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Canon G16 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon G16

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 12800
    • 28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (tunnel) viewfinder
    • 12.0fps continuous shooting
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 356g. 109 x 76 x 40 mm
    • Replaced Canon G15
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon G16 Overview

    Launched in November 2013 , Canon PowerShot G16 is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 5.0x zoom 28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 lens. Canon replaced the older G15 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Canon PowerShot G16 vs Canon G15

    Canon G16 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon G16 is a member of Canon's Small Sensor Compact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Canon Small Sensor Compact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon S200
    Compare
    2014 10.0MP - 1/1.7' 2.0 fps 100 x 59 x 26mm 181g
    Canon N100
    Compare
    2014 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch fps 105 x 68 x 36mm 289g
    Canon S120
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 12.0 fps 100 x 59 x 29mm 217g
    Canon G16
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 12.0 fps 109 x 76 x 40mm 356g
    Canon N Facebook ready
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 2.0 fps 79 x 60 x 29mm 195g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Canon S200 vs N100 vs S120 vs G16 vs N Facebook ready


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Canon G16 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon G16 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Image Stabilization
    External Flash Shoe
    Full HD Video
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    12.800 Max ISO
    922k dots LCD Resolution
    1/4000s High Shutter Speed
    12.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Long Battery Life (360 shots)
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    Timelapse Recording
    Fast 1.80 Lens at Wide
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Tele
    240fps High Speed Video
    AE Bracketing
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon G16 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    No Touch Screen
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Heavy Body: 356
    No Environmental Sealing
    Poor Low Light image quality

    Report a correction


    Canon G16 Physical Specs
    Canon G16 weighs 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz) and has external dimensions of 109 x 76 x 40 mm (4.29 x 2.99 x 1.57″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Canon G16 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 40mm, it is not small either, 11mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon G16
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon G16
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Canon G16 with the dimensions:

    Canon G16 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon G16 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon G16, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon G16 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon G16 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Now let's compare Canon G16 size with the camera that it replaced: Canon G15.


    Canon G16 vs Canon G15 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Canon G16 and Canon G15 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon G16 with its main competitors:

    Canon G16 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs G16 Thickness vs G16
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G15
    Compare
    352g 4g lighter 40mm equal thickness
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G1 X
    Compare
    534g 178g heavier 65mm 25mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G12
    Compare
    401g 45g heavier 48mm 8mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G7 X MII
    Compare
    319g 37g lighter 42mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G7 X
    Compare
    304g 52g lighter 40mm equal thickness
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Nikon P7800
    Compare
    399g 43g heavier 50mm 10mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G1 X II
    Compare
    553g 197g heavier 66mm 26mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G7 X MIII
    Compare
    304g 52g lighter 41mm 1mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Canon G16 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon G16 Lens

    Canon G16 features a 28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 5× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and 140mm reach on tele gives a lot of flexibility and satisfy most of your needs.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    G16
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    G16
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    Providing a max aperture of f1.80 at 28mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end. Even better, having an aperture of f2.80 on tele end, this lens is exceptionally fast through out its range.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    G16
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    G16
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    G16 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon G16's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Canon G16 Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon G16 has a 12.0MP 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Digic 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. G16 has a native ISO range of 80 - 12800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon G16 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon G16 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Canon G16 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon G16 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 54 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon G16 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon G16's 1/1.7-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon G16 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon G16 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Canon G16 LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon G16 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 922k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Canon G16 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Canon PowerShot G16 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    G16 has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 80%. 80% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Canon G16 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Canon G16 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( Wireless LAN (IEEE802.11 b/g/n)) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our G16. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect G16 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Canon G16 Battery

    Canon G16 is powered by NB-10L battery which provides a battery life of 360 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, Canon G16 has a good battery life for its class.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

    Canon G16
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Canon G16 vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Canon G16 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G15
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 350shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G1 X
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 250shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G12
    Compare
    1280 x 720 370shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G7 X MII
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 265shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G7 X
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 210shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Nikon P7800
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 350shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G1 X II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 240shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot G16 Camera Canon G7 X MIII
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 235shots Yes Yes No

    Canon G16 Video Features

    With Canon G16, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60,30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon G16 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    High-Speed Video

    G16 features a high speed mode where it captures videos at 240fps which helps to create slow motion videos. If you shoot a video at a frame rate of 240fps and play it back at 24fps, the video will be 10x slower and longer than normal.

    G16 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Canon G16 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    Canon G16 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon G16 can shoot continuously at max speed of 12 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    G16 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Canon G16 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon G16 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    What type of Photography is Canon G16 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon G16 in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon G16 for Portrait Photography

    Canon G16 has a score of 54 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    External Flash Shoe
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Canon G16 for Portrait Photography

    Canon G16 for Street Photography

    Canon G16 has a score of 83 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon G16 for Street Photography

    Canon G16 for Sports Photography

    Canon G16 has a score of 38 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theG16.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    External Flash Shoe
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80
    RAW shooting capability
    140 mm Tele Lens
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Canon G16 for Sports Photography

    Canon G16 for Daily Photography

    Canon G16 has a score of 62 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    RAW shooting capability
    5.0X Optical Zoom
    356g
    Body Thickness 40mm
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon G16 for Daily Photography

    Canon G16 for Landscape Photography

    Canon G16 has a score of 36 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theG16.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon G16 for Landscape Photography
    Canon G16 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon G16 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon G16 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon G16

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon G16 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon G15
    Canon G15
    Compare
    Canon G1 X
    Canon G1 X
    Compare
    Canon G12
    Canon G12
    Compare
    Canon G7 X MII
    Canon G7 X MII
    Compare
    Canon G7 X
    Canon G7 X
    Compare
    Nikon P7800
    Nikon P7800
    Compare
    Canon G1 X II
    Canon G1 X II
    Compare
    Canon G7 X MIII
    Canon G7 X MIII
    Compare

    Canon G16 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon G16 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon G16's price range.

    Canon G16 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Canon G16 has an Overall Score of 61/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Canon PowerShot G16 is ranked #5 out of 630 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #286 out of 1239 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #286 out of 1239 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #5 out of 630 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #3 out of 262 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Compact Cameras
    #11 out of 739 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #509 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(356g)
    #79 out of 916 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon G16
    Does the Canon G16 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon G16 have RAW support?
    Does the Canon G16 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon G16 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon G16?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon G16?
    is the Canon G16 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon G16 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon G16 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon G16?
    What is the Weight of Canon G16?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon G16?
    Canon PowerShot G16 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot G16
    Announced 2013-11-25
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28-140 mm (5×)
    Max Aperture F1.8-2.8
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT PureColor II G LCD
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 922k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (tunnel)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 80%
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 12.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 7.00 m
    Max Flash Sync 1/2000s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Second Curtain
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 54
    DxO Color Depth 21.0
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.7
    DxO Low Light ISO 230
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/1.7-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 7.44 x 5.58 mm
    Sensor Area 41.52mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000
    Max Native ISO 12,800
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 or 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 356g
    Physical Dimensions 109 x 76 x 40mm
    Battery Life 360 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NB-10L
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Optional
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


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