A lot of people have been waiting for the Canon Powershot G7 to come out, a solid replacement for it’s very well received predecessors (some of the only PnS type cameras with a f/2.0 aperture! This made then excellent for low light photography).

Basic Features

• 10.0-megapixel (effective) CCD, delivering image resolutions as high as 3,648 x 2,736 pixels
• 6x optical zoom lens, 35mm equivalent of 35-210mm
• 4x maximum digital zoom
• Real-image optical viewfinder
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor
• Full Manual through Automatic exposure available, including Aperture and Shutter priority and 17 preset Scene modes
• Built-in flash with five modes and an intensity adjustment
• Topside external flash hot shoe
• SD/SDHC/MMC memory storage (32MB card included)

It seems like Canon made a bit of a goof with the G7 and didn’t hit the spot quite right, the build quality is there but the features, the hardware (widest aperture of f/2.8) and the picture quality are definitely not there.

I’ve seen quite a few people buying it with the underwater casing for dive photos, it’s quite a reasonably priced package at around RM2300 (less than US$1000) for the camera and casing, and as it has pretty good high ISO and decent bright lens it should be ok.

I’m leaning towards the more versatile (And cheaper) Canon Powershot A710 IS though, with the underwater casing it comes in at around RM1900.

I also agree with the reviewers who say there is a gap in the market that could have been filled by the G7, by people who don’t need or want to carry an SLR but need more than a PnS can offer, people like myself, and most of you reading this site I imagine.

Personally I was looking forwards to the G7, but I am a bit disappointed, I’m still holding off my purchase of an underwater kit, to see what else comes out.

I’m tempted by the Fuji F31 too, but no stabiliser and only 3x zoom feels limiting.

G7 Reviews:

Canon PowerShot G7 - CNET

Though the reasons for buying the PowerShot G7 have dwindled, they haven’t disappeared entirely. It’s an optimal choice as a second camera, when you can’t or won’t schlep a dSLR with you, if you’re not quite ready to take the leap from a point-and-shoot to a full-fledged interchangeable lens system, or if you need the flexibility of a movie-capture mode.

Canon Powershot G7 - Steve’s Digicams

Bottom line - I was very pleased with this latest addition to Canon’s legendary “G” series line. While we miss the Vari-Angle LCD, the new 6x IS lens is a definite plus. The only negative issues we found were the problem with the optical viewfinder and the higher image noise at ISO 800 and 1600. That said, the G7 is a good choice for the beginner, novice, or enthusiast that wants a less bulky alternative to carrying around a dSLR and a bag of lenses

Canon PowerShot G7 Review - imaging resource

Those SLR owners looking for a second or third shooter should give both the Canon G7 and the A640 a close look. In addition to IS, the G7 has the advantage of a long-lasting Lithium-ion battery, like you’re used to with your SLR. But I have to warn you that you might be disappointed with the speed of the Canon G7 relative to your digital SLR. Once you’re tuned to one type of shutter, it’s very difficult to return to a slower mechanism, but not bad if you’re already accustomed.

DCRP Review: Canon PowerShot G7

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 — competition closely, though.

Canon PowerShot G7 Review - DPReview

Specification aside, the G7 is a camera I’d find a lot easier to wholeheartedly recommend if the cons list at the top of this page were a bit shorter, but as I discovered, once you tame it, most of them can be overcome. It’s not for everyone (and it’s not the best ’social camera’ as the focus can struggle in low light unless you stick to the short end of the zoom), but after a month or so of testing I find myself liking it more and more.

G7 Review - Luminous Landscape

As it is, the G7 will still have a lot of appeal due to its really good noise characteristics and a sharp lens with a decent focal range. A solid metal body and appealing assortment of additional features such as IS and audio recording contribute to its attractiveness. I don’t know of any current digicam that offers as much quality for the money. That same money will now by you a DSLR with kit lens, but then this won’t fit in your pocket, doesn’t have the same reach, and can’t shoot silently. There is a place for both, regardless of Canon’s apparent fears of cannibalization.