4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The G2's 4-megapixel CCD captures images at user-selectable resolutions of 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,024 x 768, and 640 x 480. This range allows for detail-rich 8-by-10-inch prints that match the results of film cameras as well as easy-to-upload images for the Web and e-mail. Choose between three varying degrees of JPEG compression or store images in the 10-bit RAW data file format for faster transfer without any image quality loss. Your computer easily translates the RAW files into TIFF files using Canon's included software.

The telescoping, 3x optical zoom lens (34-102mm equivalent on a 35mm camera) with 3.6x digital zoom, offers both automatic and manual focus control. The improved, high-speed, selectable three-point autofocus system allows flexibility in composition over the single focus point of the G1. A distance scale has been added on the LCD monitor for precision focus adjustment that works best for extreme close-ups. Improved circuitry allows the G2 to perform these advanced functions with faster image capture times and longer battery life than the G1.

Like the G1, the G2 has point-and-shoot settings that take the guesswork out of almost all situations, but the manual controls and creative options are where this camera stands out from the competition. Twelve EOS-style shooting modes allow for a wide range of creative possibilities, with manual focus zoom, adjustable aperture priority at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO, selectable shutter speed, and six preset white balances--sunny, cloudy, tungsten, etc. Canon has provided four presets for professional results when shooting for maximum depth of field, portraits, landscapes, and night scenes. Other creative controls include the photo-effect mode that allows four possible variations of the normal color saturation: vivid color, standard color, sepia tones, and standard black-and-white.

Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. Autoexposure bracketing allows you to intentionally over- and underexpose two extra shots to help capture the best picture possible. Five different flash modes, including red-eye reduction, handle after-dark challenges. The TTL hot shoe is fully compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes. The included software package goes beyond standard image processing with a remote capture function that allows complete control and manipulation of the camera functions from your computer keyboard. Canon's Stitch Assist program allows you to combine up to four images into one, seamless, panoramic view.

Exterior design features include the highly versatile LCD monitor from the G1 that needs no improvement; its 270-degree rotation allows all angles of image composition from around corners to self-portraits. Changes in ergonomics, as requested by the users of the G1, include a contoured grip for better one-handed shooting and a more streamlined look. Photographers new to the digital market will find the G2 as easy to use as previous PowerShot models, while professionals will be pleased with the improved selection of creative options for capturing the best possible images.

The G2 comes complete with USB port and cable for connection to PC or Macintosh computers; Canon's digital camera software package for downloading, processing, and organizing your images; a NTSC cable for connecting to a television set; a rechargeable BP-511 lithium-ion battery pack and AC adapter for charging the battery in the camera; a generous 32 MB CompactFlash card; infrared remote control; lens cap; and neck strap. The camera weighs about 14.8 ounces, and its dimensions are 4.8(W) by 3.0(H) by 2.5(D) inches.

From the Manufacturer
Canon’s new PowerShot G2 is a precise and powerful tool for professional and advanced amateur photographers who want a very high-resolution digital camera that can offer them the quality, performance, and reliability that they're accustomed to finding in fine 35mm SLR cameras. The 1/1.8-inch 4-magapixel CCD in the new Canon PowerShot G2 creates a postcard-sized image that displays no visible pixellation. Physically, the CCD is identical in size to the ones used in earlier Canon digital cameras, but it can accommodate 4.0 million pixels because the pixel size is considerably reduced. The result, of course, is a far more densely detailed image.

The PowerShot G2's 4 megapixel CCD provides high resolution for prints that are comparable to the products of fine 35mm cameras. This increase in resolution produces a dramatic difference in image quality over the standard 2 megapixel class cameras. The CCD is also equipped with primary color filters (RGB) for superior color reproduction. While in the past, primary color filters caused images to be somewhat noisier than complementary color filter, the G2 includes a new IC with improved signal processing to compensate for this. So images are not only rich in detail but also include true-to-life color, and lower noise levels than ever.

The G2 features a genuine Canon 3x Optical Zoom lens giving a 35mm equivalent focal length of 34 to 102mm. And, for even more dramatic close-ups, the G2 has a 3.6x digital zoom. Combined with the optical zoom, you can zoom smoothly in on your subject to a magnification of up to 11x!

The G2 was designed with a Vari-angle LCD so that you can shoot from any angle easily. The camera also has easy to access controls like stacked dials (main dial and mode dial) to turn the camera on or off or select the shooting mode. The G2 also has any easy to use Omni Selector to control the zoom or image selection during playback. And the optical viewfinder includes a built-in dioptric adjustment feature to adjust to your eyesight.

You're in complete control of all the camera's settings. A digital read-out on the LCD monitor gives updated exposure info. You set the aperture controlling the depth of field and the shutter speed is set automatically. For the utmost in convenience, the G2 sets the aperture and shutter speeds completely automatically.

All the camera's parameters are set automatically. Pan-focus gives maximum depth of field and faster shooting speed.

With Direct Print Mode you can print brilliant credit card-sized photos using the Card Photo Printer CP-10 without computer connection. In 3 easy steps: Connect, Select and Print, your pictures will be ready in less than a minute. Choose from one of three formats, credit card-sized borderless images, credit card-sized bordered images or 8 mini-labels. A special cropping feature included in the G2 allows you to exactly size the image you want to print according to what appears in the frame of the LCD monitor.

Canon G2 reviews (112)

Most amazing tool
One week and I'm infatuated with the capabilities, ease of use and the remarkable images possible with this 4 megapixel wonder. This is my first digital camera purchase and based one what I saw in the G1, which was very close for me, I purchased sight unseen the G2. The layout is extremely intuitive, so much so that my wife, who has never handled a digital camera, was able to access the playback mode and erase ... pictures I'd taken her. Features I like: The rotating LCD screen which allows the camera to be used from any position. Navigating through the many features available is a snap with the rotating mode dial. Snap mode is like infinity focus, good for those street shots. The shutter is responsive, and there is no lag between what you see and what you shoot. I tried this by pointing camera out window and waiting for a car to enter window frame. When car doing 35-40 mph was fully in narrow window frame, I snapped, and captured exactly what I saw. You can select either 0, 2 or 10 sec. review mode, depending on how fast you want to shoot. Pictures are very sharp, color is accurate and it is wildly easy to use. Manual focus capabilities. Five resolution modes including a RAW format of 2272 x 1704, which equals a 7.5" x 5.5" image at 300dpi, the minimum for hi-res, magazine and book reproduction. (8" x 10" image at max res. is 228 dpi without resampling). Software for PC and Mac is effortless and includes Photoshop LE. Very efficient and no bugs. A few nitpicks are: It is a handful. The charge and USB port door isn't the sturdiest. The startup music has to go. Software takes up lots of MBs. Learning camera, but so far so very, very good.

UPDATE: November 16, 2003.
I still have this camera. The 2nd week I owned camera -see above for date - I received a magazine assignment. Hauling out the film gear, I suddenly realized - I could use the G2! I purchased an adaptor - SafeSync - to protect circuits and reduce the voltage of high powered Norman strobes to 6 volts. Adaptor fits in G2 hotshoe. It may have seemed a little odd to the CEO when he strolled up to my elaborate lighting setup and I whipped out this little camera, but the shoot was successful and paid for the camera. Since then have done many many assignments with this camera and just last week used it for a shoot for the Wall St. Journal. Why haven't I upgraded? Because I haven't had a need to. This is truly an amazing camera.

Absolutely the Best Small Digital Camera on the Market Yet
The Canon PowerShot G2 is, hands down, the finest compact, high-end, amateur/professional digital camera on the market today. Together with the lens adapter, the teleconverter (1.5x) and wide-angle lens available, it simply can't be beat. Before I purchased this camera I spent several hours personally comparing it to every other 3+ megapixel camera currently on the market, and there is simply no comparison with any other. I would not pretend to compare this camera to the Canon EOS D30 and the even newer D30x with it's use of interchangeable, incomparable EF lenses, but photography, not simply digital photography just leaped another millennium with Canon's improvements over the 1-year old PowerShot G1.

The Product Review and other personal review at this site have provided you more of the technical aspects of this jewel, so I will spare any repetition--except to say that the ability to use my 550EX flash normally used with my Canon EOS-3 and 1v is not only teriffic but a great money saver.

Don't be fooled by the stylish looks of other digitals--not that they are slackards by any means (such as the Dimage 7), but it's performance, although outstanding, seems elementary alongside the G2.

ENOUGH SAID!

You need this camera!
I read reviews of digital cameras everywhere on the Internet and in magazines and came to one conclusion, the Canon PowerShot G2 was a great camera.

After getting the camera, I couldn't agree more. The controls are intuitive to use and understand and the layout is impressive. I wanted a camera my wife could pick up and use without thinking and a camera I could have as much creative control as my 35 MM SLR(s). This has hit the mark.

The dial on top the camera allows you to select the manual modes (shutter priority, apaeture priority, full manual...) and several pre programmed modes (landscape, portrait, night mode...) and of course full auto.

The flash is as good as any film or digital point and shoot camera but I also got the Canon 420EX Speeflite flash. (Did I mention this baby has a hot shoe?) This is a versital professional flash that talks directly with the camera and allows a lot of creative control.

Of course no matter how nice the camera is to use is for nothing if the photos are poor or average. The camera doesn't dissapoint! The photos are outstanding. Generally speaking, bad shots are not the fault of the camera!

I did pick up 2 Sandisk 128 MB compact flashes to add to the unit and I got the wide angle lense but haven't used it yet so no comment.

Oh, writing and reading to the compact flash media seems quick. I also have note used the movie mode yet either.

