Any SLR owners view on G7??

[sootyvrs]

Following a thread I stated on EOS forum re. my daughters embarrassment with my "Geeky SLR" http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=310517

I am considering to get a Canon G7 for moments where less attention is required than lugging all my gear around.

Can someone tell me what they think of this camera. Points of interest for me are -

image quality,
shutter lag,
accuracy of viewfinder when composing,
speed of focus,
speed of zooming.

I assume noise can be an issue when upping the ISO but my expectations are different compared to my SLR

[EORI]

My observations of the G7 are based on about a month's use. My point of reference is the EOS 5D, XT, and 3 (film camera):

image quality: JPEG only, but the IQ is quite good straight out of the camera, provided you expose properly, which is not difficult to do thanks to the live histogram (a new and welcome feature that I understand will become standard in all future Canon DSLRs).

shutter lag: Average for p&s; poor when compared to a DSLR. I refer to my G7 as a "still-life" camera. I understand there are techniques to overcome the lag, but if I'm taking action photos, the G7 stays home.

accuracy of viewfinder when composing: Much narrower FOV than the actual image as it appears in the LCD display. Essentially a peephole when compared with my FF 5D viewfinder. Fully-extended lens barrel partially blocks view.

speed of focus: Quite good, and quite accurate.

speed of zooming: Typical p&s motorzied speed; nothing beats a twist of the wrist.

>>I assume noise can be an issue when upping the ISO but my expectations are different compared to my SLR:

You'll need to lower your expectations even compared with your Fujifilm F30. Anything beyond ISO 400 is just not usable for me, even using NoiseNinja.

Bottom-line, I'm happy to have the camera for those times when I can't or don't want to take my DSLR kit, and as a camera to always have with me in my brief case or car glove box.

[lordjim]

I just received the camera yesterday. My point of reference is the 20D.

image quality: I was positively impressed as long as the light is good. It is quite comparable to the 20D in "easy" light conditions. As soon as the light becomes low or the dynamic range is too high, the 20D is obviously a lot better. Impressed also by the quality of the zoom from 35mm to 210mm.

shutter lag: my previous P&S was the "old" Powershot A95. The G7 is a lot faster. Less annoying than the shutterlag of P&S two years ago. You still have to forget action shots with the G7/. The shutter lag is longer in low light with flash (in fact it is an AF lag in low light).

accuracy of viewfinder when composing: well, let's say that you fortunately have a large screen which is a lot more helpful in composing than the viewfinder.

speed of focus: quite fast. faster than I expected from a P&S.

In short, after two days only, it seems to be a keeper for me. I bought it as a compact travel companion and it appears that it will be able to fulfill that role.

My first choice remains to use my DSLR and its lenses when I can but when I don't have room for a DSLR or want to travel light, the G7 is a good replacement.

You may also want to check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 because of its wide angle (28mm vs 35mm for the G7). I needed the 210mm zoom so I finally went for the G7 but the LX2 seems to be great P&S also. In short, no regrets so far but after two days only.

[sootyvrs]

Thanks for you replies

Shame it's no good for sports as I would like it to take to my kids school sports day. It's good to hear that the IQ is very good and comparable to EOS.

I think I need to handle one to decide.

[avwh]

shutter lag: Average for p&s; poor when compared to a DSLR. I refer to my G7 as a "still-life" camera. I understand there are techniques to overcome the lag, but if I'm taking action photos, the G7 stays home.

You'll need to lower your expectations even compared with your Fujifilm F30. Anything beyond ISO 400 is just not usable for me, even using NoiseNinja.


3200 ISO, accessed through Scenes, is surprisingly usable in a pinch, though - for low-light indoors shots where flash is unacceptable.

I've been pleasantly surprised at the action shots I've attempted with my G7 (and I'm a newbie to digital photography, but a baseball veteran).

The key to "beating" the shutter lag is to pre-focus; then the lag is minimal, so you can get shots that catch the action (and these were taken on a very overcast day, so shutter speeds were pretty slow)

Here are 2 good shots:

[Prydain]

I got mine to make sure I never missed a chance shot again (right after I missed one of those perfect clouds and sunset pictures). I pretty much take it everywhere and enjoy its utility more than I can say. Pictures are sharp, features are broad. If I want more I lug my 20D bag and get more. I shoot mostly still so action I can't comment on.

Mel

[EORI]

AVWG: Those are pretty impressive shots! My usual action photography consists of kids, dogs and cats running about, which makes pre-focusing rather difficult, and requires focus tracking.

[avwh]

AVWG: Those are pretty impressive shots! My usual action photography consists of kids, dogs and cats running about, which makes pre-focusing rather difficult, and requires focus tracking.

