Am I crazy wanting a G7? [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

Toogy

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 08:46

cdifoto

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 08:49

Nah you aren't crazy. But I wouldn't want to spend that kind of money on a P&S. I'm thinking A series for myself...

I feel the way you do though. It gets heavy after awhile. Gimme cash if you want me to lug it all. :)

jgjulio

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 09:10

One is on my Christmas list!

psk4363

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 09:24

Hi Jeff,

I thought I was crazy too in considering a G7 when I looked at my SLR outfit - but I bought one just 3 hours ago.

Why?

Well having just returned from Tunisia after a 12 day holiday I am exhausted carrying my 20D, 580 flash, 16-35L, 50, and 70-200L lenses around with me. On some days I couldn't be bothered! That's why I bought the G7 - lightweight portability, IS lens and good resolution. It'll be my family holiday/day out/weekend away camera whilst I still have the DSLR kit for 'serious' photographic trips.

Barry

Toogy

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 09:28

What is the battery life like on it? I hear it's not that great?

Also, just wondering if you have the ISO knob set to 400 for example, but you put the camera in Auto mode, does the Auto mode override the manual ISO setting?

Just thinking about my wife using it in the future.

psk4363

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 09:33

Not really tried it yet - been charging up the batteries. The battery life isn't as good as the previous Powershot series or the Dslr's which is why I got a second as part of the bundle.

Reading the very brief printed start-up guide, it appears that set-up can be complicated as the G7 has such things as folder creation to suit your own titles. But once set up it will be very idiot-proof. This will be my fourth Powershot G camera and they have all been as easy or as complex as you make it.

IMHO I would never use it in Auto mode - 'P' as an absolute minimum. That way all your settings will remain unaffected.

Barry

psk4363

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 09:36

PS - Nice web site.

andrewaaa5

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 09:44

puttick

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 12:30

You will love it, if your n eeds are similar to mine. It's not a dSLR, but a perfect companion to one. It may be less suitable for someone wanting a G-series as their primary (or only) camera. It is much faster and slicker than a G6 - also smaller and easier to carry. I didn't like the G6 much, personally. The G7 is only a whisker bigger than an S70 or S80. The IS works very well, and lack of RAW is to me not an issue for what is a "carry around" camera.

Nigel

Billginthekeys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 12:49

im on the fence about this one aswell. on one hand i would love a compact when i dont want to haul all my gear about, and the feel and retro look of the camera is ohh so cool. i might ask for it for Christmas. its that or an xbox 360. im not sure which is higher on my priority list yet haha. ive gotten plenty of camera gear already this year (not that i wouldnt take more)

likophoto

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:08

That camera looks like an old rangefinder. I love that look!

Billginthekeys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:23

i know, its ultra sexy.

JaGWiRE

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:23

For some reason I REALLY want to buy the new G7. It looks so RETRO and cool!
I used to own a G3, and I miss having a camera with me all the time. I hardly ever take the 30D or 20D anywhere unless it is paid work or an important function.

The G7 looks like the perfect size, just big enough to feel "real" but small enough that you can easily take it anywhere.

The lack of RAW kind of bothers me, but not sure I would really want to shoot RAW with a P&S anyways.

I love the lens retracting right into the body, makes it easier to carry than the old G series.

Am I crazy? Any other DSLERS thinking about picking one up?

Yes, I want to get a point and shoot, but a g6.
Here are my reasons why:
G6 uses compact flash, I will have quite a few backup compact flash cards that I can use with the g6.
G6 has raw, so does my 30D. I am used to working with raw files and being able to save my ass at times exposure-wise.
G6 has a tilt screen, something the G7 doesn't. To me as an SLR user I hate it not being able to get a shot because my eye can't get up to the viewfinder.
I also like that the G6 (although I am pretty sure this is for the G7 too) uses the same batteries as my 30D. Saves me a few bucks on batteries and gets me a second charger!
The g7 wins by far for looks though, hands down. If it had raw and compact flash I'd have bought one in an instance. I don't like the idea of having to re-invest $ in memory, even if it is cheap. A p&s should be cheap compared to my SLR as it is, and if I can keep the price down I'm going to try my best to do so. Plus, I hate handling SD, very small and hard to put in the camera when your on the run.

