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

In some recent reviews, we've taken Canon to task for a lack of innovation in their consumer-oriented product lines. The ELPH 110 HS , PowerShot S110 , and EOS Rebel T4i were all frankly lazy updates to well-worn camera concepts, and the time-battered T3 hasn't even gotten an update.

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

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. The G15 is the successor to the PowerShot G12 , a high-end compact camera that is now two years old.

The PowerShot G15 ($499) is the latest entry in Canon's long-running series of enthusiast compact cameras. This latest iteration addresses two issues that have plagued recent G-series models: the aperture range of the lens, and focusing performance.

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

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

Canon's "G" line of cameras have always appealed to point-and-shooters looking for more of a pro experience. The new G15 has some great details - is it a $649.95 camera worth considering?