S400 or S45 over G2

[michelle]

I have a G2 right now but would rather have an S400 or even an S45. I really like the G2 but find it quite heavy and hard to carry around with me. I seem to only take point and shoot type pictures so I do not need this higher end camera. I would like to be able to strap the S400/45 to my belt and take pictures! I even have the lens adaptor and filters/macro lenses for my G2...I just find I am not taking close-ups etc. How much smaller is the S400 from the S45 and how are the buttons situated? I find the G2 buttons great but a friend of mine has a S50 and the buttons are kind of hard to get used to. Especially the arrow/set buttons. The G2 has them separated so they are easy to push. But size, for me is more important...any suggestions? My G2 is only a few months old ..

[PeterS45]

The buttons on the S45 and S50 are identical, but it took me only a few days to get used to so that shouldn't be a problem.

If you just want the point & shoot camera and you're sure you'll never need to make the manual adjustments to exposure etc. the S45 offers then you should go for the S400. But if you want the possibillities of the G2 in a smaller camera, go for the S45.

[michelle]

Right now I just point and shoot but maybe in the future I may want to do more fancy things - but I'm sure I can do that with the S45. The S45 must do everything the G2 can do don't you think? Just a little smaller. They are almost the same width but the height is more and I'm sure it weighs more.

[PeterS45]

Compared to the G3 (the new G2) the only difference between those 2 is the lens. The G3 has a little more zoom (35-140 vs 35-110) and a bigger maximum aperture (2.0-3.0 vs 2.8-4.9). The only disadvantage of the S45 is that you can't use an external flash, but when your not the flashy type who bothers.

[lasercomp]

I am a former owner of a G3. I say former cause I had it for like 2 months and then decided to return it to the store cause I found it to be a hassle carrying it around and my wife doesnt want to put it in her purse. Luckily the sotre (J&R) took it back for store credit. I was in the store for an hour looking at the S50 and the S400. I looked like a fool picking both of them up and putting in my pocket to see the weight difference. I finally opted for the S400. It is so small and lightweight and can easily fit in a pocket or even better on your belt with the purchase of the powershot case for the S400. I love this camera alot. I am mostly a point and shoot guy and dont need to be bothered with the manual stuff. I read many reviews and everyone said the auto feature of the camera works wonders. If you are looking to return your G2 for the smallest 4MP around and want great pics, get the S400.

[Guillermo Freige]

I think the right question is, will you be using the "creative" or manual modes of the G2?. If yes, go for the S45/S50 (or even the A70), if not, go for the S400. You are choosing your best size/capabilities relation here, if you don't need the capabilities, go for the size :)

[michelle]

At present I do not use the creative modes. Who's to say I might not in the future? Probably not though. I love taking pictures but as of yet, I do not do anything with them. I friend, who is a photographer, said to get the G2 so I did. Unfortunately, I did not do enough research as to what would be best for me. I hate to "downgrade" to a smaller camera, but the mobility seems to be my biggest concern.

[lasercomp]

michelle wrote:
At present I do not use the creative modes. Who's to say I might not in the future? Probably not though. I love taking pictures but as of yet, I do not do anything with them. I friend, who is a photographer, said to get the G2 so I did. Unfortunately, I did not do enough research as to what would be best for me. I hate to "downgrade" to a smaller camera, but the mobility seems to be my biggest concern.

My recommendation would be to go the store and look at both the S45/S50 and the S400 and see which size suits you. The S400 is not a downgrade from the G2. The only difference in my opinion is that there are far less manual controls. I have the S400 and the picture quality is awesome. I mainly shoot in Auto mode and the camera sets all the correct settings wonderfully. Good luck on your decision.

[michelle]

Yes, I compared the size of the S50 and S400 and I like the size of the S400 and I also like how the controls are set out on the S400...easier than the S45/50. Maybe I should keep my G2 for the artistic shots and get a S400 for everyday point and shoot.

[sstinman]

I have S400 that is a week old that I would like to sell. See your e-mail/PM for more details Michelle.

[michelle]

I saw the email and replied. Did you get it?

[rmsds]

Just one question...
Why do you want to sell it after just one week?

[sstinman]

I have both the Canon S45 and S400. The S45 is a few months old. I bought the S400 to replace the S45. After using the S400 around the house I found that I perfer the S45 manual controls over the very good Auto features of the S400. It just a personal preferance.

So know I would like to sell the S400. I got a very good deal on it and don't want to make my friend mad that did me favor a gave the discount.

I've posted it for sale at this site. I can't get the link to work right so please copy and paste the address into the address line.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,7202489~root=forsale~mode=flat