Thanks. The zoom is also impressive on the G7; I'm 23 rows behind home plate on the picture that's taken through the screen (my normal seats). I'm more than 150 feet and probably closer to 200 feet from homeplate, up the 3B line for the other shot (sought out cover under the overhang when the drizzle started).

Pre-focus is obviously easier with baseball where you know where and when certain action will occur, than for most other sports/action stuff.

[bluebomberx]

One thing I don't like about the G7 is how it handles flash in manual mode. It actually doens't handle at all. You have to set the flash power manualy. That is my main complaint with the camera. Nevertheless, it's still a great P&S digicam with SLR like capabilities.

[PeacePlanet]

Wonder how good is it compared to S3 ?

Any comparisons ?

Peace
AL

[Prydain]

Wonder how good is it compared to S3 ?

Any comparisons ?

Peace
AL

I don't recall specs on S3, but thought I compared them when I bought. I liked the optical zoom range on the G7 over just about everything else I looked at. I think the S3 comes up short, but I can't remember by how far.

Mel

[sdommin]

I don't recall specs on S3, but thought I compared them when I bought. I liked the optical zoom range on the G7 over just about everything else I looked at. I think the S3 comes up short, but I can't remember by how far.

Actually, the zoom range is "better" on the S3 (36-432mm equiv.) vs. the G7 (35-210mm equiv.), but I bought the G7. I think that quality-wise, the G7 lens is better because it doesn't have to zoom so far. I also like the fact that the G7 is flat and compact when the power is off.

[Muggles]

Following a thread I stated on EOS forum re. my daughters embarrassment with my "Geeky SLR"


Hmmm...

I think that maybe your daughter was freaked out by your big EOS 30D with the huge EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 lens mounted. It does look a little dorky, especially if you have that monstrous hood mounted and the zoom lens fully extended. Compare, for example, the difference in size between a 30D+17-55, a Rebel+35f2, and some digicams popular with soccer moms these days:

30D with 17-55: 140 cubic inches (zoom extended, hood installed)
XTi with 35 f2: 57 cubic inches
Sony H5: 55 cubic inches
Canon S3 IS: 42 cubic inches

30D with 17-55: 1400 grams
XTi with 35 f2: 720 grams

I think an Rebel XTi with 35 f2 lens will blend in well in a crowd of point & shoots and videocams. Instead of a zoom, you can just keep a 2nd lens in your pocket for longer reach ( ie 50 f1.8 ). Ditching the geeky neck strap would help. The shutter of a Rebel camera is much quieter than that of a 30D too. And those fast prime lenses mean you may not have to use flash, thus avoid drawing unnecessary attention to your camera.

I don't think any dSLR user could ever be truly happy going back to point & shoots, even if it is a G7. Twenty years from now, you and your daughter will look at those pictures and wish you had taken them with the better camera you already had...

.

[Grentz]

Hmmm...

Ditching the geeky neck strap would help. The shutter of a Rebel camera is much quieter than that of a 30D too.


The 30D shutter was quieter than any of the XTI/XT/300D Rebels I tried in the store :oops:

I agree about the neckstrap though, I keep mine off to try and blend in a bit more and not be instantly labeled "Tourist" or "Steal from me Please!" (or get a plain one if you must get one).

[puttick]

I have a 5D and a G7. I would not be without either. The 5D is a near-perfect dSLR and I use many lenses with it. The G7 is as close to perfect as the current state of the art permits for a pocketable camera, e.g. for parties, skiing, keeping in the car "just in case" etc...unless you can afford a Leica M8 and that is hardly pocketable.

G7 IQ is very good up to ISO 200, acceptable at 400. This does not compete with the high ISOs of the 5D, but is as good as it gets in a compact. Horses for courses.

And I have owned (after many years of film photography): 300D, 350D, now 5D: and G2, Ixus400, S70, S80 and now G7.

You will not regret buying a G7, it is a perfect companion to a dSLR.

Nigel

[sootyvrs]

I have thought about the 400D/XTi route with a short prime as mentione but even though it's much smaller than the 30D/17-55 & 70-200, it's still an SLR and not exactly pocketable.

Yes, I could just add the prime to my 30D and it looks much smaller but it still stands out.

The potential G7 is to be an addition to my Geeky SLR camera so I see it no different than an additional lens and one I will get out when the circumstance requires it. Hopefully, I will carry mostly everywhere which means I will rarely miss a shot which does hold advantages over SLR type bodies.

I did handle one the other day and must say I was impressed. The manual mode with live histogram is one advantage over the SLR and also live preview of manual changes to exposure!

I'm certainly tempted.

[Master-9]

Get it Get it Get it ;-0

[DC9]

Trade in your daughter for a 1D Mark III and then get the G7 as your pocket camera.

You will be money ahead.

