Canon PowerShot G3 User manual
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This manual has been issued by Canon Inc. for qualified persons to learn technical theory, and
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The following paragraph does not apply to any countries where such provisions are inconsistent
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Copyright © 2002by Canon Inc.
CANON INC.
Digital Imaging Products Service Dept.
30-2, Shimomaruko 3-Chome, Ohta-ku,
Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions should be observed when servicing.
1. Since many parts in the unit have special safety-related characteristics, always use genuine CANON replacement parts.
Especially critical parts in the power circuit block should not be replaced with other makes.
Critical parts are marked with !in the schematic diagrams.
2. When servicing, observe the original lead dress. If a short circuit is found, replace all parts which have been overheated or damaged
by the short circuit.
3. After servicing, see to it that all the protective devices such as insulation barriers, insulation papers shields are properly installed.
4. After servicing, make the following leakage current checks to prevent the customer from being exposed to shock hazards.
4-1 Leakage Current Cold Check
1) Unplug the AC cord and connect a jumper between the two prongs on the plug.
2) Measure the resistance value, with an ohmmeter, between the jumpered AC plug and each exposed metallic cabinet part
on the equipment such as screwheads, connectors, control shafts, etc. When the exposed metallic part has a return path to
the chassis, the reading should be between 1MΩand 5.2MΩ. When the exposed metal does not have a return path to the
chassis, the reading must be ∞.
4-2 Leakage Current Hot Check
1) Plug the AC cord directly into the AC outlet. Do not use an isolation transformer for this check.
2) Connect a 1.5KΩ10 watt resistor, paralleled by 0.15µF capacitor, between each exposed metallic parts on the unit and a
good earth ground such as a water pipe, as shown in the figure below.
3) Use an AC voltmeter, with 1000Ω/volt or more sensitivity, to measure the potential across the resistor.
4) Check all exposed metallic parts of the cover (Cable connection, Handle bracket, metallic cabinet.
Screwheads, Metallic overlays, etc), and measure the voltage at each point.
5) Reverse the AC plug in the AC outlet and repeat each of the above measurements.
6) The potential at any point should not exceed 0.75V RMS.
A leakage current tester (FLUKE MODEL : 8000A equivalent) may be used to make the hot checks.
Leakage current must not exceed 0.5 milliamp.
In case a measurement is outside of the limits specified, there is a possibility of a shock hazard, and corrective action must
be taken before returning the instrument to the customer.
Water pipe
(Earth Ground)
1.5KΩ
0.15µF
Test all
exposed
metal parts
Figure. 1 Leakage Current Hot Check
AC OUTLET
AC VOLTMETER
DEVICE
UNDER
TEST
1 Development Background
1-1 Development Objectives --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-1
1-2 Product Concepts ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-1
1-3 Design Concepts ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-5
1-4 Spec. comparison between PS G3 and PS G2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-6
2 Features
2-1 High Image Quality --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7
2-2 Full Features ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9
2-3 Operation Ease --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-18
2-4 System Accessories --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-21
2-5 Application Softwares -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-23
3 Exterior
3-1 Exterior Photos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-28
3-2 6-dimensional diagram --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-29
3-3 Nomenclature ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-30
3-4 Display Panel ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-31
3-5 UI Display -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-32
4 Specifications
4-1 Camera Specifications -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-34
4-2 System Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-47
4-3 Accessory Specifications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-48
5 System
5-1 Accessory Compatibility ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-49
5-2 System diagram ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-51
6 Additional
6-1 iSAP (Intelligent Scene Andlysis based on photographic Space) Technology ------------------------------------1-52
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
OF PRODUCT
CONTENTS
*Please refer to Technical Guidance for PowerShot G1 (TI-00903) and PowerShot G2 (TI-00901) aiso.
1-1
1 Development Background
1–1 Development Objectives
The PowerShot G2, which went on sale in the fall of 2001 as the successor to the PowerShot G1, won very high
acclaim from the market for its high degree of perfection covering “picture quality”, “functionality” and “design”.
