Stuff Geeks Want

The PowerShot G-series has long been the flagship of Canon’s PowerShot line. The new Canon PowerShot G11 digital camera further adds to that legacy. Just think of it as a pocket-sized camera with SLR functionality.

The G11s resolution is 10.0 megapixels, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a sub-standard camera compared to last year’s model at 14.7MP. Its CMOS sensor – something Canon pioneered way back in 2000 – compensates by performing better in low light conditions, meaning better overall photo quality, less noise and less blur. (You’re going to start seeing a lot more CMOS-based, low-end consumer cameras now that manufacturing costs have come down and their capability has gone up.)

But what turns me on the most about this camera is the addition of its pull-out, swivel 2.8-inch LCD display, which has been a signature of Canon’s PowerShot A series for years. Translation: While you get shots at different angles in perfect composition, the guy next to you is straining his neck like a giraffe to get the shot of Madonna over the heads of her screaming fans in front of you. Get the picture?

Other features include a 5x lens, optical image stabilization, a 28mm (equivalent to 28-140 mm) wide-angle lens, optical image stabilization, VGA video capture, SD/SDHC card slot and full manual controls with RAW support and a hotshoe.

Buy for $500 from Amazon