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Customer Reviews for PowerShot G12
PowerShot G12
Canon's HS SYSTEM with 10.0 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor for improved low light performance
RAW + JPEG
2.8-inch Vari-angle PureColor System LCD with 461,000 dots
720p HD Video with Stereo Sound
Average Customer Rating:
(80 Reviews) 80
Rating Snapshot (80 reviews)
5 stars
59
4 stars
14
3 stars
4
2 stars
2
1 star
1
70 out of 80(88%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for PowerShot G12
Review 1 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Stew
Location: Miami, Florida
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Travel
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
I Love My G12!
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:October 10, 2012
Pros: good battery life, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD
Cons: takes to long for the shutter to release.
It does everything I want it to do and MORE. I use it in many different settings, photographing many different people, places, and things. The only draw back is that it takes a little time from when I press down on the shutter and when the camera does its thing. I HIGHLY recommend this camera for some one that wants very high quality pictures and doesn't want to lug around a bulky DSLR.
15 of 15 people found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: CB
Location: Scottsdale AZ
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Travel
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: Yes
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 1, 2013
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, easy to use, scottsdale az
Cons: Complicated controls/menu
So far I enjoy the G12, specially when travel with my child.
It's light, and still takes beautiful pictures.
It's light, and still takes beautiful pictures.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: peter-k
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Images good - built quality not
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
3
out of
5
Quality
2
out of
5
Satisfaction
3
out of
5
Date:December 11, 2012
Pros: Good Low-Light Performance, Bright LCD, Simple controls/menu, good image quality
Cons: Flimsy Construction, 200 mm lens would be nice, main dial and rear dial to easy to turn, rease button small and wobbly, exchangebale lens ring pointless, no lens hood
After 2 years:
- lens door mechanism broke
- massive dust intrusion in the optical viewfinder
- lens door mechanism broke
- massive dust intrusion in the optical viewfinder
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Ansel
Poor quality
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
1
out of
5
Price/Value
1
out of
5
Quality
1
out of
5
Satisfaction
1
out of
5
Date:November 27, 2012
Lens got stuck after only about 100 exposures. It was good while it worked, but the quality of this camera is poor in my opinion.
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Review 5 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Panoz
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Family & Friends
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
SLR alternative!
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:November 25, 2012
Pros: good battery life, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, flash fill excellent, external flash possible
Cons: amateur features could be deleted
I have rarely picked up my Canon 5D MkII since buying my G12. The most notable feature is the excellent outdoor flash fill, even with just the on-board flash. I also bought a Canon 270EX external flash, which greatly extends the flash range. The battery life is excellent, don't bother with a spare battery, get an external flash instead. Some amateur features (e.g., certain modes and special effects) just clutter up the menu but do not detract from the user experience. This is a great camera capable of professional photos, could save you the price of a DSLR.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Johnny
Location: Los Angeles CA 90065
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Travel
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
My favorite camera of all time
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:September 22, 2012
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use, fits in a jacket pocket
I wanted a camera to take on a 35,000 mile trip in which I would be in meetings, dinners, conferences etc. and a large SLR would not be appropriate. When I saw the G-11 I knew it was going to do the trick. I came home with amazing shots I could not believe were so good. The credit belongs to the G-11 as it recorded everything I wanted to remember as I saw it. The low light mode was the happiest discovery as I was able to shoot in places where no flash was allowed and get spectacular results. Four friends bought G-11s after seeing what it did for me.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Jubilee
Location: Tucson,AZ.
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Travel
Product replacement: Yes
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:August 30, 2012
Pros: good battery life, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
I have used all of the G series. The latest G12 is awesome. Fits in my pocket. Is light weight and so easy to get the greatest shots. I have been to Spain and the U.K. this year.. While those with the big SLR.s are focusing and lining up their shot, I have already taken 5 perfect shots.
