Although the PowerShot G15 is a good camera, reluctantly we're getting off the small-chip G-series merry-go-round – especially at its list price of $499.

Bright f/1.8-f/2.8 5x zoom; Quality stills and videos; Excellent image stabilization system

Better alternatives available; Pokes along in RAW; Very noisy at high ISOs

With the PowerShot G1 X already here, how does the G15 justify its existence?

Slim and well made body; Fast AF and start-up; Excellent video; Very good AWB performance

No parallax correction in viewfinder; Some image processing issues; Chromatic aberration; Price

The Canon PowerShot G15 is the latest model in Canon's iconic G-series, originally launched back in 2000. Over the years these chunky compacts have become synonymous with no-nonsense design, fast lenses, and the kinds of physical controls and shooting modes, including RAW options, that enthusiasts...

Bright f21.8-2.8 5x zoom lens; Compact and lightweight - pocketable; 1080p24 video; plus super slomo; Optical viewfinder

Small viewfinder no proximity sensor; Poor continuous shooting performance; Braketing limited to 3 frames; Lacks articulated screen of predecessor; No Wifi or GPS built-in

The enthusiast-focused Canon PowerShot G15 delivers excellent image quality, but lacks some features found in other top-end cameras.

Fast, sharp lens; Optical viewfinder; Good high ISO performance; Responsive; Excellent control layout; Raw shooting support

Pricey; Fixed rear LCD; Limited zoom range; Bulky; No GPS or Wi-Fi; 1080p video limited to 24fps

The Canon Powershot G15 is a well-refined product and a joy to use. It is very quick and responsive in operation, built like a tank and offers the most external controls in its class.

Good low-ISO image detail and reliable metering; Versatile; sharp and fast 28-140mm F1.8-2.8 lens; Good balance between noise reduction and detail retention at higher ISOs; Fast and responsive operation; Very pocketable format; Fast and reliable AF system; Very effective Image Stabilization system,...

Exposure compensation dial does not work in video mode (but you can set exposure compensation using the AEL button when the mode dial is set to movie; No swivel screen (vs predecessor and some competitors; No automated panorama mode (only stitch-assist; HDR mode only works well with the camera on a...

Canon takes the G-series back to its fast-lens roots with the all-new PowerShot G15

Improved sensor and exceptionally bright F1.8 lens; Updated contrast AF system is quick and decisive; Handy integrated optical viewfinder

Canon's most awkward ergonomic design in a long time

Canon's PowerShot G15 is a high quality compact digicam sporting the best features, blazing performance and outstanding image quality. At just under $500, its not for everyone, but if you are looking for the best quality in a compact digicam, this is a candidate. Read more in our Full Conclusion .

Smart Auto shooting mode is accurate and easy in all situations; Dedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to record; DIGIC 5 processor provides outstanding performance; Excellent overall image quality; Intelligent IS is ready for any situation; 922,000 dot; 3.0-inch LCD; Excellent Battery...

Flash must be manually raised to operate in all shooting modes; including Smart Auto; ISO 12,800 sounds great but is unacceptable; Optical viewfinder is way off from actual image captured; Movie audio features a lot of background noise; No audio input

The enthusiast-focused Canon PowerShot G15 delivers excellent image quality, but lacks some features found in other top-end cameras.

Don't know about you, but I shudder when I read that a camera company has described a lens or a camera as being ‘bright'. I presume they mean that the lens involved is what used to be described as ‘fast' … you know, with a maximum aperture of f1.5 or f2 or nearby. But bright …?

Two years after releasing the very well-received G12, Canon is back with the PowerShot G15. And this update is a totally reworked camera, with a new 12-Megapixel CMOS sensor, a faster lens and a slightly more compact...

Build quality (quality materials; assembly; robust feel; etc.; Noise handled well up to 1600 ISO; Good handling; plenty of controls and easily accessible settings; Full HD video with a sharp picture and decent stereo sound

Some design features lost: no swivel screen; fewer controls; Lens isn't on par with competitors; Poor-quality optical viewfinder: small; inaccurate; uncomfortable; Video: 24 fps framerate isn't amazingly smooth