As a result, the camera achieved a stable demand from both advanced “artistically oriented” amateurs and
industry users looking for “dependability”. Therefore, it is vital that the next model to the PowerShot G2 aim for
even more enhanced performance while continuing this concept.
With this background in mind, we initiated development of the PowerShot G3, as the top model of the PowerShot
series, with a new built-in large-diameter 4x zoom lens and DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor) to get the most
out of the enhanced high picture quality generated by the 4-megapixel CCD and the primary color filter.
Furthermore, the PowerShot G3 will aim for a different evolutionary path by adding bracketing features and
end-sync photography to provide “the finest picture quality with the foremost functions”.
1–2 Product Concepts
The PowerShot G3, successor to the PowerShot G2, aims to be the top in its class in terms of picture quality by
employing a 1/1.8-inch, 4-megapixel-class CCD and incorporating a newly developed f/2.0 (wide-angle) “large-
diameter lens” with four-times zoom capability and the “DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor)”, which provides
enhanced high-quality image processing functions. In terms of function, the product concept has included
specifications so that advanced amateurs and semi-professionals can take full advantage of sophisticated camera
techniques.
The PowerShot G3 is also equipped with the “My Camera” feature of the PowerShot S30/S40 and IXY Digital
300a models, and adds new “creation of on-camera content” capability.
PowerShot G2
+
Full Features
Operation Ease
Application Software
System Accessories
High Image Quality
Highresolution4xzoomlens
DIGIC(DigitalImagingprocessor)
Electronicdial
Functionbutton
New ZoomBrowser EX
NewFile Viewer Utility
Automatic vertical/horizontal detection by SI sensor
Voluntary settings of AF frame
Bracketings features
NewWide/Tele convertor
Compatiblewith Macro Twin Light MT-24EX
PowerShot G3
1-2
High Image Quality
N: New features unique to the PowerShot G3 (autumn 2002 model)
U: Updated features from the PowerShot G2 (already equipped on other models)
N - High-resolution large-aperture (f/2.0-3.0) 4x zoom lens (35 mm film equivalent: 35 to
140 mm)
N - High definition and fast processing with the newly developed “DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor)”
N - Nine-position high-precision white balance (auto + 6 preset positions + 2 manual positions)
U - Super intelligent (SI) sensor improves precision of AE/AF/AWB
- High-resolution, 1/1.8-inch CCD with 4 million camera effective pixels (4.1 million pixels in
total)
- Primary color filters for excellent color reproduction
- Wide range of ISO-equivalent settings (Auto/ISO 50/100/200/400 equivalent)
- Multi-step iris control and elegant blur owing to iris type aperture
- RAW mode recording
- Support for Exif 2.2
N- Macro shooting range of 5 centimeters in wide-angle mode and 15 centimeters in telephoto
N- Insertion of neutral density (ND) filter makes it possible to produce blur effects and to take
flash photos in macro mode
N- Selectable between evaluative metering, center-weighted average metering and spot metering
(linked to AF frame/fixed to center)
N- AF range frame can be set arbitrarily
N- Bracketing options (AE / Focus)
N- Interval shooting function for fixed-point observation over long periods
N- Wireless controller with settable operation delays (instantaneous / 2-second delay /
10-second delay)
N- Selectable of first-curtain sync and second-curtain sync flash (built-in flash / external flash)
N- Flash output can be adjusted manually (built-in flash / external flash)
N- Slave function of external flash units can be used
N- 2 custom mode positions are included on mode dial to allow users to preset photo
parameters freely
N- “Custom” position, allowing users to preset parameters, added to the photo effect positions
as a photo effect (vivid color, neutral color, low sharpening, sepia, black and white)
N- Settable display times for rec review (Off, 2 to 10 seconds)
N- Storage in RAW mode can be selected after recording an image
