G7 or G9

[chyangwel]

Hi folks new to this forum so please be patient.
I have just ordered a G7 yesterday and then found out canon have now introduced the new G9 good old Canon:rolleyes:
Should I return my G7 and get the new G9? I’ve had a look at the specks and the only significant difference I can see is 4000 X 3000 resolution compared to 3648 X 2736 on the G7, RAW which I am not to bothered about and a 3” LCD that would be nice.:)

My camera now is a Sony CyberShot DCS-P32 alas given up the ghost so this is a major jump for me. My thoughts are keep the G7 see how the G9 delivers and when the price comes down and all the gremlins are sorted out then upgrade
Anyway what do the folks think?

[jacobsen1]

I'm waiting on teh G9 to at least see some test shots and hopefully a review.
My biggest concern with the G7 is everyone dislike's it's lack of RAW. Not a big deal for me, but it will be for resale, so I'm probably going to get the G9.

[Sparky98]

Does anyone really buy a P&S camera thinking about what the resale value will be? I have never sold one of my cameras because usually I use them until they are so old they have little value. I have never used a G7 but as I read the various posts it seems that most people think it is a great camera. If you want to save some money and RAW is not important to you I think the G7 would be a good choice. If you just want to have the "latest and greatest" or if RAW is important to you then buy the G9. Given 2 identical pictures, one taken with the G7 and one taken with the G9, I doubt that many people could tell the difference. However, until we start seeing some pictures from the G9 we really can't make comparisons.

[AndreyD]

I'm waiting on teh G9 to at least see some test shots and hopefully a review.
My biggest concern with the G7 is everyone dislike's it's lack of RAW. Not a big deal for me, but it will be for resale, so I'm probably going to get the G9.

So, you are buying the camera and start thinking about the value of it for resale immediately?
Good business attitude ))

I am so stupid still keeping my IXUS v3 (probably cost nothing) and will not sell my G6 I am sure, having now EOS 400D

[Pauly_G]

I picked up a G7 about a month ago, there were already rumours regarding the G9 but I decided to take the plunge anyway. It's a great camera, after having used a Canon Ixus 400 for 4 years, I had the urge for something which gave me more control over my photos and help me to learn a bit more about photography rather than just pointing and shooting! Also purchased with a view to picking up a DSLR in a year or so when I can do it justice.

The Canon G7 does everything I need plus more...still learning how to get the best out of it. It doesn't have RAW, but that's not something I need, my knowledge of post processing extends to straightening images and correcting the RGB levels ;-).

As for the Ixus 400....well I won't be selling it, it's a great little camera which you can take anywhere as it just fits in your back pocket, plus it's worth a lot more to me than it would fetch on Ebay!

[squiress]

Actually one feature not made much of here in light of RAW format add is that little thumb ledge on the back to aid in holding the camera. This is so compact, and has so many button controls on the back, that the little added bump really makes things better as far and holding onto the camera between the 7 and 9.

Stew

[jacobsen1]

actually yes, I buy anything photo related thinking of resale.
But that's because I usually make money on my gear so what do I know...

The NV-10 in my sig is one of the few things I can't sell.... and that's why I now think of resale going in.

[AndreyD]

actually yes, I buy anything photo related thinking of resale.
But that's because I usually make money on my gear so what do I know...

The NV-10 in my sig is one of the few things I can't sell.... and that's why I now think of resale going in.

But ... one more question, why you need G7 if you have already (your gear list):
Canon XTi
Canon 5D
Canon 1D
and you also want for:
1DmIII
1D

[EORI]

But that's because I usually make money on my gear so what do I know...

How do you manage that? Even "L" lenses lose some of their value at resale.:confused:

[EORI]

My thoughts are keep the G7 see how the G9 delivers and when the price comes down and all the gremlins are sorted out then upgrade
Anyway what do the folks think?