Outstanding Camera!
This is the first digital camera I have purchased. After reseaching the digital camera field for about 3 months, I decided on the Canon Powershoot G2. I am extremely pleased with its performance. I never thought a digital camera could rival a 35mm SLR camera, but the Canon excedes most if not all of the attributes of a photochromatic paper camera. Though the camera is midsized, it is packed with so many features that it is perfect for those photographers who what the versatility of a full sized SLR but do not want to lug around a briefcase full of camera equipment. Some of its standout features include a LCD screen that swings out like a camcorder and folds away with the screen towards the camera body, thus protecting it from the eventual scratch; and Compactflash II card compatibility enabling high image storage, which you will need with the camera set at its highest 4 megapixel resolution. A 32MG Smartmedia card will not suffice with a 4.0 megapixel camera.

You will not be disappointed with this camera. I highly recommend it.

One of the Best on the Market
After months of exhaustive searching, I finally decided to purchase the Canon Powershot G2 (it's a wonderfully re-designed upgrade to the Powershot G1). The clarity of the images that this camera takes is spectacular. Combine that with the list of outstanding features that aren't included on any other digital camera: ISO 50, RAW image capture, a flip out LCD screen (which is much more handy than you would think), an infrared remote for long exposures and self-portraits, and easy menu functions -- this camera is without equal in it's price range.

It's definitely not for the beginner, but, if you're familiar with photography, you'll be able to take sharp, beautiful pictures with this camera. Skin tones are perfect and the built in flash with exposure compensation does a good job for portraits. And, if you're considering a Sony, this camera uses the more inexpensive Compact Flash memory storage system. Compact Flash memory cards are cheaper than the Sony Memory Stick and are compatible with more peripherals than Memory Stick.

All in all, if it's in your price range, you will be very pleased with the Canon Powershot G2.

Powershot G2 - Features are great!
I have been using a Powershot S10 for the past 1 1/2 years. I was totally amazed at the features of the G2. I was preparing to upgrade to the G1, but I'm really glad I waited.

The weight of the camera is pretty good. I notice that it is more sensitive to camera shake and advises you so you can take better pictures. I have noticed that it is more finicky in this area and requires you to make sure that you hold the camera steady. I have tried using the camera in M (Manual Exposure) mode and there are so many more things to control for a much better shot! I have tried using a Lexarmedia 48MB 8x CF card and a Sandisk 128MB. No speed improvements for the 8X card.

Coming from the S10 (Ni-MH battery) this 511 battery lasts so much longer! Excellent battery life!

All in all I find this camera to have great design and great features! I intend on getting a LOEWPRO camera bag. I noticed that some parts of the camera can scratch easily.

A camera that will grow with you
This is my first Canon camera and now I know what Canon fans have been raving about all these years. This is a well-built, well-designed, and well-executed digital camera. It certainly is intended for a advanced user or "prosumer," but I believe it can also serve as a good camera for a beginner who knows he or she will advance in skill.

Most beginners buy a point and shoot camera and then upgrade to something more expensive if they "get into" photography. The G2 can work as a point and shooter. It has a fully automatic setting. And the pictures it takes are extraordinary. At 4 megapixels, they are as good as any amatuer user will ever need given the capability of home printers.

As you grow in confidence, and want to experiment with adjustments to shutter speeds, ISO, manual focus, etc., etc., it is all here and organized in a logical and accessible manner. The camera will even take short movies, though I doubt that feature is any more needed than the snapshot feature on digital camcorders.

You need to hold this camera to really appreciate how well built it is. So many digital cameras look and feel "cheap" even if they cost multiple hundreds of dollars. The G2 is solid and attractive.

I particularly enjoy the innovative LCD screen which flips out and rotates like those on camcorders. It also flips completely over for self-portraits (very convenient with the wireless remote) and can be turned toward the camera and snapped into place to protect the LCD from scratches while transporting.

I researched several cameras before I purchased the Canon G2. I don't regret my choice in the slightest. The G2 is more expensive than some, but it is so versatile that I expect I will actually save money because I can't think of a thing I might need as my skills advance that this camera won't provide.

Probably the best "prosumer" digicam out there.
After working with this camera at the store at which I am employed, I have come to the conclusion that all around, this is the best high-end consumer grade digital camera. There are several ways in which this camera comes out on top over the cameras made by its competitors.

More than likely, the camera people will compare this to is the Nikon Coolpix 995--at least these are the two cameras most people narrow it down to. Each camera offers things that the other doesn't, but I find the Canon is superior in several ways.

1. The Canon is *far* more user friendly. The controls are laid out in a way that makes them easy to find. SLR users that are converting from film to digital will find the switch to be a little easier with the Canon. One thing I don't like about the Nikon is the way manual control works; hold down this button, move this switch, push down that button while moving that switch, etc etc. Way too complicated for the average consumer. On the Canon it's a breeze. Switch the control to "M" and the 4-way pad on the back up the camera controls aperture and shutter speed. That's it.

2. The Canon uses an anti-reflective coating on the screen. Nikon and Olympus *still* don't do that with their consumer grade cameras. The anti-reflective coating helps heaps when you're out in the sun, where the screens on most other cameras get faded out and are impossible to see.

3. The rechargable battery that comes with the Canon lasts far longer than other camera batteries (i.e. AA's or the rechargables Nikon uses). You could easily get over 200 shots from a single battery, with the LCD screen on.

4. The software package the Canon comes with blows away what Nikon and Olympus give you. Adobe Photoshop--the standard in the graphics industry.

5. The Canon comes with a 32 megabyte card, which is 2x what most manufacturers ship the camera with.

6. Two words -- hot shoe. Right on the camera. Who wants to carry around a bulky flash bracket when you can buy a camera that a standard flash attaches right to?

If you've read reviews from computer magazines or from digital camera websites, you'll see that the Canon gets consistently high reviews. In a recent review, the G2 was rated #1 over the Coolpix 995, which the reviewers claimed produced pictures which weren't quite as sharp as the ones from the G2. I've been waiting to buy a digital camera. When I have the means, I am very confident this is the one I'll go with.

Very good camera, at the right price???
After looking around for a digital camera, I think I have found the right camera. The Canon Powershot G2 is it. I have researched different cameras (Fuji, Canon, Olympus, and Nikon) and chose this one. I am not a camera buff or budding pro. I like good pictures. My wife is a technophobe and she loves how easy it is to use. It provides enough flexibility to alter shutter speeds and f stops to satisfy anyone.
Every camera owner will say theirs is the best, but ultimately, it is a personal comfort decision- and price. This camera fit my budget (...), takes excellent pictures, and easy to use. The pictures produced often depend on the taker and not the camera ( to a certain extent). The camera has all the bells and whistles to satisfy any techno lover, like me.
Criticisms of the camera are limited- heavier than most and zoom limited.
If you enjoy gadgets ( as I do or you wouldn't be reading this), searching for the right fit is just as much fun as buying it.

Canon G2
I own a Canon D30 and was delighted and disappointed with the EOS-1D specs, having a need for a 6 Mp camera and without one being available from Canon, I elected to get the G2 as a beater and wait until Canon comes out with a 6 Mp EOS. In the mean time, this camera shoots very good pictures (esp in the RAW mode) I use my D30 batteries and charger with it plus have several IBM 1 Gb micro drives to use between cameras as well.

With the Canon Wide and Tele lens set you will be able to extend the optical capabilities (the tele does have some barrel effects) Since getting the G2, I take it everywhere and I use my D30 much less - the D30 shines for long range nature shots, extreme wide angle (Sigma 14mm EX), and complex flash master/slave or celesteral time exposures via a Meade LX-90 and EOS adapter.

Considering price, quality, and featues you can't beat this camera and the firmware is actually better than the D30 with regard to bugs (I haven't found any, but the D30 has several - nothing that turning the camera on/off won't fix).

If you use the hot shoe and Canon speedlights (I use the 550 and 420) this camera works perfectly however, use a hand held device like an "L" bar or pistol grip to hold onto the camera as the weight of the speedlight makes the camera top heavy and it won't be long before you will drop it.

Best Dig Cam for the money! Awesome!
We purchased this camera to replace an old 35mm Point and shoot Minolta. With the availability of digital print services online and locally, we decided to stop buying film. We started out looking for a "cheap" digital camera. But after weeks of research and 100's of reviews and hands on, we decided on 2 models. The sony dsc85 and canon G2. The canon reviews seemed better and we also liked the compactflash vs. sony stick. It's cheaper and we can use a microdrive. The canon is an excellent camera. The only negative thing we can find is the small LCD. But it more than makes up for it with it's swivel capabilities. Which can protect the LCD when folded away. LCD's can be damaged easily. Most film quality is around 4-5 mp range. And this camera beats out my 35mm SLR and scanner solution by far. I set the camera in the "Program" mode and I can select the type of lighting for indoors. This is great, as most pictures will have a yellow orange tint on most film and digital cameras. I can select Tungsten or flourescentetc. Anyhow, if your looking for a great camera with all the bells and whistles, best battery, photo quality then buy the G2! I can go on and on about the pros of this camera. Hope this review helps out. Also I thought I wouldn't use the digital zoom, but after shooting some test photo's, it's actually very good. The picture isn't as sharp, but it is hardly noticeable.

Great Camera
First of all, if you compare the G2 to other cameras, check out the bundle of stuff in the G2 package; you'll probably find that this camera prices out just above the cost of a 2 or 3 meg camera after adding accessories like battery charger, batteries, USB card reader, which those other cameras most likely don't have. The G2 has it all, although an additional 64 Meg memory card is advisable as is a carrying case. A 64 meg card should allow between 30 and 90 shots in the high-res range; thats a whole day's worth of shots.