N- Unwanted scenes can be deleted in movie playback mode
N- Continuous movie recording and playback with audio with long filming times (three minutes)
(selectable from QVGA and QQVGA)
N- My Camera function for creating on-camera content
U- 1/1250 second shutter speed with open aperture
U- Built-in flash with 5 controls (slow sync)
U- On/Off selection of AF-assist beam
Full Features
1-3
Operation Ease
U - Digital zoom continuously changes the field of view (approx. 3.6x ; approx. 14x
magnification when combined with optical zoom)
U - Super intelligent (SI) sensor automatically detects vertical or horizontal photography
U - Magnified playback for easy confirmation of images (from approximately two times to 10x
zoom magnification)
U - Next frame, previous frame, fast forward, rewind, first frame and last frame end available during
movie replay
U - Supports DPOF format slideshows and image transfers
U - Sound annotation function (sound memos up to 60 seconds in length can be recorded during
replay)
U - Direct print function for card photo printers (CP-100/10) and Bubble Jet printers
(BJ 895PD, BJ 535PD and BJ F890PD)
U - Self-timer photography (selectable from two or 10 seconds)
- “High speed” (2.5 images/sec) or “normal” (1.5 images/sec) select able as continuous shooting
modes
- Total of 13 image quality modes (4 recording pixels x 3 compression ratio, RAW)
- Histogram displays during rec review function and replay
- Manual settings (aperture-priority AE, shutter speed-priority AE, manual focus*, manual
exposure, flash compensation, exposure compensation)
- AF modes that permit switching the ranging points (three points, available with continuous AF
and single AF)
- AE lock / FE lock functions
N - User interface makes a diverse set of functions easy to understand (electronic dial,
independent mode dial and mode lever, large-sized display panel)
N - Driver-less computer connections with Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) support
U - Change to shooting mode by pressing the shutter button (in replay mode)
U - USB interface accepts multipurpose connectors
U - Independent white balance/exposure compensation controls and Function button improve
operability
U - Manual focus adjustment with better usability
U - One-touch reset of all settings
- (New) digital signal processing IC + buffer memory for stress-free operation
- Shutter click sound similar to that of a film-based camera
- Vari-angle LCD monitor
- Immediate switching between shooting and replay
- Fast image transfer (replay mode)
- Video output system (PAL/NTSC) can be switched by user
- Complies with the CF Type II standard, allowing use of high-capacity storage media
- Ability of volume setting with each operation sound
- Grip molded into body of camera and a strap attached to the camera at both ends allow user to
hold camera securely
- UI supporting twelve languages
- Large capacity lithium ion rechargeable battery (In addition to the BP-511, the BP-512,
which has a different shape, can also be used)
1-4
System accessories
Application software
N- New Wide Converter* and Tele-converter* configurations
* New lens adapter is required for mounting
N- New fast image storage CF card (256 MB)
N- Support for EOS-type EX Speedlites (including the MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite)
N- Various Speedlite accessories (such as transmitters and camera shoe cord 2) can be used
N- ZoomBrowser EX 4.0 (Win) made more ergonomic
(ImageBrowser 2.7 (for Mac) is as in the past)
- Photorecord 1.6 (Win) for easy layout and printing of many pictures
- PhotoStitch 3.1 for creating panoramic pictures with precision
- RemoteCapture 2.6 for remote picture-taking through a PC (permits display of the Finder
screen on the PC)
N- New File Viewer Utility 1.0 application for processing RAW images
- TWAIN Driver 5.0 / WIA Driver 5.0 (Win)
- USB Mounter 1.8 (Macintosh) that allows the system to handle the camera as a card reader
N- CP-100/CP-10 2.1 Printer Driver
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 for Printer Driver’s manual
- Third-party software of established reputation
Apple QuickTime 5.0 (for creating movies/QVTR files)
Adobe Photoshop LE (for processing/editing images)
