Just a couple of weeks ago, Canon has introduced its latest addition to the Powershot series, the G12 compact digicam that targets mostly advanced users, and, from certain points of view, they might really have a winner on their hands, as we've been able to see for ourselves after enjoying some live quality time with this device.

First of all, we couldn't help but notice the significant drop in weight (when pitted against the G11), that makes the G12 extremely easy to carry around and maneuver, even with one hand.

Furthermore, we can't really say that the quality of the finishing (compared to the predecessor model, the G11) has been affected in a particularly adverse manner, also, to be perfectly honest, the G12 does seem to show a little more love for plastic.

While the overall control scheme is pretty much the same as in the case of the G11 (once again, thumbs up for that ISO and exposure wheels Canon implemented right on the camera), the G12 does pack an interesting addition, namely a control wheel placed on the front/right side, similar to that found on DSLR cameras, that users can easily customize to their liking.

The one minus we found was the lack of a dedicated video recording button (the camera can shoot 720p videos), which is found on most modern compacts (including some of the company's own models).

As for the inside of the camera, Canon promises us more advanced components, starting from the Canon HS SYSTEM, which provides images in low-light settings by combining Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor with the PowerShot G12’s 10-Megapixel High Sensitivity CCD sensor.

The G12 also packs 5X optical zoom (28mm to 140mm), but retains the F2.8 lens, which manages to do a pretty decent job in all conditions.

Oh, and the swiveling display is still there, allowing for much easier framing in a variety of situations.

While the time we've spent with Canon's G12 has been rather limited, we have to admit that it left us lingering for just a bit more, and we really hope that we'll be able to take this very advanced compact for a more in-depth ride at some point in the near future.