Upgrade from G3. WHAT NEXT!!!

[Saber]

I currently have a G3 and while it is an unbelievable camera, I am very disapointed in its focusing problems in low light and shutter lag. I enjoy taking night shots and action shots. Two areas this camera suffers.

Therefore my qustion is what do I go to next.
I currently have a 420ex flash.
I am leaning towards the Rebel however I have read that while it takes great shots it suffers feature wise.
My other option is the pro 1, while it is feature rich and i am very used to the flipout lcd panel it has a fixed lens.

What are the schools of thought out there.

Thanks for your imput.

[drisley]

I had a G3 for one year, and I upgraded to a Digital Rebel in January.
As much as I liked my upgrade from an S30 to the G3, I like the upgrade to the Rebel even more!

I was amazed at how much faster the Rebel is at focusing than the G3.
In addition there is virtually no shutter lag with these DSLR's.
I can focus in almost complete darkness, especially since the Rebel uses the focus assist lamp on the external flashes (and the internal one is very powerful too), something the G3 couldnt do (I dont think the Pro1 will either).
Plus, the noise at ISO800 on the Rebel is lower than ISO100 on the G3.
Have a look at this thread:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=33543
Take a look at the last 4 pictures all taken at ISO800. They are silky smooth!

In addition, if you like night photography, the Rebel has unlimited exposure time with the BULB setting, unlike the 15 sec limit of the G3.
Plus, the Rebel does noise reduction on the fly, so no waiting for the camera to take a second noise reduction shot like the G3.

I've taken 30 second exposures on my Rebel that were clearer (silky smooth) than 1/1000 shots on the G3.
With the Pro1 you will get shutter lag, more noise than even with the G3, slower focusing than a DSLR.
Oh, and did I mention all the len$es!

AFAIK, The Rebel has many more features than the G3 and Pro1, with one exception... Flash Exposure Compensation.

Everybody is different, but personally I couldnt bare going back to a point and shoot camera after using the Rebel.

That's just my experience. :wink:

[mwinog2777]

10D, great camera

[theflyingkiwi]

Like you I had the G3 before going to the 10D, The reason I decided to upgrade to the 10D after only having the G3 for 7 months for a number of reasons. All of which I don't regret, despite spending a lot more than the G3

The reasons are:

Interchangeable lens, this was the number 1 reason.

Shutter lag, you take a shot with a dslr and you take the shot. You get the shot that you are after. Not one that camera thinks you need :)

Also is the focus time when trying to shot moving targets, just was not happening with the G3.

In my option, and if you can afford it, get the 10D, it can take more shots than the 300D (since you talked about action shots) and strange as this sounds like feels better to use. A friend at work managed to upgrade to a 300d with the help of people deciding that his camera is worth stealing. And yes it is a good camera, and it will take shots just as good as a 10D, but all in all I feel that the 10D is a better camera.

That is my .2c worth. :lol:

[gcogger]

I wouldn't bother with the Pro 1 - the focussing is not much different to the G3. To solve this, you need a DSLR.

The 300D is a fantastic camera, but it is missing some of the features from the G3:
You have no control over exposure mode. This is a problem if you are using a single focus point, since the exposure is VERY strongly biased to that point. This can give inconsistent exposures.
It has the ability to 'track' the focussing on a moving object. this would be useful if you could control when it does so. Sometimes, if you use the 'focus - half-press - recompose' technique, it will re-focus :-(
There is no flash exposure compensation. Many people get under-exposure problems witht eh built-in flash or the 420ex. This one can be solved, however, by downloading some 'hacked' firmware and installing that.
You will have to buy an ND filter, as the camera does not have that option internally.
If any of these are a show-stopper, buy a 10D. If not, the 300D is for you :-)
Bear in mind that any DSLR is way heavier and bulkier than the G3 - it really is a world of difference.

[Andy_T]

I currently have a G3 and while it is an unbelievable camera, I am very disapointed in its focusing problems in low light and shutter lag. I enjoy taking night shots and action shots. Two areas this camera suffers.


You'll most likely keep these two problems with the Pro1. It's the same 'type of camera' having the same problems. Also, ISO noise making anything over ISO 100 virtually unusable.

Don't be mislead by the 300D vs 10D discussions here. Certainly, the 300D does not have all the functions the 10D has, but you must look at them and decide whether you need these functions. It's a lot more of a camera than the G3.

Also, I'd strongly advocate to go to a camera shop and take these two cameras in your hands and compare them. Don't underestimate the 'look and feel'. It might decide whether you like or do not like the camera.

And ... finally ... be aware that most people on this forum expect a replacement for the 10D to be unveiled at the Photokina fair (28.09. - 03.10.2004)

Best regards,
Andy

[Andy_T]

You will have to buy an ND filter, as the camera does not have that option internally.


