Canon EOS 760D vs. Canon PowerShot G11: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to choosing a camera, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, especially when considering different categories like DSLRs and compact cameras. Today, I'm diving into a thorough comparison between two very different but still iconic Canon models: the Canon EOS 760D (also known as the EOS 8000D), an entry-level DSLR introduced in 2015, and the older but still respected Canon PowerShot G11, a small sensor compact from 2009. This comparison isn’t just specs on paper - it reflects years of hands-on testing and real-world shooting experiences.

The EOS 760D targets beginners stepping into DSLR photography with a solid feature set and Canon’s EF/EF-S lens ecosystem, while the G11 aims at enthusiasts wanting a pocketable companion with manual controls and decent image quality for its class. Let's explore how these two stack up across sensor performance, handling, autofocus, and suitability for various photography scenarios.

First Look and Ergonomics: Handling the Cameras in Your Hands

The moment you pick up a camera, you get a gut feel of its usability for extended shooting sessions. The EOS 760D sports a classic DSLR form factor, albeit on the compact side for a DSLR, while the G11 is a pocket-friendly compact with a latency of 2009 design language.

Physically, the 760D measures approximately 132 x 101 x 78 mm and weighs about 565 grams with its battery. This size creates a balance of portability and a solid grip - the DSLR grip makes one-handed operation comfortable, which is crucial during long shoots or when zooming with heavy lenses. The weather sealing is absent on both models, but the sturdier body construction of the 760D offers more reassurance than the G11’s plastic compact shell.

The G11 is noticeably smaller and lighter at 112 x 76 x 48 mm and 375 grams. That makes it an excellent choice for travelers or street photographers wanting minimal bulk. The control layout is more condensed, which could feel cramped for users with larger hands, but its relatively substantial handhold for a compact is welcoming.

Overall, if you’re after comfortable ergonomics during long sessions coupled with physical controls, the 760D wins out. If pocketability or low-profile shooting is your priority, the G11 is the more discreet companion.

Layout and Control Interface: Mastering the Camera Quickly

Canon’s 760D was designed with user-friendliness in mind, incorporating a mix of analog dials and articulating touchscreen.

From above and around back, the 760D features a dedicated top LCD panel (something no G11 offers), offering quick readouts of exposure parameters - a feature that pros appreciate for fast adjustments. Both cameras support manual exposure modes (M, AV, TV), but the DSLR’s physical dials make this process quicker and more intuitive. The 760D’s touchscreen articulating 3-inch display with 1,040k dots resolution offers fluid menu navigation and live view focusing control.

The G11 relies on physical buttons and dials, which might feel old-school but still provide tactile feedback, ideal for shooting without looking. Its flip-out 2.8-inch screen is lower resolution (461k dots) and lacks touch sensitivity, making live view operations slightly less fluid.

For those who relish direct manual control with tactile feedback and a versatile interface, the 760D’s layout streamlines the experience. Budget-minded users or those happy with button-driven navigation might still find the G11’s simpler control scheme sufficient.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

At the core, both cameras differ dramatically in sensor size and technology, which governs image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

• Canon EOS 760D: APS-C CMOS sensor, 22.3 x 14.9 mm, 24.2 megapixels, DIGIC 6 processor
• Canon G11: 1/1.7” CCD sensor, 7.44 x 5.58 mm, 10 megapixels, DIGIC 4 processor

The APS-C sensor in the 760D dwarfs the G11’s 1/1.7” sensor by nearly eight times the surface area. This sensor size translates into significantly better noise control, dynamic range, and resolution potential. In my testing, images from the 760D showcase crisp detail at base ISO 100, with excellent tonal gradation and better color depth (measured via DXO at 22.6 bits color depth). Meanwhile, the G11 maxes out at 10 MP and shows early digital noise onset after ISO 400, with a more limited dynamic range and color depth (about 20.4 bits).

Due to its wider sensor, the 760D also captures better separation between subject and background - critical for portrait photography with beautiful bokeh effects (more on that shortly).

Though the G11’s CCD sensor maintains respectable sharpness in well-lit situations, it’s less flexible for diverse lighting conditions or cropping needs. However, it does have a 28-140mm equivalent lens with a respectable f/2.8 aperture at wide end, providing decent optical control in a compact.