The G2 is very easy to learn to use and I've gotten great images. Overall, I really enjoy the slide-like color intensity when digital images appear on a large PC screen. For that reason alone, I am finished with 35mm SLRs & print film.

Indoor shots have been very impressive; I didn't expect it to be as good. I mostly take outdoor shots and so far I've been pleasantly surprised at the dig-cam's ability to pick up the subtle shadings in the natural world. Thats my thing; I look for color and texture contrast virtually anywhere in the natural world. I feel the digital camera does a better job of getting subtleties of color than my 35mm SLRs did; a shocking thing to say, no doubt. Also, this camera has performed well in a variety of lighting conditions. On a recent walk in the high Sierra, I got amazingly good G2 images with no special fussing with camera settings; it was fully on auto. My 35mm SLRs NEVER seemed able to get that high altitude light quality captured.

Then there's the quick-turnaround time. With the USB connection, 30 to 50 high resolution shots can be downloaded to a PC in about 2 minutes, and they're ready to play with. The bundled Adobe software is very good, and a lot of fun.

All around, a pretty cool deal and a truly fun toy !

Finally! A worthy replacement for film
I've had my G2 for about 3 weeks and (thanks to a Big Event) had the opportunity to pump several hundred images into it over a four day period. Once I got used to it, I found it to be a very satisfying replacement for other cameras I've used (SLRs, digital video as replacement for still camera, point and shoot compacts).

I especially enjoy taking candids in available light, and this is the first compact camera I've used that actually lets me do this effectively. This is because I have reliable control over the flash and I can review pictures taken in questionable light to see if they worked or not.

I also used the G2 on a tripod to make a photographic copy of a large family oil painting, and the results were about what I'd expect from typical 35mm film in the hands of a casual user. I used the "remote capture" mode with a laptop, and must say that this mode works, but not as smoothly as you might expect.

When using available light, I admit I'm disappointed that the ISO setting maxes out at 400, but in my experience that's usually been enough, especially with an f2.0 lens, and the G2 can generally provide f2.0 (though you lose that maximum opening at longer focal lengths). The G2 gamely tries to take pictures even when the light is a bit too low, and it simply tries to warn you to hold the camera extra-steady.

The low-light picture results were comparable to what I achieved with film - some sharp, some blurry, some grainy, often depending on the quality of the lighting. The level of detail I achieved in my JPEGs was comparable to what I'd seen under similar conditions with a good film camera.

I often ran the G2 in "slow motor drive" mode since this would allow you to take several pictures in a row. Otherwise the camera would pause dramatically between shots as it pushed the previous image onto the compact flash card. In a sense, this was the biggest adjustment I had to make to this camera -- its computer would occasionally go off and do things, leaving the camera insensible to my need to take a picture, and I'd have to wait a second or two for it to catch up with me. The motor drive mode helped minimize this problem.

Of course, the digital camera, and the G2 in particular, carries benefits that were only fantasies in the world of film. I installed a 256K CF card, and the thing held HUNDREDS of pictures! And even though I overused the motor drive setting, I could go back and discard the less interesting pictures WITHOUT WASTING FILM. So by the end of my 4-day event, I had already edited out many of the less promising pictures I'd taken.

Another G2 shortcoming is that there's no way to change the orientation of a picture stored on the CF card. Even if you tell the camera which way to orient a picture (there's a menu entry), you lose that information if you simply copy the picture off of the CF card. I found that surprising. (For that matter, today's smart camera ought to sense which way is up, and store the image appropriately.)

In closing, let me comment on battery usage. I bought a second battery and didn't start using it till the THIRD DAY of shooting! Note that I mostly relied on the viewfinder, and rarely used the flash. But I regularly used the LCD to review and edit the pictures I'd taken. I never plugged in the camera during the entire four days, since I'd already charged up the other battery. So you can push A LOT of pictures through a single battery charge.

Plusses: the benefits of digital technology, film-like resolution, lots of control, a relatively fast lens, a usable viewfinder, awesome battery life.

Minuses: ISO tops off at 400, the camera's computer can be slow, and you must use separate editing software to orient pictures. But I suspect the G2 is comparable, if not better, than most other digital cameras in these respects.

great, but with a few small complaints
First let me be clear: I adore this camera! I have no serious complaints, but only a short list that might be useful to others ...

1) The viewfinder is very small and difficult to focus. Using the LCD monitor is the obvious alternative, but costs in battery life.

2) The ports for the power and USB cables on the camera are tiny, and I wonder how well they will hold up over years of plugging and unplugging (no problems after about three months, but ...)

3) Overall, I would like this camera more if it were about 20% larger. I also own a Canon Rebel EOS G, which is slightly larger, and the controls, buttons, hand grips (etc.) are a little more "adult sized" as a result. I think it makes sense to sacrifice the compactness a little on a camera that's as feature-rich as this one.

Notwithstanding the above, I love this camera, and would tell anyone considering digital cameras to put this on the short list.

Great Camera! Bye, Bye Film!
I've hesitated making the switch to digital photography because of the stories I've heard about batteries that last 15 minutes before going dead, about the fact that you have to spend hundreds of dollars on storage media (provided that you don't have a laptop computer to immediately download photos) and talk from professional photographers that film is still where it is at if you want high quality shots.

The Canon G2 has changed all those perceptions completely. It is a great camera and I have taken probably close to 600 pictures since I got it less than a month ago. Of those, I've been able to immediately delete one-third of those pictures because of things I didn't like with lighting, closed eyes, etc. This is something I couldn't do with my SLR camera and thus I will eventually save a lot of money in film developing costs and I will have better quality images.

The pictures are incredible. I compared similar pictures I took with my Canon Elan 7E 35MM SLR (a great camera in its own right) and my Canon G2 digital camera and I think the quality of the latter pictures is better. Combined with the savings on film and developing and time saved by not having to scan pictures for editing in Photoshop, etc., the choice of going digital is easy.

I do recommend that if you get this camera and intend to take indoor shots to get an external flash unit in Canon's EX series. The flash that comes with the camera gives me significant "green eye" when I took pictures of my dogs (a common problem when taking pictures of pets even with film), even with the red-eye reduction activated, but the bounce flash ability of my Canon 380EX Speedlite reduces this problem significantly (the 420EX is the newest in the Speedlite line).

Battery life is also not a problem. I bought two additional batteries when I bought my camera based on the concerns voiced earlier about short life, but even after 600 shots, I am still working off my initial charge. Granted that almost all my shots were indoors so I'm not sure how much drain there will be due to elements, but I have also taken them with the monitor, so battery life is pretty good. You probably might want to get a second battery just to be on the safe side.

Compact flash cards still can be pricey, but deals can be found where you might be able to get them for a good price and these prices will no doubt come down over time. Viking Components compact flash cards are very good and fairly inexpensive compared to other brands. I also think a cheap laptop or an image storage unit whereby you can store the images from the compact flash cards would be a good investment as well, especially if you plan to travel ...

The Canon G2 is a great camera for the semi-serious photographer. Grab one while you can!

Buy this Full-Featured Camera!
We "adopted" our Canon Powershot G2 about two months ago-- our verdict so far? Great camera for the serious digital photographer! This is our second digital camera...We made the initial switch from our SLR to digital and have never retreated.

The Canon G2 is a full-featured digital camera for those of us that love the control you have with a good SLR. This model has all the manual adjustments for aperature, shutter speed etc., that you might be used to on your film camera. At the same time, the G2 has many fully automatic settings for simple point and shoot, such as full program mode, macro (close-up), portrait, panarama etc. In fact, if you are already a Canon SLR owner like us, you'll find many of the same controls you've already grown accustomed to.

Features convincing us to purchase this camera over others include a flash hotshoe, rechargeable (in the camera) Lithium Ion battery, a decent sized 32MB Compact Flash Memory card, an excellent quality zoom lens and a really bright, adjustable LCD display. We also like the ability to switch between various levels of color intensity similar to polarizing and other filters, as well as B&W and sepia. There are also settings to adjust for different outdoor and indoor conditions such as flourescent and incandescent light. There are many more!

A big surprise was the digital video recorder with sound. I thought this would be little better than a toy, but the quality of images and audio were amazing. Having said that, I wouldn't get this in place of a digital video camera, but if you occasionally like to shoot a few frames of video with sound to throw on a webpage it really comes in handy.

So far we really haven't found a lot of downsides on this camera.

You should pick up a larger compact flash memory card, but that shouldn't be too big of a deal with prices coming down....We shoot at 1600x1200 allowing us 219 exposures to work with.

We also bought an additional Lithium Ion battery. The Canon uses a proprietary battery charged in the camera. The battery life is excellent allowing you to constantly use the LCD viewfinder and all features for more than a full day of shooting. However, if you do happen to drain the battery, you'll be out of luck until you can stop somewhere to plug the camera in for a couple of hours. Two batteries solve that problem....Availability of an external charger would be nice. Currently Cannon offers an optional charger to use in your car only.

The truth is there are so many features on the G2 that I can't write about them all here.

If you are in the market for a high quality, full-featured digital camera as a long term investment, on par with your Nikon, Olympus, or Canon SLR film camera, this is the one to get.

Canon G-2 Outstanding
Had an Oly' 1.3 Mega/pixel two years. Did an outstanding job for a point and shoot. However, with a device to show images on a large TV screen the Oly' with only 1.3 M/P just didn't have the "Umph." After much reaserch over six months, opted for the Canon G-2. This is not an "Open the box and take pictures" performer but pretty close. Set the selector to "Auto" you are ready to go. In this mode the camera does all the thinking.
Printed documentation, outstanding. For a many featured device, found I could gain special affects with a minimum of study.
Optical zoom capability along with digital zoom is great. At high resolution the results are truly remarkable. On our first outing, took 42 shots expecting at best a half dozen "Keepers." Just the opposite, 36 excellent images. The "Flip out" viewing screen had me positioning the camera at impossible angles. No more crawling on my belly like a reptile to get close-ups of ground loving flowers.
The software package that comes with the G-2 needs work. Not user friendly. I use the Olympus software to doctor images.
For those who enjoy experimenting with a all the "Gigoes" available with this unit will be in hog heaven. I highly recomend the G-2 even for those new to digital imaging if they are willing to do their homework.

