Canon PowerShot G2 User manual

1. Development Background
1-1 Development Objectives --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-1
1-2 Product Concept ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-1
1-3 Design Concepts------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-4
2. Features
2-1 High Image Quality --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-6
2-2 Full Features ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-8
2-3 Operation Ease--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-12
2-4 System Accessories --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-12
2-5 Application Software ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-13
3. Exterior
3-1 Exterior Photos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-16
3-2 6-dimensional diagram --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-17
3-3 Nomenclature ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-18
3-4 UI display -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-19
4. Specifications
4-1 Camera Specifications -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-23
4-2 System Requirement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-29
4-3 Accessory Specification ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-30
5. System
5-1 Accessories compatibility -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-31
5-2 System Diagram ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-33
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
OF PRODUCT
CONTENTS

1-1
1 Development Background
1-1 Development Objectives
Following the development of CCDs with a total of 3.34 million pixels, last year (the year 2000), digital
cameras equipped with such CCDs were introduced by many manufacturers.In the midst of this development,
Canon came to market with the PowerShot G1, a departure from the flat-profile and ultra-compact models
that have been Canon’s specialty. The PowerShot G1 incorporates specifications that meet the needs both of
advanced amateurs such as SLR camera users who demand high image quality, and of business users who
place an emphasis on reliability.
However, in the fall of 2001, 1/1.8-inch CCDs with over four million total pixels will become available. It is
vital that Canon introduce an enhanced version of the PowerShot G1 equipped with this new type of CCD for
both amateur and business applications.
Compared with the products available in the spring of 2001, Canon’s digital cameras in the 1.3 million to 2
million pixel class, incorporating a new imaging engine, primary color filters, and direct print support, represent
clear advancements in the field. In terms of image quality and performance, they are the top of the class in the
industry.
Given this background, Canon is initiating development of the PowerShot G2 digital camera with the aim of
preserving the basic concepts and assets of the PowerShot G1 while also providing the best image quality and
the latest functions for advanced amateurs and commercial users, including a 4M-pixel CCD (the most pixels
in the compact camera class), a new imaging engine, primary color filters, three light metering modes, direct
print support, color effect modes, and continuous rapid shooting capability.
1-2 Product Concept
By equipping the PowerShot G2 with a 4 million pixel CCD (the most pixels in any compact digital camera in
the year 2001), using primary color filters and functionally enhancing, the PowerShot G2 will be at the top of
its class in terms of image quality and functionality. We have also reworked the design to produce a more
refined appearance.
As a successor to the PowerShot G1, the product concept for the G2 is to provide a product that, as the most
sophisticated model in the PowerShot Series, satisfies advanced amateur and semiprofessional photographers
in five main areas: high image quality, range of features, ease of operation, system accessories, and application
software.
In addition, by creating a series of Canon with the maximum number of pixels, we are able to maintain
continuity of our product line.
→→
→→
→
PowerShot G1
PowerShot G2
+
-4-millionpixelCCD
- Primary color filters
- Color effect mode
- AF with ranging point selection
- 11x zoom
- Three light metering modes (selectable)
- Two continuous shooting modes
- Two movie sizes
- Direct print
- Playback histogram display
- Macro-Ring Light support etc.

1-2
Full Featurs
High Image Quality
N- High-resolution, 1/1.8-inch CCD with 3.95 million (4M) effective pixels (4.13 million pixels in total)
N- Primary color filters for excellent color reproduction
- High-resolution 3x zoom lens
- Wide range of ISO-equivalent settings (Auto/ISO 50/100/200/400 equivalent)
N- High-precision white balance with six preset positions and manual white balance
- RAW mode recording
N- Fast and precision processing using a dedicated new digital signal processing IC
- Manual settings (aperture-priority AE, shutter speed-priority AE, manual focus*, manual exposure,
flash compensation, exposure compensation)
* The manual focus function is now easier to use.
N- Color effect positions (Vivid color, Neutral color, Sepia, black & white) selectable as photographic
modes
N- Movie recording and playback with sound (the number of pixels used for recording can be selected
as either of two formats: QVGA or Q2VGA)
N- AF modes that permit switching the ranging points (three points, available with continuous AF and
single AF)
N- Digital zoom function with continuously changing viewing angle (approximately 11x when used in
combination with optical zoom)
N- AE lock/FE lock (The combination of shutter speed and numeric aperture can be changed after AE
is locked.)
N- Evaluation metering, center-weighted averaging metering and spot metering (AF frame linked/center
fixed)
N- “High speed” (2.5 images/sec) or “normal” (1.5 images/sec) select able as continuous shooting
modes
- Built-in flash with five different types of control
- Macro photography at ranges between 6cm at the wide-angle end and 20cm at the telephoto end
- AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) function
N- Provide recording pixels of 4 size
- Self-timer photography
N- Direct print function when connected to the Card Photo Printer CP-10 (cropping possible)
N- Histogram display of playback image
N- Enlarged playback (approximately 3x/6x)
- Remote operation by wireless controller
N : Indicates a feature that is new in the PowerShot G2, or has been improved since the PowerShot G1 .