Billginthekeys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:38

Yes, I want to get a point and shoot, but a g6.
Here are my reasons why:
G6 uses compact flash, I will have quite a few backup compact flash cards that I can use with the g6.
G6 has raw, so does my 30D. I am used to working with raw files and being able to save my ass at times exposure-wise.
G6 has a tilt screen, something the G7 doesn't. To me as an SLR user I hate it not being able to get a shot because my eye can't get up to the viewfinder.
I also like that the G6 (although I am pretty sure this is for the G7 too) uses the same batteries as my 30D. Saves me a few bucks on batteries and gets me a second charger!
The g7 wins by far for looks though, hands down. If it had raw and compact flash I'd have bought one in an instance. I don't like the idea of having to re-invest $ in memory, even if it is cheap. A p&s should be cheap compared to my SLR as it is, and if I can keep the price down I'm going to try my best to do so. Plus, I hate handling SD, very small and hard to put in the camera when your on the run.
as clarification the G7 uses the same battery as the XT and XTI (smaller than then 20D/30D battery)

I also was set on a pro1 for pretty much the same reasons you just stated, but im reconsidering the G7 mainly due to its size. the G6 and pro1 are most definitly NOT pocket cameras. the G7 isnt a shirt pocket camera either but i could easily put it in a cargo pants pocket and not have to worry about it. expence wise, SD cards are dirt cheap these days. and its not like i would buy and extreme III for the thing or anything. im not going to be bursting on it lol, thats what my 1D is for. as many pro features as it seems to lack, it seems to have made up for in easy and slick design and use for daily photography when you dont want to haul all the gear around. right now i use my 20D and 24-105 IS around for walk around. basically this camera should do the same exact thing and take up a LOT less space.

JaGWiRE

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:42

as clarification the G7 uses the same battery as the XT and XTI (smaller than then 20D/30D battery)

I also was set on a pro1 for pretty much the same reasons you just stated, but im reconsidering the G7 mainly due to its size. the G6 and pro1 are most definitly NOT pocket cameras. the G7 isnt a shirt pocket camera either but i could easily put it in a cargo pants pocket and not have to worry about it. expence wise, SD cards are dirt cheap these days. and its not like i would buy and extreme III for the thing or anything. im not going to be bursting on it lol, thats what my 1D is for. as many pro features as it seems to lack, it seems to have made up for in easy and slick design and use for daily photography when you dont want to haul all the gear around. right now i use my 20D and 24-105 IS around for walk around. basically this camera should do the same exact thing and take up a LOT less space.
Yeah, well, the tilt screen and raw are sort of big for me re-thinking it over. Heck, the tilt screen especially. I'm curious if the G6 remote can be used a remote shutter release or not, I never was able to figure out what people meant in reviews for that. With the g7 having different batteries I'd be switching batteries and losing the extra charger. Man, the G7 / G6 is making me think a whole lot about the 30 or 20D vs XTi sort of thing, where one camera rules mega-pixel wise, but lacks in other features.
It's just in my daily life when I want a P&S chances are I could be screwing up shots and wanting that raw later because I shot without paying enough attention or whatever it may be. Especially when I'm shooting at night in darkly lit areas inside or whatever, say glow in the dark bowling. I think the G6 has wider f-stop, but I'm not sure, and as it's a point and shoot I have no idea how much it affects lighting or depth of field or whatever. I'm not sure, but I think the g6 would fit in my jean pocket or jacket pocket easy. Heck I could probably fit my 30D if it doesns't have a lens on it, so unless the G6 is as big if not bigger then the 30D I should be okay I think.

