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Canon PowerShot G1 Canon combines dead-easy auto shooting, full manual control, and excellent image quality in a killer3 megapixel! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PowerShot G1 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Operation & User Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Image Storage & Interface>> Page 9:Camera Modes & Menus Review First Posted: 10/28/2000

Camera Modes and Menus
We explained the G1's shooting modes in the previous section, in the process of describing the functions of the Mode Dial settings. Rather than repeat that information in this section, we'll just show you the menu screens for the major modes.

Record Menu (Red): With the exception of the Auto exposure mode, and most of the Image Zone exposure functions, the Record menu provides virtually the same options for all exposure modes. These menus are accessed by depressing the Menu button once while in one of the Shooting modes. Following are the available settings:

• Resolution: Sets the image size to (L) 2,048x1,536, (M)1,024x768, or (S) 640x480-pixel resolution (still images only).
• Compression: Alters the JPEG compression ratio to Superfine, Fine, or Normal (still images only).
• File Format: Changes the file format for still images to JPEG or RAW.
• ISO Speed: Adjusts the camera's light sensitivity to Auto, 50, 100, 200, or 400 ISO film speed equivalents.
• Digital Zoom: Activates the digital zoom function, with the options: Off, 2X, and 4X. Digital zoom is immediately applied when the setting is confirmed.
• AF Mode: Sets the frequency of the autofocus mechanism. Single autofocus sets focus whenever the shutter button is depressed halfway. Continuous autofocus adjusts the focus continuously.
  
  
• Review: Establishes a "quick review" time duration, with options for 2 or 10 seconds. You can also disable the Review function.
• File No. Reset: Options are On and Off. When this function is turned on, file naming is reset with each new CompactFlash card that is inserted into the camera.
• Contrast: Adjusts the image contrast to Weak, Neutral, or Strong.
• Sharpness: Controls the amount of image sharpness to Weak, Neutral, or Strong.
• Saturation: Sets the amount of color saturation to Weak, Neutral, or Strong.
  

Set-up Menu (Yellow): The Set-up menu provides universal camera control options that remain the same in both Shooting and Replay modes, with the exception of shutter and speaker volume (see below). This menu is accessed by depressing the Menu button once and scrolling to the right with the Omni selector arrow pad. Following are the available settings:

• Beep: Turns the camera's Beep sound On or Off.
• LCD Brightness: Adjusts the brightness level of the LCD monitor to Normal (small sun) or Bright (large sun).
• Shutter Volume (Shooting): Adjusts the volume of the shutter sound when an image is recorded. Volume options, which are selected by holding down the camera's shutter button, are on a scale of 1 to 5 and Off.
• Speaker Volume (Replay): Adjusts the camera's speaker volume when listening to recorded movies. This function uses the same scale and method of selection as above.
• Auto Power Down: Activates or deactivates the camera's automatic shut off feature.
• Date/Time: Sets the camera's internal clock and calendar.
• Format: Formats the CompactFlash card, deleting all images saved on the card.
  
  
• Language: Changes the G1's menu language to English, German, French, Spanish, or Japanese. (Some models offer additional language choices).
• Video System: Sets the video output signal to NTSC or PAL.
  

Play Menu (Blue): This menu is only available in the Replay mode. It allows you to scroll through captured images; erase, protect, and rotate them; or set them up in a slide show or for printing on a DPOF compatible device. The Play menu offers the following selections:

• Single Erase: Erases the currently displayed image from the CompactFlash card.
• Erase All: Erases all images from the CompactFlash card.
• Protect: Write protects the currently displayed image from accidental deletion, except by card formatting.
• Rotate: Rotates captured images 90 to 270 degrees clockwise.
• Slide Show: Automatically plays images in a slide show format.
• Print Order: Sets the number of images to be printed on a DPOF compatible device, as well as the number of copies.

Transfer Mode: Denoted by the crooked arrow symbol after the Playback symbol, this mode allows the camera to connect via USB cable to a computer for image downloading or remote control through the accompanying software. No menu appears in this mode.