High Performance:

3.3 megapixel CCD sensor allows you to
produce high-resolution images up to
2048 x 1536 pixels. The camera has two
additional settings, 1024 x 768 and 640 x
480 for on-screen applications, such as
Web sites and CD-ROMs and allows more
images to be recorded on a single
CompactFlash memory card.
Equipped with a fast (f/2.0-2.5), high-quality
3x optical zoom lens, the 7-21mm zoom
lens has a 35mm film equivalent: of 34
-102mm and is well-suited for a wide
range of picture-taking, from landscape to
snapshots. In addition to the optical lens,
the G1 has a built-in 2x/4x digital tele
converter that enables seamless zooming
up to 12x magnification.
A dedicated digital signal processing
integrated circuit (IC) allows the G1 to
obtain the full potential of its 3.3 megapixel
CCD and to achieve high-speed and
complete processing of image detail.
Images can be recorded as JPEG files at
any resolution setting, with a choice of
Super-Fine, Fine or Normal compression
settings.
RAW mode allows the G1 to capture
enhanced color depth up to 30 bits in RGB
mode at full resolution. The biggest
advantage of RAW mode is that it
preserves maximum image quality, since
data is recorded to the memory card
directly from the CCD without degradation.
RAW mode uses numerically lossless
reversible compression allowing the G1 to
store a 2048 x 1536 pixel RAW file in
approximately 2.5MB of space while other
cameras require as much as 9.4MB for an
uncompressed TIFF. RAW mode allows
original image data to be completely
restored, as opposed to file formats such
as JPEG or TIFF, which typically throw
away some of the data.
Incredibly fast, the G1 in single frame
mode, has a shot-to-shot lag time of only
1.8 seconds. A built-in buffer memory
supports continuous shooting of up to 10
consecutive Large/Fine JPEGs at 1.7
frames per second (LCD monitor and flash
off).

Automatic and Manual Controls:

Programmed Image Control provides a
variety of modes for automatically taking
superb pictures:
--Auto mode sets all parameters for
exposure while you simply set the
resolution and compression
-- Pan Focus mode sets the lens to its
wide-angle focal length and hyperfocal
distance to achieve the greatest
depth-of-field.
--Portrait mode automatically sets a larger
aperture to achieve minimum depth-of-field
for a blurred background.
--Landscape mode sets the optimum
aperture for expanded depth-of-field from
foreground to background while continuing
to focus on the main subject.
--Night Scene mode properly exposes the
foreground subject with flash and sets a
slow shutter speed for correct exposure of
illuminated backgrounds
--Black-and-White mode allows users to
create beautiful black-and-white images
--Stitch Assist lets you create seamless
panoramas by using the LCD monitor to
align images while shooting.
Offers true manual control over shutter
speeds, apertures, focusing and even the
camera’s metering pattern (choice of spot
metering or center-weighted). In addition,
the G1 provides a variety of other modes
for specific shooting situations:
--Choice of ISO settings include 50, 100,
200 or 400
-- In addition to white balance settings of
daylight, overcast, tungsten and
fluorescent, there is a new 'flash' white
balance setting. This allows you to set a
custom white balance by using a sheet of
paper under a specific light source. The
custom balance is then stored in memory.
--Exposure Compensation and Auto
Exposure Bracketing (AEB) up to +/-2EV in
1/3-step increments, allow you to make
three exposures (normal, over, and under)
with a single release of the shutter.
--Flash Exposure Compensation lets you
intentionally and independently adjust
flash illumination to fine-tune lighting ratios
between subject and background in
fill-flash situations.
--Spot Metering for effective exposure
control in backlit situations and other
adverse shooting conditions.
--AE/AF Lock allows you to lock in the focus
point and exposure for a specific area of a
scene, then recompose and shoot without
losing the settings. (AE Lock is especially
effective when the G1 is set for spot
metering.)
-- Slow Shutter Speeds for times when
flash is not permitted such as theatres and
museums. The G1 is capable of recording
exposures up to 8 seconds when the
camera is set to the shutter-priority AE or
manual mode. A special noise reduction
feature virtually eliminates digital 'noise'
for exposures of 1.3 seconds or longer.
--Five Flash Control Modes including On,
Off, Auto, Auto with Red-Eye Reduction and
Forced Flash with Red-Eye Reduction
Macro Mode for close-up photography

Flash:

Built-in flash offers 15-ft. range with five
shooting modes: constant on, constant off,
auto, red-eye reduction on and red-eye
reduction auto. An external hot-sync
connection, compatible with Canon’s
EX-series Speedlites is also provided.

Conveniences:

Movie Mode allows the G1 to record a
QVGA (320 x 240 pixel) digital movie clip
with audio at 15 frames per second for
approximately 30 seconds. Saved as an
AVI file, the movie can then be played back
on the camera's LCD monitor, a TV
monitor using the supplied audio-video
cable or on a compatible personal
computer.
PowerShot G1 users can switch between
picture-taking and playback modes in an
instant. Unless the Main Dial is in the off
position for more than 0.8 seconds, the
lens stays out and the retraction time is
eliminated. This allows photographers to
take a number of pictures, review them and
quickly return to the picture-taking mode.
Virtual 'shutter sound' alerts you to a
completed shot. Volume can be adjusted
in five steps from silent to loud.
Large, bright optical viewfinder provides an
accurate reflection of the camera’s zoom
setting allowing fast and easy framing.
Adjustable diopter is also available.