Tips on taking Black and White pictures with G12

I see that there are ways to change the picture modes to capture the image in B&W. However, they seem a little bit flat to me.

What are some tips in taking better B&W pictures with the G12? Should I take the picture in color and then convert to B&W in post? If so, how?

If doing this in camera, is there a better way to get the best B&W photo?

Shoot in color (RAW) and convert in post, that way you can still adjust individual color channels. MANY different ways to adjust a B&W to your liking in either Photoshop, lightroom or DPP. A simple Google search "Black & White conversion in _______" will lead you to a ton of tutorials.

I shoot in colour (JPeg usually) and convert into black & white using iPhoto...

Definitely shoot in color and convert. Post processing gives you almost endless options in styles of conversion. Typically you can use a convert option built in the application, or simply desaturate the photo yourself, as you like. Also, you can add warming or cooling filter effects that really help make the photo pop! Good luck.

You'll have much more flexibility by shooting in color, RAW and converting to B/W. For my most recent "Picture a Week" project, I did just that and used the Topaz B/W plug-in to convert to B/W, http://lightdescriptio​n.blogspot.com/2011/10​/paw-41.html .