Canon PowerShot G3The third generation of Canon's popular G model retains last year's 4 megapixel CCD, but brings a 4X zoom lens and a host of other improvements.<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 9/16/2002 |
Video Out
The
G3 has a video-out port with a choice of NTSC timing format, for US and Japanese
model televisions, and PAL timing format for European televisions, which are
selectable through the Play menu. The video output can be used for reviewing
previously recorded images or running slide shows from the camera. It also shows
all three LCD menu screens, as well as the preview display from the LCD viewfinder.
Combined with the very flexible controls of the wireless remote transmitter,
the live video output display opens up interesting possibilities for portrait
photography, such as using a video monitor as a remote viewfinder.
The output cable is a true AV cable, as it fans out into two RCA jacks, one
for video, and one for audio. Plugged into any video monitor (or TV with direct
video and audio inputs), the audio capabilities of the G3, combined with the
wireless remote control, should make it an effective portable presentation device.
Power
The
G3 is powered by an internal BP-511 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, a
LiIon design that packs quite a wallop (meaning long run times). The camera
ships with one battery pack, as well as an AC adapter that doubles as an in-camera
charger. A standalone charger is sold separately, as is a car AC adapter that
plugs into any automobile cigarette lighter. A CR2016 lithium battery keeps
the G3's internal clock going, and fits into a small compartment within the
battery chamber.
Because the G3 relies on its LCD display for viewing and selecting some of its settings, it can be somewhat of a drain on the power supply. Fortunately, the camera has an automatic three-minute shutdown mode to help conserve battery power, and you can control power consumption by reducing the amount of information displayed on the LCD monitor, and keeping the autofocus mechanism in Single mode rather than Continuous mode.
That said, the G3 offers really excellent battery life (even better than the G2 in most areas), as shown here:
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(mA @9.5v) |
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| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
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| Capture Mode, no LCD |
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| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD |
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| Half-pressed w/o LCD |
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| Memory Write (transient) |
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| Flash Recharge (transient) |
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| Image Playback |
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I really like Canon's BP-511 batteries. While I generally prefer nonproprietary batteries (allowing many third-party solutions), the BP-511s hold a lot of charge. In the case of the PowerShot G3, the worst-case run time in capture mode is about 2.5 hours, a very good figure. (Up from about 2.5 hours with the G2.) With the LCD off, you can leave the camera on for over 10 hours without running out of juice.
Unfortunately, the proprietary external power connector of the G3 precludes use of an external battery pack for longer run times, but the BP-511's life is good enough that this probably won't be an issue for most users. Still, as always, we strongly recommend buying a second battery to have as a spare. (Murphy's law dictates that the battery in your camera will always run out just as the most interesting photos present themselves. Carry a spare and don't miss out!) Fortunately, there are now some third-party battery packs available to fit the G3, so it should be easier to find spare batteries in the marketplace. (Maha's MH-BP511 is actually rated at 1300 mAh, fully 200 mAh more than Canon's own BP-511.)
Included Software
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The Canon PowerShot G3 comes with a software CD containing the latest versions of Canon's digital software, which provides a wealth of utilities. Compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems, the software package allows you to download images from the camera, process RAW data files, stitch together images shot in Stitch-Assist mode, set up images for printing, and operate the camera remotely from the computer. (For Mac users, a plugin for Adobe Photoshop(tm) provides the capability to read the CCD RAW format files.) Bundled software packages include: Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE, Apple QuickTime 6.0; ZoomBrowser EX 4.0 (for Windows) and ImageBrowser 2.7 (for Mac); PhotoRecord 1.6 (Windows only); PhotoStitch 3.1, File Viewer Utility 1.1, and RemoteCapture 2.6 ( the last three for both Windows and Mac).
In the Box
Included in the box with the PowerShot G3 are the following items:
- Lens cap with strap
- Neck strap
- BP-511 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack
- AC adapter
- Remote Control
- 32MB CompactFlash Type I memory card
- USB cable
- AV cable
- Software CD
- User Guide and registration kit
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