PowerShot G15 - first impression

I try my first experience to G15 reproduce - enumeration of techn. Data which can be read on the Canon website I let off, it is essentially about first impressions subjective.
And do not worry, I've actually bought myself and I include not of any predecessors on this camera just because it looks similar ;-)

Caveat: The lack of swivel the display does not bother me, the compact dimensions and the great feel and good workmanship are more important to me, everything seems solid and of high quality.

Operation: to have inspired strong dive to the Canon SLR operation, logically arranged buttons and turning wheels for all important functions as a shortcut without complex menu structures in. Who knows Canon SLR, find your way quickly, it is all important present what one knows of the SLR.
Tripod use I have not been tested - including no statement on the HDR function.
I tested only superficially the automatic function - but seems to provide good results, quite suitable if you do not want to deal with all the fine adjustment.
However, the space for the thumb on the right is a little low, pressing slightly unintentionally the ISO button, you have to get used to it.
The control dial below the shutter button is not placed optimally, the control dial on the back as Drück- rotation combination is not optimal to operate, it takes some practice to find the balance while turning without pressing, considering the Canon SLR improvement, but not after a short familiarization phase problem.
Rotating wheels above and all other buttons and triggers are optimal.

Battery life: My first tests showed (little flash usage) about 400 images on a single charge.

Display / Viewfinder: Crisp, brilliant display, even in sunny weather still usable, viewfinder but extremely weak, absolute last resort, lens at wide angle visible, nevertheless for me (as SLR users) indispensable - but great need of improvement!
(Full omit as Nikon makes the transition from P7100 to P7700, but is the worse solution - in my view)

Flash: Built-in flash is quite useful for short-range, but I have also tested the Canon Speedlite 420 EX at the G15: works perfectly, naturally brings much better results (probably applies to the entire EX series flash model).

Lens: In my view, absolutely amazing in the compact class - Aperture 8.1 to 8.2 - was for me the main reason to buy.
In conjunction with ISO 800 (or higher) resulting enormous possibilities - noise performance is still acceptable to approximately 1600. (My view)

Speed: For me also a crucial point - here I had to rely on the advertising claims and have not been disappointed, shutter lag is not a big hit, but relatively quick for a compact, in my view, also for difficult situations (playing animals and children) quite suitable.
Continuous shooting with tracking AF is relatively slow, but I have not tested with faster card - could yet bring significant improvement.

Optical performance: Good image quality, sharpness, contrast, color, safe for a compact in the tip region, even at full aperture still good ..... little trouble with color fringing in extreme backlight situations. However, statements under laboratory conditions I can not do - the subjective impression about 800 images is absolutely positive.
There are some visions succeeded, which I had not expected.
My main motives (fast, black dogs) are generally the most difficult designs if you put increased demands on the imaging performance and the speed.

Movie function: Not tested, for me no meaning if I want to film to buy a camcorder.

Yet conclusively FYI: As an ambitious amateur photographer I have a compact camera (as "always with you" camera) as a useful addition to my SLR searched.
I use otherwise a 7D with L lenses, the claim was accordingly high and this level is reached, the G15, of course not, but she meet the demands "always with the highest possible level" relatively good - I am absolutely satisfied with this purchase - a little more zoom I would not wish for the same image quality.
My main motifs: animals, nature, landscape.

Every viewer has other priorities - here's a summary of my view:

Operation +
Lens +
Picture quality +
Processing / feel ++
Display ++
Settings / functions ++
Speed ​​+
Size / Weight + -
Battery Performance + -
Viewfinder -
Movie function No vote

My conclusion: A successful compact camera with a few small weaknesses - in all key criteria good performance - strong buy recommendation - even with high expectations.
(The uploaded photos are reproduced here unfortunately greatly reduced in quality)