Canon PowerShot G11

Pros: 1. Flippable "Vari-Angled" LCD image viewer reduces need for optical view finder.
2. Excellent image quality.
3. Amazing warranty support.

Cons: 1. Would like faster response.
2. Minimal instruction manual.

Summary: I am primarily a family and travel vacation photographer. I started with an Argus camera as a young teen-ager in the late 1930s, borrowed a Leica for special occasions, graduated to a Pentax SLR with multiple lenses, succumbed to several Pentax and Olympus point and shoot cameras, before finally making the plunge to digital last year after much procrastinating, watching friends take pictures at light levels my film camera couldn't cope with.

I wanted the best image quality without actually going to an SLR and all the accouterments, and I wanted an optical image finder. All my searches kept bringing me back to the G11, which I finally purchased just before the G-12 came on the market.. I understand that has better video, but I don't do video. I have had the camera almost a year, and am very pleased with my choice.

The outstanding feature for me has been the Vari-Angled LCD screen, which (1) keeps the screen protected when not in use by folding in against the camera, and (2) allows shooting from a wide variety of angles from one position, holding over your head or shooting upwards from below the waist. I am most surprised that I hardly ever use the optical view finder which was my #1 requirement!! This great feature is overlooked in most reviews.

I have had my G11 almost a year and am still learning how to use the many many features. (Just ordered a more complete instruction book to supplement the limited small book that comes with the camera.)

The other big surprise was the incredibly fast warranty service by Canon when I dropped the camera with the battery latch open. I had left the camera with the latch open while recharging the battery, inadvertently dropped the camera on a terrazo floor, breaking the latch holder so it would not close. I e-mailed Canon, they replied with instructions where to send, and I took it to UPS on Monday evening. The camera was back on my doorstep by UPS on Thursday morning, completely repaired and all at no charge, even though the damage was entirely my fault. No questions asked. No hassle. That was real customer service!

A great camera, from a fine company, and I know I have only scratched the surface in learning all it can do.