Canon G2 -The BEST digital camera for under $1000US! Period!
The Canon PowerShot G2 is a digital camera consumer's dream come true, and a nightmare for other digital camera manufacturers.

Make a list of features you'd expect and not expect to find from a "prosumer" digital camera, and chances are you'll find them on the G2. This is a little camera that was designed to act a lot bigger than many other digital cameras in its class.

You only have to pick up a G2 to realize that there's a lot more to it than meets the eye; this camera's significantly heavier and feels sturdier than any other camera in its class! The extra weight means better camera stabilization. The G2's sturdiness inspires confidence and makes the camera feel like a photographic tool, not an electronic gizmo.

From the tilt-and-swivel LCD, the magnification loupe for manual focusing, dedicated and fully functional flash hot-shoe, evaluative metering, IR autofocous assist mechanism, ISO 50, RAW image format, etc., etc., this camera has it all!.

Many photographers will argue that the real measures of any camera lie in the controls and results. The G2 doesn't disappoint in either of these respects. Although you'll have to familiarize yourself with the camera's controls initially, you'll soon find them very intuitive and actually use them more often than not.

The quality of images captured with the G2 is nothing short of superb! You'll get clean, detailed, very high-resolution photographs with the G2, especially if you use the camera's RAW mode at ISO 50.

The Canon PowerShot G2 is still a point-and-shoot digital camera. Anyone who's ever used an SLR will miss the optical viewfinder, true manual focus, and lens selection not available in the G2. However, this can be said for any other digital camera in the G2's class. In every other respect, the G2 rises above its inherent limitations and really challenges its competition to try and keep up!

Beyond the camera itself, Canon has really done the consumer proud by offering most every accessory that you would want included at no extra charge, i.e. an remote control unit, high-capacity rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, and remote capture software.

If you're in the market for a capable digital camera at a reasonable price, thank Canon for making the choice really very simple.

Positives:
- extensive feature set
- excellent build and design
- superb results, especially in RAW mode at ISO 50
- Excellent lens produces very little distortion and chromatic aberrations
- extremely reasonable price
- All the accessories that should come standard do come standard.

Negatives:
- Certain exposure adjustments, i.e. flash compensation, aren't available in full manual mode.
- The fact that the G2 isn't an SLR.
- Not much else.

A Powerful Alternative to Film Cameras/Darkroom Techniques
I have been using the G2 for about 4 months purely for recreation/hobby. In recent years, I have not had the time to really keep up my interest in photograhy. Waiting for pictures to come back from processor,then reviewing,etc., is a poor second to having your own darkroom, but a darkroom is a big time investment. With the G2 and Adobe Photoshop Elements I have a combination that has allowed me to produce a very satisfying product with excellent quality. We have had a digital camera in the family for a couple of years, but the resolution and control just weren't there. Canon has put together a very powerful package covering an excellent range of users and it has the resolution to be competitive with film. It will make great pix in full automatic, but if you are interested in more control over the operataion, you can find lots of knobs to turn. The basic system works fine, but if you can swing it, a larger memory card and an external flash are good investments. The purists will say (correctly) that film is still premier media for resolution and results, but digital is now good enough for quality work, and a whole lot easier and faster for reviewing results.

The Case for Two Cases (just in case).
Since other customers have covered the many features of the five star G2, I thought I would recommend a carrying case for your investment. Actually, I have two recommendations and both are cases by Lowepro -- The first is the Lowepro Z20, a snug fitting, well-padded case which is suitable for occasions when you want to bring just the camera and perhaps an extra memory card.....

My second recommendation is a larger Photo/Video bag called the Lowepro NOVA 1 ...which has room for all accessories that come with the G2, and more. The Z20 case can actually be placed inside the larger case for double protection, or you can nestle the G2 between the padded (movable) dividers of the NOVA1, for frequent access.

Perhaps two cases is a bit extravagent, but the Lowepro cases are very reasonably priced (a relief after the investment in the G2) and real quality. The G2 doesn't come with a case and the Canon option is very richly priced for such a modest item. I don't know if Amazon carries these Lowepro models. I purchased my G2 from Amazon(which I highly recommend) and then shopped for a case at [a retail store].

Well, Good Luck in your search for the perfect camera! I must be honest the Canon Powershot A40 looks real good for the price, but the rechargable battery on the G2 is a pleasure.

Viewing Digital Camera Images and Canon Customer Support
This is my first experience with a digital camera. Like so many others, I've been unable to accept the proposition that a digital camera would ever be able to compete with my 35mm. I'm happy to report that the G2 produces images even at the simplest point-and-shoot setting that are so perfect- even cropping and blowing them up to 8X10-sized prints proves perfection (I certainly could not tell one from a 35mm image handled in exactly the same fashion.) The picture stitching feature for creating panoramic images is first-time easy and fun- I only wish I'd had this the last time I visited the Grand Canyon.

With the exception of the "movie mode" which is absolutely useless (don't buy the camera specifically for this "feature", as it produces laughable images that would not even be suitable as email attachments), I love everything about the G2. I noticed something about this camera (and probably ALL digital cameras) that I wanted to share.

I am lucky enough to have 2 different PC setups in my home. The one I currently use is a high-tech DELL Dimension with a large trinitron monitor. When I download images from the G2 to this system, I find the time very fast, and the images look wonderful without the slightest need to tweek them. As an experiment, I tried downloading the same images to the "off-the-shelf average" Hewlett Packard PC and monitor that I started out with, and my whole experience seemed different. It took what seemed like a long time to download, and the images looked fuzzy, poor color, etc. If I had not already seen the beautiful G2 images on my DELL equipment, I would have returned the camera for taking "lousy" photos, without ever having bothered to try to print them up. I point this out as I think some people blame the digital camera for the "looks" of the initial image, when they may just be looking at them with a "not so great" PC and monitor. Make sure you print your photos on a good machine, with quality paper.

The other thing I wanted to share was regarding "after the purchase" customer support. This being my first digital camera, I had lots of new user questions. I've called the Canon 800 customer support number several times, and each time I was helped by a kind and knowledgeable person who was able to answer my question(s) quickly and thoroughly in terms I could easily understand. One has to go through the usual 3-4 level choice options to get to the digital cameras' support (the norm these days), however I have not once had to sit and wait while listening to elevator music for a human to pick up the call. Canon gets five stars from me in this area, and for their very wonderful digital camera. I'm definitely hooked, and glad I decided to make the plunge.

Don't be Afraid of this High Tech Camera
I did a lot of looking and when all was said and done, this is the camera for a novice like me, and a pro like my friend who is a photographer by profession. He put up with my fear of the G2 being too high tech, and as soon as he played with the G2, in a store, he told me that it was the one for me and for him too.

The Auto mode is perfect for 95% of my pictures and that is great as I am still learning the enhancements that are in the G2. The battery life is unbelievable and with the 126MB card, that Amazon.com had at a great discount, I can take 250+ pictures in the 2nd resolution setting. The manuals, camera and software, are great and it is nice having them as an individual and not all in one, much easier to work with. The pictures are excellent and the swing out viewfinder is just something you need to see to believe. It makes everything much easier, expecially viewing and editing the pictures. Take it from a novice this is the camera to grow into, but while growing, get lots and lots of use. It is pure enjoyment, and every one loves the picture quality....

Versatile, solidly-built pro-sumer digicam!
I am a long-time digital camera user, having owned a Kodak DC-265 (which I gave away only recently) and a Sony Mavica CD1000 (which I still use for its excellent 10x optical zoom). Until recently, I also owned a wonderful 35mm Canon EOS Rebel 2000 film camera with grip extender and a Canon Speedlite flash (which works with both the EOS and the Powershot G2 -- one reason I bought the G2!). I'm in love with digital since most of my work ends up on my wildtexas.com website or emailed to family and friends.

I own a 1 gigabyte IBM Microdrive (Compact Flash II) and one of my criterion for purchasing a new digicam was that it supported this format, since I have many different Compact Flash media thanks to my years in digital photography and my interest in Pocket PC PDAs. Since this is a 4 megapixel camera, I'd recommend at *least* a 128 MB CompactFlash card or greater.

When my G2 arrived in the mail, I was very pleasantly surprised to discover it was such a sturdy little camera -- heavier than I imagined, but stronger as well. One of the things I dislike about my Mavica is it's so big and bulky -- awkward to hold. The G2, in contrast, is smooth, streamlined and solid in a built-to-last kind of way. I took photos with it at an airshow recently, using the ingenious flip-around viewscreen as I shot the camera over my head (due to crowd obstructions). While the camera got heavy in my hand over time, it let me take shots I would never have been able to manage with my Mavica -- and the videos, while not feature-film worthy were perfect for web use and sharing with friends (the sound recorded is particularly good!)

One caveat, and this is for all camera owners (both digital and 35mm) -- buy a good camera case to protect your investment! Lowe Pro bags are perfect for folks who spend a lot of time outdoors, like I do, since many of their bags have attached Gore-Tex rain hoods. The G2 fits perfectly in the Lowe Pro D-Res 30 bag I own, with plenty of room to spare for accessories.

