Miles Collins

Whatever next?

I read a very interesting article in AP magazine today about Canon’s decision to reduce the amount of mega pixels on its latest powershot model, the G11. The camera is the latest version of Canon’s top end ‘point and shoot’ models replacing the much liked G10 which produced some very favourable reviews from amateurs and professionals looking for a compact back up.

Canon have reduced the pixel count on this latest version by almost five million but Canon argue that the quality of the pixels are larger and better resulting in less noise and improved results in low light conditions. The G10 came in at just under £400 but it produced quite remarkable results, it will be very interesting to see how the G11 compares but to me there is a more important issue here-honesty.

Most people don’t understand what pixels do in relation to an image and assume that more is better but it’s not that straight forward. Canon have used the same size sensor as the G10 but by reducing the amount of pixels it has made each individual pixel larger and able to capture more light. This means better results in low light conditions when a higher ISO range is required, what Canon have done is address the issue of noise at higher ISO ranges by introducing a Dual Anti-Noise System which has allowed a wider ISO range whilst maintaining image quality.

I’ve been tempted by the G10 and its build quality but held back for whatever reason, this new model will be interesting to look at. The build quality and level of detail of the camera is impressive and it is sure to win similar plaudits to the G10. What I find reassuring is Canon’s decision to jump off the mega pixel bandwagon at the consumer level and go for broke with an honest approach to their new model.

Time will tell if the punters understand their logic.