I would be really surprised to see much difference in image quality between the G7 and G9. By cramming more pixels into the G9 sensor, there's a definite risk that the images may be "noisier". As we have seen throughout the history of the Canon G series cameras, newer does not necessarily mean better.

If RAW doesn't mean much to you, the G7 may be perfectly adequate. However, some of the newer features (larger LCD, battery charge indicator) and lower price may be enough to sway you towards the G9.

If you can wait on the G9, then that's what I would do. I would not waste my money getting the G7, and then upgrading to the G9, as the differences in image quality and features would not be enough for me to justify the expense.

[chyangwel]

Hi again and thanks for all the replies still not sure what to do, it would cost another £148 for the G9 and if I keep the G7 for a couple of years there may be a G10 out by then, of course knowing my luck I would buy that and the next day Canon will bring out the G11.:lol:

More then likely I will keep the G7 see how I get on with it, never know I may not even like it (I think not);)

I have been told that the battery life is not that good and with there being no battery meter would it pay me to get a spare battery? is there no warning at all that the battery is getting low. Also what size and type of SD/SDHC card would you recommend, do I need a fast card like the Sandisk extreme III.

Thank you all again

[EORI]

I have been told that the battery life is not that good and with there being no battery meter would it pay me to get a spare battery? is there no warning at all that the battery is getting low. Also what size and type of SD/SDHC card would you recommend, do I need a fast card like the Sandisk extreme III.

Battery life is just ok; I almost always have to use my backup battery during an day's outing focused on photography. The camera will suddenly let you know that the battery level is low by blinking a low-battery warning on the LCD display. I bought a few backup batteries from Sterlingtek (http://sterlingtek.com/).

Card size will obviously depend on how many images you take during a day's shooting. Since the G7 is only jpeg capable (I shoot at "L Fine"), I find a 2GB card to be more than sufficient for the file sizes that I get during a typical day's shooting. Don't waste your money on a faster Sandisk flash card. The cheaper type II version is more than adequate for the write-speed of the camera. I usually carry a spare card just in case.

[JohnJ80]

WIth the cost of the batteries being so cheap (sterlingtek has them for like $11 each), there is no reason to not have a spare one. I always carry a spare anyhow.

J

[chyangwel]

Forgot to ask before is the LCD screen scratch resistant and does it have the same finish as Canons DSLR cameras?
No more questions now just waiting for it to arrive hopefully before the weekend then I can have a good try.

Thanks again for answering all my questions.:D

[twisted pixels]

Try to get them down to a good price and buy the G7.
Don't fall into the marketing trap of the company ratcheting up the specs little by little, in order to make more sales.
G7 is great especially if you are not bothered by no raw.

[twisted pixels]

Here is a quick shot I did today while riding my bike around.
It looked so nice so I just grabbed my camera and took a quick shot.
I am happy with the G7 what do you think?

[EORI]

Forgot to ask before is the LCD screen scratch resistant and does it have the same finish as Canons DSLR cameras?

It appears to be similar to the screen covers on my 5D and my daughter's XT. I did, however, get a screen protector while visiting Japan last Spring. It's made by Hakuba, but they unfortunately do not sell them here. I've tried other protectors, including the Giottos, and they either peeled off too readily, or caused an already difficult to see screen (in harsh sunlight) to become practically useless. Perhaps others can direct you to a protector that is worth getting. Note that the protective plastic cover can be replaced if scratched. I understand that the part can be bought for less than $15 from Canon, and easily replaced by the consumer.

[currymonster]

I have the G7 and you can't beat it.....stop worrying about the latest and greatest! there will always be a better camera on the horizon.
Just get out there and start taking pictures......thats what camera's are for;)

[chyangwel]

Thanks again everyone for your comments and advice. Have decided to keep the G7 as Currymonster says “stop worrying about the latest and greatest! there will always be a better camera on the horizon.” Amazon dispatched yesterday via Royal Mail first class may arrive today but don’t hold my hopes up.