[Savas K]

I left the 5D at home, travelled and captured these in Las Vegas and outskirts. Just size reduction and one pass of USM:

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/_Savas/G7%20at%20Vegas/Vegas_A_21.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/_Savas/G7%20at%20Vegas/Vegas_A_19.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/_Savas/G7%20at%20Vegas/Vegas_A_27.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/_Savas/G7%20at%20Vegas/Vegas_A_16.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/_Savas/G7%20at%20Vegas/Vegas_A_14.jpg

[sootyvrs]

Very nice pics and nice saturated colours.

My only concern is no RAW as I don't always get it right but I assume the live histogram preview should go a long way to get the exposure right.

[Savas K]

Very nice pics and nice saturated colours.

My only concern is no RAW as I don't always get it right but I assume the live histogram preview should go a long way to get the exposure right.


I find that to be the saving grace.

[Gary W. Graley]

As I am required to travel overseas quite a bit, it's a struggle to carry the 20D and
associated lens, so I searched out and picked up the G7 and like it very much.
I think the key is to not expect full Dslr out of a P&S and you'll be fine, but image
wise, I think it does quite well, printed out 11x17 and looks terrific.
Here is a shot, resized for web view, but the colours are great out of this camera;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/G7/pirate1.jpg

I agree, you go past iso 400 and it's not as clever, but, it's that or not getting the shot.

One thing I want to check yet, is how it reacts with studio strobes, of course that is a
last resort, as at home I'd use the 20D and not bother with the G7, but on the road
where I can't protect or watch over my gear, I wear the G7 safely on my belt, very handy!
G2 (my nic and not my camera ;) )

[andy_fozzy]

This topic has thrown a spanner in the works for me now.
I've just sent my S3 back due to poor quality shots (in my opinion).

I've gone from DSLR to S3, so I was expecting too much.

Now I'm thinking the 10mp might make up for a bit of the quality loss, but for the price of the G7, I gotta be 110% certain it's going to be good.

I'm also considering just putting up with the bad side of DSLR and getting a 350D.

[EORI]

A non-DSLR will never satisfy one's expectation levels developed through experience with a DSLR. A G7 (or any other p&s) is a good complement to a DSLR, but never a good replacement. Keep in mind the limitations of a non-DSLR, and use the p&s selectively and within its limits, and they are fine. What that means is that if I could only have one type of camera, it would be a DSLR. Even the current bottom-line XT is a far superior all-around instrument to any p&s.

[sootyvrs]

Just a quick update -

I have just placed an order for a A710 IS which was on special offer this weekend only. The normal price in UK is £229 but the price was reduced to £149 and Canon are also doing a rebate on selected Powershots so I will get another £50 rebate which is a NET £99. The G7 is 300% more expensive for just a little more!

Unfortunately, Canon decided to leave out the G7 on any offers.

I thought I would give it a try and also load the RAW hack to test it. If it doesn't deliver then I can return it and get the G7.

[benttop]

Well I've had my G7 for a few days, and I can see where it will be extremely valuable in those cases where I just can't or don't want to take the 20D. I very much miss the RAW processing though - you have a lot less latitude editing JPG files, but the live histogram really helps get the right exposure on the first try. The down side to that is you have to compose with the LCD, which I hadn't planned on, but if it gives me better images, that's where I'll go.

So I'm thinking this will work out great. For trips to the theme parks with the grandkids, the G7 will rule the day. I can also have it in my briefcase and thus always available as I go to work and return home. When I go on vacation though, I plan to have the 20D hanging at my waist, with the G7 around my neck. That way I can use the G7 for the cheesball shots of family and such, and keep one of my telephoto lenses on the 20D for stuff I always miss with the 24-70.. That's a lot easier than hauling two DSLR's, which is what I was considering when I got the idea for the G7.

[puttick]

Just another 2c worth - I've just been away sailing off the West of Scotland for a week, mostly wet and windy weather. I did not take my 5D out of my bag - didn't dare risk it - because of the conditions, but used the G7 a lot, kept it inside my sailing waterproofs. Sometimes you just aren't able to use the SLR...

[asabet]

image quality,
shutter lag,
accuracy of viewfinder when composing,
speed of focus,
speed of zooming.

I assume noise can be an issue when upping the ISO but my expectations are different compared to my SLR

I am another 5D user with a G7. Image quality is excellent, especially at ISO 80 where it has exceeded my expectations. Accuracy of the VF is miserable, but better than nothing. AF speed is acceptable but not class leading, much less SLR-like. Speed of zooming is okay but can't compared to a mechanically-linked zoom.

Overall I am leaning towards selling my G7 to buy a Ricoh GX100. I love wide angle and RAW. I knew the G7 didn't have these when I bought it, but I thought I might love it anyway. I can't fault the camera - it is wonderful at what it does.

[Azzure_7]

wait a little more and get s5.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s5is.asp