... like any other camera except the Canon G series from the G3 onwards... :lol:

Best regards,
Andy

[msvadi]

A few days ago I tried a Pro 1 in the store, just out of curiousity. The Pro 1 autofocus is SO SLOW comparing to DSLRs, including the DRebel. I also did not like the zoom ring on the Pro 1. One, simply, cannot compare it to the actual zoom lenses. Add to this higher quality pictures that a DRebel produces, and the choice is clear ;)

Concerning the lack of features on 300D. It can be frustrating. However, it's digital and there are always ways around it. Take a couple of shots, check histograms, determine the right amount of exposure compensation or switch to manual. I find my self using exposure compensation very often. And even more often I shoot in the M mode. The lack of features of the DRebel makes me pay more to attention to the lighting conditions.

Another selling point of the Pro 1 is its "L" glass. But that L stays forever on the camera ;) You cannot take it with you when you upgrade ;)

[ScottJE22]

I had a G1 for three years and believe it or not it's still a heck of a nice camera. We have a baby coming in less than 3 weeks and I was going to upgrade to the G5. One trip to the camera store and a couple of weeks on this forum and I'm the proud owner of a Digital Rebel as of Friday :D

I thought about the D10, but for the price difference, I say get the Rebel with the kit lens and treat yourself to some nice accessories! You can always upgrade the body down the road to whatever comes after the D10 if you feel the Rebel is not enough camera for you. I was pretty experienced with the G1, an older A2 film camera, and the Maxxum 5, and I still think there's plenty of toys on the Rebel to keep me busy for a while...

The main thing I like about the Rebel (probably would have been the same with the D10) is that the controls are so intuitive since I've been using the G1 for three years.

-- Scott

PS -- I paid the same amount for my Rebel that I did for my G1 when it was brand new...... ahhhh, technology....

[Brianbar]

As you said the G3 is a great camera, my wife is now using it and still working very well.( The camera that is, and my wife of course)
I upgraded to the 10D along with a 420EX flash, a 28-105mm USM and 75-300 mm USM, not completely happy with the 420EX flash, but everything else is 100%.
I believe the Pro 1 has noise problems like the G3 etc. at 400 ISO and higher.

Brian

[mtndew]

I was in a the same boat a 1 1/2years ago at that time i was using the G2 when i notice that it lacked range when i was on vacation. So last summer i decided to switch over to the 10D I was a happy camper. Then the Rebel D came out shortly after i bought the 10D. I thought about it as far as cash concerned the $500 different would of been another len. But oh well, dont get me wrong I Love the 10D & G2(which i still use especially traveling & room in my bag is tight). But either the 10D or the Rebel D are both good camera just depends on how quick you are in need of the upgrading and budget.

[billhercus]

Upgraded from G3 to 300D Nov 2003. Fabulous decision - have kept the G3 and use it when I'm away on my boat as I'm scared to death of dropping 300D over the side (it gets dropped everywhere else).

Mainly it's the lack of noise, the interchangeable lenses, )although I had a wide and telephoto with the G3) and it remains feature rich enough until I get really photographically sophisticated which may take a while yet!!

Go 300D and use spare (?) cash for 50mm f1.8 and 17-40mm f4L + + and you will never look back.

[Saber]

WOW Guys

That so much for all your imput.

I would love to get the 10d but for the price it is a little over the top of my budget. The 300D is a stretch in itself.
I think my mind is made up. I will sell my G3 and buy a 300D.


Curious
Brianbar wrote:
not completely happy with the 420EX flash, but everything else is 100%.

WHY?

Thanks again.

[Brianbar]

Hi Saber,
I found the 420EX to be very inconsistant, but the best results are to use the centre point focus only and FEL.

Brian

[Saber]

Excuse my ignorance, but what does FEC real do for you in the scheme of things. It seems to be a bit topic of converstaion when it comes to the 300d

I read my G3 manual and all it says is that you can adjust the output of the flash manually.

Myself, I have never used this feature, I have always relied on the camera for this function.

So what's all the fuss about.

[drisley]

By that post it seems pretty obvious that missing feature on the 300D wont be a problem for you.

Some people like to be able to adjust the flash output for certain situations, like fill flash for backlight objects, and other situations.

[Bruno1520]

I currently have a G3 and while it is an unbelievable camera, I am very disapointed in its focusing problems in low light and shutter lag.
I was is the same position with my G3 and 420ex flash so I got the 300D and have'nt regretted it one bit! Although I am keeping the G3 I wouldnt miss it too much if I had had to sell it.
Good luck with your decision
Ray

[psk4363]

No, no no with the Pro 1!

Follow my lead from the G5 and go with the 10D! 'Nuff said!

Barry