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Canon G15

 
Canon PowerShot G15 front
 
  • 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 12800
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-140mm (F1.8-2.8) lens
  • 352g - 107 x 76 x 40mm
  • Announced September 2012
  • Replaced the Canon G12
  • Successor is Canon G16
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
86
Imaging
37
Features
58
Overall
45

Canon G15 overview

Canon G15 is Canon's Small Sensor Compact digital camera initially released on September of 2012. The camera uses a 12MP, CMOS 1/1.7" sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000.

Canon brought out this model as a way to improve the older Canon G12 (Read Full Comparison) and then launched the fresher Canon G16 (Read Full Comparison) to improve this camera.

The G15 is rated #13 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras and all around #524 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to test our Advanced camera filter to get camera results based on your custom requirements.

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Below is a graph of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Canon G15 history

The Canon G15 is part of a family of cameras. You can view the complete range below.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Canon-PowerShot-G16 front thumbnailCanon G16
G15 vs G16
28-140mm
F1.8-2.8
12MP1/1.7"2013
Canon-PowerShot-G15 front thumbnailCanon G1528-140mm
F1.8-2.8
12MP1/1.7"2012
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
Canon-PowerShot-G12 front thumbnailCanon G12
G15 vs G12
28-140mm
F2.8-4.5
10MP1/1.7"2011
Canon-PowerShot-G11 front thumbnailCanon G11
G15 vs G11
28-140mm
F2.8-4.5
10MP1/1.7"2009

Canon G15 Pros and Cons

Below is a checklist of advantages and drawbacks of the Canon G15 based on factors that are oftentimes viewed as crucial in a digital camera.

better than average battery (350 CIPA)
built in zoom lens (28-140mm 5.0 x zoom)
fast at the long end (f2.8)
features face detect focus
features tracking focus
flash built-in
great max aperture (f1.8)
great min ISO (80)
high flash sync speed (1/2,000 seconds)
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
high resolution screen (922 thousand dots)
image stabilization (Optical)
includes HDMI out
manual focus
really wide (28mm)
saves RAW formats
screen size is decent (3 inches)
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
doesn't have phase detect auto focus
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
fixed screen
heavier than competition (352g)
low resolution sensor (12MP)
no headphone support
no mic support
no Time Lapse recording
sensor is small (1/1.7")
very slow continuous shooting (2.0 fps)
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Canon G15 Sensor specifications

The Canon G15 is powered by the Digic 5 chip. The size of the sensor on the Canon G15 is 7.44mm x 5.58mm (1/1.7"). The 42 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels at aspect ratios of 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Optical). In body stabilization is better than digital stabilization since the latter may lead to cropping.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 12MP and supports a standard ISO range of 80 to 12800. RAW photos are saved so the user has wider margin for error.

The graphic below illustrates the G15's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The G15 sensor comes with a crop factor of 4.8 and is presented in green.

Canon PowerShot G15 sensor size Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

To get an understanding of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon G15 dimensions

Canon G15 weighs in at 0.78 pounds (352 grams / 12.42 ounces) and the over all size of the camera is 107mm x 76mm x 40mm (4.2" x 3.0" x 1.6"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 grams and the Canon G15 is heavier compared with other competitors.

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Below is a pic of the Canon G15 alongside a soft drink so you're able to have a sense of its scale.

Canon PowerShot G15 dimensions scale

The top view here will highlight the button design on the G15.

Canon PowerShot G15 topview buttons dials

Canon G15 Lens specifications

The G15 offers a built in lens and a focal range of 28-140mm giving it a 5.0 x zoom which might not be ideal however it is likely to be convenient in certain cases.

At the widest 28mm, it provides an aperture of f1.8 making it wonderful in low light events and capturing a shallow depth of field. It would also make it easier to go with a lower ISO to produce better shots. With the tele end, 140mm comes with f2.8 which is quite decent and will let you maintain high shutter speeds.

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Canon G15 Connectivity

The G15 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity are able to be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to transfer files and at times alter settings without connecting straight to the camera.

Several applications even give a Liveview and click the shutter when you aren't near the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it can easily be hooked up to an external screen. Nearly all cameras will allow you to recharge the battery with the USB port.

Photography Glossary

Canon G15 Video specifications

The maximum video quality on the Canon G15 is 1920 x 1080 and it can capture in H.264 file format. 1080p quality is an excellent balance for video quality vs file sizes but FULL HD isn't going to give you much room to crop. The camera doesn't feature a mic and headphone socket so you get no control over your sound. It is perhaps best to look at another camera should you want decent sound in your videos.

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Canon G15 Weather Sealing

Canon G15 doesn't include weather sealing so damp conditions can easily damage the camera.

Canon G15 Screen and Viewfinder

The Canon G15 houses a 3 inch fixed screen boasting a resolution of 922 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the screen offers no touch support.

Canon PowerShot G15 screen and viewfinder Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

The ViewFinder specifications regarding Canon G15 are the following:

  • ViewFinder Optical (tunnel)

Viewfinders can be really helpful for bright outdoor conditions which will make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to view.

