but they are the only ones from this past weekend that are apples to apples enough to compare. If you compare my G1X gallery to my X10 gallery you’ll see other shots that seem similar, but they were done by two different shooters from points of view so they aren’t similar enough to draw a fair comparison.

Portrait Example

I snapped a shot of my wife with my iPhone that I really liked, so I decided I’d try again using the point and shoots. While I got a horrible expression on my wife’s face here, this was the best technical result I could muster with the G1X. This camera hates being up close, so out of 6 attempts this was the only shot that was in focus:

G1X f/2.8 1/640 sec @ ISO 800 (Program Mode, AWB)

The X10 allows me to get in as close as I want without any focusing issues (unlike the X100), so I got a more pleasing composition using the EXR Auto mode (which detected the portrait scenario and compensated for that). What you see by her head is good old fashion (and intentional) lens flare from the sun shooting directly into the camera. For those paranoid about white disks with the X10, look above or click here to see how the G1X handles a direct shot into the sun.If that’s the infamous “white disk”, then I think it’s sexy and I know it! <g>

X10 f/2.5 @ ISO 100 (EXR Auto)

The X10 just nailed this one. Now some may find the color wonderful and others may hate it, so the downside to the X10’s EXR mode is that you don’t get a RAW image so you’ve gotta live with the color it gives you. Sure you can adjust it some or go to B&W, but RAW is more flexible that way. However, I can totally live with X10 result without doing anything else to it. I’d delete the G1X shot even if the composition was better because I hate the up close distortion I got in that shot.

Extreme Exposure Example

Now this is an impossible exposure, so the results you see below from the G1X are about what you’d expect. The image itself is super crisp and it might be saved in RAW, but it’s going to be a lot of work. I also don’t think there’s going to be enough detail in the raw to bring back the blown areas, so odds are this is a lost cause.

G1X f/16 1/30 sec @ ISO 800 (Aperture Priority & AWB)

The X10’s EXR mode loves tough exposures, but this is a rare case where even EXR can’t fix this in one shot. Sure the grass in the back is way better but the rocks are still pretty blown. Since there is no RAW (in this mode – available in other modes) you’d be stuck with this:

The X10 EXR mode does a better job, but is still overblown in the back
F/11 1/10 sec @ ISO 100

The G1X’s HDR mode nails the exposure, but despite getting the identical support as the previous two shots the image is totally useless due to motion blur.

G1X HDR mode – Camera held identical to the others
Much better exposure, but motion blur make the photo unusable

More “Real World” Photos

Go to my Canon G1X gallery to see more shots and check out my X10 gallery to see some shots taken the same day. Keep in mind that while some shots are similar they may have been shot from different lighting angles (i.e., glass sculptures) so a fair side by side comparison isn’t possible.

The G1X gallery contains some compositionally horrible personal shots (like the flash test shots), but hopefully you’ll get a feel what this camera is really like.

I updated the gallery of real world photos on 3/19/2012 - click here to see the latest shots (and be sure to read the captions).

Where things stand right now

So far my first impressions haven’t changed much. The G1X has great glass and a nice sensor, but it’s really an overweight regression from the G12’s size and feature wise is basically an s100 inside. I think point and shoot users and pros alike will find it too bulky & heavy. The minimal focus distance is horrible – simply unusable for close up scenarios like cross-table photos of dinner guests, so that’s a big regression from the s100 and G12 which had good minimum focus distances.  The AI focus seems to be lacking and overall, I think the focus system is just messed up.

Despite the GX1 having a battery that is twice as thick as the s100 or X10, it suffers from the same problem as the s100 where it can’t survive the day without a recharge. If you get a G1X you must own a second (and charged) battery to get in a full day of shooting.

The bar for this class of camera has gone up quite a bit, and so far I personally think the Fujifilm X10 is a much more livable camera on a daily basis. Stay tuned though to see if I change my mind after more hours behind the G1X.

I’ve tinkered with video a bit and the G1X is awesome, but I have only taken personal videos of my son. Again, the AF system sucks but the IQ rivals a HDSLR.

Order your G1X now from B&H where I got mine or if they are out of stock then consider Adorama too.

More Like This

If you liked this article, you might enjoy these:

• Comparison: Canon G1X vs Fujifilm X10 vs Canon G12
• Using the Canon G1X in the Real World vs the Fujifilm X10 (Video)
• Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, & Canon s100 (plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95) Comparison
• Canon 5D Mark III and 600-EX-RT Announcement and Pre-Order info
• BlackRapid SnapR Camera Bag + Sling Strap
• Fujifilm X10 (2011 P&S of the Year)

Disclosure

If you may a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. Thank you for supporting my blog by using my links when you order!