The battery life is superb. As an example, I went to the airshow with my Mavica CD1000 and my Powershot G2 fully charged. After taking 15 second videos and some stills for about 30 minutes, my Mavica's battery died. I then switched exclusively to shooting with my G2, and it lasted not only for the 4 more hours we were at the airshow, but also through an entire additional day of off-and-on usage; it still had juice in it when I decided it was a good time to start recharging in, in preparation for our next outing. It's a digital photographers and webmaster's dream come true!

I highly recommend getting the largest storage card you can afford and shooting all your images in RAW mode. While this makes downloads to your computer take longer, it ensures you have the HIGHEST quality digital images possible, giving you maxiumum opportunities to do things like get big reprints from a pro lab. With my Microdrive and all RAW images, plus video clips, I still never worry about how much memory I have left.

Another bonus of the G2 being so solidly built is I have much less worries about my delicate Microdrive getting harmed when in the camera as I used to when the drive lived in my PDA. The Microdrive is well protected in the G2's body, versus being relatively exposed (with just a flimsy plastic cover) when I used it in my PDA. There's even a CF card eject button, thus eliminating the fear of Microdrive owners far and wide about harming their cards when removing them.

Fantastic camera for a worthy price!

Excellent Purchase, Can't Go Wrong
I am very pleased with this camera. It takes great pictures and gives you as much control over the picture as you need. It's very easy to use, whether your a novice or a more seasoned photographer.

I gave it a four instead of five for two reasons. The first is the lack of an external charger. The battery for this camera can only be charged in the camera. This makes having two batteries less useful since you can't charge one while using the other. Unless of course you want to spend even more money on the external charger. The second reason is when using the extension for use with filters and other lenses you can get a very bad shadow in the lower right hand corner of the picture from the extension. Of course, there is a way to correct this, purchase an external flash for the camera, which it can use. ... This is less of an issue than the first, but I have found it to be a problem on more than one occasion.

One last thing; if your looking for a camera for Astrophotography, digital is NOT the way to go. Stick with 35mm SLR cameras. You can't get the exposures necessary for good astrophotography with digital cameras. The technology just isn't there yet.

Good luck and enjoy the camera, if you purchase it. You won't regret it, I sure don't.

The BEST 4 MP Digital Camera - I love my G2
I've had my Canon Powershot G2 4MP Digital Camera for about 3 months now and I am completely in love. This is my 3rd Digital Camera and I think I will be using this camera for years to come. This camera package includes the beautiful 4.0 Mega-pixel Canon PowerShot G2 camera, 32MB CompactFlash card, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC Adapter, wireless remote control, neck strap, lens cap w/strap, USB cable, A/V cable along with software and manual.

4 Megapixel settings on the camera allows you to take pictures that look just as a good as a traditional 35 mm high quality camera. The camera can be set to 4 different resolutions with a maximum resolution of 2272 x 1704 and the minimum resolution of 640 x 480. You can store the images captured in JPEG or RAW format, which is better than the traditional TIFF format. Canon does include software that will allow you to convert the RAW format.

The camera accepts both Type I and Type II CompactFlash memory cards. A 32MB card is included which will allow for about 10-15 pictures in the highest resolution setting. I instantly sprang for a SanDisk 256 MB CompactFlash Card and the Sandisk Imagemate CompactFlash Card Reader (SDDR-31) to download the pictures from the card directly vs. using the camera's USB connector. The camera is also microdrive compatible, but I haven't had an opportunity to try that yet. The prices for 1 GB microdrives are around $300.00 which makes it a really attractive accessory for this camera.

The 3x optical zoom lens gives you a 35mm equivalent focal length of 34 to 102mm. Another thing I love about this camera is the tilt-and-swivel LCD that's included. The LCD twits around completely that will allow you to take some of the over-the-head, backwards, impossible shots. One of the best features about this camera is its battery consumption or the lack thereof. I took over 200 pictures indoors with flash in one sitting and I still had plenty of juice left into the battery. I could have shot for another 2 hours, but I ran out of CF cards. The G2 also has a full TTL hot-shoe built onto the top of the camera to add another flash. The bottom of the camera includes a tripod mount.

The true camera geeks will be happy with all the possible exposure modes available on the camera. Starting with the automatic exposure mode to complete granular control that the SLR provides, this camera will make everyone happy. The scene exposure modes allow for presets to take portraits, pan-focus, landscape, and night-scene. If you get this camera, you have to try to use the included Photo Stitch software to take those truly breathtaking panoramic pictures.

In conclusion, this is a great camera that will give you years of great service and take fabulous pictures. The only complaint I would have about this camera was the connectivity on my XP computer. The camera includes a USB cable and software that is supposed to allow you to download the pictures from the camera directly, but I was getting some weird connectivity errors. Since I already had the Sandisk CF card reader, I never tried to get this connectivity working. But a lot of other people have this working and so this shouldn't be an issue for anyone.

Best prosumer camera period
I owned a G2 for over 6 months. After taking over 4,200 pictures, I am still amazed by what this camera can do. I use this for my wedding photography business and my clients are all very happy with the prints from the G2. The picture quality is excellent, I printed many 8X10 photos and seen many jaws dropped when I told them that is from a digital camera.

If you are serious about indoor photography, an external flash is a must. The Canon 420EX is an excellent companion to the G2.

The G2 is not perfect, there is room for improvement. The G2 could use a better and faster low light focusing system. The manual focus could be made better with a focusing ring. Faster shutter response time would be nice too. Overall, the G2 is an excellent camera that I would recommend. If you want a simple point and shoot, the G2 might be an overkill. However, if you are an amaturer photographer, this is the camera for you.

Excellent choice for the serious photogropher.
This is not a camera for the "point and shoot" crowd. It has P&S capabilities, but this camera is designed for the serious photographer-- the manual controls and creative options are where this camera stands out from the competition.

The Canon Powershot G2 4MP packs loads of manual and semiautomatic adjustment and focusing control features into a relatively compact (it's somewhat boxy) and reasonably priced package.
In addition to the standard features on would expect-- 4.1 megapixel sensor that creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond, 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus, a 32 MB CompactFlash card that holds 24 images at default resolution; Microdrive compatibility, USB port connections, etc., the G2 has some unique features, such as a swiveling LCD that allows you to point the screen up, down, sideways-basically in the same direction as the lens, whatever direction that may be. This is handy for self portraits or when using the remote (which is included with the camera).
Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. (A a NTSC cable for connecting to a television set is also included.)
Also, the included software package goes beyond standard image processing with a remote capture function that allows complete control and manipulation of the camera functions from your computer keyboard. Canon's Stitch Assist program allows you to combine up to four images into one, seamless, panoramic view.
The rechargeable BP-511 lithium-ion battery pack is exceptional. I got over 340 shots on one charge-just amazing. The battery and recharger are included with the camera.
If heavy use of manual features is your thing-this is your camera. If "point & shoot" is your thing-get a less expensive camera. With the G2 you'll just be paying for capacity and capabilities you'll never use or appreciate.

The Digital Camera with the je ne sais quoi!
There is something about this camera, and its hard to say what exactly, that makes it a joy to use and its owners fiercely loyal. I bought the black body in a kit that came with a sporty real leather wrap-around case and a 96Mb compact flash card to go along with the 32Mb card the camera body came with. This was a great deal at only about fifty dollars over the normal camera price.

To begin with, the camera looks and handles like a classic camera, which is what none of the other 4 or 5 megapixel cameras can boast, with the exception of the Leica Digilux 1. It has heft and controls which please the eyes and fingers of dyed in the wool 35mm photographers like myself.

Secondly, it delivers on image quality. Check the stats from the photography magazines and online camera reviews. The G2 comes out on top every time in its category, period. Sharpness, color accuracy, and contrast are all excellent.

Thirdly, Canon delivers superb software with their product. Zoombrowser EX is a well thought-out program that allows the user to group, sort, modify, print or show slides of images with ease. It also coordinates well with Adobe Photoshop (a full version of which Canon also supplies!).

Lastly, there are the little things that make a photographer happy if they are present in a digital camera and sad if they are absent. Happily they are all present in the G2: long, long battery life; excellently sharp and fast autofocus; accurate evaluative metering; manual override of autofocus; manual exposure control; the ability to add filters and other lenses (close-up, wide angle and tele); the truly wonderful swiveling LCD screen; and the ability to attach an accessory flash.

Is this camera perfect? Of course not, but I think it is the closest thing to an instant classic the digital world has come up with and will still be used by its happy adherents when its contemporaries have hit the ash can long ago.

I am a faithful Nikon 35mm camera buff (using the F5 and N80 bodies extensively), but I crossed the line on this one baby! Check out all the reviews of its competitors. None of them compare.

Fabulous camera, great for learners & pros alike
Ok, don't bother reading if you only use...pro digital cameras. This is for enthusiasts, who want VERY good, sharp, detailed pictures, with lots of ability to control the camera for great manual shots, as well as great automatic ones as well...I love it. It is easy to use, heavy enough to feel sturdy, and is allowing me to truly discover photography, while not babying me through it. You can set EVERYTHING manually - exposure, ISO, Shutter speed, focus, aperture, light level, white balance, saturation, etc, etc. I have taken some wonderful photos, and am starting to really enjoy venturing away from auto into the semi-manual modes. Not to mention the stitching capability for panoramas is unmatched. Fabulous camera, I've had great experience printing photos onto an Epson 820...even using the reduced size (medium) setting produces photo-quality, (NO visible dots, indistinguishable from film) pictures on glossy photo paper.