15 of 15 people found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: rosy
Location: Washington State
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: Yes
Nice small everyday camera
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Price/Value
3
out of
5
Quality
3
out of
5
Satisfaction
4
out of
5
Date:August 27, 2012
Pros: Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, easy to use
Cons: delay between shots
This is my second G12 because the first one was dropped when the lens was open and had no cap over it to protect it. The lens was chipped when it hit a rock. Even so the camera still took many good shots. The problem was that macros were hard to focus and when the light hit the chipped lens there were glaring spots in my photos. My new G12 has a cover when not shooting and is my most used camera for day to day shooting. It often takes better macro shots than my bigger cameras. My only disappointment is the delay between shots.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: mac
Overall Rating
Date:July 15, 2012
A how to DVD is nice but is useless when you are in the middle of nowhere. An instruction manual should be included
20 of 23 people found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Texatc
Location: Longmeadow, MA
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
4
out of
5
Date:July 8, 2012
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD
Cons: Difficult to use, Heavy/Bulky, Complicated controls/menu
The G12 is a good camera.
However, I found it quite difficult to use (multiple settings) and the five zoom was not enough for me.
I stuck with Canon, though - just got the new Rebel T3i and am in the process of acquiring lenses!
However, I found it quite difficult to use (multiple settings) and the five zoom was not enough for me.
I stuck with Canon, though - just got the new Rebel T3i and am in the process of acquiring lenses!
9 of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: canonofdaddy
Location: San Jose, CA.
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Family & Friends
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:June 30, 2012
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
purchased the Canon PowerShot G12 in June 16,2012 and used the camera during a 4 day cruise. The shots I took from the camer came out Superb! as in High Def Colored Pictures. I took about 500-550 shots and 3-4 movies (~ 2 minutes each) and still have 1600 plus availble shots using 8G SDHC...The Powershot G12 is my second canon powershot. The first powershot I boughtwas a Powershot A80 back 2003. I still have the A80 and works perfect. I needed a larger screen and that is why I upgraded to a G12. I am very happy with my G12 & A80 powershots.. :-)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: G10-G12Owner
Location: Colorado
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Business
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: Yes
Tradeoffs between G Models
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
4
out of
5
Date:June 14, 2012
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use, flip screen
Cons: Missing features/settings, Flimsy Construction
I had the opportunity to own and get good service life out of a G10 and was obviously impressed enough to re-up and buy a G12. The only problem I had with the G10, is it sucked in dust that attracted to the uncleanable, inside of the lense. This ended up ruining the camera in my opinion.
So far I've gotten good service out of my G12. My only disappointments in moving to the G12, are:
1. the plastic body vs the metal body of the G10. My job requires a durable camera with the multi functions that the G series offers (preventing me from going to a bombproof/waterproof/dustproof type camera).
2. the option to create a new folder, adding future photos to the new folder was removed, thus preventing me from resetting the numbering when I move from job to job during one day.
3. I'm not convinced the dust "sucking" problem has been resolved and this will end up with dust on the inside of the lense.
1. the plastic body vs the metal body of the G10. My job requires a durable camera with the multi functions that the G series offers (preventing me from going to a bombproof/waterproof/dustproof type camera).
2. the option to create a new folder, adding future photos to the new folder was removed, thus preventing me from resetting the numbering when I move from job to job during one day.
3. I'm not convinced the dust "sucking" problem has been resolved and this will end up with dust on the inside of the lense.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: WeissGuy
Location: Lynden, WA
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: Yes
Very useful compact camera
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:May 10, 2012
Pros: optical viewfinder, raw photos, flip lcd, controls are complete and handy, excellent photos
Cons: no printed manual, limited digital manual, line thru photo at iso 800 and up
I have used SLR cameras since 1959 and continue to use them particularly for landscape and nature photos. The last two decades I have also owned “pocket” cameras for situations where they would serve the purpose and I did not want to carry the bulk and weight of an SLR and lenses. Now there are some countries where I do not want to flash an SLR for concerns of robbery.
I had three criteria for a new compact camera: Raw photos for better adjusting, an optical viewfinder for when the LCD gets bad lighting, and the flip LCD screen for shooting over people or down low nature shots. I read the reviews and was impressed, and also realized this was not quite a pocket camera although it will fit in a coat pocket.