1-3
System Accessory
Application Software
Operation Ease
- Vari-angle LCD monitor
- User interface that makes the many functions easy to use (directional button, 2-step stacked mode
dials, large display panel)
- Immediate switching between picture taking and playback
- Video output system (PAL/NTSC) can be switched by user
- Optical viewfinder with adjustable diopter
- Shutter click sound similar to that of a film-based camera
- (New) digital signal processing IC + buffer memory for stress-free operation
N- Large capacity lithium ion rechargeable battery (In addition to the BP-511, the BP-512, which has a
different shape, can also be used.)
- Fast forward playback
- Complies with the CF Type II standard, allowing use of high-capacity storage media
N- Grip molded into body of camera and a strap attached to the camera at both ends allow user to hold
camera securely
- Wide converter lens, teleconverter lens, and close-up lens
N- Compatible with EX series Speedlites for EOS cameras (Also permits use of Macro-Ring Light.)
- ZoomBrowser EX 2.8 (Win)/ImageBrowser 1.8 (Mac) featuring improved ease of operation
- Photorecord 1.2 (Win) for easy layout and printing of many pictures
- PhotoStitch 3.1 for creating panoramic pictures with precision
N- RemoteCapture 2.0 for remote picture-taking through a PC (permits display of the Finder screen
on the PC)
N- RAW Image Converter 1.1 for processing RAW images
N- USB Mounter 1.0 (Macintosh) that allows the system to handle the camera as a card reader
- Proven third-party software
Adobe Photoshop LE (for processing/editing images)
Apple QuickTime 5.0 (for creating movies/QVTR files)
N : Indicates a feature that is new in the PowerShot G2, or has been improved since the PowerShot G1 .

1-4
1-3 Design Concepts
lTwo styling images: “cold” and “flexible”
The front of the camera presents a large curved surface under tension, with metallic machined parts used in
the front edge of the lens cylinder to present an impression of excellent image quality. The overall effect
creates a “cold” image that expresses a feeling of high quality.
Conversely, the rear of the camera, where the operation controls are located, presents an organic continuation
of the flexible curved surface, absorbing protrusions and depressions in the surface while improving the grip of
the camera and its ease of operation. Unlike the front of the camera, the curved surface that forms the rear of
the camera is expressive, producing a molded contrast.
lImproved holding
The camera body incorporates a grip of the ideal size and shape while not making the camera any less
portable.
lImproved portability
The newly developed wide strap (with an anti-slip surface) is now attached to the camera at both ends. The
portability of the camera when a wide converter lens or external flash is mounted on the camera has also been
improved.
lLow-contrast metallic colors
In conjunction with the two styling images described above, a fresh image is also produced by using the
followingcolors:
Front and top cover : Champagne gold metallic color for a luxurious feel
Rear cover, LCD monitor, and grip : Titanium gray metalliccolor

