The Canon G Series has been popular ever since it’s inception with serious photographers looking for a capable, high-end compact camera. The rangefinder styling, variety of external controls, swivel screen, and large(-ish) sensor with good image quality have defined the series. But now we have a new kid on the block: the Nikon P7000. Nikon has been lacking a clear challenger to Canon’s G series over the years, although the P5000/6000 came close. But this new model adresses Canon clear and square, and indeed almost looks just like the G series. Now with the release of the Canon G12, we have two models going head to head (along with the Panasonic LX-5) for the same slice of the enthusiast market. Let’s take a closer look…
Head to Head
Lens: Canon’s 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 vs Nikon’s 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 - Nikon’s range wins here, but will it provide high quality sharp results at the end of the zoom?
Sensor: Both cameras feature a 10mp 1/1.7″ CCD sensor. We think it was a wise move to limit the camera’s resolution. If only DSLRs could do the same…
LCD Screen: Nikon’s 3″ 920k pixel screen is sure to outdo Canon’s 2.8″ 460k screen. Although Canon gets the nod for having an articulated swivel screen.
ISO range: Canon’s 80-3200 vs Nikon’s 100-6400 – Nikon’s inclusion of ISO 6400 makes a bold statement about this camera’s noise performance.
EV Range: Canon does +/-2 while Nikon does +/-3 – It’s always nice to have more parameter options, especially with exposure compensation.
Video: Both cameras feature 720p HD video, but neither of them have 1080p. Nikon has a mic jack for external recording, whereas Canon does not.
Controls: Both cameras feature plenty of external control, but only the Canon has a dedicated ISO control dial.
Other: We’re not sure who uses these, but the Nikon features and Electronic Virtual Horizon. Otherwise the grid lines work fine for us.
The final word
Obviously we are going on specs alone, and have no gauge to measure image quality yet, but the Nikon P7000 has a compelling feature set that’s hard to ignore. It outspecs the G12 in many areas, but if you can’t live without a swivel screen, then you know what to do. With Nikon’s recent track record in the image quality department, we have high expectations of this camera and expect it to take the top spot among the high-end compact market.
More Reviews
DPReview has a comparative review of the Nikon P7000, Canon S95, and Panasonic LX-5.
High-end compact shootout by Pocket Lint has a very in-depth comparison.
DPReview has a nice comparison page of the Canon G12, Nikon P7000, and Panasonic LX-5.
I’ve seen IQ tests of these two cameras side by side. IMHO, the Canon renders color better. I like the stats of the NIkon but to me IQ is ALWAYS the #1 most important aspect of a “serious use” camera. I have a few “toy” 3D cameras and don’t expect Leica glass quality but in a camera costing $500 I expect the best image quality results I can get. That said I’ve been using a Canon G10 for three years and the limitations of the camera have made me realize it is time for me to move up to a full-frame DSLR. Hey Nikon: where is my D700 “X”?
Here’s what you need to know about color rendition.
I was comparing lens focal length with my friend, when I find out that there is not much difference between 300mm and 400mm, during direct comparison my friend also said that the color rendered by his 500D is much better than my D80. At a glance his picture looked better but apparently I realize that it’s a auto white balance problem, where most Canon cameras tend to render warmer colors. YES warm colors are dramatic sometimes, but for me, I prefer Nikon’s accurate color rendition; I never think ‘dramatic’ yellow photographs are “better”.. you can set to have warmer colors in Nikon, anyway.
the phrase “Canon renders color better” have been a myth for years so I can understand why more people keep saying that. When it comes to direct comparison, with both products set to their most optimized settings, people just can’t see the difference.
I too always think that IQ is #1 most important aspect, but almost no one can differentiate the IQ of those both excellent camera makers.
[...] Canon G12 vs Nikon P7000 – 4,847 views [...]
I stand by my statement. I saw a side-by-side comparison of the two. The Nikon P7000 is the best p&s they have ever made. I have also held both of these in my hands. The G12 feels solid. The Nikon feels plastic-y, but the controls on the G12 feel a little cheap too. I like the extra zoom range of the Nikon, I like the way the G12 renders color better. That said, there probably won’t be a “G13″ because of superstition (and mirrorless cameras) and the Nikon P8000 – or whatever they are going to call it – will probably be better than the Canon as these guys are always playing “leapfrog” with each other. That, and I have outgrown this class of camera anyway. So where’s my D700 “X” anyway?
I tested both cameras, and the Canon G12 has a slight edge over the Nikon P7000 http://www.pixiq.com/article/review
Hi Peter, in what way would you give it the edge?
As discussed in my Review at http://www.pixiq.com/article/review
Slightly better quality at ISO 1600
Tiilt/swivel LCD screen
At default (without any overrides) Canon G12′s JPEGs are gorgeous! (You can get the same effect with the P7000 by changing menu items, but many people just shoot at the default settings)
But I love the P7000′s longer zoom lens. P.
By far the best waterproof cameras are Canon. For the widest selection of Canon waterproof housing cases and cameras, be sure to check out canon-waterproof.com. Happy diving!
No one pays me for promotion so don’t recommend any brand to anyone. Just play with it and get the one you like best.
Having said that, I have used and seen both. At this moment I’ve ordered a G12 that I might receive next week however, might sell it couple of months later in order to get a P7000 or LX-5.
Hi Quazi, what makes you think you’d sell it in a few months? Most Canon G12 owners seem very happy with the camera. Althought LX-5 users also do
As I said, no brand loyalty. If I find it unable to meet my demand; just offload it and get the one that does.
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