Photography and Digital Camera

Review based on a production Canon A570 IS

Over the years Canon’s A series of budget priced compact cameras has grown to a considerable line-up of now nine models, developing along the way from simple ‘point and shoot’ entry-level models into fully featured enthusiast models for the photographer wanting a decent level of photographic control at an affordable price. Back in February Canon announced another addition to the range in the shape of the Powershot A560 and A570 IS – twin replacements for the A540 (and the latest in a succession of models going back to the A75). The cameras are almost identical, with the A570 IS sporting optical image stabilization as an extra (the A570 IS is actually the lowest priced A series camera with this feature). So let’s find out if the A570 IS is capable of continuing the success of its predecessors, starting, as ever, with the headline features.

• 7.1 Megapixels
• 4x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (35-140mm equiv.)
• Full photographic control with P, Av, Tv and M modes
• DIGIC III, Face Detection, AiAF
• Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
• 2.5” LCD with wide viewing angle and real-image optical viewfinder
• 19 shooting modes

PowerShot A570 IS specifications

Review based on a production Canon PowerShot G9, Firmware version 1.00

Until the arrival of the G7 last September the majority of observers had written off Canon’s ‘prosumer’ G range, presuming that the arrival of affordable digital SLRs had effectively killed the market for high-end compacts such as this. Barely a year later the G7 has been replaced by the G9, a relatively minor update that increases the pixel count from 10MP to 12MP and the screen size from 2.5 to 3.0 inches and – more importantly given the outcry caused by its omission from the G7 – the return of raw shooting capabilities. Other minor tweaks include a better grip and the addition of wireless flash capabilities. Everything else; the 6x stabilized zoom, flash hot shoe, classic all-metal design and solid build, expansive feature set and extensive manual control system is carried over from the G7.

The G7 receive very mixed responses upon its arrival last year, though as we noted at the time, much of this was because it suffered in comparison to its predecessors (such as the G6) – the lack of defining features such as raw mode, remote control, info panel and rotating LCD made the G7 feel very much like a glorified A series model rather than the flagship it was obviously intended to be. Although there’s still no vari-angle screen Canon has addressed a couple of the main complaints about the G7 (the lack of raw and difficulty of shooting single-handed due to lack of grip), and the price – around $500 – has stayed the same. So is it enough to return the G series to its former glory? Let’s find out.

Note that some sections of this review (feature descriptions where nothing has changed) are reproduced from the G7 review.

Headline features

• 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
• 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
• DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
• ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
• 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
• Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
• Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories

Powershot G9 vs G7: What’s changed?

The G9 is an incremental upgrade in the truest sense; externally the body is almost identical, and there are only three really key changes; the raw mode, the screen and the sensor.

• Higher resolution (12MP vs 10MP)
• Slightly larger sensor (1/1.7 as opposed to 1/1.8 inch)
• Redesigned front grip and rear thumb rest
• Enhanced Face Detection technology
• Red-eye correction in playback
• Auto ISO shift
• Compatibility with ST-E2 wireless flash transmitter
• Marginally better battery life (240 shots vs 220 shots, CIPA standard)
• Two custom White Balance settings (as opposed to one)

PowerShot G9 Key specifications