Canon PowerShot G5The next generation of Canon's popular "G" model updates the line with a larger, 5.0-megapixel CCD.<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 08/18/2003 |
Video Out
The G5 has a video-out port
with a choice of NTSC timing format, for US and Japanese model televisions,
or PAL timing format for European televisions, which are selectable through
the Play menu. The video output can be used for reviewing previously recorded
images or running slide shows from the camera. It also shows all three LCD menu
screens, as well as the preview display from the LCD viewfinder. Combined with
the very flexible controls of the wireless remote transmitter, the live video
output display opens up interesting possibilities for portrait photography,
such as using a video monitor as a remote viewfinder.
The output cable is a true A/V cable, as it fans out into two RCA jacks, one
for video, and one for audio. Plugged into any video monitor (or TV with direct
video and audio inputs), the audio capabilities of the G5, combined with the
wireless remote control, should make it an effective portable presentation device.
Power
The G5 is powered by an internal BP-511 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, a LiIon design that packs quite a wallop (meaning long run times). The camera ships with one battery pack, as well as an AC adapter that doubles as an in-camera charger. A standalone charger is sold separately, as is a car AC adapter that plugs into any automobile cigarette lighter. A CR2016 lithium battery keeps the G5's internal clock going, and fits into a small compartment within the battery chamber.
Because the G5 relies on its LCD display for viewing and selecting some of its settings, it can be somewhat of a drain on the power supply. Fortunately, the camera has an automatic three-minute shutdown mode to help conserve battery power, and you can control power consumption by reducing the amount of information displayed on the LCD monitor, and keeping the autofocus mechanism in Single mode rather than Continuous mode.
That said, the G5 offers really excellent battery life, as shown here:
|
|
(mA @9.5v) |
(7.4 volt, 1100 mAh battery pack) |
| Capture Mode, w/LCD | | 162 |
| Capture Mode, no LCD | | 643 (10.7 hours) |
| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD | | 154 |
| Half-pressed w/o LCD | | 194 |
| Memory Write (transient) | | |
| Flash Recharge (transient) | | |
| Image Playback | | 312 (5.2 hours) |
I really like Canon's BP-511 batteries. While I generally prefer nonproprietary batteries (allowing many third-party solutions), the BP-511s hold a lot of charge.
Unfortunately, the proprietary external power connector of the G5 precludes use of an external battery pack for longer run times, but the BP-511's life is good enough that this probably won't be an issue for most users. Still, as always, I strongly recommend buying a second battery to have as a spare. (Murphy's law dictates that the battery in your camera will always run out just as the most interesting photos present themselves. Carry a spare and don't miss out!) Fortunately, there are now some third-party battery packs available to fit the G5, so it should be easier to find spare batteries in the marketplace. (Maha's Powerex MH-BP511 is actually rated at 1300 mAh, fully 200 mAh more than Canon's own BP-511.)
Included Software
The Canon PowerShot G5 comes with a software CD containing the latest versions of Canon's digital software, which provides a wealth of utilities. Compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems, the software package allows you to download images from the camera, process RAW data files, stitch together images shot in Stitch-Assist mode, set up images for printing, and operate the camera remotely from the computer. Also included is a second software CD loaded with ArcSoft Camera Suite 2.0, also for both PC and Macintosh formats. The suite includes PhotoStudio, for editing images, and VideoImpression, for editing movie files.
In the Box
|
Included in the box with the PowerShot G5 are the following items:
- Lens cap with strap.
- Neck strap.
- BP-511 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.
- AC adapter.
- Remote Control.
- 32MB CompactFlash Type I memory card.
- USB cable.
- AV cable.
- Software CDs.
- User Guide and registration kit.
Lost Images? - Download this image-recovery program so you'll have it when
you need it...
Since we're talking about memory and image storage, this would be a good time
to mention the following: I get a ton of email from readers who've lost photos
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card type and any camera manufacturer, nobody's immune. "Stuff happens,"
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with an inexpensive, easy to use piece of software though. Given the amount
of email I've gotten on the topic, I now include this paragraph in all my digicam
reviews. The program you need is called PhotoRescue, by DataRescue SA. Read
our review of it if you'd like, but download the program now,
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(Disclosure: IR gets a small commission from sales of the product, but I'd highly
recommend the program even if we didn't.) OK, now back to our regularly
scheduled review...
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