After quite a significant waiting period, the Canon G12 has finally been upgraded in the shape of the 12.1 million pixel Canon PowerShot G15, unveiled at Photokina 2012 . At first glance, the Canon G15 looks pretty similar to the Powershot G12, but there are a few significant differences.

Like a Canon EOS DSLR without a lens mount is a good way to think of the manufacturer's high-end PowerShot, the G15 . It sports a similar rock solid build – here aluminium – and control layout to an EOS camera, but is of course more compact.

Built-to-last aluminium construction; solid feature set; optical viewfinder; 5x optical zoom usable during capture of video and stills; manual top plate dials; pop-up flash

LCD screen is fixed; bulkier overall than all but Nikon's P7700; pricey given that a DSLR could be bought for even its lower street price around £440

A good way to think of of Canon's PowerShot G15 is like an EOS digital SLR without a lens mount. It sports a similar rock-solid build – here aluminium – and control layout to an EOS camera, but is of course more compact.

Built-to-last aluminium construction; Solid feature set; Optical viewfinder; 5x optical zoom usable during capture of video and stills; Manual top plate dials; Pop-up flash

LCD screen is fixed; Bulky; Pricey given that a digital SLR could be bought for the same price

With plenty of direct access buttons and dials, this camera is clearly aimed at the advanced photographer, making changing settings quick and easy.

Direct dials and buttons Sleeker body than G12 Great f/1.8 lens

No touchscreen No articulating screen Poor viewfinder

Canon's PowerShot G-series of compact digital cameras has everything it takes to bring smiles to enthusiasts. Tough build, brilliant optics, lots of external controls and stellar performance are only a few of the many great things about the cameras belonging to the series.

At first glance, the Canon G15 looks pretty similar to the Powershot G12, but there are a few significant differences. The most notable of these is the stacked or overlapping dials on the top that enable both the mode dial and the exposure compensation dial to be squeezed on to the right side of the...

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not expensive; easy to use

some problems with zoom mode

The G15 will appeal most greatly to existing DSLR owners looking for a smaller backup for those shoot-from-the-hip photo opportunities. Read our Canon PowerShot G15 review to find out more.

Trying to locate a USB cord that will fit the camera because it did not come with one. The USB is required if you want to download the solutions PDF off of the CD which is included. Also the CD contains the owner's manual which I cannot download without cord.

Does close up shots and maintains color of items shot

Package does not include USB code needed to download the PDF file off the CD

Excellent successor to the Canon G12: faster lens, better screen, faster AF, smaller and lighter.

Fast/accurate auto-focus; Good Image Quality; Good Image Stabilization; Good in Low Light; Great Zoom; Large Clear LCD; Nice Body Color; Small / Compact