This is not an SLR, but there are times when we all want a compact camera. So we stock the best one we can find—the G10. The 14 megapixel sensor, coupled with an excellent 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 aperture optically-stabilized lens produces superb images. It has a large, 3 inch LCD and a reasonably strong built in flash. As with its predecessors, the Canon G10’s metal body feels like a tank. The optical viewfinder is relatively large and distortion-free, making it quite usable.

The G10 allows a lot of SLR type creative freedom: ISO is adjustable from 80 to 1600 using a dedicated dial, evaluative and spot metering choices are available, as are programmable shooting modes with aperture and shutter speed priority, and exposure compensation is adjustable in 1/3 stop increments. Images can be captured in RAW mode as well as JPEG, and in 16:9 widescreen format or the native 4:3. It also includes a hot-shoe fully compatible with the Canon flash system. the Canon G10 doesn’t disappoint, when it comes to photo quality. Color and exposures are great.

The G10 is ideal for use with the Gigapan panoramic imager.