1-5
1–3 Design Concepts
zImprovement and refinement of primary operations
<Optimized button layout, configuration and operation flow>
<Thorough revision of control section for usability>
• Electronic dial
Employs an electronic dial in addition to previous cross-configured
buttons (omni selection)
Dial position, angles and configuration have been optimized
ÆImproved operation feeling of Av/Tv/MF operations
• Independent mode lever
Separated the previous two-stage dial into a mode dial and mode lever
ÆLever shape has a nice movement and smoother two-position selection of shooting and replay
• Slanted zoom lever/shutter button
ÆThe entire lever section is slanted so that it fits the finger naturally when holding the camera
• Improvement of handling
Further evolution of the shape of the grip
ÆHandling is greatly improved with an increase in the area that comes in contact with fingers
ÆThe additon of the electronic dial contributes to the high-class device finish
zProduction of a “virile” image by slimming the body
<Shapes up the body by reducing its thickness>
• Flat body
The basic silhouette is now almost completely flat apart from the lens barrel and grip section
Eliminated the rear LCD panel bump, which stuck out even when stored, to give a slim look
1-4 Spec. Comparison between PS G3 and PS G2
1-6
PowerShot G3 PowerShot G2
Image sensor (CCD) Camera effective pixels : Approx. 4 M
1/1.8 inch size (Total pixels: Approx. 4.1 M) ←
Color filter Primary color filter (Beyer) ←
Lens (35mmfilmequivalent) 35-140 mm, F2.0-3.0 34-102 mm, F2.0-2.5
Optical zoom 4x 3x
Digital zoom Approx. 3.6x ←
Normal 50 cm- infinity 70 cm- infinity
Macro 5 - 50 cm(W), 15 - 50 cm(T) 6 - 70 cm(W), 20 - 70 cm(T)
Optical viewfinder Real-image optical zoomviewfinder ←
LCDmonitor 1.8 inch low -temperature polycrystalline sillicon
TFT color LCD ←
Autofocus TTL-AF (Continuous/Single)
AF lock and manual focus are available.
Focus point : 1 point (free / center)
TTL-AF (Continuous/Single)
AF lock and manual focus are available.
Focus point : 3 point (AiAF) / 1 point (center)
Metering modes Evlauation / Center-weighted averaging / Spot
(Metering frame of Spot :
center fixed / AF point-linked)
Evaluation / Center-weighted averaging / Spot
(Metering frame of Spot : AF point-linked ON/OFF)
Exposure controlsystem ProgramAE/ Shutter speed-priority AE/
Aperture-priority AE/ Manual
(AElock is available) ←
Exposure compensation +/- 2 stops in 1/3-stop increments
(AEB mode is available) ←
Sensitivity (ISO filmspeed) Auto / ISO 50/100/200/400 equivalent ←
White balance Auto + Pre-set (6 positions) + Manual (2 positions) Auto + Pre-set (6 positions) + Manual
Shutter type Mechanical shutter + electronic shutter ←
Shutter speed 15 - 1/2000 sec. 15 - 1/1000 sec.
Flash range 0.7 - 5.0 m(W), 0.7 - 4.0 m (T) 0.7 - 4.5 m (W), 0.7 - 3.6 m (T)
Shooting specifications
Auto / Creative zone (Program/ Shutter speed priority/
Aperture priority/ Manual/ Custom1/ Custom2) /
Programmed image control zone (Portrait/ Landscape/ Night
Scene/ Stitch Assist/ Movie)
*Photo effect is set by menu
Auto / Creative zone (Program/ Shutter speed spriority/
Aperture priority/ Manual) / Programmed image control zone
(Pan Focus/ Portrait/ Landscape/ Night Scene/ Photo Effect/
Stitch Assist/ Movie)
Continuous shooting High speed (Approx. 2.5 images/sec.),
Normal (Approx. 1.5 images/sec.)
<Large x Fine, LCD monitor off> ←
Recording media CompactFlash card (Type Ior Type II ) ←
Still Design rule for Camera File system,
DPOF(Ver 1.1) compliant ←
Movie AVI ←
Still JPEG (Exif 2.2 compliant) / RAW JPEG (Exif 2.1 compliant) / RAW
(Exif 2.2 is available after dow nload)
Movie Image: Motion JPEG Audio:WAVE(Monaural) ←
Still (L) 2272 × 1704, (M1) 1600 × 1200
(M2) 1024 × 768, (S) 640 × 480 ←
Movie (QVGA) 320 × 240 Approx. 3 min. at 15fps
(QQVGA) 160 × 120 Approx. 3 min. at 15fps (QVGA) 320 × 240 Approx. 30 sec. at 15fps
(QQVGA) 160 × 120 Approx. 120sec at 15fps
JPEG compression mode (SF/F/N) x (L/M1/M2/S) + RAW (13 pattern) ←
Replay mode Single / Index (9 thumbnail images) / Slide Show / Movie /
Magnification (2-10x) / Sound Annotations (The max.
record/play time is approx. 60 sec.)