Canon G15 Shutter specifications

Canon G15 continuous shooting speed is 2.0 fps. The max shutter speed is 1/4000 sec.

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Canon G15 Flash and Hot shoe specifications

Canon G15 has got both built-in flash and also external flash ability. The max flash sync speed is 1/2000 sec.

Canon G15 Autofocus specifications

Canon G15 has got just Contrast Based AF and lacks Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection focusing is a lot faster & precise compared with Contrast Based focusing. The camera boasts Face detection which is valuable for people photography.

The AF system boasts 9 focus points to choose from. It also includes Tracking AF for moving things. Canon G15 boasts manual focusing in case it is needed for low light conditions or you require more accurate focusing control.

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Canon G15 Battery life

The battery (NB-10L) for the Canon G15 is made to last for 350 photos according to the CIPA specifications which is above average when compared to its category. The general Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 features the highest possible (470) battery life for this range of cameras.

Listed below is a number of Small Sensor Compact cameras which have the strongest battery life:

Canon G15 for specific types of photography

The following bar chart indicates a analysis of the Canon G15 for specific types of photography. To read more, have a look at the specific section below.

Portrait photography with Canon G15

The Canon G15 has a points tally of 48 which is average, meaning that it is fairly adequate for portrait photography. Photographing portraits favors heavily to sensor specs, support for RAW files & flexibility to use external flash.

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you can focus manually
high flash sync (1/2,000s)
comes with face detect focusing
saves RAW formats
sensor resolution not great (12MP)
sensor is tiny (1/1.7")

Canon G15 Street photography highlights

Having a moderate rating of 59, the Canon G15 is reasonably suitable to buy for street photography. A decent street photography camera comes with a perfect balance of picture quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
delivers RAW formats
screen does not articulate
tiny sensor (1/1.7")
more heavy than competition in class (352g)

Canon G15 as a Sports photography camera

A subpar sports photography score of 39 suggests the Canon G15 is not appropriate for taking photos of sports. A camera should have fantastic tracking and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
features tracking autofocus
better than average battery pack (350 CIPA)
slow frames per second (2.0 frames/s)
low MP (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (1/1.7")
has no phase detect auto focus

Canon G15 Travel photography information

Size is very important in buying a camera for travel. All things considered, the Canon G15 gets a above average 61 for a travelling camera which makes it a fine pick to purchase for your vacations.

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good battery power (350 shots)
flash built-in
pretty wide (28mm)
very good max aperture (f1.8)
missing Timelapse function
more heavy than competitors (352 grams)
low megapixels (12MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly

Canon G15 Landscape photography details

When you're planning to buy a camera for landscape photos, the most important aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Canon G15 and it's decent score of 55 as a landscape camera is somewhat adequate among its competitors.

Photography Glossary
you can focus manually
fairly wide (28mm)
great max aperture (f1.8)
screen size is good (3 inches)
image stabilization (Optical)
exports RAW formats
better than average battery power (350 shots)
can't change lens (fixed lens mount)
megapixel count low (12MP)
small sensor (1/1.7")
does not have Time Lapse function

Vlogging with Canon G15

A camera for vlogging should posses a articulating display, microphone input and if possible image stabilization. Considering all things, the Canon G15 is not appropriate as a vlog camera as it delivers a subpar score of 33.

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decently wide (28mm)
great maximum aperture (f1.8)
image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detection autofocus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
display is not selfie friendly
lack of external mic support
heavier than average in class (352 grams)

Canon G15 Alternatives

If you are interested in replacements to the G15, below is a list of the top ranked cameras that fall within the category of Small Sensor Compact.

The line chart followed below provides you a summary of the G15 versus it's top scoring rivals suggested previously.

Following are several cameras you may regard as alternatives. To read a complete comparison, visit the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Canon
Model type
Canon PowerShot G15
Type
Small Sensor Compact
Announced
2012-09-17
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor Chip
Digic 5
Sensor size
1/1.7"
Sensor dimensions
7.44 x 5.58mm
Sensor surface area
41.5mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW files
Highest native ISO
12800
Minimum native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points
9
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
28-140mm (5.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/1.8-2.8
Macro focusing distance
1cm
Focal length multiplier
4.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen size
3 inches
Screen resolution
922 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Screen technology
TFT PureColor II G LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Optical (tunnel)
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
46
DXO Color Depth rating
19.9
DXO Dynamic range rating
11.5
DXO Low light rating
165
Features
Slowest shutter speed
15 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
2.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
7.00 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Second Curtain
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize
1/2000 secs
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution
1920x1080
Video format
H.264
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
352 gr (0.78 lb)
Physical dimensions
107 x 76 x 40mm (4.2" x 3.0" x 1.6")
Other
Battery life
350 pictures
Type of battery
Battery Pack
Battery ID
NB-10L
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots
Single
Launch pricing
$499