What's Next for the G Series?

I'm wondering what Canon can theoretically do with the successor to the G12. It seems like the competition has caught up to or passed Canon in this niche, where the G series once stood alone.

Is there anything that can really move the bar for high end P&S cams at this point? I would think it would take some slick processing magic to improve much given the size constraints of sensors and lenses.

What can we hope for or expect?

just look at the S95->S100 changes, you get an idea what Canon would do to it.

it would be good if they do a constant aperture f/2 or something but they never did anything like that in past and don't think they ever will.

I'd like to see a wider lens.

It's a shame you have to constantly innovate, to stay in the markets today. Look at the Lica M3 it was, and still is a classic in its field today.

Canon could sit on the G12, and do the same. It already exceeds most entry level DSLR's in image quality, and versatility. But todays market place is just plain too stupid to see that, always looking for greener pastures, even at the cost of burning the fields.

Possibly Canon may try for a CMOS sensor, which would be a mistake. Most small CMOS sensors are noisier!, than a decent quality CCD of the same size.

steve40 wrote in post #13243398
It already exceeds most entry level DSLR's in image quality, and versatility.

versatility: G12 isn't alone and lots of other P&Ss do too.
image quality: simply, no (unless you use the worst lens possible).

put slightly better glass on it, same sensor as the S100 (hoping it is going to be good!) maybe dual digic 5 so it could be used like a mini-sports camera. Don't worry DSLR shooters, a P&S won't cut from 7D sales. And keep the price the same.

steve40 wrote in post #13243398
It's a shame you have to constantly innovate, to stay in the markets today.

All I can say is "wow" to that one.

If you mean that it's a shame you have to add silly bells and whistles to stay competitive then I can't disagree, but lamenting the need for true innovation just doesn't make sense to me.

DStanic wrote in post #13244519
put slightly better glass on it, same sensor as the S100 (hoping it is going to be good!) maybe dual digic 5 so it could be used like a mini-sports camera. Don't worry DSLR shooters, a P&S won't cut from 7D sales. And keep the price the same.

That is an interesting thought. A soccer mom point and shoot that could actually deliver real ability to shoot sports. It would certainly sell.