G1 Plus One?

[oops]

I love my G1. It has not only taught me me digital photography (with your help) but challenged all I thought I knew about photography in general. This forum is the first place I have visited each night since April. The G1 has helped me define my "style" which, unfortunately, is not a G1 strongpoint. That is: fill the LCD with your subject and blurr the background. Simple enough with my old Nicon FE but not the G1.

The bottom has fallen out of the Pro90 prices. It seems many "savy" on-line distributors fear a Christmas replacement. Phil Asky originally said street price was $1500 but now it is as low as $649 with a USA warranty (meaning it is not grey market).

Do I take advantage of the low prices and gain the DOF and 10x zoom I so badly need or wait for the 5+ megapixel replacement? You KNOW that's what it will be. It may even have macro!

If I take my G1 price, w/o accessories, of about $700 and add the Pro90 at, say, $700; I am still not up to the original street price of the Pro90 at $1500.

What would you do?

[Ricardo]

Personally, I'd wait for the next big thing. If depth of field is what you crave just post-process the photo with a good paint program to blur the background. I know some people may think that's cheating but it's so damn simple to do. And isn't that one of the reasons were going digital anyway? Everytime you do it you can think of the money you're saving towards your next great camera.

[oops]

I have never tried this in Paintshop. Is it difficult to isolate your main subject without magnifying 500% and using a mouse to outline the border?

I have tried to blur the background in PS and subject isolation is the big downfall. I probably just lack skills because my "seat time" in PS has been considerable.

I appreciate your vote on the Pro90. A 5 meg sensor would be fun while the 10x stabilized zoom makes my heart race. A more educated decision could be made after the Pro90 successor is announced and the Pro90 prices would be even lower than they are now. In perspective, the G1 prices have hit such an insulting low compared to what I paid in April that I am reluctant to make the same mistake twice. But, "buy high, sell low" is my motto.

[GaryBerg]

I looked at cameras and bought the Pro90 in the first place. I prefer the SLR-like feel, the long zoom, and the IS is really good. Have you handled one? That would be a first step in trying to decide I would think.

Another question is what do you want to do with the Pro90? Action - not a perfect choice. Macro - you'll need a 500D or equivalent. Make sure you know the total cost of what you are going to buy.

What about what you want to produce? Web site images - you'll never know the difference between a 2.6MP sensor and a 5MP. 16x20 - a bit more of an issue. You are limited as to cropping if you use the Pro90 if you want really big prints.

I liked what I saw and bought one in August, but clarifying what kind of subjects and outputs you want to use it with would certainly help.

[oops]

Gary, thank you for your response. I found an interesting insight on Miro's websight from a url posted in one of the gallery sites here. To paraphrase, he suggested we take a long, critical look at our past shots and recognize the pattern that may be emerging that may define us as unique photographers. If there are errors; get rid of them in the future. If there are strong possibilities; make them stronger in future shots.

I found I need to fill the LCD more with my subject and increase my DOF. The Pro90 should do both better than the G1 due to the long focal length with the 10x zoom. Am I right?

I also love macro and would keep my G1 for old times sake and macro shots. G1 Plus One.

I am hoping for a camera combination that will address most of what I may choose to shoot, and history shows me it could be anything at all.

I don't think there is, in the prosumer market, a perfect camera that will do it all. That's why we had to buy so many different lenses for our 35mm slr's. I am simply wondering if a G1/Pro90 combo would compliment each other's weaknesses in a way the G1 alone can't. I never print larger than 8x10 since most pictures are most appreciated up close anyway. 99% are for monitor display. And, since prices are dropping, I can afford to have both.

[oops]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I have no opportunity to try or feel anything in redneckville, USA. We have no big anythings here as far as shopping. I would need to travel 3 hours on a highway notorious for drunk driving deaths just to see a G1 and I have owned one since April. I may be the only one in 200x200 square miles who knows or cares what a G1 is. Hell, my local computer guru was super excited about some HP piece of crud he bought at Sam's Club for $49 where he could actually take pictures and post them on his e-mail! I remained silent.

Handle and actually FEEL a Pro90? Be still my beating heart! That's where I need you guys and really appreciate the input.

In exchange, I may post some pics of our local trash dumps. Seriously, I have seen some real art there.