Canon G1 X replaces G12 with 6x bigger sensor–available for pre-order now

Canon G1 X (Adorama, B&H)

Pre-orders are available now at Adorama and B&H!

Word was already on the street that a new G12 replacement was coming, but this is much cooler than I expected. I’m probably in the minority but I’m VERY GLAD it is not a interchangeable lens camera as I love the heck out of my X10’s ease of use and amazing image quality. The size on this sensor is a massive 1.5” which is nearly as large as what you’d find on a 60D (APS-C size):

Image Courtesy of Adorama

While it is still a smaller sensor than the mighty X100, you know from my point and shoot comparison article that the G12 is one of the most user friendly cameras on the planet for a pro, and the X100 is probably the most UN-Friendly (but still cool <g>).

I can see this camera hurting Rebel sales for smart shoppers who realize that they want better quality but not the expense and hassle of a DSLR. The question is – will this camera make me want to sell my beloved 2 month old Fujifilm X10? I’ll let you know in my upcoming review.

Check out the in-depth articles from Adorama and B&H.

Here’s the press release from Canon for this and some new Elph’s…

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 9, 2012 – Continuing to revolutionize the digital camera market, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the introduction of a new flagship PowerShot model, the PowerShot G1 X, in addition to two stylish PowerShot ELPH models, the ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS.  The PowerShot G1 X camera will feature a 1.5-inch, 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the largest sensor to date for a PowerShot model, delivering approximately nine times more light sensitivity and helping to produce amazing depth-of-field and high-quality images in tough low-light conditions.  For those users looking for a camera with advanced features in a compact form both the PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, the world’s thinnest 12x optical zoom with a 28mm lens¹, and PowerShot ELPH 110 HS feature a sleek design and compelling creative capabilities.

“The new additions to our PowerShot lineup further demonstrate Canon’s commitment to delivering users innovative imaging products,” said Yuichi Ishizuka executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “These sleek and compact cameras bring together powerful features, intuitive controls and unrivaled portability while maintaining high image quality.”

The Power of DIGIC 5

Living up to its reputation as a leader in the digital camera marketplace, Canon has incorporated the DIGIC 5 image processor into the HS SYSTEM for all three models.  Achieving better quality images in low-light settings, boasting faster operation and providing improved color accuracy, the DIGIC 5 image processor ensures users are able to produce high-quality images in the most difficult of lighting conditions. The processor will also enable the PowerShot G1 X camera to utilize the High-Speed Burst HQ² feature allowing photographers to shoot images at high speeds at full resolution to capture the perfect moving shot.  Additionally, to ensure images are crisp and clear, advanced noise reduction and a smarter multi-area White Balance can be utilized to achieve accurate color reproduction for a balanced image.

Advanced Smart AUTO

Advanced Smart AUTO, available in the PowerShot ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS, can detect up to 58 scenes varying from non-human moving subjects to people, landscapes, pets and vehicles, helping the camera determine the best mode of shooting.  This technology has been enhanced to include a new Face ID feature, allowing users to register up to 12 people on the camera and have the camera recognize and prioritize each person. When registering individuals on the camera, users can take up to five images of a subject at various angles or facial expressions and enter their name and birth date. This allows the camera to make one of three age distinctions: Babies (0 to 1 year old), Children (2 to 12 years old) or Adults (13 years or older).  Based on these different groups, the camera will give focus priority to the youngest recognized group in the frame and makes the images searchable as well with the ability to view only those images of a particular person.

Further additions to this new feature are Smile Recognition and Sleeping Face Recognition. With Smile Recognition, the camera will take three consecutive shots of a scene such as a smiling baby or of grandparents at a family get together and select the best out of the three for the final image. For Sleeping Face Recognition the flash, assist beam and sound is turned off for that precious moment to be captured while not disturbing one’s sleep.

PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera

Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for the highest image quality in a compact, point-and-shoot design, the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera features the largest sensor to date for a Canon point-and-shoot model. The camera has a brand new, large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm), 14.3-megapixel High-Sensitivity Canon CMOS sensor, delivering shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range, an ISO range of up to 12800 and incredible light gathering ability helping to ensure brilliant images in even tough low-light conditions. Featuring an amazing Canon lens with 4X Optical Zoom, an aperture of f/2.8 to f/16 for beautiful images when shooting portraits and amazing clarity when shooting landscapes along with wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm, the PowerShot G1 X camera makes certain that users will have the right optics for most any situation.  Further adding to the EOS-like feature set of this new model is 14-bit, RAW+JPEG shooting and compatibility with accessories such as Speedlite, Macro Twin Lite or the Macro Ring Light flashes. HDR Shooting has been included to ensure the best possible shot is captured as well. The PowerShot G1 X camera also shoots in Full HD 1080p video ensuring memorable moments are captured in the highest quality.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X camera has a bright, large 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD with 922,000 dots of resolution providing photographers with the highest quality available in a point-and-shoot. The inclusion of the Mode Dial on the top of the camera and the Front Dial helps provide more intuitive control of the camera.

The estimated selling price of the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera is $799.99 and is scheduled to be available in February. Pre-orders are available now at Adorama and B&H!

PowerShot ELPH 520 HS Digital Camera

The feature-packed Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera resurrects the original PowerShot ELPH design with a more contemporary and radiant look and feel.  This new stylish model has a 10.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor along with a 12X Optical Zoom lens, ISO range of up to 3200 and wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm.  For photographers on the move, this camera also has Full HD 1080p video capture capabilities, a 3.0-inch LCD for easy viewing of images and High-Speed Burst mode where images are continuously captured at 6.8 frames per second.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera will be available in black, silver, red and blue in March with an estimated selling price of $299.99. Adorama is taking pre-orders now.

PowerShot ELPH 110 HS Digital Camera

Canon’s PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera comes in a variety of fun, bright colors (black, silver, red, blue, green and pink) and is the ideal camera for new photographers. With a 5X Optical Zoom lens and wide-angle capabilities beginning at 24mm, this camera provides the user with the ability to fit an entire landscape or a specific area of a subject into one shot.  The camera also features a16-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor, ISO range of up to 3200, 3.0-inch wide LCD and Full HD 1080p video capture for brilliant, high resolution quality. High-Speed Burst mode has also been included for continuous shooting up to 5.8 frames per second.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera is scheduled to be available in February with an estimated selling price of $249.99. Adorama is taking pre-orders now.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranked fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility.

###

  Specifications subject to change without notice.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice.  Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make a purchase using links in this article. Thanks for supporting this blog by using my links!

REVIEW: Black Rapid SnapR Camera Bag + Sling Strap

Black Rapid SnapR Camera Bag + Sling Strap (SnapR 35 Left, SnapR 20 Right)

BlackRapid has a great reputation for creating high quality camera straps like the RS-7 I reviewed, but until I saw their display at PhotoPlus Expo I had no idea that they also made a camera bag.  I was very impressed with the SnapR product line when I first saw it because typical bags for this size are simply plastic pouches with cheap zippers, velcro or snaps. What I really wanted for my G12 and X10 was something that was built like a ThinkTankPhoto bag, but BlackRapid took that wish to the next level and threw in even more.

Here’s a short little video that shows how this bag not only offers a rapid strap, but also a hand strap for the bag or just for the camera. The net result is a nice design that offers multiple ways to transport and protect your camera:

Play in HD

SnapR 35 – Great for Mirrorless and Micro Four Thirds Cameras

SnapR 35 with a Nikon 1 V1 and 10-30mm lens

The first SnapR that I got my hands on was the 35 which was great because I was in the middle of my point and shoot comparison testing. It could hold my biggest camera, the V1, so everything else would work too. I loved having this bag for this testing and it was awesome for the bulky V1. I could even put the 10mm lens in the side pocket:

SnapR 35 with Nikon 1 10mm lens in the side pocket
with a V1 (with 10-30mm attached) zipped in the main compartment

It was too small to hold the massive 10-100mm lens, but I suspect few V1 owners would consider this bag if they had that big lens anyway. This is really a bag for those traveling light as this bag will hold the essentials in its two side pockets.

I tend to carry my smaller flip cage in the outer pocket (but it won’t zip when I do that) so I can have a tripod on the go. The iPhone also fits nicely in the outside pocket too!

SnapR 20 – Great for Mid-Size Point and Shoots like the Canon G12 & Fujifilm X Series

SnapR 20 with Fujifilm X10 inside (lens cap on)

Since I own a Canon G12 and now a new Fujifilm X10, I decided that the SnapR 35 was a little more bulky that what I needed for my cameras. As a result I decided to try out the SnapR 20 to see if it was a better solution for my cameras. It turns out that the G12 fits perfectly and the X10 fits, but it’s a little snug for rapid insert and removals with the lens cap on. It glides in and out better without the lens cap off, but I always want my lens cap on so I’ve just dealt with the snug fit. I’ve also kept my camera strap on the X10 which really isn’t needed with this bag, so that would free up some space too. Personally I’d rather the smaller bag since it works for my X10 and is a perfect fit (with plenty of space) for my G12.