Main specifications’ comparison of PowerShot G2 and PowerShot G1
PowerShot G2 PowerShot G1
Image sensor 3.95M pixels
(
effective
)
1/1.8" CCD
(
total : 4.13M pixels
)
3.34M pixels (total) 1/1.8" CCD
Color filter Primary (Bayer) comprementary
Lens (35mm film equivalent) 34 - 102mm (34 - 102mm) f/2.0 - 2.5
Optical zoom 3×
Digital zoom 3.6×Di
g
ital Teleconverter
(
2×/4×
)
Optical finder Real image type
LCD monitor 1.8"Low-temp.type p-si TFT color
Auto focus Selectable of focussing points (3), TTL-AiAF (Selectable of single/continuous) 1 focussing point, TTL-AF (Selectable of single/continuous)
Focusing range(normal) 70cm - ∞
Focusing range(macro) W 6 - 70cm
(from lens tip) T 20 - 70cm
Shutter type Mechanical+Electoronic
Shutter speed 15 - 1/1000 sec.
Light metering method Evaluation / Center-weighted averaging / Spot Center-weighted averaging / Spot
Exposure control method Program AE / Shutter speed-priority AE / Aperture-priority AE / Manual
Exposure compensation +/- 2.0EV (at every 1/3-stop)
ISO speed (equivalent) ISO50 - 400 equivalent
W0.7-4.5m
T0.7-3.6m
White balance Auto + Preset (6 position) + Manual Auto + Preset (5 position) + Manual
Shooting mode Auto / Creative /Program (additional of "Color effects") (not equip "Color effects")
Continuous shooting mode High speed / Normal Normal
Recording medea CF card
Image recording format DCF (DPOF)
Quality
(
SF/F/N
)
×
(
L/M1/M2/S
)
+ RAW
(
13 combinations
)(
SF/F/N
)
×
(
L/M/S
)
+RAW
(
10 combinations
)
L2272×1704 2048×1536
M1 1600×1200
M2 1024×768
S640×480
Direct print ×
Interface USB / Video-Audio output USB / RS-232C / Video-Audio output
Power suplly Li-ion battery (BP-511/BP-512) / AC adapter Li-ion battery (BP-511) / AC adapter
Dimensions
(
W×H×D
(
mm
))
120.9×76.6×63.8 119.7×76.8×63.8
Weight(camera only) Approx..425g Approx.420g
1024×768Number of recording pixels
Flash range
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1-5

1-6
2 Features
2-1 High Image Quality
lHigh-resolution, 1/1.8-inch CCD with 3.95 million (4M) effective pixels (4.13 million total pixels)
=> Refer to page 1-15.
The PowerShot G2 will be equipped with a 1/1.8-inch CCD with 3.95 million (4M) effective pixels (4.13
million total pixels) to be released this fall, giving it the greatest number of pixels in the compact camera class.
This CCD is identical in size to its predecessors with 3.34 million (total) pixels, but is able to accommodate
4.13 million (total) pixels because the individual pixel size (cell size) has been reduced from 3.45[micron]m to
3.125[micron]m.
Table 2-1* shows the calculated resolution for each print size, given that the PowerShot G2 will use 2272 x
1704 recording pixels in large mode. As a result, postcard size will, as an example, produce a print with a
resolution of 6.3 lp/mm, which is close to the limits of visual acuity in humans. Even large (A4) size will
produce a print with a practical resolution of 3.7 lp/mm.
* The resolutions indicated are derived from the number of pixels in the CCD; in actual practice, these resolutions
will be affected by the printer resolution.
lPrimary color filters with excellent color reproduction
As in the IXY DIGITAL 300/200 and the PowerShot A20/A10, primary color-type filters have been adopted
for the PowerShot G2 as the CCD on-chip filters for colorization.
With the primary color-type filters, filters for the
three colors (R, G, and B) are positioned on the
CCD in a regular pattern. Although this type of filter
offers excellent color reproduction, the principles
behind it result in inferior performance in terms of
resolution and the illumination S/N ratio as compared
to complementary color-type (Cy, Mg, Ye, G) filters.
In order to address this shortcoming in regards to
resolution, signal processing based on a newly
developed algorithm that has been implemented in
the new imaging engine results in a reduced noise
component, which effectively results in higher resolution.
In regards to the illumination S/N ratio, improvements were made to the filters in order to increase the
efficiency with which light is used, resulting in an illumination S/N ratio that is on a par with complementary
color-type filters while still maintaining excellent color reproduction characteristics.
Table 2-1 Print Sizes and Resolutions Produced by PS G2 (Calculated Values)
Fig. 2-1 Color Filter Color Arrangement
Complementary color type
Primary color type
Postcard size
(148mm x 100mm)
Service (E) size Card size
(86mm x 54mm)
6.3 lp/mm 10.8 lp/mm
7.8 lp/mm
Cabinet size
(165mm x 120mm)
Large (A4) size
(254mm x 203mm)
5.6 lp/mm3.7 lp/mm
(120mm x 82mm)

