Why it's best:
Canon’s PowerShot G11 is the newest member of the esteemed Canon G-series. While the G10 was considered by some to be one step forward and two steps back, the G11 is definitely a large step forward. New additions include a swivel LCD screen viewfinder, film speed improvements, and a better auto-mode. A significant difference between the two cameras is that the G11 has a 10 megapixel sensor whereas the G10 has a 14.7 megapixel sensor. This decrease in resolution might seem like a negative to many, but the truth is that lens quality, dynamic range, image noise, and high ISO performance are just as important of factors in determining image quality. The new 10MP sensor delivers superior high ISO performance with very low noise and excellent detail, and the Canon Powershot G11 has excellent image quality overall.
While the G10 was a great camera, many complained about its low-light performance. The G11 has made great strides in decreasing noise in low light shots and produces superior images to the G10, largely due to its new sensor and better high ISO performance. The wide-angle (28mm) 5x optical zoom lens is very high quality as well and equipped with an optical image stabilization system to reduce blur. The G11 is designed for advanced photographers and offers a full range of manual modes, as well as support for shooting in RAW. However, the camera is also easy to use and the auto mode does an excellent job choosing optimal settings in most situations.
This camera is a step above the rest and the best compact digital camera for advanced photographers. In fact, many have considered the G11 to be the midpoint between point and shoot cameras and DSLRs, and that is a fair assessment. The G11 combines excellent image quality on par with many lower-level DSLRs with the size and ease of use of a point and shoot camera. If you want to take excellent photos but don’t want the bulk associated with a DSLR, the Canon G11 is the ideal choice.
User Reviews:
Average User Rating:

(158 total reviews)
Most helpful user reviews:
An Amazing Camera!! October 12 2009 I actually still shoot film the vast majority of the time however I purchased my mother a G-10 for her birthday last year and spent a couple weeks using th...read full review
The Pro's Compact October 21 2009 Before Canon's latest release, I used a G10 as my compact camera. I bought both the S90 and G11 the first weekend they were available and have been compari...read full review
Very pleased with the Canon G11! October 21 2009 I recently purchased this camera and wanted to post my impressions of the camera from the perspective of an average camera user. I bought the G11 for my hu...read full review
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Bestcovery's Best Picks in Digital Cameras
Manufacturer Description:The G Series comes full circle. You asked, and Canon not only listened, but delivered big-time. Advanced amateurs who have overwhelmingly embraced the G Series will be delighted with PowerShot G11, which features RAW mode for unlimited editing options, a 28mm wide-angle lens, and a 2.8-inch Vari-Angle PureColor System LCD. Add to that Canon’s new High Sensitivity System and high-speed ISO for incredible image quality, and Canon’s top-range compact digital camera is a truly groundbreaking successor.
- Best 10MP - 13MP Digital Camera
Because the Canon's PowerShot G11 has a new high-sensitivity 10 megapixel sensor whereas its predessor, the G10, had a 14.7 megapixel sensor, this exc...
read moreBecause the Canon's PowerShot G11 has a new high-sensitivity 10 megapixel sensor whereas its predessor, the G10, had a 14.7 megapixel sensor, this excellent enthusiast digital camera qualifies for this list. Though this decrease in resolution might seem like a negative to many, the truth is that lens quality, dynamic range, image noise, and high ISO performance are just as important of factors in determining image quality. The new 10MP sensor delivers superior high ISO performance with very low noise and excellent detail, and the Canon Powershot G11 has excellent image quality overall. Other new additions for the G11 include a swivel LCD screen viewfinder, film speed improvements, and a better auto-mode.
While the G10 was a great camera, many complained about its low-light performance. The G11 has made great strides in decreasing noise in low light shots and produces superior images to the G10, largely due to its new sensor and better high ISO performance. The wide-angle (28mm) 5x optical zoom lens is very high quality as well and equipped with an optical image stabilization system to reduce blur. The G11 is designed for advanced photographers and offers a full range of manual modes, as well as support for shooting in RAW. However, the camera is also easy to use and the auto mode does an excellent job choosing optimal settings in most situations. If you're looking for a digital camera that outperforms other point and shoots but comes without the bulk of a dSLR, the Canon Powershot G11 is an ideal choice.
...
read less- Best Digital Compact Camera for Advanced Photographers
Canon’s PowerShot G11 is the newest member of the esteemed Canon G-series. While the G10 was considered by some to be one step forward and two s...
read moreCanon’s PowerShot G11 is the newest member of the esteemed Canon G-series. While the G10 was considered by some to be one step forward and two steps back, the G11 is definitely a large step forward. New additions include a swivel LCD screen viewfinder, film speed improvements, and a better auto-mode. A significant difference between the two cameras is that the G11 has a 10 megapixel sensor whereas the G10 has a 14.7 megapixel sensor. This decrease in resolution might seem like a negative to many, but the truth is that lens quality, dynamic range, image noise, and high ISO performance are just as important of factors in determining image quality. The new 10MP sensor delivers superior high ISO performance with very low noise and excellent detail, and the Canon Powershot G11 has excellent image quality overall.