I am very impressed with the G12 and am using it more than I anticipated. I can print a display quality 13” x 19” print almost as good as from my DSLR. I can shoot at high ISO in RAW, remove the noise in Adobe Lightroom, and adjust for the wide angle distortion in Lightroom. I have been using the G12 for people, groups and meetings with available light rather than flash because up to ISO 1600 I get quite sharp photos and flash does not have much reach anyway. The flip LCD is great at gatherings to shoot with the camera high over my head to miss all the other heads. My DSLRs cannot do that. By ISO 3200 the photos are going quite soft but are sill usable and better than no photo.
I shoot in RAW, although sometimes I shoot RAW + JPG just to see the comparison.
There is a flaw in the software in the G12 because I get a one pixel wide white line across the photo when shooting at ISO 800 or higher. That thin line does not seem like it would be significant, but when I crop a photo because the G12 does not have much telephoto reach it can become a problem. The line is only visible in a crop or a 1:1 view on the screen. An important photo from a conference had the line down the prime person, and retouching the line was a bother. I would have given the G12 a rating of all 5 except for this problem. I think this G12 is a flexible and superb camera.
I had three criteria for a new compact camera: Raw photos for better adjusting, an optical viewfinder for when the LCD gets bad lighting, and the flip LCD screen for shooting over people or down low nature shots. I read the reviews and was impressed, and also realized this was not quite a pocket camera although it will fit in a coat pocket.
I am very impressed with the G12 and am using it more than I anticipated. I can print a display quality 13” x 19” print almost as good as from my DSLR. I can shoot at high ISO in RAW, remove the noise in Adobe Lightroom, and adjust for the wide angle distortion in Lightroom. I have been using the G12 for people, groups and meetings with available light rather than flash because up to ISO 1600 I get quite sharp photos and flash does not have much reach anyway. The flip LCD is great at gatherings to shoot with the camera high over my head to miss all the other heads. My DSLRs cannot do that. By ISO 3200 the photos are going quite soft but are sill usable and better than no photo.
I shoot in RAW, although sometimes I shoot RAW + JPG just to see the comparison.
There is a flaw in the software in the G12 because I get a one pixel wide white line across the photo when shooting at ISO 800 or higher. That thin line does not seem like it would be significant, but when I crop a photo because the G12 does not have much telephoto reach it can become a problem. The line is only visible in a crop or a 1:1 view on the screen. An important photo from a conference had the line down the prime person, and retouching the line was a bother. I would have given the G12 a rating of all 5 except for this problem. I think this G12 is a flexible and superb camera.
34 of 36 people found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: JohnG
Location: Escanaba, MI
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: No
Solid compact camera
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:May 1, 2012
Pros: metal body, nice zoom range, good image quality, raw capability, accessory options
Cons: touchy control dial, limited sensor size, small for large hands
I purchased this G12 camera based on very good reviews, solid build and flexible features. As a an old school 35mm SLR user, I appreciate the plethora of manual control dials vs. heavy reliance on computer menus to control exposure. The exposure options are quite diverse and sophisticated, including dynamic range correction, ND filter, and various creative filters. I really wanted a camera that could accommodate more powerful external flash and external glass fiters, especially a circular polarizer. This fits the bill with Canon accessories.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: LKO
Location: Greenville, NC
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: Yes
Excellent compact digital camera
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:April 17, 2012
Pros: user controls camera operation, good low light performance, external controls
Cons: dial on camera back is small
I recently purchased the G12 after months of searching for a good compact camera. I had not considered the G12 because of cost and size. I finally looked at the G12 and a competing model. The G12 handling and ease of operation made it the best choice.
In use the camera is everything I had hoped for. Image quality is excellent even at high ISO settings. I have printed black & white images shot at 1600 ISO with very good results. Noise is low enough to allow very acceptable 8x10 in prints. I always expect good daylight results and the G12 has delivered.
The G12 gives me control of my images. Most compact cameras are basically auto only. I prefer to shoot in aperture preferred mode and this camera makes that simple.