Here’s a shot of how my X10 is attached by its tripod mount to the shoulder strap for a true BlackRapid experience:

The built-in shoulder rapid strap means you are always connected
by the tripod mount for rapid removal, stability, and safety

Using the SnapR

The SnapR is more than just a camera bag. It’s a versatile camera strap system. You can make it as simple as a wrist strap design as shown here:

Wrist Strap Connection
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

Or you can leave the camera attached to the rapid strap as shown here (my preference):

SnapR 10 shown with rapid strap use in action
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

When you are done using the camera you just leave it attached and insert it upside down back into the case as shown here:

Cameras are inserted upside down while still attached for rapid and safe removal
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

It’s a really cool design that works better in practice than you might think.

These are great bags with a sturdy external design, strong clips, and a super soft interior that won’t hurt your LCD or lens.There’s also a quick release zipper design for the front pouch that makes it really quick to remove your camera and pull it up the rapid strap.

Conclusion

Plain and simple – if you own a camera smaller than a DSLR and you want a great case and strap for on the go action, this is your bag. I’ve seen nothing on the market that I’ve liked as much so I highly recommend this product!

If you own a thin point and shoot like a Canon s100 then order the SnapR 10, if you have a mid-side point and shoot like a Canon G12, Fujifilm X10 or X100, then order the SnapR 20. If you have a mirrorless or micro four thirds camera that’s a little bigger then order the SnapR 35.

Disclosure

I was provided with sample bags for evaluation by BlackRapid and I may make a commission if you make a purchase using links on this blog. I believe in this product and use it personally, so I can honestly say that I would have bought it even if I wasn’t provided with sample bags by BlackRapid.

I live in the Seattle area so I was actually surprised to find out that BlackRapid is actually based in the Fremont area of Metropolitan Seattle, so that kinda gave me an extra reason to like them.

REVIEW: Canon G12 vs S95 – Part I: First Impressions (UPDATED: 9/11/11)

UPDATE

You may want to read this article instead:

COMPARISON: Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, & Canon s100 (plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95)

 

Many of my readers have told me how much they have enjoyed my articles on the G9, G10 and G11 from Canon, but some have complained that I never featured the s90. Since these two cameras share a lot of similarities inside, I’m often asked – which one should I get OR are they really the same?

I’ll burn a lot of web space talking about how these cameras are alike, yet worlds apart in their own ways, so I decided to start with a brief first impressions review. A more in-depth review is to come in the weeks ahead. These cameras were hard to get, but they seem worth the wait as both are excellent in their own ways.

Living with the Canon G12 & S95 Point & Shoot Cameras

I purchased the Canon G12 and S95 from Adorama a little over a week ago and both arrived on Monday. I’ve been using both heavily (about 300+ shots on each body plus about an hour of video on each) in my spare time, and I’ve really enjoyed both camera. The high ISO performance is very good and another leap forward over their predecessors. In the previous generation I tried hard to stay at ISO 1000 above and considered 1600 to be my upper limit in worst case scenarios. ISO 3200 was just bad. In this generation I find ISO 3200 totally usable and acceptable with the in-camera JPEG’s, and a HUGE improvement over the previous generation at this ISO.

Canon G12 – f/4.5 @ 1/320 sec using IS0 500 (in-camera JPEG – no post processing)
Copyright © Ron Martinsen – All Rights Reserved

Both cameras offer outstanding HD video (1280x720) that is significantly better than what I get with my Canon VIXIA HF M30 Camcorder in my opinion, and the new for 2010 Hybrid IS offers outstanding stability for both images and video. There are also a bunch of “scene” modes that are fun to use and great for the significant other who may not be as comfortable with controlling the camera as those who read this blog.

Canon s95 – f/8 @ 1/6 sec using IS0 80 (in-camera JPEG – no post processing)
Copyright © Ron Martinsen – All Rights Reserved

The s95 is just sexy - I love the form factor and design, and the case feels solid and durable. Its larger display makes it a joy to use and it’s a big hit with my wife for its compact form factor. I also love its rotating ring by the lens which is both very cool and makes the operation of certain features such as zoom or manual focus feel very natural (like a DSLR). If your objective is to have something that you leave in full auto mode all of the time and just point and shoot, this is the camera to get - you won’t be disappointed.  I haven’t found the f/2.0 to be an advantage on this camera as it doesn’t seem to offer any noticeable advantage indoors with low lighting conditions over the G12, and the G12’s has reliably given me a shallow DOF experiences that I struggled to repeat with the s95.