1-7
lHigh-precision white balance with six preset positions and manual white balance
In the PowerShot G2, the screen is divided into tens of thousands of blocks. White balance data is gathered
from each of the blocks, then white balance adjustment is performed on each block, allowing for extremely
precise control.
In addition, we have sub-divided the five white balance preset positions that were used in the PowerShot G1
and the PowerShot Pro90 IS (for sunny, cloudy, incandescent lighting, fluorescent lighting, and flash lighting
conditions), splitting the fluorescent category into two positions: “fluorescent” and “fluorescent H,” resulting
in a total of six positions.
Recently, the colors produced by fluorescent lighting have become more diverse, with some producing high
color temperatures and some producing low color temperatures. Therefore, the fluorescent position can now
be used for lighting with a comparatively low color temperature, such as “white” or “daylight white,” while
the fluorescent H position can be used for lighting with a comparatively high color temperature, such as
“daylight.” If lighting is provided by fluorescent lights that are designed to mimic incandescent light, set the
white balance to the incandescent lighting position.
Furthermore, the PowerShot G2 also provides a manual white balance function just as in the PowerShot G1.
To use this function, which is similar to a manual white balance function in a camcorder, first shoot an object
that represents the reference white color (usually a piece of white paper) under the same conditions (light
source) in which you will be taking pictures. The camera then stores that data in the camera for use with the
white balance function. This function is useful when taking pictures under conditions where the auto white
balance function and preset white balance positions do not yield the desired white balance, such as when
shooting pictures with illumination from an unusual light source or from a mixture of different light sources.
This data is saved even when the camera is turned off, and can be updated by repeating the manual white
balance setting operation.
lHighly detailed and fast processing using a dedicated digital signal processing IC.
The PowerShot G2 utilizes the “Digital signal processing IC” that was adopted in the IXY DIGITAL 300 and
the PowerShot A20/10. This is a more advanced version of the proprietary system LSI “Digital signal pro-
cessing IC” that was used in the PowerShot S Series and the EOS-D30.
The new imaging engine boosts the speed of the system as a whole, and offers enhanced functionality. The
result is that the system is capable of quickly performing the complex signal processing that is required (for
example) to improve the resolution of the primary color filters.
The primary enhancements are listed below:
-Implementation of newly developed signal processing algorithms suited to the primary color filters
-Faster signal processing (speed improved approximately by a factor of two)
-Faster JPEG encoding and decoding processing (speed improved approximately by a factor of two)
-Improved image quality from fast resizing circuit
-Faster CF interface circuit (speed improved approximately
by a factor of two)
-Improved image quality from thumbnail generation circuit
-Improved LCD image quality due to modifications made
to the LCD driver circuit
-Reduced power consumption
-Reduced footprint and lower cost
Table 2-2 Types of Fluorescent Light and White Balance Preset Positions
Camera
block
digital signal
processing IC
Program
ROM
CPU
LCD
CF
Syncronous
DRAM
USB
VIDEO
AUDIO
Fig. 2-2. Block Diagram
White Balance
Preset Position
Three-wavelength type fluorescent light designed to mimic incandescent light Incandescent
Daylight white fluorescent light, white fluorescent light,
daylight white three-wavelength type fluorescent light
Daylight fluorescent light, daylight three-wavelength type fluorescent light Fluorescent H
Types of Fluorescent Light
Fluorescent

