I love my G3 but where do I go from here?

[ScottW]

When I got away from film I wanted a good "prosumer" digital that was smaller & lighter than my old SLR. I bought a G3 and it really does take great pictures However the two complaints I have is the SLOOOW focus time and the 35-135 lens. I have missed quite a few shots because of the slow focus time.

The cameras I have been reading about are the the 10D, Pro1 and the A2. I realize that I am not necessarily comparing apples to apples, but I would like some feedbak from this forum. I like the balanced responses I have seen here.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Sounds to me like you are having the exact same "digital" growing pains I went through wehn I needed to go from an all in one P$S to a DSLR...

I added an extra step.. by purchasing an olympus with a 10X IS Zoom lens (38-380mm equivelent)

this actually did tyde me over for some time.. but in the end it only reinforced the need for an interchangeable lens SLR...

My advice there fore is to go straight for a DRebel or 10D...

[edmund]

I too have been very happy with my G2 and will continue to use it as a carry-round. But I've just made the jump to a 10D ..... I was thinking of holding off and seeing if the Pro2 would address some of the focusing, shutterlag issues as I like the idea of an all-in-one camera. Hmmm. It isn't going to happen soon! So it's back to a camera bag and interchangeable lenses. I'm happy to have made the decision. I've read all through this forum about the 10D - if what you want to photograph needs what an SLR offers ...... go for it.

[ijohnson]

I had a 30 year old Minolta XD-5 35mm SLR that I loved and adored for a long time, then the G2 came along and thrilled me with the flexibility and feedback that Digital provides.

I still love them both for what they have done for me, but the 10D is my new love now. It has everything I loved about both cameras and a lot more.

Look around on the Internet for about another month. Spend countless hours reading reviews, and start to learn more about what you might be looking for. Read this forum every day.

When you have done all that, come back and ask more pointed questions if you need to and a decision will come.

I also recommend going to a camera store and holding them, snapping the shutter and so on.

Have fun.

[scottbergerphoto]

My digital path was a G2 to a 10D to a 1D MarkII. If you are ready to make an investment in good lenses, and need the many possibilities that a DSLR can give you, then I would advise the 10D or the 300D if the cost is more acceptable to you. Rememer that a camera is only good if you take it with you. A DSLR is larger then a P&S and usually requires carrying an extra bag. Something to consider in deciding whether or not to go to that expense.
Regards,
Scott

[gcogger]

If you're worried about the focusing issues with the G3 (speed and reliability), you will only get a real improvement if you buy a DSLR. Something like a Pro 1 will not solve this.

[ScottW]

Thanks to all for responding. I think GCoggers response is what I was afraid of. Since the Pro1 is indeed a G series, then Canon may not have solved the problem.

My next step as JJohnson suggested is to go to my local retail store & fondle & caress some bodies. I just called the store I bought my G3 at and they must have closed down. The Internet is taking its toll on retail camera stores.

Thanks again all for your comments. I shall return.

[ScottJE22]

I had a 30 year old Minolta XD-5 35mm SLR that I loved and adored for a long time...

This was my first camera! My dad gave me his in 1988 and it's how I learned about film speed, shutter speed, f-stop, etc. I wish I still had it, but I sold it and a few nice lenses in 1997 to buy my first AF SLR - a Canon A2 :)

That XD-5 was dang near indestructible...