Optimum tool for appealing photos

The main reasons for the change were:
* Reduction of 14.7 MP to 10 MP (noise performance noticeably better - shooting up to ISO 800 very good)
* Folding screen
* Videos in HD

For me, the G12 is a real "always there" next to my EOS 5D MKII and MKIV EOS).
It is very well made, also durable and attractive.
The small size is perfect to stow the Cam "invisible" in the pocket.

Things you do not want to miss:

+ Optimum size (not for the shirt pocket, but if you usually safari trousers with many pockets as I bear, no problem)
+ Acceptable weight,
+ Apparent and tangible value,
+ Feel - feel to the touch is not armored but Rock solid. The body is Large amounts of metal.
* Optics - totally a matter of taste but I think the retro look of the G12 totally tasteful!
+ Wide,
+ Sufficient zoom range for "always there"
+ Light intensity,
+ Rapidly in almost all areas,
+ Lots of manual intervention, who has also worked with an SLR will appreciate this,
+ Usable flash output, whom this does not quite, then the Canon Speedlite 270EX flash (guide number 27) How do I buy - great little thing.
+ Hot shoe for all Canon flash units used (EX 270, 430.550, 580)
+ Features,
+ Excellent functioning image stabilizer
+ Very good macro range from 0.5 cm
+ Very good usability if you do not have large hands (fingers)
+ Good battery performance, and the replica Battery LI-ION BATTERY for Canon PowerShot G12, PowerShot SX30 IS replaces original battery NB-7L works like the originals.
+ Natural color reproduction,
+ Very qualitäativ imaging performance,
+ RAW mode (who's needs)
+ Well-functioning Scene Modes,
+ Excellent display,
+ Interface for cable release, HDMI
+ Opt. Viewfinder with diopter compensation, but caution in larger zoom range you can only see about 80% of the actual image.
+ Perfectly adequate video performance in my opinion (HD) but I am more specialized in photos,
+ Optional accessory (who needs it).

- A bit too small Funtionsschalter with scroll wheel (camera back)
- No precise manual in paper form, however, detailed in the supplied CD.

Absolutely recommendable camera for the ambitious amateur photographer, but beginners can not go wrong with the fully automatic setting actually.
Buy recommendation on my part. 5 Stars.