Poor customer service plagues Canon
Wow, talk about poor customer service. I purchased the G2 and when it arrived today and did not work properly I contacted Canon. They said they would gladly repair the camera but were unwilling to replace it or guarantee a quick turn around. With a planned trip to the Carribean next week I'm stuck with a non-refundable plane ticket, a defective camera, and a company who could care less about helping solve a problem caused by their defective product. It seemed reasonable to me that they correct this problem but a supervisor told me that Canon does not replace defective cameras. I read another posting about Canon's poor customer service but thought it was just a fluke. I assure you that is not the case. Even the best companies have defective products, but I was expecting more from Canon in terms of correcting the problem. Buyer beware! PS, I hear Nikon and Minolta are very responsive and customer focused. I plan to return my camera and purchase anything but a Canon.

Canon G2 Camera Kit
Camera Body, Compact Power Adapter CA-560, Lithium-Ion Battery Pack BP-511, Neck Strap NS-DC100, Wireless Controller WL-DC100, USB Interface Cable IFC-200PCU, AV Cable AVC-DC100, Lens Cap, 32MB CompactFlash Card with case, Adobe PhotoShop 5.0 LE, Apple QuickTime 5.0, ZoomBrowser EX 2.8 (for PC) and ImageBrowser 1.8 (for Mac), PhotoRecord 1.2.4 (Windows only), PhotoStitch 3.1, RAW Image Converter 1.1, RemoteCapture 2.0 (enables Canon G2 camera to be controlled by a computer), User's Guide, Software Starter Guide, System Map, Canon U.S.A., Inc. Limited Warranty.
The design of the Canon PowerShot G2 is based on the popular PowerShot G1, with an elegant champagne metallic coverplate and an enlarged handgrip for better ergonomics. The Canon G2 has many features in common with its predecessor, including a superbly sharp high-speed 7-21mm f/2.0-2.5 zoom lens (equivalent to 34-102mm in the 35mm format), a Vari-Angle LCD viewfinder, a conventional camera body design, a high-speed plug-and-play USB interface, compatibility with Canon EX-series Speedlite flash units, and compatibility with Type I and II CompactFlash memory cards, including IBM's series of Microdrives.

Equipped with a 1/1.8-inch, 4.0 megapixel CCD sensor, the Canon PowerShot G2 allows users to produce full-color, high-resolution images up to 2272 x 1704 pixels. The camera also offers three additional resolution settings of 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480. The added resolution helps users to produce sharper enlargements with finer detail than is possible with 3.3 megapixel cameras. For maximum flexibility, the Canon PowerShot G2 provides users with a selection of 13 image quality settings including 3 JPEG compression modes (Superfine, Fine and Normal) at any resolution. It also features Canon's exclusive RAW mode for maximum control over image attributes such as white balance, contrast, sharpness, saturation and bit depth without image-degrading artifacts. By combining the G2's RAW file capabilities with its optional ISO 50 sensitivity setting, users can achieve higher image quality than any competitive model on the market today. The Canon PowerShot G2 uses RGB primary color filters on the CCD chip for maximum color reproduction accuracy. This feature, together with proprietary noise reduction and digital signal processing, works behind the scenes to deliver top-notch image quality that's unique to Canon.

Great features -- But NO red-eye reduction?!
This is a great camera, with wonderful features. BUT...The red-eye reduction system does not work. Instead of flashing twice, as most cameras do, the G2 projects a "bright" beam a light while you focus on your subject. This beam is not bright enough to constrict the pupils in the first place, and is not wide enough to even hit the pupils in a typical composition. You have to attempt to flash the beam in the subjects' eyes before taking the picture--very difficult to impossible.

For this price, and considering all of the advanced features, I would expect better. I cannot recommend this camera because of this egregious flaw.

Canon G2 Owners: Please complain to Canon if this bothers you--maybe it could be fixed with a software upgrade.

Amazing quality pictures!
This camera has everything that my 35mm has plus all of the digital-features you could hope for and more! All of the features are ergonomically placed in all of the right places for accessing features on the fly, such as the zoom, or switching between different modes. The quality of the pictures are what will blow you away! The images seem to burst out of the screen they are so crisp and clear! 4 megs is definitely worth the extra $100 - 200!! Canon, in my opinion, is among the very best in digital photography companies. They were quick to answer a question I had when I called their customer service.

One thing I was disappointed about when I received my new G2 was that it was quite large and heavy. I had never seen it in person before I ordered it (which is my own fault) but I now believe that if I did, I might have opted for the sleeker S40 which is almost have the weight and has a retractable lens. But as long as you know what you're getting, then the G2 is the best camera as far as features are concerned. The other gripe I have is the focusing. When you line up the shot and look at the lcd screen to see how well you are in focus before shooting, it does NOT accurately show if the shot is in focus or not. The actual picture you shoot will turn out GREAT, but you don't know that until you actually have taken the picture. That is quite a substantial limitation for a semi-pro/pro who needs to know instantly if the shot is going to be in focus or not.

Bottom line is that if you want a high-quality 4 meg digital camera, then this is the camera for you. Just beware that you won't be able to carry it around in your shirt pocket like some other digicams! ...

Almost perfect
The G2 was the third digital camera I bought and it immediately made the other two totally obsolete. It's not a conventional 35mm SLR camera but this thing is so close I am still amazed. Picture quality (for a digital) is superb! The battery pack is long-lasting, allowing you to take an endless parade of pictures before needing a recharge (and I have a 256 meg card in mine). The camera has sufficient weight to feel solid but is quite compact. And it's the first digital camera that I've actually had luck with the red-eye reduction feature. The 3X optical zoom is a blessing when you want to zoom in on something and still retain great clarity (digital zoom creates a grainy picture)and I've captured some fascinating pictures with the macro feature that allows you to get in close for detail shots or capturing the small things in the world. The different shooting modes make picture taking nearly fool-proof but the camera is flexible enough to allow you to be "creative" if and when you want to be.

The movie feature allows you to capture "mini" movies of 30 second duration. Though the movie picture is small and grainy (compared to its regular shooting modes), it's a great little feature for capturing those spur-of-the-moment things.

Improvements I'd like to see are faster focusing, shorter processing time, and shorter start-up time (program load-up) but these things are minor and can be overcome by simply knowing what to expect as I grow more accustomed to the camera's "personality."

Am I happy with the G2? No. I'm ecstatic! It was worth every penny of its price. With its great image clarity, great focusing (though it can be a little tricky at times), and countless little features to explore, the Canon Powershot G2 is a heavenly piece of technology that actually exceeded my expectations quite handsomely. And if you're not very familiar with cameras, don't let all the little extras deter you from enjoying this gem because you can use it like a point-and-click (with focusing) until you're ready to explore its more advanced features.

In short, this G2 is a sweet digital camera!

News from a Novice
...
I see three major differences when reviewing cameras. That is what sold me on the G2, not the accolades of digital photography.

1. Speed. I read a lot about how long it takes to resolve a photo to its digital form. I have yet to snap a photo where the feedback on the display is there before I can lay my eyes on it. Does it need to be faster than that?

2. Battery life. I recharge my battery each day, so I have not tested it for endurance. I bought a backup and a 2-battery dc charger. So far, they have not been required. I am running around showing the camera to my friends and co-workers, running the display while they gawk at my first attempts at digital photography. There have been no warnings about low batteries or much of a perceivable dent in the display after carrying around my camera with me all day at work. (yes, and I even get a lot of that done too boss!)

3. I hear a lot about photo quality. I have a friend that purchased a Nikon, and know a few others. They all mention red-eye, just as the reviews do. I really did not want to deal with that.

And the fun stuff is great. When I get home, I spend a little time setting up the downloads to the albums I created for digital prints...

The G2 has so many features, I decided to wade into the world of digital rather than try and learn it all at once. It is helping. I find myself asking questions about how to do this or that with a print. I get the book out and now I am applying what I learn while doing it...

There are no disappointments where I wish I were working with silver media. The best part is, I can still take digital work and then send it off or take it to a good camera store and have the image transferred to silver for a print if I want...
If I really, really want to keep the photo's. I can burn them to CD-ROM and they will keep better than a negative. No scratching, no fingerprints by well meaning friends, etc.
I see a whole New World opening up, and I personally am glad I chose the G2 doorway.

There are others, and I will let those owners speak for themselves. As far as myself, I am very happy with the camera. I expect to find new things I can do with the camera for a long time. Why did I wait so long to get started.

By the way, I purchased the black model in a kit. It is a little more, but I like that too. You get a traditional leather carry case to protect the camera while carrying. Also there is a 96 Meg compact flash card included. That makes it a pretty good deal...

Impressive in almost every way.
Having recently purchased this camera after owning a 1.2MP camera for 3 years, I really didn't know what to expect. Pictures of similar quality, only larger? The ability to print large photo's without pixellation?

What I didn't expect was not just larger pictures and larger prints, but absolutely superb images from almost every shot. I have been impressed to the point that the thousands of other photo's I took, many of which I was very proud of, now look dull and almost comical by comparison.

This is a fantastic camera, with a myriad of customization controls and super point-and-shoot capability. If you want to play with the manual controls, fine, they are available, and really broaden your photographic repertoire. If you don't, using the Auto mode, I've found, will produce a perfect shot in almost every situation. My old camera had a problem, like a lot of older digicams, in low light situations. Not so the G2, which will take a shot in almost complete darkness and render a decent, if not lovely, image. With dim indoor lighting, the camera just takes beautiful pictures, completely unimpeded by the ambient light.

The amount of detail, even incidental detail captured, is incredible. One of the first shots I took in RAW mode was of the area overlooking my neighborhood, with the tops of houses in the foreground. Looking at this same picture on the computer, I noticed what I thought was a dead pixel or two up in the corner of the sky. I zoomed in on that area, and zoomed in several more times to about 50X magnification, and lo and behold I had captured a fighter jet passing over our area! I didn't even see (or hear) this jet when I took the photo, but the camera captured it in incredible detail.