Viewing Experience: Optical Viewfinders and Live View

Nothing beats composing through a solid viewfinder, and here the technologies diverge.

The 760D offers a pentamirror optical viewfinder covering 95% of the frame with 0.51x magnification. It’s bright enough indoors and outdoors, and the presence of the optical TTL viewfinder is a major advantage for speedy shooting, especially in bright conditions where LCDs can be hard to read.

The G11’s optical tunnel viewfinder is tiny and unfortunately doesn’t cover the entire frame, acting more as a rough guide. It’s challenging to rely solely on it, forcing users to depend mainly on the LCD for framing - which the compact’s smaller, non-touch screen doesn’t make entirely convenient.

Both models provide articulating LCDs for live view shooting, but the 760D’s touchscreen and higher resolution screen allow for faster focusing on subjects and more intuitive menu control. The G11’s smaller, lower-res screen feels dated in comparison.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus makes or breaks decisive moments, so understanding system capability is key.

• Canon 760D: 19-point all cross-type AF system, phase-detection, autofocus coverage across the frame, face detection, touch-to-focus in live view.
• Canon G11: 9-point AF (cross-type status unclear), contrast-detection AF only in live view.

In practice, the 760D’s phase-detection AF system performs quite well for an entry-level DSLR - locking focus quickly on stationary subjects and tracking movement adequately in continuous AF mode. Face detection works well and enables a solid start into portrait disciplines. While it lacks Canon’s advanced Dual Pixel autofocusing (introduced in newer Canon DSLRs), the 760D still translates into dependable, reliable AF especially with suited lenses.

The G11’s AF is slower due to reliance only on contrast-detection. Autofocus hunts in low light or scenes of low contrast are common; consequently, it struggles with moving subjects or rapid focus acquisition. Its continuous AF mode is limited by processor speed and sensor technology - resulting in only 1 frame per second continuous shooting, suitable mostly for static scenes.

If wildlife or sports photography factors into your priorities, the 760D’s AF is head and shoulders above the G11. For casual shooting and street photography with mostly static subjects, the G11’s AF system remains passable.

Burst Performance and Buffering

Burst capability is useful in action or wildlife photography to capture fleeting moments.

• 760D: 5 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting
• G11: 1 fps continuous shooting

At 5 fps, the 760D is modestly equipped for beginner-level sports and wildlife, allowing photographers to capture multiple images of moving subjects. Its buffer, while limited compared to professional-level DSLRs, supports enough JPEG and RAW frames for several seconds of continuous shooting.

The G11’s one frame per second scream “patience” before you miss the moment, making it less viable for active shooting.

Video Capabilities: Versatility Beyond Stills

In the age of hybrid shooting, video is undeniably relevant.

The 760D records Full HD (1920x1080) video at 30, 25, and 24 fps with MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. It supports external microphones for improved audio quality but lacks headphone monitoring. Its touchscreen facilitates focus pulling, though autofocus during video is only contrast-based and can be noisy.

The G11 caps out at VGA resolution (640x480) at 30 fps, which by today’s standards is quite limited. There is no microphone input, and overall video performance is basic - good for casual clips but not for serious video ambitions.

If video matters in your workflow, the 760D offers a clear advantage and more creative control.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: Futureproofing Your Investment

One of the biggest strengths of the 760D is compatibility with Canon’s vast EF and EF-S lens lines - currently numbering over 300 lenses ranging from affordable primes to professional telephotos.

The G11 integrates a fixed zoom lens, 28-140 mm (equivalent) with an aperture range of f/2.8-4.5. While it’s versatile for daily shooting, macro to medium telephoto range, it's non-interchangeable, limiting creative freedom. Furthermore, its 4.8x crop factor due to the small sensor shapes the field of view.

Long-term, the 760D allows photographers to grow with their craft, swapping lenses for portraiture, macro, ultrawide landscapes, and telephoto wildlife work.