Single / Index (9 thumbnail images) / Slide Show / Movie /
Magnification (3x, 6x)
Direct print O ←
My Camera settings Start-up image/ Start-up sound/ Shutter sound/ Operation
sound and Self-timer sound
(Creation of on-camera content is available.) ×
Interface USB, Audio / Video output ←
Source
Rechargeable Lithiumbattery (BP-511/BP-512)
/ Compact Pow er Adapter (CA-560)
/ Car Battery Adapter (OptionalCar Battery
Cable Kit CR-560 is recommended)
←
Perf orm
ance
Shooting capacity:
Approx. 450 images (LCDmonitor ON)
Approx. 1050 images (LCDmonitor OFF)
Replay time: Approx. 360 min.
Shooting capacity:
Approx. 400 images (LCDmonitor ON)
Approx. 1000 images (LCDmonitor OFF)
Replay time: Approx. 300 min.
Dimensions (W x H x D) 121.0 x 73.9 x 69.9 mm 120.9 x 76.6 x 63.8 mm
Approx. 410 g Approx. 425 g
Weight
(
excluding batteries
and CF card)
Recording pixels
S
hooting distance
(fromtip of the
lensbarrel)
Pow er supply
File format
Recording format
1-7
2 Features
2–1 High Image Quality
- High-resolution large-aperture (f/2.0 to 3.0) 4x zoom lens (35 mm film equivalent: 35 to 140
mm)
The photo lens of the PowerShot G3 is a 4x zoom lens with a focal length of 7.2 to 28.8 mm (35 mm film
equivalent: 35 to 140 mm) that permits a wide range of photography from scenery to snaps. An aperture f
number of f/2.0 to 3.0 is realized at the same time as providing four-times zoom magnification.
The lens is constructed in four blocks with an 8-element, seven-group construction including an aspherical lens.
Focusing is achieved with a rear-focusing method that moves only one lens surface. Minimizing the number of
focusing lenses achieves higher speeds and saves energy.
- High definition and fast processing with the newly developed “DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor)”
The PowerShot G3 comes equipped with the “DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor)”, a newly developed image
processor. DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor) achieves enhanced high picture quality by improving signal processing
algorithms as the successor of new DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor).
The following*are the main advances of the DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor).
• Improved picture quality
• Improved AF accuracy
• Improved processing speed
* DIGIC (Digital Imaging Processor) features many improvements, but the three points above are the principle
contributions to the PowerShot G3.
Figure 2–1 Block diagram
Lens/CCD DIGIC
(Digital Imaging
Processor)
Flash
PROM
CPU
LCD
CF
Card
SDRAM
USB
VIDEO
AUDIO
1-8
- Nine-position high-precision white balance (auto + six preset positions + two manual positions)
The PowerShot G3, like the PowerShot G2, divides the entire screen into thousands of individual blocks, compiles
white balance data from each block and performs white balance calculations. Therefore, extremely precise
control is achieved.
In addition, an extra “custom white balance*” position has been added to the previous single position. In the
custom white balance position, a photo of a desired white reference (usually white paper) is taken under certain
photo (lighting) conditions and that data is stored in the camera. With two positions for different environments,
such as outdoors and indoors, the appropriate white balance can be selected with one touch.
* Once the data is set it is maintained until the white balance is reset.
- Super intelligent (SI) sensor improves precision of AE/AWB
The PowerShot G3 incorporates the same SI sensor as the IXY DIGITAL 200a/300a. The SI sensor is an
orientation detector and can distinguish whether the camera is
positioned vertically or horizontally when taking a photo.
When shooting outdoors, the AE or AWB controls may, for
example, tend to darken the overall image if a bright sky takes up
a large portion of the image or add a yellow tint to the whole photo
due to the effect of a blue sky.