In another case, I shot a photo of the night sky, with several stars and what I knew as the planet Saturn in the frame (I also like astronomy). Fair enough, when I looked at the picture on my monitor I did see the dots of light surrounded by blackness. However, zooming in on captured twinkle of Saturn, I actually was able to resolve the rings at high magnification, something I have never been able to do with the naked eye! Pretty amazing.

There are a few cons; the camera is heavy enough that I'm loathe to use one hand when shooting, as I could with my other camera. You just don't want to drop it. The screw-on lens cap is a nice touch to protect the lens, but couldn't they have figured out a way for the lens to unscrew itself and pop the lens cap when powered on? I hate having to unscrew it every time. In addition, in very bright sunlight, this camera tended to overexpose in Auto mode. You should learn the different settings to make your shooting effective under these conditions. I should also mention that this camera is not kind if you have a blemish or scars or any other item you usually find unnoticeable in other photo's. The high pixel count gives you a very very large and sharp amount of detail, and you may find yourself wishing you had washed your face after the marinara if you are not careful.

Although not a "con" per se, but worth mentioning, is that the G2's Jpeg files are very large, the RAW mode files even larger on average (although not as large as TIFF - thanks Canon)! In just a few weeks of ownership, and a few hundred photo's, I managed to gather enough pictures to fill two 700MB CDR's. This is more than I have filled in three years in the highest quality mode on my trusty old 1.2MP camera. Be forwarned - you will have to archive much more often.

If you are considering this camera, I cannot recommend it enough. You would not regret buying one, even at the almost 800 dollar price.

The most awesome camera!
Prior to purchasing this camera, I was not the most avid photographer...taking a few shots here or there on my 35mm. This camera has been so much fun to use that I've been taking it everywhere. I consider myself to be quite the amateur photographer, and some of the reviewers here have stated if you want a point and shoot your money is wasted on this camera whose features can do so much more. I'm here to say that even if you are looking to buy a digital camera for point & shoot purposes, but are thinking about expanding your photography skills, get this! I spent several months researching cameras, and this camera has been a dream come true. It is completely easy to operate right out of the box....so if you have been apprehensive about learning the tricks of digital photography like I have...no worries...the manual is easy to use and very user friendly. The greatest feature of this camera is the rotating LCD display. Self-portraits are quite easy, and when you are using the handy remote control to take shots of yourself with friends, you can zoom in based on what you see on the display. I have been having tons of fun taking black and white & sepia pictures, and experimenting with the exposure settings. A great companion to this camera is the "Shortguide to Using the Powershot G2", which I purchased through Amazon....it is extremely helpful to the amateur photographer who would like to learn more about taking advantage of some of the more complex features of the camera. I purchased a 128MB Viking card with the camera & a carrying case; the 32MB card that comes with the camera does not hold that many pictures. Also, as many of the other reviewers have noted....the battery life on this camera is fantastic! That was one concern I had about purchasing a digital camera....Canon has exceeded my expectations with this camera completely.

Good digital camera, but much room for improvement
I consider myself an advanced amateur photographer. I own a Minolta 3xi SLR, and this Canon G2 is my first digital camera. I have done extensive research on 3MP to 4MP digital camera. The final candidates are: Olympus C-4040Z, Canon G2, with G2 being the winner.

Things I like about G2 (from personal experience):
- swivel LCD very useful in quite a lot of situations.
- swivel LCD protects LCD when not in use.
- long battery life. I have bought an extra battery just in case, but I have never used it so far (I have been using G2 for more than 3 months now). On average, I can use one charge for about 200 shots, with 50% of shots taken with flash; or > 300 shots on normal usage. I think I will use the extra battery when I go on travelling...
- manual focus magnifies the subject, thus allowing easy and accurate focusing.
- ability to show 9 thumnails at a time, and ability to let you jump 9 photos forward/backward at a time.
- remote control comes very handy. The downside is: I always forget to turn on the remote control feature on the G2, and I wonder why my remote control is not working... I wish future cameras will allow use of remote control, without having user to remember to turn on/off the remote control feature everytime he wishes to use it.
- G2 normally produces good and sharp photograph.

Things I dislike about G2:
- slow to focus: causing me to miss many great photos.
- unable to auto focus: the camera could not auto focus during night time even with street light. The G2's light assist does not help much and is of little to no use. Fortunately, manual focus is available. On another situation, I cannot auto focus on subjects are close (less than 1.5 foot) to the camera.
- video recording has max time limit of 30 seconds. This is useful for short clips, but generally videos require much longer than 30 seconds block. Note: Olympus C-4040Z has no video time limit.
- unable to zoom in or out after you have started video recording. However, you can zoom in or out before starting a video session.
- flash insufficient. When taking indoor pictures, flash assisted photos will look artificial, and gives you a feel that there is insufficient light (i.e. subject too bright, background too dark). I have read that adding an external flash will solve this problem, although I have never tried it. In the meantime, I use Night mode to compensate for this artificial lighting. With Night mode, your photo will look natural. The drawback is: the subject will need to stay still a little longer for the shot, so that there is more exposure for the darker areas. Unfortunately, my subjects do not always stay as long as I want them to.
- auto stitching does not work very well. Initially, I was impressed by auto-stitching. But upon further examination, I find that the stitching is done correctly only on certain parts of the photo. For example, auto-stitch is done correctly at the bottom half joining two pictures, but somehow auto-stitch did not stitch the top half correctly (i.e. top half is misaligned). In all, I would give auto-stitching a B- to C+ grade.
- photos taken tend to be more magenta in color. Fortunately, I can resolve this by setting Saturation level to Low (from Normal).
- noise found in higher ISO. Generally, G2 produces good quality photo at ISO 50 or ISO 100. I do not recommend using any ISO higher than 100 since I experience a lot of noise at these higher ISO.

Summary of main points: G2 is an above average digital camera for an advanced amateur, with many bells and whistles to play with. 3x zoom might be a little too small, but sufficient for most shots. Main problems of camera are slow focusing and sometimes inability to focus. Strengths of G2 are swivelling LCD and sharpness. Considering its price, it gives good value for money, but there is much room for improvement.

Note: You will definitely need a 128MB CF card. 32MB just isn't enough for a 4MP camera.

Great camera!
i've been seriously taking pictures for over ten years. i own several film slr(single lense reflex) and a trunk full of lenses, filters etc. i was apprehensive about down grading from slr but did it because i did not want to spend over [$$$] for my first digital camera when i knew little about digital photography. i was not even sure i would like it. but .....this is a great camera! it has sold me for life! if you are a photography enthusiast and you want a digital camera that is capable of giving you great shots and the flexibility of an off camera flash, as well as more shooting modes than you will ever need, including manual mode, ability to set your white balance,auto bracketing,let's not forget the rotating lcd which does come in handy,especially for self portraits! and so much more - for under [$$$]( i paid [$$$] before G3 came out) - this is your choice. if you've previous owned any of the canon EOS slrs then you will feel completely athome with this camera! i've owned this camera for about 6mths, i deliberatly did not rate it right away. i'v never regretted my purchase. my only complaint, and if you are reading several reviews you will have already read about the slower than desired auto focus. once you get the hang of your camera and learn how to best utilize it,you can minimize this and you will be inspired by the great shots that you can capture. for a non - slr - this camera takes superior images - it's no point and shoot - but it's not an slr.

stop reading right here and go and buy this camera! if you want to know more about digital photography and the G2 - check out dpreview.com. this is an excellent sight! only for the serious at heart digital photographer.
recommended items: canon speedlite 420 ex flash a must!

Killer Camera
I'm not a professional photographer but I have to say that digital is the way to go! I have Vivitar and Minolta 35mm cameras that have been "retired" for about 9 years because I got tired of paying for the processing of pictures that were out of focus, blue, etc. Now I know within seconds if I mess up and can dump the picture or take it home and tweak it! The G2 takes absolutely killer pictures, clear and focused. I use Jasc, AutoFx, Adobe and MS Digital Pro, to "mess with" my pictures but I usually don't HAVE to do anything. The image quality is perfect. I purchased the telephoto lens, the adapter, and that pulls objects in closely without degrading the image too much. The flash works best at a distance, not close up. You're better off turning on a light and turning off the flash for close up work. I love that it uses compact flash because the price keeps dropping on the cards! I got a 128 mb card for less than 50 bucks at a local big box store. (That's 61 pictures.) The battery lasts for days of shooting! (I had an Epson, a few years ago, that used AA batteries and I'm STILL finding dead batteries everywhere!) All in all I am very happy with my G2!

Absolute freedom to control camera functions
Pros: Quality pictures, well built, point in any direction-pullout display panel, very clear display panel, absolute freedom to control camera functions, remote control.
Cons: Awkward adaptor for accessory lenses/filters, awkward manual focus, poorly arranged manual.
Automatic mode in any camera would give "automatic-quality pictures" (mediocre). This is why this camera is so great. You can EASILY control all its functions. Since it's digital, you can easily experiment with conditions to obtain perfect pictures. The pullout display panel is very convenient, and important for pictures taken over the head or at hip level. Only 2 things I do not like: the need for a stupid adaptor for accessory lenses or filters (they could add the thread on the lense at least for filters!); and the need to press and hold the manual focus. The manual, while easy to follow, is poorly arranged

Canon G2 better shots than with my Nikon F2
Pros
This camera can take excellent shots, in difficult lighting conditions, such as in backlighting. It practically never overburn the highlights and can show incredible details in dark area. This is a fantastic camera. The colors are vivid, and the contrast and the skies are wonderfull. It also has a RAW MODE
It has a photo-stitch software that does wonders, creating panoramic pictures (excellent, up to 5 frames (20 megs picture frame))

Cons

1- limited zoom 3x
2- Can also have difficulty to focus, in low-light situations, specially on plain textures. But it also has a manual focus to override the automatic (good)
3- In a very few occasions, I saw in bright sunlight, a not perfect focusing on a few shots made in RAW mode

Conclusion
I would buy it over and over again. The only important thing missing is its low zoom of 3X.
I would immediately buy the G3 right away, if it had a 6x zoom.

