Few digital camera lines have been as successfully branded as Canon's Powershot. And the best known in that line was the powerful and fun to use G2. Now, Canon's following it up with their G3, which has the same four megapixels of resolution but now offers an improved 4X optical zoom and other updated features.

With a revamped body, the G3 feels a bit more comfortable in the hands. A mid-sized camera, you'll notice it hanging around your neck, but its 14.5 ounce frame won't weigh you down terribly. With a high-speed CompactFlash card, the G3 can take video clips of up to three minutes complete with sound.

You'll want to consider an upgrade to one of those cards, as the G3 ships with only a 32 MB standard CF card--not bad for bundled memory, but you'll be happier with more storage room. Images taken at the highest resolution quickly filled up the 32 MB card, but were highly detailed as well as bright with realistic colors.

The G3 features the same large, bright 1.8-inch LCD as its predecessor, making it easy to frame your shot in anything except direct sunlight. Like earlier G models, the LCD flips out and can be rotated around completely, letting you view it from any angle.

This works well with the G3's two options for self-timing, 2 and 10 seconds, so you can see what you're doing from the target viewpoint. And the G3's above-industry-standard 4x optical zoom lets you get in closer than the G2's 3x zoom as well.

Compatible with Canon's Direct Print feature, you can output images from the G3 directly to any of Canon's Direct Print line of printers. The G3 is a great choice for a 4 megapixel, 4x optical zoom camera with a wealth of features.--J. Curtis

Pros:

• 4 megapixels and 4x optical zoom
• Three minute video clips with sound
• Well designed

Cons:

• Only 32 MB CF card