Which to get? G7 or S3 IS?

[::Lisa::]

Hi,

I've been using my digi SLR for the past 2 yrs and although I'm still keeping them I want a compact with manual functions for a carry around in purse camera. I've decided it's going to be either the Canon G7 or the Canon S3 IS.

I'm leaning more towards the G7 due to the fact it has a hot shoe and I can use my speedlite as an off camera flash. I'm not fond of on board flashes. And the fact it's smaller, my bag isn't that big.

So wondering which you would favour? I'll be buying it tomorrow and thought I'd open this thread now (last minute) and see what the poll options are tomorrow morning :lol:

Thanks,
Lisa

[Falkon]

Looks like the G7 wins!

[Billginthekeys]

given your description lisa, seems like the G7 is the only real choice.

[pmc]

I was in the same delima as you, like the fact the S3is uses AA so in a pinch i could grab regular alkaline in a pinch after reading all the reports onllne and even here; i was still in a dogma, as to which to get. I actually had to sit myself down and argue with myself...LOL and the G7 won based wholly on it's size, as light as the S3is is, it's still huge while travelling and as most people i and you will probably end up with both...eventually.

[_aravena]

G7 seems to win with you but I wanted something that was affordable and zoom was awesome. Besides, can't get a G7 less than $300.

But you're using it for a whole diff thing. G7 ftw!!!

[EORI]

My thought is that if you are going to bother will carrying something bulky as the S3, then you may as well go all the way and carry your SLR. I've been traveling with a recently acquired G7, and while I miss the DSLR's high ISO capabilities, imperceptible shutter lag, and fast prime lenses, I'm quite happy with the pocketable alternative to my regular kit.

[DC9]

I realize this is to late to matter but this is for anyone who might have this same question some other time and finds this thread.

My daughter has a S3 and I have a G7 that we bought last week. She wanted the mini-SLR look alike and I wanted a smaller sleek body when I didn't want to drag along my 30D . I haven’t had the chance to set them side by side and take the same picture with the different cameras but I will say this the G7 is a much more purse/backpack friendly camera. Both cameras menus and operation are pretty much the same. Yes you have to push different buttons to get the same results but her camera seems similar to me as I help her learn the finer points of photography. Sorry I can’t give you any true comparisons between the two camera’s image quality right now.

I have a neoprene pouch I picked up years ago for a long forgotten cell phone I keep the G7 in to protect it from bangs and dings. While I can’t carry a spare battery or memory card in the pouch it is much more compact than the Lowpro type bags that are much larger. The S3 has a lens cap that fits with friction and can easily be knocked off while the G7 retracts and two leaves close over the lens to protect it. I can’t imagine either camera being in a purse or a backpack without at least being kept in a old Crown Royal felt pouch or better.

My suggestion is go with the G7.

[Miyagi-san]

G7!

[::Lisa::]

Thanks everyone.

I wasn't able to get the G7 the day after posting as I originally posted. Went everywhere in town and every camera shop was sold out.

Eventually received my G7 yesterday. Purchased online at cheaper costs than shops anyway :D What a fine camera it is.

Thank you for your comments and poll results :)

Lisa

[::Lisa::]

My thought is that if you are going to bother will carrying something bulky as the S3, then you may as well go all the way and carry your SLR.That is quite true, except my 20D with the 24-70L attached is way more bulkier and heavier than the S3 IS :lol: ;)

Lisa

[Poindexter]

Lisa,

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the G7 after having it for a few days. DC9 - I wouldn't mind hearing from you either.

I'm looking for a lighter travel camera. I'm debating between the G7 and S3 IS.

[bonneyda]

Lisa,

From your equipment list, I think the G7 was the way to go. I bought my daughter the S3IS to use in Hawaii at school and it's a good choice for her level of techenical knowledge of photography. The G7 is a step up towards the DSLR side and more along the lines of what you have the ability to do. I peeked at your website..........nice job. Keep up the good work.