The camera had issues with focusing on our test chart and delivered inconsistent results. I used Imatest to check the sharpness of the G100's zoom lens. The Canon SX260 HS is a more balanced performer-it starst and shoots in 1.8 seconds, notches a 0.2-second shutter lag, and can fire photos at 2 frames per second for as long as you feel like holding down the shutter button.
It requires a full 5.9 seconds to start up and take a shot, but can rattle off a burst of 9 shots at 11.4 frames per second before slowing, and its shutter lag is just over 0.1-second. Performance and Conclusions The G100 is a head-scratcher when it comes to performance.
It can only be adjusted if you're in Program or Manual mode.
For some reason, ISO can only be changed by hitting the EV Compensation button on the top of the camera-it's not in the standard menu as it is on most point-and-shoots. The HDR mode takes three exposures in succession and blends them for one shot that preserves both highlight and shadow detail-it actually works well, but it takes about 7 seconds for the image processing to finish. Hitting Menu on the back of the camera gives you quick access to the Metering mode, image resolution, optical stabilization setting, a toggle for Continuous AF, and an in-camera HDR mode.
The Menu system is quick to operate, but doesn't put everything in one place.
These won't be a concern if you stick to the Automatic mode or any of the preset Scene settings-it's just a shame that a point-and-shoot with such a well laid out control scheme doesn't liken itself to shooters who would like to exert such control. The Self Timer setting always resets between photos, and the ISO always reverts to Auto when you power the camera off-even if you've set it manually. Settings will change in between shots, seemingly at random-sometimes the G100 will remember what focus area you have selected, but at other times it will revert back to a center focus point. Unfortunately, using the camera in a manual mode is a frustrating experience. There's also a Menu button and a dedicated button to start video recording. On the rear is a control dial that integrates with buttons to adjust the Flash output, Macro focusing mode, Autofocus mode, and Self Timer. On the top you'll find a Mode Dial as well as buttons to control the Drive Mode and Exposure Compensation. Some thought has been put into the camera's control layout. You'll be hard pressed to find a sharper resolution in this class, however, most inexpensive cameras have rear displays that top out at 230k dots. It's bright and sharp when navigating through menus, but because of the camera's subpar lens, the live view feed appears to be soft and washed out. The rear LCD is 3 inches in size and packs an impressive 460k-dot resolution. GE's own X600 uses the same 14-megapixel image sensor, but images captured by its 26x (26-676mm f/3.2-5.6) zoom are much sharper. The 15x zoom lens should set the G100 apart from others in this price range thanks to its 28-420mm f/3.9-5.6 zoom range, but the quality of images it captures are anything but impressive.
The X600’s video footage takes full advantage of 1080p full-HD TV screens and high-resolution monitors. An object-tracking feature can lock in on subjects and automatically adjust the focus so every shot comes out clearer. It’s great for getting the best possible photos of subjects in motion-an incredible sports play, a beautiful moment at a wedding, or an energetic toddler at play, for instance. The optical zoom is bolstered by a 6x digital zoom to extend your reach further, which is great for photographers without extendable arms. Zero in on tiny details and capture intimate portraits-even if you’re far from the subject. This digital camera’s long zoom is supplemented by CMOS technologies for clear photos and fast shooting. GE X600 14.4MP Digital Camera (Refurbished) Product Details Any price comparison is to a new, nonrefurbished product price.