Canon G12 – f/4.5 @ 1/160 sec using IS0 500 (in-camera JPEG – no post processing)
Copyright © Ron Martinsen – All Rights Reserved

The G12 is functionally similar to its predecessor but it’s added a new rotating knob (similar to what Nikon shooters have on their grip) which is a welcome addition for a camera that is a joy to use in the same way you’d use your DSLR. When I take shots - with any camera - I find myself wanting to move the focus point, adjust the exposure compensation (when in Av), adjust the ISO (sometimes, but usually auto is fine), and change my metering mode (spot metering occasionally). I can do all of these things quickly and easily without having to go through menus, so that’s a huge benefit. In addition, features unique to the G12 like an AE lock button and a built-in internal ND filter allow me to do things that are simply not possible with the s95. This camera just feels like a pocket DSLR, and I love that, so I find myself enjoying this camera much more and experimenting with my shots in ways that either aren’t possible or are more cumbersome with the s95.

Canon s95 – f/8 @ 1/6 sec using IS0 80 (in-camera JPEG – no post processing)
Copyright © Ron Martinsen – All Rights Reserved

 

Both cameras are capable of shooting in RAW, offer manual controls, fit in my rear jeans pocket (size 34/32 jeans) and create great images and video. I still think there is something internal that is better on the G12 over the s95, so I don’t think that they are the same camera with different cases. I think the compromises to get the smaller form factor in the s95 offer the G12 a slight improvement in both performance (burst mode - but honestly both suck) and to a minor degree - image quality (which is likely a factor of the lens). The G12’s flip LCD is a great benefit to both protect the screen (it can be closed ) as well as to rotate it so you can see the LCD from the front of the camera when doing arm’s length party shots as well as family group shots.

 

Canon G12 – f/4.5 @ 1/160 sec using IS0 800 (in-camera JPEG – no post processing)
Copyright © Ron Martinsen – All Rights Reserved

More Images and Video

In addition to the few images I’ve tossed into this article, there’s more available here:
http://ronmart.smugmug.com/Blog/PointAndShoot
More images will be added there as I get more seat time with the cameras.
I’ll also take a moment to point out that all of the images above are straight out of camera with no – third party software used. These are in fact the original in-camera files, with camera level processing. I will also point out that these were not RAW’s converted to JPEG, but rather the real in-camera JPEG’s as originally captured (except cropping).

Conclusion – Part I of II

Despite the cost differential, my needs are best met with the G12. The S95 is a cool little camera and a better choice only for casual point and shoot in auto modes with dead center subjects. With that in mind, I’ll be letting my wife test both cameras and offer the significant other’s perspective on the two bodies. She loves her G11, but she quickly fell in love with the form factor of the S95. Check out my conclusion article to see which one she picked.

Click here to support this blog by purchasing a G12 or click here for a s95 at B&H at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Click here to learn about how this camera compares to the amazing Fujifilm FinePix X100.

First Week Findings

I’ve attached a table below which reflects my opinions, biases and in many cases the facts about the pros and cons of each body. I also should note that for those intrigued by the in-camera HDR feature of both of these cameras, I’m sad to report it’s a useless feature - it doesn’t seem to offer any better result than you get from a non-HDR. The iPhone 4 implementation is much better than the design here.

UPDATE – 10/27/2010

Thanks to one of my readers (see the comments from Lucien below), I did a controlled test tonight to measure the benefit of the s95’s f/2.0 lens versus G11 & G12’s f/2.8 lens. When I placed all three cameras on a the same tripod mount and focused using the center AF point on the same spot I found that the s95 was indeed better at offering faster shutter speeds which can make the difference between a blurry shot or not (or the requirement for a flash or higher ISO).

Here's the results of my testing:
-------------------
ISO 800
-------------------
1/25 - s95 @ f/2.0
1/13 - G11 & G12 @ f/2.8
-------------------
ISO 3200
-------------------
1/100 - s95 @ f/2.0
1/50 - G11 & G12 @ f/2.8
My prior observations were based on using face detection in real-world, not controlled, scenarios and under those circumstances I wasn't observing much difference.

Disclosure

This is a test I am doing for my own knowledge and it is not sponsored by any third party. I paid for these cameras with my own money and intend to only keep one when I’m done with my testing. Donations to support independent tests like this occasionally in the future are much appreciated!