Canon Powershot G11 vs G15

One of the readers of Canon camera geek asked about a Canon Powershot G11 vs G15 comparison. I upgraded from my G11 to the G1x Mark II because of its much larger sensor.

Is the Powershot G15 a better choice for you?

Canon Powershot G11 vs G15

I was not a happy with the IQ (image quality) of my G11. I loved the size of my G11. It really did fit into my pants pocket, but the 1/1.7 inch sensor was just too small to give me the quality I was hoping for.

If you already have a Canon G11 and are happy with the image quality, it might not make sense for you to upgrade to a G15 or G16.

The Specs That Matter - In My Eyes

I highlighted the important differences from my perspective. The biggest difference in these 2 cameras is in the video quality and capabilities.

As a portrait photographer, I often like shooting with a wide open aperture, so that I can get very shallow depth of field for soft blurry backgrounds, and the maximum f/1.8 lens on the G15 is an appealing feature for me.

The G15 was released 3 years after the G11, so you know there will also be a significant improvement in IQ for regular still photographs.  Focusing speed is better and The G15 can shoot still photos faster, 2 fps vs. 1 fps, but neither of these cameras are capable of decent sports/action photography.

G15 Advantages That Matter to You

1. The G15 will focus about 50% faster and has better features.
2. You can shoot at 10 fps, although it is a little restrictive
3. Higher ISO capabilities

What about the G15 vs G16 Comparison?

That's a topic for another day, but I will make these general comments.  The G16 is  a slightly better camera.  It has an extra year of technology built in.

That includes a Digic 6 processor, an impressive 10 frames-per-second shooting, and built-in WiFi. Other than that, the Canon Powershot G15 and Powershot G16 are like identical twins with just a few minor differences.

Canon Powershot G11 vs G15 Conclusion

If you were looking to buy either one of these cameras as a first time buyer of a a quality Canon point and shoot, the Canon Powershot G15 would clearly be the better choice.  

It's got significant advantages over the G11 and a new cost comparison would be a great idea. If you already have a G11, and don't shoot much video, I'd just hang onto the G11 for now.

Best Place to Read Reviews and Learn About a G11 or G15

Keep shooting, keep learning, keep improving

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr.   Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

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Canon G15 Fixed LCD Screen

G11 Articulating LCD Screen

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