Billginthekeys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:50

Yeah, well, the tilt screen and raw are sort of big for me re-thinking it over. Heck, the tilt screen especially. I'm curious if the G6 remote can be used a remote shutter release or not, I never was able to figure out what people meant in reviews for that. With the g7 having different batteries I'd be switching batteries and losing the extra charger. Man, the G7 / G6 is making me think a whole lot about the 30 or 20D vs XTi sort of thing, where one camera rules mega-pixel wise, but lacks in other features.
It's just in my daily life when I want a P&S chances are I could be screwing up shots and wanting that raw later because I shot without paying enough attention or whatever it may be. Especially when I'm shooting at night in darkly lit areas inside or whatever, say glow in the dark bowling. I think the G6 has wider f-stop, but I'm not sure, and as it's a point and shoot I have no idea how much it affects lighting or depth of field or whatever. I'm not sure, but I think the g6 would fit in my jean pocket or jacket pocket easy. Heck I could probably fit my 30D if it doesns't have a lens on it, so unless the G6 is as big if not bigger then the 30D I should be okay I think.
the remote is the other feature that went MIA in the G7 but no one seems to bring it up. so no, there is no remote for the G7. the G6 has a wider aperture lens, but as for all digital P&Ss of its generation it has HORRID, in my opinion unusable noise at and above ISO 400. that is one area that has been vastly improved with the G7. noise even at ISO800 is still usable if it comes to that, and 400 isnt half bad at all. 200 and below its not even really visible. DoF is a problem on all P&Ss do to their smaller sensor size.

JaGWiRE

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:57

the remote is the other feature that went MIA in the G7 but no one seems to bring it up. so no, there is no remote for the G7. the G6 has a wider aperture lens, but as for all digital P&Ss of its generation it has HORRID, in my opinion unusable noise at and above ISO 400. that is one area that has been vastly improved with the G7. noise even at ISO800 is still usable if it comes to that, and 400 isnt half bad at all. 200 and below its not even really visible. DoF is a problem on all P&Ss do to their smaller sensor size.

Ah, I see. With a P&S I don't see myself shooting high ISO unless I'm shooting outdoors at night, although I could be wrong, and it could turn out to be a problem indoors with poor lighting. If you put a 430ex or something on these guys, how do they do? Wouldn't really be portable anymore, but I'm curious. I'm guessing the built in flash on these guys is weak. Perhaps the wider aperture makes up for the lack of ISO? I don't know.

Toogy, according to the specs on the G6 it does seem like it could work for me portability wise, although I don't know, perhaps I need to see a photo of it compared to my 30D or a 20D or Rebel or something.

Toogy

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:57

I've held a G6 before and owned a G3 in the past. They definetly can't be put in a coat pocket or something easily, and always have to worry about the lens cap coming off. The G7 easily fits inside a coat pocket or the pocket in your laptop bag that you take to work everyday for example. With the retractable lens, makes it that much nicer for that sort of thing.
My .02 anyways.

Toogy

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 13:58

If you put a 430ex or something on these guys, how do they do? Wouldn't really be portable anymore, but I'm curious.

I used to use a 420EX on my old G3 and it worked great! I suspect the same for either the G6/7

JaGWiRE

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 14:02

I used to use a 420EX on my old G3 and it worked great! I suspect the same for either the G6/7
Hm that's good to hear. I guess if you can take a flash with you, you can probably work your way around noise issues if your inside.

Apparently..

G7 - 106.4 x 71.9 x 42.5 mm
G6 - 105 x 73 x 73 mm
3 cm in one dimension doesn't seem like all that much, although I'm not sure what the 3rd dimension is. I got these numbers from dpreview.

Toogy

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 14:04

I think the third dimension is depth. The grip and lens stick out alot on the G6 compared to the G7. To me that would be a problem with portability.

Billginthekeys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 14:06

Hm that's good to hear. I guess if you can take a flash with you, you can probably work your way around noise issues if your inside.

Apparently..

G7 - 106.4 x 71.9 x 42.5 mm
G6 - 105 x 73 x 73 mm
3 cm in one dimension doesn't seem like all that much, although I'm not sure what the 3rd dimension is. I got these numbers from dpreview.
the third dimension is depth or thinkness, this is where the big problem im trying to say comes in. the G6 has a lens that sticks out infront of the body, and takes a lenscap, therefore is MUCH thiker. the G7 on the otherhand's lens retracts fully into the body, making it much easier to squeeze into places.