I have used another brand SLR & DSLR cameras for years but have used Canon digital compacts since I purchased an A10. This is not only the best compact I have used, it lets me do photography my way.
In use the camera is everything I had hoped for. Image quality is excellent even at high ISO settings. I have printed black & white images shot at 1600 ISO with very good results. Noise is low enough to allow very acceptable 8x10 in prints. I always expect good daylight results and the G12 has delivered.
The G12 gives me control of my images. Most compact cameras are basically auto only. I prefer to shoot in aperture preferred mode and this camera makes that simple.
I have used another brand SLR & DSLR cameras for years but have used Canon digital compacts since I purchased an A10. This is not only the best compact I have used, it lets me do photography my way.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: DC
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: Yes
Just Love It
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:March 24, 2012
I shopped around quit a bit before purchasing my Canon G12 and am not dissatisfied. I wanted more than just a point and shoot cause I'm old and just learning how I can creatively use all of its settings. I take a lot of indoor pictures and people I know with really expensive DSLR's are amazed of the quality of photos I have taken. I would recommend this camera to anyone looking for an excellent Point and Shoot, or a beginner like myself looking for a camera they can easily make manual adjustments and see their results.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Opa M
Location: Naples, Fl
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
An incredible surpise for me
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 28, 2012
Pros: no real deficiency; totally competent
Cons: the user manual in hard copy
I purchased the G12 as a lark in St. Thomas, USVI last November. I still rely on my EOS 5D Mark II with several L lenses, but lugging the weight around is tiring. So I got the G12 and it has been a great experience.
My forte is close-up, wildlife and nature in general. My first experiment with the G12 was learning the nuances of its capabilities in close-up focusing outdoors.
Lesson 1: focus at the telephoto end to give the sensor large details to focus on. My results have been professional level without a doubt.
Lesson 2: Use focus trap, I use the asterisk button, top on right side, before releasing shutter.
Lesson 3: use a light monopod as it comes handy outdoors when breezes interfere and you can't hold on indefinitely.
Lesson 4: set color to "vivid.
My one regret: the pathetic user manual, everything being via a computer. Its not nice for an outdoor guy who wants to reduce gear weight.
No I am not giving up on the 5D and the 100mm macro L lens, although I am looking at the G1 X. What has happened is that I have a fun camera that delivers images that need no apologies, no explanation.;
24 of 24 people found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: pbr
Location: Stanwood, WA
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: Yes
"Best" camera for a point and shoot
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 26, 2012
Pros: great small camera with many features
I love this camera. I just slip this baby in my purse or back pack and I'm ready to go. I own a DSLR and love that camera, however; I needed something the I could just take to a party ect..without being intimidating. Don't get me wrong the sencer is still a small sencer so there is nothing like a DSLR but for a point and shoot this should be your choice. I have tried many camera and this one is a great camera!!!!!! love all the features and I get great pictures.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Tarmack
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: Yes
The Best Canon "G" Yet
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 6, 2012
Pros: excellent in low light, easy to use, small enough to carry, wide angle lens
Owned the G6, G9, and now the G12 - it is the best G series camera yet. I really liked the G9 and its all metal body and smaller size, but the low light capabilites of the G12 make it well worth the extra size. Even indoors less than 10% of my photos require a flash - this means I can take indoor photos from across the room - amazing. The rich contrast, sharp focus, easy to use features and low light capabilities mean you can take the best photos ever with a camera of this size. It is just small enough that I can carry it in a belt pouch - a camera is no good if it interferes with you experiencing an event or too big to bring along. Perfect.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for PowerShot G12
Nickname: Diddi at 73
Location: England
no manual manual? not a problem!
Overall Rating
Date:January 20, 2012
Pros: feels like a 'reel' camera
Cons: why did it take so long to arrive?
Deciding on a new camera seems to occur more and more frequently these days but is made much easier by the number of pro reviews available on the net. What provides the max info tho is a manual in the hand. These are usually available from the support link of the maker or freelance publishers in advance of purchase. Glad to say the G12 makes me feel I'm actually taking photographs again, I must remember not to go looking for the film.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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