While the G10 was a great camera, many complained about its low-light performance. The G11 has made great strides in decreasing noise in low light shots and produces superior images to the G10, largely due to its new sensor and better high ISO performance. The wide-angle (28mm) 5x optical zoom lens is very high quality as well and equipped with an optical image stabilization system to reduce blur. The G11 is designed for advanced photographers and offers a full range of manual modes, as well as support for shooting in RAW. However, the camera is also easy to use and the auto mode does an excellent job choosing optimal settings in most situations.
This camera is a step above the rest and the best compact digital camera for advanced photographers. In fact, many have considered the G11 to be the midpoint between point and shoot cameras and DSLRs, and that is a fair assessment. The G11 combines excellent image quality on par with many lower-level DSLRs with the size and ease of use of a point and shoot camera. If you want to take excellent photos but don’t want the bulk associated with a DSLR, the Canon G11 is the ideal choice.
...
read less- Best Canon Digital Compact Camera
Canon’s PowerShot G11 is the newest member of the esteemed Canon G-series. While the G10 was considered by some to be one step forward and two s...
read moreCanon’s PowerShot G11 is the newest member of the esteemed Canon G-series. While the G10 was considered by some to be one step forward and two steps back, the G11 is definitely a large step forward. New additions include a swivel LCD screen viewfinder, film speed improvements, and a better auto-mode. A significant difference between the two cameras is that the G11 has a 10 megapixel sensor whereas the G10 has a 14.7 megapixel sensor. This decrease in resolution might seem like a negative to many, but the truth is that lens quality, dynamic range, image noise, and high ISO performance are just as important of factors in determining image quality. The new 10MP sensor delivers superior high ISO performance with very low noise and excellent detail, and the Canon Powershot G11 has excellent image quality overall.
While the G10 was a great camera, many complained about its low-light performance. The G11 has made great strides in decreasing noise in low light shots and produces superior images to the G10, largely due to its new sensor and better high ISO performance. The wide-angle (28mm) 5x optical zoom lens is very high quality as well and equipped with an optical image stabilization system to reduce blur. The G11 is designed for advanced photographers and offers a full range of manual modes, as well as support for shooting in RAW. However, the camera is also easy to use and the auto mode does an excellent job choosing optimal settings in most situations.
This camera is a step above the rest and the best compact digital camera for advanced photographers. In fact, many have considered the G11 to be the midpoint between point and shoot cameras and DSLRs, and that is a fair assessment. The G11 combines excellent image quality on par with many lower-level DSLRs with the size and ease of use of a point and shoot camera. If you want to take excellent photos but don’t want the bulk associated with a DSLR, the Canon G11 is the ideal choice....
read less- Best Digital Camera Overall
The Canon PowerShot G11 is the camera to get for advanced photographers seeking a less bulky, less expensive alternative to a digital SLR. This camera...
read moreThe Canon PowerShot G11 is the camera to get for advanced photographers seeking a less bulky, less expensive alternative to a digital SLR. This camera features a swivel LCD screen viewfinder, very fast performance, and an improved auto mode over its predecessor. A significant difference between the G11 and the G10, which it replaced, is that the G11 has a 10 megapixel sensor whereas the G10 has a 14.7 megapixel sensor. This decrease in resolution might seem like a negative to many, but the truth is that lens quality, dynamic range, image noise, and high ISO performance are just as important of factors in determining image quality. The new 10MP sensor delivers superior high ISO performance with very low noise and excellent detail, and the Canon Powershot G11 has excellent image quality overall.
While the G10 was a great camera, many complained about its low-light performance. The G11 has made great strides in decreasing noise in low light shots and produces superior images to the G10, largely due to its new sensor and better high ISO performance. The wide-angle (28mm) 5x optical zoom lens is very high quality as well and equipped with an optical image stabilization system to reduce blur. The G11 is designed for advanced photographers and offers a full range of manual modes, as well as support for shooting in RAW. However, the camera is also easy to use and the auto mode does an excellent job choosing optimal settings in most situations.
This camera is a step above the rest and the best compact digital camera for advanced photographers. In fact, many have considered the G11 to be the midpoint between point and shoots and DSLRs, and that is a fair assessment. The G11 combines excellent image quality on par with many lower-level DSLRs with the size and ease of use of a point and shoot camera. If you want to take excellent photos but don’t want the bulk associated with a DSLR, the Canon G11 is the ideal choice....
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Quick Glance
Memory Type - Secure Digital (SD) Card, Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Card, MultiMediaCard (MMC), MMCplus, HC MMCplus
LCD Screen Size - 2.80 in
Megapixels - 10 Megapixel
Camera Type - Point & Shoot Digital Camera
Image Stabilization - Optical
Weight - 12.52
Optical Zoom - 5