50 Words or Less
The Canon PowerShot GOLF Digital Laser Rangefinder includes a unique feature – a built-in camera. In addition to slope adjusted distances and stabilization, the unit can also capture photos and videos. Compact and quality built.
Introduction
With all the rangefinders currently available in the golf market, from startup brands to well established leaders in the field, I was a bit surprised to learn that Canon was entering the fray. Sure, Canon is a brand with big time name recognition. But golf? Then I noted that the Canon PowerShot GOLF has a built-in camera and the picture became much clearer. Is the PowerShot GOLF going to revolutionize the laser rangefinder category? Only one way to find out – a thorough Plugged In Golf review.
Setup & Ease of Use
This section was a mixed bag for me. I was instantly able to use the Canon PowerShot GOLF as a laser rangefinder. The basic operation was much like most rangefinders – press the front top button to turn the unit on and press it again to check distance. Locking into the pin was quick and there was a positive vibration confirmation. So far so good.
Under the adjustable eyepiece I found the “ZOOM” button which did just that, taking the 6x magnification to 12x. Holding the Canon PowerShot GOLF in my right hand as I normally do, I learned to use my left thumb to press the ZOOM button. Doable, but a bit awkward.
That was as far as I got straight out of the box. The paper instructions included a parts identification list, quick start guide, and a link to the Advanced Users Guide. What wasn’t in the box was a power cable or a microSD card. I’m fine with a USB-C charging cable not being including (more on that in a moment), but a microSD is required to utilize the camera feature.
After purchasing a microSD card, I was off and running capturing photos and videos. After a quick read of the Advanced Users Guide I learned that the main top button has two depression levels. Pressing half way down engages the distance measurement, while full engagement captures a screenshot. To take a video, you press the red button under the eyepiece, and press it again to stop the recording. You can scroll through the photos and videos via the MENU button and following the somewhat confusing prompts that involve the on/off, zoom, and red buttons.
I’d love to show you the actual photos I captured, but I was unable to download them. Turns out you need a USB-C cable capable of data transfer or an SD port on your laptop to download the files – neither of which I have.
There are two more features to highlight before moving on to the next section. First, slope adjustment can be turned on or off via the menu. In the off setting, a blue indicator light flashes, as shown above. The LASER toggle on the side of the Canon PowerShot GOLF turns the ranging laser on or off – an important safety feature when pointing the unit at people.
Accuracy & Performance
As a laser rangefinder, the Canon PowerShot GOLF has several great features and most importantly is super accurate. Canon states the rangefinder is accurate to +/- 2 yards at up to 800 yards. I never found it outside 1 yard difference when compared to my Nikon laser or Bushnell GPS [Phantom 3 review HERE]. I’m a big fan of image stabilization – especially when the unit is small and lightweight like the PowerShot GOLF. When locked onto a flag, a pin graphic appears for visual confirmation and the unit gives a quick vibration.
Beyond the cool factor, the digital zoom has practical applications like seeing if your ball is actually on the green. It’s also nice to zoom in on a bird while waiting patiently for your playing partner to go through the seemingly endless checklist in their mind before swinging.
I wear a medium glove, and you can see the Canon PowerShot GOLF is relatively small in my hand. The size was great for slipping into my back pocket and even leaving it there while hitting. Plus at 0.33 lbs. the unit is ideal for golfers who enjoy carrying their bag. Rated IPX4, a little rain should not an issue.
Value
The Canon PowerShot GOLF has a list price of $350. As a laser rangefinder, that’s a fair price for a unit with slope, color display, and an extra feature like its image stabilization or zoom. The photo and video capabilities make the unit a considerable value, but may require additional expenditures for file storage and retrieval.
Conclusion
In the crowded laser rangefinder space, the Canon PowerShot GOLF certainly stands out for its camera feature. The question I kept trying to answer during testing was, “Who does it serve?” Does having a photo with distance data superimposed on the hole offer a golfer anything? I guess if you are a shot tracking maniac, the extra data could be of value post round. As for the video, it seems we all have a smart phone at the ready, more than capable of capturing swings, celebrations, and the likes. Bottom line is I’m just not sold on the camera. I truly like the size, optical quality, and solid feel of the PowerShot GOLF – and the Canon name certainly adds legitimacy. But I believe that, just like its devoid-of-marketing box, the PowerShot Golf isn’t going to garner many looks.
Visit Canon HERE
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7 Comments
We all have pretty powerful camera phones already in our pocket. I don’t see how taking pictures with my rangefinder (that I can’t even see, show, or share without additional hassle and expense) is needed in any shape or form. I applaud them trying/thinking outside the box, but this seems like a solution looking for a problem.
I like the idea of a 12 x zoom… But not being wirelessly transferable to your phone is pretty dated.
Very funny comment about the slow playing partner..,, was that from your actual round?!
Unfortunately yes. Thanks for reading.
– Meeks
Curious how this compares to the Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized, specifically the optics and image stabilization.
I’ve been using the Nikon for a couple years now and the optics. I do wish it had the jolt feature though.
The Nikon is in my bag also. A key difference is the Canon utilizes digital imaging, which can have some hiccups with flashes of lights and such. Based on some upgrades to Nikon’s mid-price models, I’m hopeful that there’s a ProIII soon with jolt and a magnet.
– Meeks
They make cheap SD card readers with lightning or USB/USB-C connections – posting without the rangefinder photos certainly does a disservice to this device
Appreciate the review, but not great that you couldn’t track down a cheap USB-C cable or SD card adapter to actually showcase the standout feature of the device. It also begs the question how you even download photos in general (wireless workflow)? Regardless of the benefit debate, it should be a part of a “review” of the product.