Canon G2 or Canon S400 which one would you choose and why?

[LegMaker]

Im trying to make a decision of either buying a G2 from a family member, or to buy the S400.
Any pros and cons and experiences are appreciated.
Thanks all,

[CyberDyneSystems]

Canon A80 ... :D

More flexible than the S400 and not too much bigger :D

[LegMaker]

CyberDyneSystems wrote:
Canon A80 ... :D

More flexible than the S400 and not too much bigger :D


Thanks CDS! That's all I need is another option to choose from! ???

[2new]

I think it depends upon what you want to do with the camera. Both are good cameras. The s400 is more portable. I believe the G2 may give you more manual control over the camera, and the ability to add a 1.5x teleconverter, filters, etc. I have the G2 and love it, but if you want to just point and shoot I'd pick the more portable of the 2. just my two cents.

[LegMaker]

Thanks 2new.
That's exactly the dillemma I am running into. I have a DSLR and I want something to have with me at ALL times and I can't always lug my 10D around...but I'm not sure that the G2 is small enough to not become a burden for "all the time" use...does that make sense?
I love the controls of the G2. But I love the compactness of the S400....
And now thanks to CDS ;-) .....I'm looking at the A80 which is small , but allows manual controls....
I just don't know if thats what I want the camera to do ..I don't need it to replace my DSLR by any means..
Oh Well...


Thanks again!

[PICsel8]

I have had an opportunity to play with both the G2 and the S400 side by side. I own the G2 and a friend had just bought the S400. Other than the smaller non-swivel LCD and a VERY few manual controls not on the S400, I could see no real difference. The S400 (to my recollection and it was a few months ago) has a longer record time in movie mode, allows recording of an audio file note to a picture, was maybe a little faster in focus, startup etc than the G2 and most importantly, the S400 was significantly more compact. The quality of the pictures taken with each was comparable as far as I could tell. Obviously, the G2 has better low light capability with the much larger lens, but how often do you shoot in low light. I also thought the S400 built in flash was quite robust for the size of camera.

There are many times that I decide not to take my G2 (when I probably would take the S400 if I had one) because my G2 is too heavy or too bulky. It sounds like you already have a good manual DSLR that you can take if you want all the bells and whistles. I really don't think you are giving up much to take the significantly smaller and lighter S400 over the G2. When I compared them, I remember kind of wishing that the S400 had been available when I bought my G2.

One final thought. Has anybody read much about any focus problem with the S400? How does it do its auto focus? I know there are suggestions and work arounds for the G2 focus and I try to implement them all, but I still get a more than acceptable percentage of pics that are just plain out of focus and I know that I have VERY carefully set it all up to auto-focus properly. It can be annoying, when that one otherwise great picture is slightly (or more often drastically) out of focus.

Good luck

Peter

[Andy_T]

If you're looking for G2 creative features (basically P,T,A,M mode) in a (more) compact package, look at the S40/45/50!

Larger than the S400, sure, but will fit into a pocket.

The S 400 is a totaly different camera in that it only allows you to use 'basic' modes you have very little manual control over. I use a G2 (external flash and adapters were more important to me than compact size) and if I were to use the S400, I'd miss the control I have to capture a picture the way I want it.

So ... best tip would be to go to a camera shop and try them all out...

Regards,
Andy

[LegMaker]

Thanks all for your comments. I'm going to go with the S400 due to my original reason for wanting another camera..one to have with me at all times, and it seems to be the best one to do the job and not annoy me while in my pocket!
My 10D is for my control issues 8)
Thanks again,

[CyberDyneSystems]

I am contemplating a similar decision.

(sorry I confused the issue! )

I have a 10D and lenses,. but I would like a pocket camera for the same reasons listed above.

So now I am torn between s400 which is the most compact,. and the A80 whose specs are similar (4megapixels 4X zoom) but the A80 actually has a slightly longer lens... and it has far more creative control. (more like a g series) and it has a fold out LCD for those tricky macros.... and it is a little cheaper!

But of course it is not as small as the S400..

Can't decide... oh well,. I'm in no rush. Can't really afford either after all the lenses i bought :)

[anonaboats]

Here's a view from a different mountain top... I have a G-2 and LOVE it!!!! But, I also do a lot of skiing, sailing and kayaking so I need protection for "safe" photography. The enclosures for the G2 were way too big for my needs so I was forced to purchase a smaller camera...like we need an excuse to purchase more photo stuff...with a smaller UW (underwater) case. Enter the S230 (now the 400). I LOVE it just as much as the G2 and the ability to always have it with you can not be over stated. My point is: be honest when stating your needs. If you REALLY don't need all the bells and whistles go for the pocket model! Cheers, Anona