Canon G11

[Byron Lentz]

Anyone tried out the G11 yet? What do ya think? I am looking for something a littler smaller than my D300 that I can carry in my man bag.

[Photo-John]

I haven't used the G11 but I have been using the Canon PowerShot S90, which uses the same sensor. Although it still doesn't compare to a digital SLR sensor, I think Canon has done a very impressive job controlling the noise with these cameras. I think their 10-megapixel strategy has proven itself successful.

Regarding the G11 and compact cameras in general - for me personally, if I'm going smaller than a digital SLR I want the camera to fit in my pocket. I reviewed the G9 a couple of winters ago and although it was a powerful camera, it was big enough that I'd rather just carry the DSLR and have the best image quality and performance. That being the case, I'd choose the S90 over the G11. I think it delivers 80% or so of the performance and the same image quality and it fits in your pocket.

If you're considering a G11 I think you should also be looking at the Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras. They are only a little bigger than the Canon G-Series cameras but they have larger sensors, changeable lenses and HD video capture. If you're looking for a full-powered camera that's smaller than a digital SLR, I think Micro Four Thirds is the way to go. Otherwise, for me, it's got to fit in my pocket.