I can send you pictures, I made last summer in the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, St-Edouard island)

This camera is wonderful
This camera is absolutely wonderful. The 4 mega-pixel images look great both when viewed on a PC and when printed (I use a Canon S900). Several of the other reviewers note that this camera takes better photos then their SLR cameras. Obviously the interchangeable lenses of a SLR give you more creative options, but for basic medium-range pictures I would agree with the other reviewers - the Canon G2 seems to get the job done as well if not better.

The battery life is great. I did find the 32MB memory card to be a bit small for day trips - after a few weeks I ordered a 128MB CompactFlash card from Amazon.com and have never again run out room.

One of the main features that distinguishes this camera from cheaper 4 MP cameras is the ability to control depth of field (amount of distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear in focus) and the perception of motion (are moving objects blurred or frozen). If you have no interest in this, you can just use the G2 in fully automatic mode. If you have any interest in this, the G2 comes with the usual pre-set modes (e.g., Landscape mode - when selected the camera sets the average optimal settings for a landscape and you yourself don't need to know what they are). If you have a lot of experience with this, the G2 can give you full manual control. If you're not interested in controlling the aperture and shutter speed than this camera will still take beautiful pictures but this camera might be more (and more expensive) than you need.

Anyone thinking about this camera should also look at the Canon G3, which is slightly thinner and has a little bit longer of an optical zoom (4x versus 3x). I've looked at the G3 and tried it out, but just recently ended up ordering another G2 to give as a gift. The G2 is a great camera at a great price.

Superb and Frustrating -- all at once
This review is largely taken from an online review of digital photography in general, and the iBook/iPhoto and Canon G2 in particular. The review is part of my personal/hobby ....

I've been using the G2 fairly intensively for about 2 months. I use it in close combination with my iBook and iPhoto, together with GraphicConverter. I have some amateur photography expertise and a good amount of computing expertise.

Overall I am very pleased with my experience, but I can say with certainty (and surprise) that we are still quite early in the digital phtography age. As excellent as this product is, there is vast room for improvement in both the G2 and in digital photography in general. The good news is that even in its current immature state it's worth doing.

Pros and Cons follow:

Pro: Shutter lag is tolerable if one can get focus lock
Con: Focusing. The camera is often very slow to obtain focus lock. This means one presses the #!% shutter button and nothing happens. Manual focus is very clumsy (dismal) and hard to use, so the focus lock problem is serious and sometimes infuriating.

Pro:Good optics.
Con: Doomed optics. Uninspiring lens assembly design, silly device for attaching lenses and filters.

Pro: RAW Format
Con: RAW Format: secret specifications, poor quality OS X versions of proprietary software

Pro: Solid, made in Japan. Relatively large lens allows some available light photography.
Con: Big and heavy.

Pro: LCD view panel
Con: The worst optical viewfinder ever made for any camera.

Pro: AC adapter brick not too heavy/bulky.
Con: Flimsy cover for camera power/USB connections. AC Adapter clearly has a mismatched plug/cord that tends to fall out.

Pro: Programmed settings.
Con: Inability to save personalized settings.

Pro: Macro feature

Pro: CF II support
Con: Bundled OS X software is incomplete or of poor quality; Canon refuses to share information with alternative developers. On the other hand the Windows software (installed on Win2K) is even lower quality, with major apps that simply didn't work.

Pro: No SLR vibration, so decent photos at slow shutter speeds!
Con: Artificial shutter sound is way too loud, even at the quietest setting. Inexplicable! Need an optical cue that a picture was taken as well as a much quieter shutter sound.

Pro: Rapid shoot works well (disable flash)
Con: Can't use exposure lock feature if display is turned off.

Pro: Can use external flash.
Con: Flash exposures are often poor. One gets correct exposure only between about 6 and 12 feet away, otherwise pictures with the built-in flash are either under or over exposed.

Con: The camera will power down while images are being transferred to a laptop, even when the camera is plugged in. With JPG images I can transfer about 25 before this happens. If you use Canon's software you get a warning dialog from the software, but if you use iPhoto it simply gives an error message and an empty .jpg file is created. Need to disable auto-off during those transfers.
Con: Automatic white balance is unreliable in daylight. Fails to recognize overcast light, must set this manually or images will be overly blue.

Digital Problems (all contenders, not just the G2)

- Shutter lag (time required from squeezing shutter to acquiring image)
- Lithium battery has poor performance at low temperature.
- CCD is "slow", about ISO 50-100. Can "push" to higher speeds, but more "noise" (unless super cool). Shutter speeds are slow.
- Limited dynamic range and color discrimination.
- Standards for image metadata and properties of camera are not well standardized and existing standards are not well supported.
- Getting color right across output media is so complex people make a good living as consultants doing this.

A great camera for the average guy
I absolutely do not understand why this camera ( G2) has received a few poor customer reviews.

To date I have shot maybe 500 or 600 pics and somewhere around 25 to 30 two minute movies. Now I admit the movies at best are only a nice feature, and you shouldnt expect great resolution, but the movie feature is what it is, a perk! Don't expect great resulation with the movie feature, its just a fun feature

What the G2 gives you is out standing pics. I mean absolutely out standing pictures!! With the G2's built in AC battery charger I have had ZERO low battery problems. ( I also own a Olympus 380 and I know that digital cameras can go through batterys like geese goes through oats!!) With the G2 I have taken 200 pics, reviewed every pic, and on the same charge also shot 4 or 5 two minute movie clips, and had battery to spare.

I also bought a 512 meg memory card. At the G2's lowest resoultion I can store 5200 pics (thats five thousand two hundred), at the higest compression and resolution, 280 pics, and maybe 6 two minute movies.

We just finished seven days in Hawaii, probably shoot 240 outstanding pics, and 8 two minute movies. Thats the equivelence of 10 rools of film!! After we returned home I downloaded 50 of the 240 pics, to walmart.com. The entire cost was 17.80 including freight. All of the pics were 35 mm quality. six of the 50 I had blown up to 8X10's. If you are still using a film camera .....STOP!!!

I guess by now you have figured out that I am a G2 fan. Oh by the way today is Christmas. I shot another 144 pics, and 12 two minute movies, I am still on the same charge and the pics were GREAT!!!

A darn good camera!
The G2 is my third digital camera, and the first that lets me control images the way I'm used to with film camera. WIth multiple programs as well as full manual override, I can pretty much do anything with the G2 that I can with any of my 35mm cameras, so long as I don't intend to enlarge the images too much. For web work it's fantastic, and for prints up to 8x10 it's pretty darn good. Decent 11x14s are possible if you pick your subjects carefully.

It's not perfect by any means. The in-camera charger is a pain to use, and the batteries and auto charger are very expensive. The focal range of the lens is equivalent to a 35-105 in 35mm, which is not as wide as I'd like to go (I use my 24mm lens a lot in 35!). But aftermarket batteries and chargers are available, as are aftermarket accessory lenses. I've found good deals in both by hunting around on a web a bit.

And the plusses far outweigh the negatives. The swivelling monitor is one of the best designs I've seen on a digital camera. The IR remote allows me to take photos with the hamera held 6' over my head on a monopod. The manual control makes astrophotography possible. And so on.

For the price, I think it's one of the best deals in 4 Mpixel cameras. Automatic enough for the newcomer, yet with all the manual flexibility a pro might want. I'm happy with my choice.

It's a tricky camera, you will get upset sometimes
Canon G2 makes a good camera for its picture quality
for more advanced user but not for ordinary user
when taking a picture. First, Canon G2 ( I think all series camera coming from Canon) is not truly plug & play camera. It requires its own driver & utility software to display and manage pictures. It took me a whole night to get software installed & connect to G2 with a lot of frustration. It's unique driver and utility program make your camera can only be downloaded or uploaded to your computer not other' computers if you don't carry Canon's utility CD-ROM with you which means you can only share pictures with friend on small LCD screen when traveling around not on their computer unless a computer is equipped with Memory card reader. Not like Sony's USB is truely plug & play, in minutes your camera is reay to read & write like a portable drive, it accepts in every computer, and you simply just do the copy or cut and paste like whatever you would do at your window desktop, and it acts like memory card reader. Of cause you can move or store any file you want.

Second, my own frustrate experience. I was shocked when I saw the picture, some were taken at 2272x1704 scale and some were taken at 1024x768 scale in slow shutter. It looks perfect on 2272x1704, but it also looks awful on 1024x768 scale pictures in slow shutter. Everything in 1024x768 scale pictures looks blurry with low resolution, for example like waterfall. Actually all moving persons in picture is like ghost, you can't even recognize their face with movement on the picture. Wait! These pictures were taken from my wedding party! Thanks Canon for its advanced technology to make this nightmare happens!! Hope it would not happen on yours folks who would ever think to buy this camera. I then did some investigation on these awful pictures with provided information, the picture shows it was set on landscape mode which is on a dial next to the auto mode.
Then I realized if you set your camera to to auto mode then press menu the setting is 2272x1704 which is corrected setting, but then if you switch the dial to lanscap mode or protrait mode and press the menu button, it shows other setting for 1027 x768 which is not corrected setting. Why it