G3 Advice Please

[melvyn]

Having decided to go digital, I have been researching many digital cameras, most have pros and cons. I am 99.9% convinced on the G3 having read reviews and being part of this excellent forum.

I know I will get some honest feedback from my following question.

Whilst I am a novice to digital photography, good results are important to me. Initially when I purchase the camera will I be able to get good results from the auto (point and shoot modes) of the G3.

Medium term, I am going to purchase a book from shortcourses.com and learn about all the features of the camera and start experimenting like you guys do.

I guess my only doubt is will I need extensive knowledge of photography to get good results from the G3 early on.

Thanking you in advance

Melvyn

[jglisson73]

Melvyn,

In Auto and P mode, you can get great shots right off the bat. The first technique you will have to learn is using the AutoFocus. It's as simple as holding the shutter button down halfway, but if you're not used to it, you might press the shutter button all the way!

I recommend spending some time reading through the manual, and also checking out this site:

http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/PSG3/PSG3_01-e.html

It's a manual from Canon for the G3, but it's more graphical than the manual that comes with the camera.

I recommend as soon as you are comfortable, commit to taking all of your shots in P mode (Program mode). It gives you contol most importantly over the ISO setting. Set it to 50 and leave it unless you need more sensitivity to light. Auto mode will set the ISO for you and might introduce unwanted noise.

All in all, I think you'll be very happy with the shots you'll get with next to no knowledge of the camera in Auto mode.

Good luck!
John

[dagger]

From what I've seen, the G3 is a very good tool for point and click users, and you won't have to be knowledgeable with Photography to get a hang with it, but I do believe that a basic knowledge of photography and composition will go a long way for taking great images.

Good luck and enjoy your camera, whatever you'd decide to get. :)

[melvyn]

Thank you John & Dagger for your advice.

[jglisson73]

Oh yeah melvyn,

Be sure to post some pictures for us to see!!!

John

[RajaBhat]

Hi,
I carefully researched cameras before choosing the G3. I am very pleased with it. A good alternative would be the new Nikon 5400, based on the specs. Both cameras would be excellent choices. The Nikon was not around when I bought the G3. If I have to make the choice right now I'd still get the G3, because:
The LCD when in a closed position is not exposed to scratches etc.
G3 is compatible with my other Canon equipment.
You can buy low cost close up accessories from lensmateonline.com. (Though, the Nikon seems to have phenomenal close up capabilities without any accessories).
Raja

[Dana]

RajaBhat wrote:
Hi,
I carefully researched cameras before choosing the G3. I am very pleased with it. A good alternative would be the new Nikon 5400, based on the specs. Both cameras would be excellent choices. The Nikon was not around when I bought the G3. If I have to make the choice right now I'd still get the G3, because:
The LCD when in a closed position is not exposed to scratches etc.
G3 is compatible with my other Canon equipment.
You can buy low cost close up accessories from lensmateonline.com. (Though, the Nikon seems to have phenomenal close up capabilities without any accessories).
Raja

Another reason to prefer the G3 over the 5400 is that the G3 has a faster lens.

Dana