With the introduction of the SI sensor, the upper portion of the
image can be identified, make the precise control that minimizes the
influence of the sky possible.
Photo 2–1 Vertically orientated photograph
<Judge as sky>
1-9
2–2 Full Features
- Macro shooting range of 5 centimeters in wide-angle mode and 15 centimeters in telephoto
With the PowerShot G3, macro shots can be taken as
close as 5 centimeters from the top of the lens in
wide-angle mode and 15 centimeters in telephoto mode.
In this case, the area of the photographed subject is
approximately 74 mm by 54 mm in the wide-angle
mode and 55 mm by 41 mm in the telephoto mode.
- Insertion of neutral density (ND) filter makes it possible to produce blur effects and to take
flash photos in macro mode
The PowerShot G3 makes it possible for the first time to insert an ND (light reducing) filter. In this way, a wider
aperture than usual can be used even in bright conditions to produce blur effects (see Photograph 2–2A). By
stopping down the aperture to slow the shutter speed, so-called slow shutter effects can also be obtained (see
Photograph 2–2B). Furthermore, flash photography becomes possible at macro distances, normally difficult to
do because it results in overexposure (see Photo 2–2C).
The ND filter is to have approx. three steps of light reduction.
- Selectable between evaluative metering, center-weighted average metering and spot metering
(linked to AF frame/fixed to center)
Three light metering modes can be selected on the PowerShot G3, like the PowerShot G2 — evaluative metering,
center-weighted average metering and spot metering. When spot metering is selected, the light metering point
can be chosen to be either linked to the AF frame or fixed to the center of the photo frame.
<Telephoto setting>
Figure 2–2 Photograph area
Photo 2–2 Photographic effects with the ND filter
55mm
41mm
<A>
<B>
<C>
1-10
- AF range frame can be set arbitrarily
The PowerShot G3 has been made so that the position
of the range frame when in AF mode can be arbitrarily
selected. In this way, an arbitrary subject in the photo
frame can be focused without changing the framing of
the shot.
Specifically, the cross-configured buttons are used to
shift the range frame left, right, up and down.
- Bracketing options (AE • Focus)
The PowerShot G3 adds focus bracketing to the previous AE bracketing (PowerShot G2).
Focus bracketing takes three successive shots moving the focus position in front and behind the current position.
The difference between each shot can be set to large, medium or small. In this way, a fine focus position can be
found matching the photographer’s intention even when precise focus positions are demanded such as with
macro photography.
- Interval shooting function for fixed-point observation over long periods
The PowerShot G3 comes with an interval shooting function that can take a sequence of photos at fixed time
intervals. As a result, fixed-point observation over long time periods (100 hours maximum) can be achieved.
The interval between shooting can be set in minutes between approximately one and 60 minutes*1, and the total
number of shots can be set between two and 100 frames*2.
*1 When using an external flash, photos will continue to be taken at the set interval regardless if
the set interval is shorter than the recycle time of the flash unit or if the flash stops operating
because the battery expires.
*2 The interval shooting stops if the CF card becomes full before the specified number of photos is
taken.
Figure 2–3 Movement range of AF frame
Figure 2–4 Examples of interval photography
AF metering frame range
One minute
60 minutes
Observation of stars
Blossoming of flowers
Measurement of traffic flows
Birth of chicks (animals)
Observation of lake tides
Changes in weather conditions (showers, typhoons)
Observation of sunrises and sunsets
Observation of solar or lunar eclipses
1-11
- Wireless controller with settable operation delays (instantaneous / two-second delay / 10-second
delay)
Although the PowerShot G3 has the same remote control capability with a wireless controller as the PowerShot
G2, it adds “instantaneous” and “10-second delay” options to the fixed two-second delay of the previous
controller. This sets the time from the operation of the wireless controller to the start of the camera’s operation.
When “instantaneous” is selected, operation begins without a time lag; selecting “10-second delay” makes it
possible to use the controller as a self-timer.
Because the remote control receiver is mounted on the side of the camera, it can be operated from behind the
camera as well.