1-8
2-2 Full Features
lManual settings (aperture-priority AE, shutter speed-priority AE, manual focus*, manual expo-
sure, flash compensation, exposure compensation)
The PowerShot G2 includes several manual setting functions similar to those in the PowerShot G1. The
manual focus function in particular has been made easier to use by displaying a distance guide in the MF
indicator on the LCD monitor, and by enlarging the center of the image (centered on the AF frame, when the
AF frame is selected) while the manual focus function is being used.
In addition, the auto flash mode and the auto red-eye reduction mode are now available when selecting a
program.
lColor effect positions (Vivid color, Neutral color, Sepia, Black & White) settable as picture-taking modes
Continuing in the tradition of the PowerShot G1, the PowerShot G2 offers not only “auto” as a picture-taking
mode, but also the “creative zone” and the “image zone”. Furthermore, the “image zone” includes a new
offering, “color effect positions (vivid color, neutral color, sepia, black & white).” Table 2-3 describes each
setting and its effect.
lMovie recording and playback with sound (The number of pixels used for recording can be se-
lected by selecting one of two formats: QVGA or Q2VGA)
The PowerShot G2 is capable of shooting 15 frames of an image per second as a movie, with audio. The
number of pixels recorded in each frame depends on the format: QVGA (320 x 240) and Q2VGA (160 x 120).
The recording duration is 30 seconds with QVGA and 120 seconds with Q2VGA. When shooting a movie in
this fashion, the values for the focus, exposure, WB, and zoom position that are in effect at the beginning of
shooting are used until shooting ends. The recording time is also displayed on the LCD monitor while the
movie is being shot.
The movie is stored in an AVI file, with the image data stored in Motion JPEG format and the audio stored in
WAVE format (monaural). Due to limitations on the number of CCD pixels, the ability to record movies in
VGA size, a capability that was implemented in the IXY DIGITAL 300/200, is not implemented in the PowerShot
G2.
* If the amount of free CF capacity is less that the buffer capacity, recording continues for the length of time
determined by the free CF capacity.
* After the buffer becomes full, data is written to the CF. It is not possible to shoot the next image while data is being
recorded in the CF.
lAF modes that permit switching the ranging points (three points) (continuous AF, single AF)
As in the PowerShot G1, the PowerShot G2 permits switching of the AF mode between “continuous” and
“single.” The user can select either, depending on the application at hand.
In regards to the AF ranging points, it is now possible to select either the conventional single center point, or
to select three points. If three points are selected, then regardless of whether continuous AF or single AF is
selected, the user can select the distance ranging point from among these three points in accordance with the
composition of the image that is being shot. This capability eliminates the need, when the subject is not in the
center of the image, to first bring the subject into focus at the center of the image and then reframe the shot.
* This is not the same as the 3-point ranging AiAF that is used in the IXY DIGITAL Series
Table 2-3 Descriptions and Effects of Color Effect Positions
Table 2-4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of AF (Ranging Points)
Color Effec
t
Description Effec
t
Vivid color Emphasizes contrast and color intensity Produces a vivid and sharply-defined image
Neutral color Reduces contrast and color intensit
y
Produces a subdued, plain image
Sepia Adds sepia toning to the color information Creates an old-fashioned appearance
Black & White Sets the color gain to "0," producing a black & white image Produces a binaryimage with sharp contrast; used for text
Type Adv antages Disadv antages
1-point AF Shooting a picture is easy Subject w ill not be in focus if not in the center of the image
3-point AiAF Subject w ill be in focus, ev en if not in the center of the image The camera could focus on an object other than the subject
Selectable ranging point AF Subject w ill be in focus, ev en if not in the center of the image It is necessary to select the distance ranging frame

1-9
lDigital zoom function with continuously changing angle of view (approximately 11x when used
in combination with the optical zoom)
Similar to the IXY DIGITAL 300/200 and the PowerShot A20/A10, the PowerShot G2 is equipped with a
digital zoom feature. When using digital zoom, the lens moves all of the way to the telephoto end, the camera
then enters the digital zoom range, in which the lens remains as it is but the CCD’s reading area is slowly
reduced towards the center. This produces an effect that is equivalent to zooming. Unlike the digital teleconverter
mode that was used in the PowerShot G1, this method does not produce a sudden sharp drop in image quality
(see Fig. 2-3), and permits zooming up to a maximum of approximately 11x (362mm:35mm film equivalent).
In addition, because it is essential that the image zoom in smoothly on the LCD monitor when using the digital
zoom feature, there are several dozen image fetch positions between 102mm through 362mm (35mm film
equivalent) for the monitor display. In light of practical considerations, there are six positions, including both
end positions, at which zooming can actually stop.
Performing this type of processing within the camera requires time to resize the image for display, etc.
Therefore, one disadvantage is that the zoom operation becomes slower after the transition is made from the
optical zoom region to the digital zoom region. In the PowerShot G2, however, the functions provided by the
new imaging engine allow digital zoom and optical zoom to be performed at equivalent zoom speeds, so that
there is no difference that is noticeable in actual use.
lAE lock/FE lock (The combination of shutter speed and numeric aperture can be changed after
AE is locked.)
The PowerShot G2 permits AE lock/FE lock in the same manner as in the PowerShot G1. Furthermore, in the
program, shutter speed-priority, and aperture-priority modes, once AE has been locked, the combination of
shutter speed and numeric aperture can be changed while retaining the same EV value*.
This capability provides the photographer with the means to freely control the depth of field and feelings of
motion.
*EV = TV + AV
Table 2-5 Focal length and capturing pixels
of digital zoom
Fig. 2-3 Relation between Digital zoom and imade Quality
Magnification
(Optical×Digital）
Focal length
(35mm film equivalent) Capturing pixels
3
x
（
Telephoto end
）
102 mm 2272 x 1704
4.3x 145mm 1600 x 1200
Capturing images with several positions for displa
y
5.3 x 181mm 1280 x 960
Capturing images with several positions for displa
y
6.7
x
226 mm 1024 x 768
Capturing images with several positions for displa
y
8.2
x
279 mm 832 x 624
Capturing images with several positions for displa
y
11
x
362 mm 640 x 480
Capturing images with several positions for displa
y