EORI
I have ordered a Kingston 4Gb SDHC class two card, and am looking to buy a spare battery or two depending on price here in the UK

Twisted pixels
great picture!!! That’s the thing I like about compact cameras, you could be out for a walk or ride with said camera in your pocket or bag, whip it out and take a great shot like yours. Thanks for posting it.

Once again thanks for all your great input

Now where’s that postman to ;)

[currymonster]

Thanks again everyone for your comments and advice. Have decided to keep the G7 as Currymonster says “stop worrying about the latest and greatest! there will always be a better camera on the horizon.” Amazon dispatched yesterday via Royal Mail first class may arrive today but don’t hold my hopes up.




You won't be disappointed mate, I can assure you the G7 is fantastic the coulours produced and the sharpness sometimes rivals my Canon 30D 70-200L f2.8 IS setup!! Fab camera to use a real pleasure.
I must admit to being tied up in the latest and greatest game myself, but have learnt recently that lifes too short for all that, lets just use what we have and use them well.:o

I will let you know when I start using mine well:oops:

So good luck with yours, you will love it.

Steve

[Nick_C]

I was tempted by the G9 when I saw the spec, would make a nice small addition to my 5D kit, but when I saw the sharpness on the sample pictures from dpreview I wasnt too impressed, im probably being too fussy but so far I havent seen anything that can even get close to the detail im producing with my 5D, im not having a go at the G series cameras, I think they offer incredible value for money, I just wish the optics were a bit better, maybe one day!

[JohnJ80]

I was tempted by the G9 when I saw the spec, would make a nice small addition to my 5D kit, but when I saw the sharpness on the sample pictures from dpreview I wasnt too impressed, im probably being too fussy but so far I havent seen anything that can even get close to the detail im producing with my 5D, im not having a go at the G series cameras, I think they offer incredible value for money, I just wish the optics were a bit better, maybe one day!

NIck - I'm with you.

Although I have a G9 preordered, I'm very much considering canceling it. Both cameras are not as good as my Pro1 nor a G6 I used (regret selling it) to own.

The higher than 100 ISO pictures on the G9 are fairly muddy because of aggressive noise reduction. The G7 loses dynamic range greatly over ISO100. Both are the result of Canon pushing to high a pixel count into such a tiny sensor. I suspect that when the G9's reviews come out, we will see the dynamic range absolutely plummet over ISO10 - worse than the G7 even.

The problem for me is that I really need this to shoot in the water or around the water so it is going to be in a waterproof housing. RAW would be sweet to take out the blue underwater plus shooting in the tropics - there is so much light that RAW is MUCH better to adjust exposure - provide the sensor gives you the range.

I'm seriously considering canceling my pre-order and picking up the Fujifilm F31FD while they are still available and getting an enclosure for that. The sensor is much, much better (large and lower MP density) and the camera is much cheaper too (about 1/2 the price). This could tide me over until the Sigma DP1 finally comes out (a largish P&S with an SLR sensor on board).

Unless the manufacturers knock off this stupid "bigger is better" race, I'm coming to the conclusion that it really doesn't make all that much difference between P&S cameras (with a couple of exceptions) - they all are starting to compromise IQ big time. But, when you consider that many people think their cell phone cameras are better than pockets - well, then these are a big upgrade.

J.

[JohnJ80]

Here is a quick shot I did today while riding my bike around.
It looked so nice so I just grabbed my camera and took a quick shot.
I am happy with the G7 what do you think?

Very nice image. Right in the sweet spot of the G7 too. Good capture.

I wish I had places like that to ride my bike around. :(

J

[twisted pixels]

Thanks JohnJ80.
Here is the wide angle, horizon is a bit off but so am I!
Also my first ever macro done with the Super G7. Don't know if it looks any good or not compared to some of the macro masters that post here , but I am happy. By the way it is a good old Aussie bee.