- Selectable of first-curtain sync and second-curtain sync flash (built-in flash / external flash)
The flash exposure timing can set to either “1st-curtain” or “2nd-curtain” on the PowerShot G3.
With 1st-curtain timing, the flash is exposed immediately after the shutter opens. With the 2nd-curtain method,
the flash is exposed immediately before the shutter closes. If the subject is stationary, the result is the same
regardless of the method used; however, a large difference occurs when photographing moving objects, especially
those emitting light.
- Flash output can be adjusted manually (built-in flash / external flash)
When using the flash, the camera controls the strength of the flash for normal optimal exposure. However,
depending on shooting conditions, it may not be possible to obtain optimal exposure or it may be desirable to
change the flash output intentionally.
In order to handle these situations, the PowerShot G3 has been specified so that the flash output can be set
manually. When using external flash units, the exposure can be adjusted in one-third stop intervals from full
exposure to –4 stops (see Table 2–2). The built-in flash can be set to three levels — weak, medium and strong
(full exposure).
Table 2–1 Comparison of start and end sync methods
<First curtain sync.> <Second curtain sync.>
Photo 2–3 Flash photography
Table 2–2 Flash strength settings for external flash units
Advantage Disadvantage
First curtain flash sync. Congruity with release/firing timing
Congruous picture is taken when moving object with emission of light.
Second curtain flash sync.
Congruous picture is taken when moving object with emission of light.
Incongruity with release/firing timing
Setting 1 -1/3 -2/3 -1 -4/3 -5/3 -2 -7/3 -8/3 -3 -10/3 -11/3 -4
Light Amount 1(Full) 0.79 0.63 0.5 0.4 0.31 0.25 0.2 0.16 0.13 0.1 0.08 0.06
1-12
- Slave function of external flash units can be used
In order to improve the lighting around the subject such as for studio shots, fill flashes are often used. In this
case, the slave unit used for fill flashes detects light from the main flash and sends a trigger signal to the fill
flashes. However, a problem can occur in the normal course of flash photography if a pre-flash is used to adjust
the lighting,
because the slave unit will detect this light and
fire the fill flashes.
To prevent this problem, the PowerShot G3
is equipped with a mode (Flash Adjust-Manual)
that does not use pre-flashes
when using external (fill) flashes. Using this
function avoids the problem of pre-flashes
triggering fill flashes because pre-flashes are
not used. In this case, the strength of the main
unit flash (or flash mounted on the main unit)
is set manually.
- Two custom photo mode positions are included on mode dial to allow users to preset photo
parameters freely
On the PowerShot G3, two positions on the mode dial are reserved for “custom” modes so that users can store
their preferred modes and parameters. In this way, it is not necessary to adjust settings for each photo.
- “Custom” position, allowing users to preset parameters, added to the photo effect positions as
a photo effect (vivid color, neutral color, low sharpening, sepia, black and white)
The PowerShot G3 adds a “custom” position to the photo effect positions so that users can define their own
preferred image effects. In the custom position, the contrast, sharpness and color intensity can be selected and
saved independently from three levels — (–), 0 and (+).
- Settable display times for rec review (two to 10 seconds)
The PowerShot G3 is specified so that the image-display time* in rec review (confirmation of recorded image)
can be set between 2 and 10 seconds in one second intervals. In this way, users can select a duration to suit
their applications.
* “Off” can also be set
Table 2–3 Description and effects of image effect settings
Figure 2–5 Conceptual diagram of slave flash exposure
Photo Effect Description Effect
Vivid color Emphasizes contrast and color intensity Produces a vivid and sharply-defined image
Neutral color Reduces contrast and color intensity Produces a subdued, plain image
Low sharpening Reduces edge’s emphasis Produces a mild 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 binary image with sharp contrast; used for text
Custom Contrast, sharpness and color set by users Produces image effects with user’s intention
Additional Flash
(Available slave function)
Additional Flash
(Available slave function )
Camera Flash
1-13
- Storage in RAW mode can be selected after recording an image
Even when shooting with normal JPEG storage is selected, the PowerShot G3 allows the recorded image to
be saved* as a RAW image using the function button in the rec review (confirmation of recorded image)
mode. (Valid only when P, Tv, Av or M is selected)
In this way, when the white balance, color effects or other planned effects are not obtained, or when the
number of stored pixels is to be modified in the execution of the end work, it can be reprocessed after storage
by converting and storing the image in the RAW mode.
