SINGAPORE — DSLRs may promise the best image quality but, when one is travelling, something less bulky may be ideal. Mirrorless cameras are an option, but the temptation to have more lens choices is always there — so sticking with a simple compact camera may be the best option. Canon’s new “top-of-the-line” PowerShot G16 may just be the solution, and is pushing the brand’s G series into the photo-sharing age, with new Wi-Fi capabilities.

A year after the release of the G15, the G16 adds what seems to be an incremental update — the camera now comes with Wi-Fi functionality for transferring photos to one’s smartphone or uploading them to the cloud. But that’s not all: It also comes with Canon’s latest Digic 6 processor that allows for faster focusing (0.1s) and the ability to take 12.2 shots a second. All this, coupled with the f/1.8 5x optical-zoom lens and the high-sensitivity 12.1-megapixel sensor, means using the camera in low-light or fast conditions is not a problem at all.

In auto mode, the device produces great, well-exposed shots. It is only in very low light, or during concerts with abruptly changing lights, that performance is more spotty. The manual mode is a snap to figure out, especially if one is a DSLR user It is enhanced by an automated function that helps estimate the values wanted, which one can then tweak. I found myself using the manual mode almost exclusively and I was pleased with the results.

There is also a manual-focus option which one can access via a dial on the back, Without a touch screen, however, the use of physical buttons is far from ideal as the incremental steps taken are never exactly perfect. There is a peaking assist mode that helps highlight what one is focusing on, which is helpful; but one wonders if a touch screen would have been a great addition. Still, the autofocus works well in general.

The G16 also comes with an optical viewfinder that is part of its tough metal body — something one does not often get in compact cameras. Still, I ended up using the screen more often than not, as the lens would intrude into view when the camera is not zoomed.

The optical viewfinder does not reflect focusing adjustments or aperture changes, meaning it is purely useful for framing purposes and, even then, the screen does a more accurate job of it.

Using the Wi-Fi function helped when I wanted to share photos quickly, but connecting tn a shared network can be tricky: The Wi-Fi function worked with my iPad but not my iPhone on a shared hotel network and, on a shared Wi-Fi dongle, neither worked. Good thing then that the camera is able to accept direct connections from a phone, and it proved to be the easiest and most convenient way to send over photos.

The app can also be used to add geolocation data to photos. However, one should add the data after each photo is taken, as the geolocation will be according to where one is transferring the files, and not the place where the photo is taken.

New cameras now are packed with features like rotating touch screens and exchangeable lenses. The G16 has none of these, but what you do get is a very solid, high-quality device. Now available at S$699 (visit http://www.canon.com.sg for more details).