I wanted a camera smaller than, but just as capable as, my full-size DSLR. I wanted a camera with a remote and I wanted a camera with a composite video AV output. The G5 has it all and then some. The remote. Most point and shoot cameras do not have a remote shutter release. The G5 uses a remote that not only fires the shutter but operates the zoom and moves the focus point of the camera. In setting up the camera you can have the remote engage a 2 or 10 second delay ...or no delay ...before the shutter fires. The delay is nice. Since the remote uses IR signals, and the receptor on the camera is on its front, you must be in front of the camera to fire the shutter with the remote. The delay gives you time to get out of the picture if your not doing a "selfie" or "groupie". The composite AV output. This is also nice. Very few, if any, modern cameras have this feature any more …unless it's a high end DSLR. What this AV output allows you to do is view what the camera sees on a separate monitor or television with a composite video input. I intend to use this camera tripod mounted for close-up detail pictures (like selling items on eBay). Being able to see on a monitor the picture composition makes life immensely easier than trying to peer thru the view finder or look at the tiny 1"h x 1.5"w LCD screen. The color image from the AV output is lousy but I'm more concerned with seeing the composition. And then there's the rest. This camera is essentially a digital version of a very nice 35mm rangefinder camera. The camera has some heft to it and is as solid as its brick-like appearance. The handgrip and ergonomics of the G5 are good; I have smaller hands and the the G5 fits my grip well. Like all full-size Canons, the G5 uses Compact Flash cards. The zoom lens has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 35 to 140mm ...a nice useable range. The lens has a macro feature allowing focus down to 2 inches. The G5 has a wealth of features found on most mid-grade DSLR's. In fact, in its day, the G5 was Canon's top of the line non-DSLR camera priced in the $300 to $400 range. There is plenty of information written about it online; reviews, features and limitations. The more practiced photographer will appreciate the feature menu on this camera. This G5 is about 10 years old, the main sensor (5.0MP CCD) has developed quite a lot of stuck pixels ...most noticeable at longer exposures ...and a common malady of digital cameras in general. The G5 can be sent to Canon factory service for a "remapping" of the CCD which blanks the effects of the stuck pixels. I just use Aperture3 to "fix" them out of existence. Picture quality is very nice ...maybe a little soft but that may be a function of it's age. Visual noise creeps in at ISO's above 200. The tiny LCD is a joke by comparison to the fairly large units on even the smallest of today's P&S cameras. However, the LCD is moveable; it'll swing out from the camera body and tilt/rotate and even face forward. And for the traditionalist, there's the "rangefinder". Given the cost of the G5 today you can get a very capable digital "rangefinder" type camera for a very easy price. As with any digital camera, especially an old one, stuck pixels are always an issue. Some cameras are better than others ...it's just a crap shoot. If you're looking for a full-featured second or standby camera and you don't want to spend a lot of money, consider the G5 in your searchRead full review
Pros: Vari angle LCD, vewfinder w/ diopeter control, 2 custom modes, manual mode, hot shoe mount, data screen, Accessory lens adapter compatible, Remote control compatible. Cons: small flash unit, bad video (max 320 x 240), no super macro (like another camera I own), small viewfinder, 4X zoom (VS 20X on my other camera). Things that don't matter: takes BP-511 batteries, uses Compact Flash cards. Overall rating 4 of 5 stars. The reason I purchased this camera was: it was cheap ($55), I needed a backup camera.
This is easy to use in the automatic mode . Auto focus works great. The manual settings anr wonderful also. Read the owners manual to get the full benifits of the camera. This camera can produce professional level photographs when use right.
Extremely high quality. Many functions. Built like a tank. Only 5 MP but lens quality and sensor so good - excellent quality photos. Almost in a class by itself. So much quality for current eBay selling price. Liked it so well I bought 5 of them, all used off eBay. Don't need 5. Just enjoy them. All work perfectly. All show very limited use. I love everything about the Canon G5 !!
I have bought this camera because it is plenty of resources, even it is 10 years old. I can choose if I shoot photos totally automatic, or some kind of scenes (paisage or portrait), velocity priority, aperture priority, or totally manual. The sensor is a bit greater than the basic point-and-shoot cameras. The camera is a bit greater than the basic point-and-shoot cameras, but it is far lesser than a DSLR camera. And the price I have found out it on Ebay was a true bargain.
Tiny screen by todays standards. Interesting camera though. I have always owned Canon cameras because the way they are set up seems to make logical sense. These can be purchased on Ebay cheap cheap, like under $30 and they are fun to goof around with. This is one VERY rugged camera, but heavy compared to new ones
Great camera for low cost. 1. All the settings as in DSLR available 2. Good sensor (5Mp=lower noise then new cameras) 3. Raw format available for photoshop masters 4. Good lens 5. JPEG photos also very good to those who want to shot and print. 6. Good argonomics. The new analog of the camera (even with restrictions) costs 300$+.
Outside of the small LCD screen the camera fits my needs well. Has it's obvious limitations but sceptical quality for the price. I bought one brand new in 2004 for $500 and was happy then.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
G5 is good valued camera in the powershot series. Although it might seem heavier and 'out of date' respect of other cameras in the canon powershot G series, consider that has features like the vari-angle LCD and RAW shooting that other cameras in the series do not have.
A great value, easy to use!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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