Now that compact system cameras (CSCs) are available for as little as ￡350, is anyone going to buy a conventional compact camera that costs over ￡500? Canon clearly thinks so, but then, the G15 doesn't bear much resemblance to most compact cameras.

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

Canon was right to keep the PowerShot G1 X in play when it shipped the G15, as despite their common heritage they're fairly dissimilar cameras.

Redesigned top plate; Colour reproduction; Professional features; Movie performance

Expensive in its field; Some wind noise on movies; Fixed screen

The Canon PowerShot G15 the newest addition to the G series of Canon, is an advanced point and shoot camera that is just full of surprises. It improves on many things when compared to the G12, at least on paper and we wonder if that actually translates into any real world performance.

Fast f/1.8-2.8 lens; Fast and accurate AF system reminiscent of Canon DSLRs; 1 cm minimum focussing distance for macro shots

Bulky design; Small 1/1.7-inch sensor; No bendable flash

Camera lacks many features that you can find on other cameras for half the price.

Good quality; Semi pro features; Good focusing

Read these below; A camera with lack of punch

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...

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. In combination with the fast 28-140mm F1.8-2.8 lens that makes it a very versatile and pocketable photographic tool that offers almost the same degree of control as much larger DSLRs. The Coolpix P7700 offers an impressive feature set, a longer zoom range than most of its competitors, a fully articulating LCD, and very good photo quality. Unfortunately, it is marred by very slow write times, especially in RAW mode which makes continuous shooting a chore, and really forces you to use the fastest memory cards available for best performance.

Photographers who want DSLR-like controls and build-quality in a pocketable package; Enthusiasts seeking a compact with great image quality at low sensitivities, a plethora of manual controls, an articulating display, and more zoom power than the competition.;

Video shooters or users who cannot live without an articulated screen; Photographers who will shooting RAW files continuously and don't want to wait to take the next photo. And, of course, optical viewfinder lovers.;

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.

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