Here are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities
of any given camera model. The images are altered only in
terms of size and sharpness after reduction and by the JPEG
compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume that
any marbling or artifacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however,
that they still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL LIFE PHOTO
This subject is photographed in a room that has a mix of fluorescent and
incandescent light, but which is not brightly lit. The camera's flash is
used to add fill light. The backdrop is 1.95 m (6.5 ft) from the camera.
In this mixed lighting environment, the G6's auto white balance
manages very well and yields photos that show consistent
colours between the wide
angle shot and the telephoto shot. The RAW format is used here, but
the image is simply converted to TIFF format using the "as shot" settings.
Photo
Information
Format:
TIFF
Aperture:
f2
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Sp:
1/60
Res:
3072 x 2304
Flash:
On
Quality:
CCD-RAW
ISO:
50
File Size:
6.8 MB (RAW)
20.3 MB (TIFF)
Focal Lgth:
35 mm (35mm Eq.)
However, the advantage of the RAW
format is that the image can be tweaked. Had it been necessary,
the colour balance, along with other parameters, could have been
adjusted very precisely.
ZOOM PHOTO
Now we zoom in on a specific area. The intent is to test the sharpness
of the image at the zoom's maximum setting. The camera remains at the same
distance as with the preceding photo.
At the full power of the 4X zoom, the G6 captures a superb
level of detail. Fine details in the printing pattern of
the old photographic paper envelope
can be discerned, and so can paper fibers sticking out of the folded
edges of the paper envelope.
Photo
Information
Format:
TIFF
Aperture:
f3
Exposure:
Program
Shutter SP:
1/60
Res:
3072 x 2304
Flash:
On
Quality:
CCD-RAW
ISO:
50
File Size:
6.8 MB (RAW)
20.3 MB (TIFF)
Focal Lgth:
140 mm (35mm
Eq.)
Aperture: f6, shutter speed: 1/15 sec., 50 ISO.
MACRO PHOTO
Set to Super Macro, the PowerShot G6 can photograph a subject
5cm (1.95 inches) from the front element of the lens, but is
limited to a resolution of 3 megapixel (2048 x 1536 pixels).
Still, the zoom can be used up to 17.6mm, the equivalent of a
86mm focal length, allowing further magnification and avoiding
any distortion. At this setting, the field of view the G6 captures
horizontally is 2.5cm (1 inch).
BUILDING PHOTO
This image is our outdoor test. The architecture of the building, in particular
the angled girders, immediately show the presence of jaggies. The shadowed
entrance also provides real-life information on the quality of the exposure
and reveals any noise that might be present.
Set to capture Super fine JPEG images, the G6 applies a compression
that ranges from 4:1 to 7:1. The images show no signs of the
compression process,
and remain extremely sharp.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f4
Exposure:
Program
Shutter SP:
1/400
Res:
3072 x 2304
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Super Fine
ISO:
50
File Size:
3.3 MB
Focal Lgth:
35 mm (35mm Eq.)
ZOOM PHOTO
At the maximum telephoto setting, images show no trace of any pincushion
distortion. Metering is good, completely avoiding any overexposure of the
paving stones which are reflective and brightly lit by the sun.
The shadow areas of the image show little noise, and the
exposure has recorded a fair amount of detail even in the darkest
areas.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f
4
Exposure:
Program
Shutter SP:
1/800
Res:
3072 x 2304
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Super Fine
ISO:
50
File Size:
3.32 MB
Focal Lgth:
140 mm (35mm
Eq.)
NIGHT PHOTO
As this camera is capable of long exposures, a photo taken at night is
included.
Aperture: f2.0; speed:
6 sec, 50 ISO,
image taken in RAW format converted to 8-bit TIFF.
The G6 benefits from a bright
f2.0 lens when the zoom is set to the wide angle end, and at
a sensitivity setting of 50 ISO to keep noise to a minimum, the
PowerShot G6 starts to deliver a relatively bright image at a
4 second exposure. By gradually lengthening the exposure, the
image becomes brighter, until at a 15 second exposure, the camera's
maximum, the image looks like the picture was taken at dawn.
As with the majority of recent Canon cameras, the noise reduction system
is very efficient, removing most of the random coloured pixels from long
exposures, even at higher ISO settings.
In Manual mode, the G6 provides
an indication of the EV difference between the chosen exposure
parameters — speed and aperture — and the reading
given by its metering.
The metering of the G6 is excellent, and is reliable even under dim light
as in the night shot above. Too often, most cameras try to capture a scene
such as this as closely as possible to what can be seen with the naked
eye. However, to capture a vibrant and interesting shot of night time scenery,
it is best to overexpose slightly, and produce an image that is brighter
than reality, something the G6's metering accomplishes.
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Test Photos