[bkdc]

If you want to consider underwater photography, you might want to wait for the G9. Canon will be releasing a waterproof case for the G9.

[JohnJ80]

If you want to consider underwater photography, you might want to wait for the G9. Canon will be releasing a waterproof case for the G9.

Any idea when?

J

[gubak1]

G7 is a very powerful model with many special features. I've taken many pictures with it. Nice model. I think G9 is closely the same as G7. As I know the main difference is in software.

[zacker]

a friend of mine is looking to the G9 for her sons little league football games.. i told her it might be hard but it also might work.. any thoughts? she does NOT want a DSLR, she wants a great P&S to have with her at all times and be able to take good shots of the game...just for them, she is a snap shooter not a photog.

[JohnJ80]

a friend of mine is looking to the G9 for her sons little league football games.. i told her it might be hard but it also might work.. any thoughts? she does NOT want a DSLR, she wants a great P&S to have with her at all times and be able to take good shots of the game...just for them, she is a snap shooter not a photog.

I think, at best, she will find that it works some of the time.

If she wants to get pictures of the football line pre-snap - it would be ok. If she wants to take pictures of a punt being kicked - ok (of the kicker). if she wants to take any down field shots of a receiver etc... it won't work well at all. Same thing if she wants to shoot quarterbacks in action or ball carriers. Best case she can shoot about 30% of the possible shots with confidence.

If she wants to take shots of sports, she needs a dslr. There really isn't any way around it.

The other problem is that someone who really knows photography and the limitations of the camera (i.e. an experienced DSLR photographer) can get those 30% of the shots described above. Someone who is not experienced will have a very difficult time getting that. You have to have enough experience to understand the camera and the mechanisms that limit you and how to get around those. That is not a description of your average P&S shooter.

From what you describe, I think she would be spending a lot of money and be pretty frustrated.

Many DSLR shooters came to shoot DSLRs for EXACTLY this reason - their kids are in sports and they wanted to get good shots of that.

J.

[thitipong]

G9 will relased this month.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=canon%20g9&tag=pre%5Forder%5Fcanon%5Fg9-20&index=blended&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

[ModernPics]

I also have the 5d and LOVE it ....

I recenty invested in a G9 as well, around the same time picking up my 5d

Well for me, I am starting to stop comparing between the two.

I am finding the real reason for my investment in the G9 is the smaller form factor, the ease of putting it on my belt and having it just as a walk around travel cam. that I "may" even put my 5d in my backpack and save it for those HOT Images, but use my G9 for the over-all general travel shots in which in most case's are in bright sun anyway ...

I mean , to compare a P&S with a DLSR really there is no comparing such a small sensor to my full frame baby which I luv luv luv...

But I agree with all the noise stuff. But playing the P&S rules of the game and knowing "why" I invested in it , helps me at least.

It for sure fits the bill as a general quick and dirty cam hanging on your belt with the advantage of some of the more manual / pro features , and it seems that the G9 can produce much better shots than the Run of the Mill "purse" cams that are around 1/2 the price.

Another reason I bought the G9, is that I am a music photographer and for those arena venus that I cannot get credentials for but most shows these days "do" allow the more consumer based digital cam's in the gates but NOT the DSLR, I am sitting pretty good with my G9 VS all those Cell Phone Cams and Purse Cams as I would call those consumer level P&S.... But I know , the noise may come into play, but most arena shows have pretty good lighting, but if the noise gets bad, I start thinking B&W and more abstract shots perhaps. :rolleyes:

Happy Shooting All ! ;)

Dave


I was tempted by the G9 when I saw the spec, would make a nice small addition to my 5D kit, but when I saw the sharpness on the sample pictures from dpreview I wasnt too impressed, im probably being too fussy but so far I havent seen anything that can even get close to the detail im producing with my 5D, im not having a go at the G series cameras, I think they offer incredible value for money, I just wish the optics were a bit better, maybe one day!

[PlayersZ28]

here's a thread back from the dead! :)