* If there is insufficient memory on the CF card, the image will be saved as a normal JPEG image.
An image cannot be saved in both RAW and JPEG formats.
• Unwanted scenes can be deleted in movie replay mode
The PowerShot G3 allows unwanted sections to be deleted in the movie replay mode. However, the sections
that can be deleted are either from the start of the recording to an arbitrary point or from an arbitrary point to
the end of the recording.
- Continuous movie recording and replay with audio with long filming times (three minutes)
(selectable from QVGA and QQVGA)
The PowerShot G3 can record moving images at 15 frames per second along with audio in two formats, QVGA
(320 by 240 pixels) and QQVGA (160 x 120 pixels). Because a method is employed that consecutively writes
images that are temporary stored in the buffer to the CF card while recording, long continuous filming times are
also achieved.
In practice, if the write speed of the CF card is slower*1 than the speed to write an image to the buffer, the
recording will stop when the buffer capacity is reached. Taking this circumstance into account, the specification
limits the maximum recording time in both QVGA and QQVGA formats to three minutes. Even after three
minutes of elapsed filming, the G3 allows the next recording to be resumed in less time than previous models.
During filming, the values for the focus, exposure, white balance and zoom position determined at the beginning
are used continuously to the end of the recording. The storage time is also displayed on the LCD monitor during
filming.
The file is saved in AVI format, while the image is saved as Motion JPEG data and the audio data in WAVE
format (mono).
*1 The write speed varies depending on the brand and capacity of the CF card.
*2 If the free space on the CF card is less than the size of the recording, recording will stop just prior
to the CF card reaching full capacity.
Figure 2–6 Conceptual diagram of movie editing
Figure 2–7 Conceptual diagram of continuous moving image recording
Signal Processing/Resize/JPEG
Buffer
Memory
File
Format CF Card
CCD
Transfer the foramer image
while storage new image
Rec. Start Rec. Stop
OR
Delete
Delete
Delete
Delete
OR
1-14
- My Camera function for creating on-camera content
The PowerShot G3 start-up image, start-up sound, operation sounds, self-timer sound and shutter sound can be
customized with the My Camera function from the Solution Disk included with the camera or from the “My
Camera Contents” on the Canon Image Gateway Web site accessible via ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser.
Also, images or sounds* captured with the camera itself can be used as camera contents.
* The start-up sound, operation sound, self-timer sound and shutter sound can be recorded separately with the
microphone.
* Only for the Japanese market.
- 1/1250 second shutter speed with full aperture
Although the PowerShot G2 achieves a maximum shutter speed of 1/1000 second, the speed is limited to 1/500
second due to mechanical constraints when the full aperture (f2.0/2.5).
Due to an improvement in the shutter/aperture driving mechanism, the PowerShot G3 realizes a shutter speed
of 1/1250 second even when the full aperture.
- Built-in flash with five controls and improved usability (slow sync response)
For the PowerShot G3, the order of the flash modes set previously with a toggle movement (auto Æauto red-
eye reduction Æforced red-eye reduction flash Æforced flash ÆOff Æ) has been improved as shown in
Figure 2–8.
- On/Off selection of AF-assist beam
Many of the models in the PowerShot and IXY DIGITAL series are equipped with an assist beam to ensure
proper autofocus when the ambient brightness is below a certain threshold. However, in more than a few
instances, when photographing animals in a dark environment for example, the AF-assist beam may cause them
to run away spoiling a photo opportunity.
The PowerShot G3 includes the ability to turn the AF-assist beam off to handle these photo situations*.
* When the ambient light level is extremely low, the AF function may be unable to determine the proper focus. In such
cases, the focus is fixed at a specific point.
Auto On (Off)
Red-eye
reduction on
Red-eye
reduction off
X
Figure 2–8 Flash mode transition diagram
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