Billginthekeys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 14:08

http://www.w4rmk.com/canon/g7/Cams2.jpg
this isnt the G6 but the Pro1, but will show you what i mean.
as you can see the G6 and Pro 1 have a lens that stinks out. the G7 is much thinner

ohh and another neat feature of the G7 is canon makes an underwater case for it. whereas for the G6 you had to buy really expensive third party housing.

JaGWiRE

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 14:08

the third dimension is depth or thinkness, this is where the big problem im trying to say comes in. the G6 has a lens that sticks out infront of the body, and takes a lenscap, therefore is MUCH thiker. the G7 on the otherhand's lens retracts fully into the body, making it much easier to squeeze into places.
Ah, I see. Yup, that could be a problem, although I think I could deal with it. I hope somone posts a comparison image in the future of both of them at their most portable size (lenses folded in as much as possible, although with the g7 you said it goes in completely.)

Why couldn't they had just followed the path of all the other G series cameras leaving the same battery, same memory type, tilt screen and raw :(.

I'm going to read up a little bit on the powershot pro 1.
Bill, your right. That's definitely a problem. I just googled the pro1 and it seems like the g6 except with an L lens and some other little feature differences, but CF, raw, same battery, etc.

Billginthekeys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 14:24

Ah, I see. Yup, that could be a problem, although I think I could deal with it. I hope somone posts a comparison image in the future of both of them at their most portable size (lenses folded in as much as possible, although with the g7 you said it goes in completely.)

Why couldn't they had just followed the path of all the other G series cameras leaving the same battery, same memory type, tilt screen and raw :(.

I'm going to read up a little bit on the powershot pro 1.
Bill, your right. That's definitely a problem. I just googled the pro1 and it seems like the g6 except with an L lens and some other little feature differences, but CF, raw, same battery, etc.
yes the Pro1 is much more of a DSLR in a P&Ss clothing than the G6. the closeness of the feature specs between the G6 and Pro1 leads me to think that if they perhaps are going to release a replacement to the Pro1 it would be full featured in manual controlls, that way you could pick between an advanced compact or a full featured P&S that is a bit bigger. just a passing thought though.

rhys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 14:27

I have the S1 IS - that takes CF and AA batteries. It's small, portable, does video and takes 3mp photos (good enough for a 10x8/A4/8.5x11 print). If I go anywhere on holiday I'm more likely to take the S1 IS than my slr for pure size reasons.

JaGWiRE

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 14:34

yes the Pro1 is much more of a DSLR in a P&Ss clothing than the G6. the closeness of the feature specs between the G6 and Pro1 leads me to think that if they perhaps are going to release a replacement to the Pro1 it would be full featured in manual controlls, that way you could pick between an advanced compact or a full featured P&S that is a bit bigger. just a passing thought though.

Yep, sounds like a not a bad prediction. I'm wondering how limited the Pro series market really is though.

davidfig

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 15:28

Did I miss something, or did everyone miss the most important part of a G series. The hot shoe. Yes P&S are weak in low light. But when I put my 420ex atop the G1 it was great. Beautiful indoor pictures. Just bounce on the ceiling.

I imagine the G7 would do great also. How about a indoor, external flash picture from you guys with the G7.

davidfig

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 15:32

yes the Pro1 is much more of a DSLR in a P&Ss clothing than the G6. the closeness of the feature specs between the G6 and Pro1 leads me to think that if they perhaps are going to release a replacement to the Pro1 it would be full featured in manual controlls

You're making me reminise for the Pro1. When I first looked at digital I went to Ritz here in us and looked at the D70. They showed me two pictures and asked me to choose the best. I looked real close and I though hey this one is the best. Turns out it was the Pro1 that I chose over the D70.

Billginthekeys

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 15:40

You're making me reminise for the Pro1. When I first looked at digital I went to Ritz here in us and looked at the D70. They showed me two pictures and asked me to choose the best. I looked real close and I though hey this one is the best. Turns out it was the Pro1 that I chose over the D70.
haha yea. great analogy. sure hope if canon has plans of a Pro1 replacement they announce it before Christmas... because if im getting a G7 thats when id get it.

