The Canon G Series is a line of digital bridge cameras that is a step above the normal slim, compact cameras that are so popular right now. Most people enjoy having a small camera to keep in their pocket or one that takes up minimal space in the bottom of their purse. However, the G Series is an excellent compromise to having an amazing camera without having a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) that requires interchangeable lenses and more bulk.

One of the most obvious features about the Canon G Series is the large LCD screen that is located on a hinge, allowing you to move it as you shoot. One of the best uses of this for most people is the ability to see yourself as you photograph, a sort of 'self portrait' feature, if you will. What I have found is that it is really practical for getting a timed photograph set up. Usually if you set your camera for a timer, it's hard to see what you are doing and get it positioned just right. With the screen flipped around, you can see how you are moving it and thus frame the shot perfectly without losing where your camera was originally positioned for a point of reference.

Another feature that I really enjoy using on my G11 is the movie mode. It is a very high quality picture and allows you to take as long of a video as you like. I recorded a video that was about 18 minutes long and it ended up being too big of a file to even fit on one disk. I love having the ability to create longer videos where afterwards I can go back and edit either in the camera (how cool is that if you don't have an editing program!) or on my computer, since I have editing software.

My favorite setting is definitely the low light mode. Although many people avoid noise or blurriness in their images, I don't mind a little bit--that's why I like this mode so much. If there is sufficient light, images will come out crystal clear. If the lighting is a little lower and the camera is set to the low light setting, images may be slightly blurred. However, the in-camera automatic adjustments are pretty incredible and generally allow for fantastic shots. One tip of advice is you have to know how to stand really still, which is the case in almost any non-flash situation.

Even though my heart will always belong to my Canon Rebel XTi, my Canon G11 is a great camera to carry around on vacations, or for day-to-day events where I really don't want to lug around my DSLR, extra flash, and lenses. For its size and weight, it is ideal for doing the things I need it for and even does some of the things my Canon XTi cannot!