The 3.3-megapixel CCD captures images at user-selectable resolutions of 2,048 x 1,536, 1,024 x 768, and 640 x 480--which means you can take pictures for making detailed 8-by-10 prints as well as clicking snapshots for the Web and e-mail. The G1 also lets you choose between three varying degrees of JPEG compression, or, when taking pictures at highest resolution, you can store images in the RAW format, which, unlike JPEG compression, is a lossless, and reversible, type of compression. RAW files are roughly one-third the size of equivalent TIFF files. They can only be read by Canon's included software, but they can be losslessly converted and saved as TIFF files by your computer.

For those uninterested or uneducated in the more detailed mechanics of photography, the G1 can function like a point-and-shoot, automatically taking care of virtually every setting. If, however, you're more interested in setting the camera's functions manually, the G1 is perfectly willing to accept your commands, allowing control over every function on the camera. ISO can be set at speeds of 50, 100, 200, and 400, and the G1 also features aperture and shutter priority modes. Manual focus can be used, although Canon only recommends using it in tricky focus situations. AE/AF lock allows you to set exposure and focus setting for a given scene, letting you recompose and shoot without losing time. Other shooting modes include flash-exposure compensation; programmed control zones (portrait, landscape, etc.); movie mode; and slow shutter-speed mode, which opens the shutter for long periods of time in low-light situations and applies noise reduction. Auto-exposure bracketing takes three pictures, intentionally over- and under-exposing the two extra shots to help capture the best picture possible. The G1 has five different flash modes, including red-eye reduction, and is compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes. A macro mode rounds out the package.

No digital camera is complete without an LCD monitor, and here the G1 shines as well. The 1.8-inch color monitor sits on a swivel mount. The monitor rotates on two axes, flipping out to rest on the same plane as the back of the camera, and also rotates up to 270 degrees. This versatility lets you view your shot from almost any angle or around corners; you can even see yourself while you're taking a self-portrait. Best of all, because the G1's monitor flips and swivels, you can store the camera with the monitor screen nestled safely against the body of the camera, protecting it from any scratches. The G1 comes with a USB port and cable, battery and AC adapter, 16 MB CompactFlash card, software, lens cap, and neck strap. For people with older systems, there is also a serial port, but PC and Mac serial cables are sold separately.

To give you some piece of information that is helpful; stuff you might not hear about elsewhere i'll list a few attributes from the PowerShot G1.

1. The little cover which is the plug for the powersuply/usb connector is quite flimsy, but with some care won't break. Just have to watch out for it.

2. Get a decent Operating System like Windows 2000 that won't crash every two seconds with the use/development of the pictures on-line. I have a Pentium III 600 with 8mb video card and windows 98 Sec edition, and that thing would not handle the Canon ZoomBrowser Product that came with the camera. However i got windows 2000 loaded with a new 32Mb NVIDIA Video Card, and now the thing is yet to crash... SO smoothe... I forgive it...

3. Don't be fooled with the 16Mb FlashCard (Give it to the kids to use as a coaster for their toy tea-pot set, because it has no other use). Go out, budget an extra card (i.e. 128 or 1GB Microdrive) its so much more worth it to get the extra space and keep your setting to LARGE (SUPERFINE QUALITY) because the quality of that print is so superior to its counterpart digital 3+MEGAPIXEL cameras'...

The petty downsides are very very nitpicky, and you will find these "issues" on 90% of camera's... Some cameras will have a set of features, but lack in others... While others have different features, but lack in others as well... The Powershot G1 has all the features you can ask for. A quick List of Pluses (just to be fair because i talked about the minuses)

1. The Optical Zoom is quick and provides VERY high quality shots. (Not to mention that the Additional Lenses you can buy will bring you so close to the action you'll need to buy cheaper seats to get further away from the action) (Sitting at glass level at a hockey game, i can get a photo of a Goalie from head to toe, with about 2 inches in top and bottom of image with the 1.5x lens)...

2.The LCD flips out, allows for weird angled camera manipulation, (in a crowd, or under things etc..) You can put the camera anywhere at arms length to take very unique photos. It also closes face-in to prevent scratching between shoots... LCD high quality, and feels really sturdy.

3.It has the capability of a HUGE SLR/DIGITAL camera all in a small package. Slightly heavy but Very small for its power. People will see you with this thing, and think you have some 80 dollar camera, when it really has capabilities beyond the intermediate camera enthusiast.

4.Interface/Menus are easy to work with.

5. Taking a picture, loading it to the on-line software, touching up, and presenting (email/website) takes LITERALLY less than a minute. (provied you are near your computer)...

6. Expandability is amazing. It is FLASH 1 AND 2 compatible (if you don't know what that is; check it out because that is an important part of a digicam)... (very good quality) this means its compatible with IBM's Microdrives, and Normal Flash Cards...

7. Litium Rechargable bateries are absolutly amazing. I have a 128mb, 192mb, and 64mb FC card, along with the provided 16Mb card, and i filled them all up at a bruins game (about 200 pics), and the batery icon just began to show some degredation. The only reason you might need an extra battery is if you are on lengthy vacations AWAY from powersources... this also leaves room for improvement, you can get stuff like the "car outlet" reacharge station (which charges two at a time) or use the provided "regular power source" to recharge them...

8. I could go on... but email me for about question you have...

Overall, i'm very happy with the camera. I've had it for 6 months, and have never been disatisfied. I might add that to get the highest quality from the photos, (if you print your own) make sure you understand about DPI. I tried printing some of my shots (and was somewhat disapointed) but found out that i had set my dpi to 72 on the images i had... When i set it over 300dpi, i was absolutly amazed! And you will be too.

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I've added this part, because it has been a year since i wrote this original review.

Note only this change:
There are two newer version of this camera out (As you probably know): The Powershot G2, and G3. If i were in the market today for a Digital Camera, (after seeing, and reading what i have) i would try to find a deal for a G1, or G2. The Newer versions (G2, and G3) don't have enough "extra" or "more" or "additions" to warrant the extra cost. New versions should only drive the old versions price down. I'd say the G1 would be a steal at 400-500 bucks. See if you can find a NEW G1, and make sure its a reliable source, and i'll tell you, you can't go wrong. :)


nice pictures,poor switch design   October 16, 2002
I have owned this camera for over a year and have shot lots of images. I really like the image quality and flexibility of use.Unfortunately the on/off camera mode switch is prone to turning on when stored in a bag or pocket. Also when the camera is turned on if you are not careful you can change from Auto to another mode without realizing it. Otherwise a fine product.


nice pictures,poor switch design   October 16, 2002
I have owned this camera for over a year and have shot lots of images. I really like the image quality and flexibility of use.Unfortunately the on/off camera mode switch is prone to turning on when stored in a bag or pocket. Also when the camera is turned on if you are not careful you can change from Auto to another mode without realizing it. Otherwise a fine product.