Shutter22

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 15:47

I did a vlog shoutout on this camera. It's VERY sexy and I would love to have one.

JaGWiRE

14th of November 2006 (Tue), 16:01

I did a vlog shoutout on this camera. It's VERY sexy and I would love to have one.

Link?

Toogy

16th of November 2006 (Thu), 20:55

Well I made my decision and picked it up today. Man this thing is SMALL!! But I love the build quality. Putting a 420EX on the top of it makes it a real challenge to hold. But overall I am pleased so far.

http://www.digitaliso.ca/files/G7.jpg

Billginthekeys

16th of November 2006 (Thu), 21:16

sure looks nice. how easy is it to handle for a 20D user?

Toogy

16th of November 2006 (Thu), 21:27

Not very easy!!! I don't know how to hold it yet, or where to put my hands!! I am sure I will get used to it, but man is it small. But I guess that's the point right?

JaGWiRE

17th of November 2006 (Fri), 02:09

Not very easy!!! I don't know how to hold it yet, or where to put my hands!! I am sure I will get used to it, but man is it small. But I guess that's the point right?
Heh funny, the Lmx2 looked small compared to it.

GPete

17th of November 2006 (Fri), 03:08

No you're not crazy wanting a G7, I think it's a great camera even with
lack of Raw + tilt screen. I've had a G6 for a year and a half and its
fantastic, a nice size yet maybe little bulky which is my only complaint
other than that Raw shooting is a bonus, good lens + a host of manual functions
I'd say if you see a good price check out the G6
Although the G7 does look soo good Im wanting one aswell
call me crazy too
Cheers

GPete

17th of November 2006 (Fri), 03:29

Nice very nice hope you enjoy la G7
I've actually had my friends 420 atop
my G6 I know what you mean about
top heaviness

JaGWiRE

17th of November 2006 (Fri), 08:32

Nice very nice hope you enjoy la G7
I've actually had my friends 420 atop
my G6 I know what you mean about
top heaviness
The flash puts a lot of weight on my 30D, can't imagine on a point and shoot, it'de probably weigh more then the P&S!

Toogy

17th of November 2006 (Fri), 08:37

It does!! I am really thinking about picking up the 220EX just for the G7. I know it can't bounce, but it has to be better than the built in flash.

John Trogdon

17th of November 2006 (Fri), 09:02

Am I crazy? Any other DSLERS thinking about picking one up?Yep, mine should arrive tomorrow. I pretty much ordered it sight unseen. I wanted to wait until some more reviews came out, but decided what the heck. ;)

John Trogdon

18th of November 2006 (Sat), 22:34

Yep, mine should arrive tomorrow. I pretty much ordered it sight unseen. I wanted to wait until some more reviews came out, but decided what the heck. ;)Ok, so . . . . . I got it, and I'm really impressed. It's an awesome little camera.

cyclone

21st of November 2006 (Tue), 08:15

So how are the noise levels on the G7? Have they improved since the G2/G3 era? I'm thinking of getting my wife a small compact. I tried a Lumix, but the noise was horrid. I'd consider a G7 or something as small as a SD700IS. But noise at higher ISOs is a concern. I'd want a reason to upgrade from the G2.

Terrywoodenpic

21st of November 2006 (Tue), 11:52

I am bypassing the G7. the things I use most just aren't there , No raw, twist screen or remote. I do a lot of panos and those are essentials. but I am adding a Minolta G600 as a pocket camera along side my G6.
The minolta does not have those wants either but it is sharp free of fringing and has plenty of manual options for a miniature camera.
Just a pity it is no longer made, so will go with a recon job.

dmstraton

29th of November 2006 (Wed), 21:15

I got the G7 this weekend, and though the RAW will be missed...not a biggie, everything on the camera is quality...color is great, IS nice, and I hate to say because I usually disdain this feature - the movies are great!

I never used any other Gs with the twist screen, so I don't miss it...this camera is loaded with features, is made like a tank (I wish my 20D was built as well), and I can put it in a jacket pocket.

It won't take the place of DSLR, but I can put it in my glove compartment.