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Relatively unchanged from its predecessor, save the addition of 720p video, the Canon PowerShot G12 remains a very good, more-or-less compact model, designed to please photo enthusiasts.

It offers a solid (though somewhat cluttered) design, great photo quality, features for beginners and enthusiasts, HD video, and more optional extras than anything else in its class.

An excellent compact camera which offers an exceptional amount of manual control ... We have no hesitation in saying that the G12 is the best Canon G-series camera to date, but its original USP - as a bridge between compact cameras and DSLRs - is in danger of being eroded.

For the best image quality across the ISO range, the trophy clearly goes to the Canon G12. It's the best G-series PowerShot I've had my hands on.

Ultimately we can recommend the G12 to enthusiasts who fully understand the other options available, but like the Lumix LX5, it misses out on our top rating in an increasing market of alternatives with big sensors.

Default images are very good, and there are settings aplenty for folks who shoot the manual modes and want to custom tailor their captures ... Still, the G12 is an excellent camera and none of the perceived shortcomings is fatal.

What you're buying into here is a camera that provides the build quality and manual controls of a mid-range DSLR yet remains just about pocketable ... For our money, though, we would take the faster more compact alternatives.

The G12 excels in various environments, especially low light thanks to class leading high ISO performance and a fast lens.

With the influx of compact interchangeable lens cameras, we may be seeing the end of the era of the fully-featured, high-priced point-and-shoot. While it’s easy recommending the G12, it’s not the slam dunk it used to be.

If you want an all-in-one camera that offers a tried and trusted user interface, speedy performance, excellent image quality and a versatile screen, the Canon Powershot G12 is very easy to recommend.