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Unlike most pseudo-Dslrs that offer a smaller chassis, the Canon PowerShot G11 is as large as one of the big boys. Color task is approved black though with abundance of space for a comfortable grip while the non-interchangeable lens slides in and out. Asides from a large optic viewfinder, the camera utilizes large control dials much like a typical Dslr.

Using a 10Mp Ccd sensor and Canon's ownership Digic 4 image processor, the Canon PowerShot G11 offers a good whole of power for just a prosumer pseudo-Dslr. With 4x digital zoom and a 35mm equivalent focal length of 28 - 140 mm the camera is more of an up close and personal camera than a long-range one. Since the lens doesn't have much of a wide range individual objects are probably good shot subjects than group shots. Most of the specs and features on the camera are automated but since it is prosumer targeted, all of these functions can be accessed and tweaked on the fly. The camera takes still images in Raw, Jpeg and Raw+Jpeg file formats along with digital video at 640 x 480 and 320 x 480 resolutions for 30 frames per second H.264 video files.

Features for the Canon PowerShot G11 comprise an optic image stabilizer, Iso 80 - Iso 3200 light sensitivity and varied shooting modes with practice presets. A max shutter speed of 1/4000 of second offers very quick snapshots, while the minimum shutter speed of 15 seconds gives you abundance of range to experiment with. The camera has the usual white balance modes and metering modes but offers other excellent features like an articulated Lcd viewfinder for shots you don't undoubtedly need to see, an integrated neutral-density filter, Af area size adjustment, a hot shoe, exposure lock, withhold for Raw files and a bayonet adapter mount for add-on lenses. The camera supports Mmc and Sd memory cards.

Performance on the Canon PowerShot G11 is great, especially if you're animated down from a Dslr. With the quality to go to first shot in 2 seconds the camera is a bit slower than its predecessor, but a quick 0.4 second focus that works well in animated light makes up for it. A shot to shot time of 2.5 seconds to 2.9 seconds makes for a rather deliberate formula of taking pictures but it's all the time good than flailing away without any notion to actual composition. Image quality is great with softening of features only happening at Iso 400 and above.

Overall, the Canon PowerShot G11 is an excellent prosumer digital camera with a large comfortable grip and easy dial-based controls. Those finding for a step down from their clunky Dslr's will particularly enjoy this camera without having to cut the same power and features of a approved Dslr. Any way its huge highlight list does make it a bit intimidating for the beginner user, so its probably not the best step up from an entry-level user.