Battery Life and Storage

The 760D uses the LP-E17 battery rated at approximately 440 shots per charge per CIPA standards, which aligns well with DSLR expectations. The G11’s NB-7L battery rating is less explicit in official terms, but real-world use tends to deliver fewer shots (~250-300). The DSLR advantage is clear here - longer shooting sessions without swapping batteries.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot compatible with SDHC/SDXC (760D supports UHS-I compatibility for faster write speeds).

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither model offers pronounced weather sealing or extreme durability features (shock/freezeproof). The 760D’s construction feels more robust and dependable in the field, but users must still exercise care in inclement conditions. The G11, being a compact, is more vulnerable and less suited for rugged outdoor adventures.

Real-World Photography Tests: Sample Shots and Performance

To illustrate, here are side-by-side sample images captured by each camera under various lighting conditions:

Canon G11 front Canon G11 screen back

• Portraits: The 760D presents noticeably smoother skin tones and creamy background separation thanks to larger sensor depth of field control and better color accuracy.
• Landscapes: Sharper details, enhanced dynamic range, and higher resolution favor the 760D, especially in shadow areas.
• Low Light: The G11 shows significant noise beyond ISO 400, while the 760D handles ISO 1600 easily, retaining detail and color fidelity.
• Macro: The 760D’s ability to swap lenses enables high-magnification and precise close focus, although the G11 boasts a close 1cm macro focus range - decent for casual use.
• Street: The G11’s compact size makes it more discreet, though slower autofocus can momentarily impede capturing decisive moments.
• Night/Astro: The 760D’s sensor is better suited to high ISO, long exposures, and RAW post-processing to capture night skies with impressive results.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre Breakdown

For a better snapshot of how these two stack up numerically, I have pulled together DXOmark scores and genre-specific performance evaluations:

The 760D scores 70 points overall on DXOmark, with standout dynamic range (12 EV), color depth (22.6 bits), and low-light ISO performance (~ISO 915) while the G11 manages a 47 overall score with considerably weaker metrics in these areas.

Put simply, the 760D is a far more capable, versatile camera suited to a broad array of photographic genres, while the G11 is best confined to travel, street, and casual day-to-day shooting where size and manual control matter more than ultimate image quality.

Who Should Consider the Canon EOS 760D?

• Beginners or enthusiast photographers wanting an affordable entry into DSLRs
• Photographers valuing a large sensor with excellent image quality and flexibility
• Portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, macro, and video shooters needing a solid platform
• Users who want to build a versatile lens collection over time
• Photographers placing importance on durable handling and battery life

The 760D is an excellent choice for those who prioritize image quality and creative control without the bulk and expense of professional models.

Who Is the Canon PowerShot G11 Still Good For?

• Travelers seeking an ultra-portable camera with manual controls on the go
• Street photographers needing discretion and pocketability
• Casual shooters and vloggers who value simplicity over comprehensive specs
• Those on tight budgets or wanting a simple day-to-day companion for snapshots
• Users exploring photography with some manual settings without buying lenses or DSLRs

While dated, the G11’s classic handling and fixed lens keep it relevant for particular use cases.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Photography

Both cameras shine in their own arenas but ultimately serve two different purposes. The Canon EOS 760D represents a solid leap into serious photography, with a large sensor, fast autofocus, and an adaptable lens system that will satisfy hobbyists and budding professionals alike. Its better video capabilities and improved ergonomics underscore its role as a versatile workhorse.

The Canon PowerShot G11, though a product of a different era, remains a competent compact for those valuing portability and straightforward operation over DSLR performance. It can be an excellent travel camera or a light backup, provided its limitations are understood.

If your photography demands extend to portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or low-light scenarios, investing in the 760D pays dividends. For casual urban exploration or whenever space matters more than specs, the G11 continues to hold charm.

The bottom line: Choose the Canon EOS 760D if you’re serious about image quality and future growth. Opt for the G11 only if portability and a simplified manual interface trump absolute performance.

I hope this in-depth comparison helps you make a more confident, informed choice knowing the strengths and compromises of these two interesting Canon models.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Technical Spec Highlights

Thank you for joining me in this detailed comparison. If you have questions or want to see specific test images or settings, please feel free to reach out - sharing knowledge is what photography is all about!