But my longtime rule has been pretty simple—if there's a piece of gear I'm going to use to make money, or use for solely personal projects, I buy it. That's why I snapped up a Canon G9 when it dropped—the compact-framed digital camera was one of the few models on the market to boast pro-like features in a non-gigantic size body. Looks like I've got to eBay my G9, because Canon's just seriously upped the ante with the new G10. 

My review of the G9 made some comments about my wish for a wider-angle lens (as did my G9 buyer's guide) and those wishes have been answered with the new 28-140mm lens. But improvements don't stop there, in fact the G10 boasts some features that haven't made it into all of Canon's pro bodies such as the Digic 4 image processor, which is the reason why Canon can offer a larger sensor (14.7 megapixel) and yet promise better handling of noise in high ISO shots. In an interview with Canon Technical Advisor Chuck Westfall, he noted that the Canon G10 would offer a 1-1.5 stop improvement on noise levels over the G9. 

The screen on the G10 has been updated to 460,000 pixels, and the camera will now work with Canon's Digital Photo Pro software, making it the first compact to be treated like a real pro tool. Slated to drop in October for $499, the G10 is a serious update to the G9, offering features that are only matched in Canon's 5D Mark II, also announced today (see our coverage of the 5D Mark II for more information). 

If after all the improvements you're still not sold on the G10, feel free to check my upcoming eBay auction for a nice G9 in good condition.


PRESS RELEASE

CANON U.S.A. COMBINES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WITH A PROFESSIONAL STYLE DESIGN IN ITS LATEST ADDITION OF HIGH-END G-SERIES CAMERAS

 

Canon PowerShot G10 Digital Camera, the Flagship of the PowerShot line, Boasts Uncompromising Specs and High-Quality, Making It a Must-Have for the Advanced Amateurs

 

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the newest addition to its top-of-the line PowerShot G-series digital cameras.  The PowerShot G10 digital camera offers serious amateur shooters and professional photographers several essential ingredients for a flagship model, including Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, 28mm Optical Image Stabilized lens and RAW mode.  This trilogy of style, performance and image quality is an ideal professional complement for anyone seeking the photo quality of a DSLR, combined with the convenient size of a point-and-shoot.

 

As the successor model to the popular PowerShot G9 digital camera, the PowerShot G10 digital camera is loaded with Canon's latest technologies, including a long-anticipated 28 mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom, 14.7 megapixels and 3.0-inch Pure Color LCD II screen.  

"With exquisite image quality, the latest image processor and advanced functionality, the Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera brings an elevated level of performance and usability to the PowerShot line," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.  "By enhancing key technologies in this camera, including our proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor, Canon has merged the functions typically found in a DSLR with a smaller body form to provide affordable and portable options to photo enthusiasts of all types.”

 

Control Options

The controller wheel is equipped with a dedicated Exposure Compensation Dial, which allows quick and intuitive adjustment of exposure compensation and the “My Menu” function for registering five user-selected options from the shooting menu, as well as 26 shooting modes.  Additionally, the Custom Mode better allows the user to record two types of shooting parameter settings, thus offering the ability to arrange their most often used settings on their LCD display.  A host of accessory options are offered, including the remote switch, Macro Ring Lite and Macro Twin Lite (when used with an additional attachment, available in January 2009).  Now consumers can utilize similar accessories found in the Canon EOS line, therefore expanding a user’s ability to customize.

 

Canon DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor

The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, a proprietary technology, accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality. 

 

One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects.  By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs.  Additionally, the processor’s high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash.  The new Intelligent Contrast Correction function automatically improves image quality in high-contrast shooting situations.

The Genuine Canon Face Detection technology has evolved even further, thanks to DIGIC 4.  Improved features include the ability to recognize human faces at most angles.  Another innovation is the Face Detection Self-Timer, which automatically takes a photo two seconds after a new face enters the scene.

 

Availability and Pricing

Scheduled to be available in October, the PowerShot G10 digital camera will have an estimated selling price of $499.99*.  Kit contents will include a battery, charger, neck strap, USB and A/V interface cables, Canon Digital Solutions Software CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty.