Any recmmendations

[aoife]

im nearly completely decided on the Canon G5. just want to make sure im getting the one that suits. im a student in graphics and already own an SLR which can take care of any bigger more important jobs.. i need a good enough camera that is easily carried around but that will produce good enough imagery i may need for my college work to use via my laptop. i think 5 mpixels and 4x zoom are more than adequate and i like the not so tiny style of the g5. Can anyone who has experience with the camera recommend it or maybe give me advice on another.
thanks in advance.
aoife.

[Andy_T]

Hi Aoife,

welcome to the forum.

Do I read corectly from your post that you already have a DIGITAL SLR?
If that assumption is correct, then a point&shoot camera (or: digicam) would most likely be an addition that makes a lot of sense. If your SLR is a film SLR, then it might make more sense for you to go directly for a DSLR.

The Canon G5 is a very capable digicam.
However, bear in mind, that all digicams have limitations imposed upon them by their design. Please refer to this article that compares the top-of-the-line digicams (Minolta A2, Canon Pro1, ...) to DSLRs:

Digicams vs. DSLRs (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/digicams-vs-dslrs.shtml)

The limitations mentioned in that article (ISO noise, very little DOF control, purple fringing etc.) are observed at all digicams as a result of the much smaller sensor they use. These limitations *might* make it dificult for you to achieve the creative expression required for some assignments in graphical art with a digicam.

Also, have a look at this thread that gives the issue more discussion:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38343

Best regards,
Andy

[aoife]

sorry, i really should have written that better.
I have a film SLR not digital, but am willing to put in the extra work with it for the more important jobs. The idea of a digicam would be value for money, portabilit and ease of use in a rushed unpredictable environment. But i do want to be able to control what i take.ie a good manual mode. Im going to the States next week and plan to buy one there as they are so much cheaper and as far as i know all i need is to change the adaptor plug when i come home.

Do you still recommend a Digital SLR. my budget can only stretch so far as a student :lol: so i thought perhaps top of one range rather than the bottom of another...... if that makes any sense.

really appreciate your input.
thanks
aoife

[dbump]

I don't think you'll be dissapointed in the level of control that the G5 allows you. Coming from an SLR, though, you may be surprised by things that you currently take for granted (many of the things Andy mentioned, and that are listed in more detail in those links). If you've already played around with digicams quite a bit, and are familiar with the shutter lag, noise, DOF, etc., then the G5 could be a great compliment to your SLR. If you haven't used a digicam that much, you might consider looking for a used G2 or G3. They're quite similar to the G5, and it would be a cheap way to find out what you do and don't like about digicams. Then in a year or so, you can buy something that will be even better suited to your needs (in theory, there will be more features by then, and you'll know more about what you need/like--I'd normally add that things will be cheaper too, but it sounds like prices will stay level or possibly rise slightly in the next year due to a demand from a significant increase in first-time-buyers).

[AeroSquid]

another reason to go with a G3 besides it's lower price- less chromatic aberration. you will never miss the 1mp difference. the G3 is a better camera.

/dons flame suit

[joeyjoeyjoey]

Dont listen to AeroSquid its all about a black G2. :)

[s00pcan]

another reason to go with a G3 besides it's lower price- less chromatic aberration. you will never miss the 1mp difference. the G3 is a better camera.

/dons flame suit

What? Everyone probably agrees with you.

[AeroSquid]

another reason to go with a G3 besides it's lower price- less chromatic aberration. you will never miss the 1mp difference. the G3 is a better camera.

/dons flame suit

What? Everyone probably agrees with you.

there are some G5 people that will not agree...

[Ballen Photo]

another reason to go with a G3 besides it's lower price- less chromatic aberration. you will never miss the 1mp difference. the G3 is a better camera.

/dons flame suit

What? Everyone probably agrees with you.

there are some G5 people that will not agree...

I'm completely happy with my "5". :shock: :D :shock: So far it's been doing a GREAT job for me on my Rod and model T run shoots.
........Bruce

[aoife]

Thanks for the input guys...... been a big help, chat again soon i hope. Ill have to wait and see about prices i think when i go to the states next week and decide on a camera then, but the fight is definately between the g3 and the g5.

. 8) :lol: :D

[4walls]

If you can afford the jump in $'s to the 300D, go with that one and you will
never be sorry. The DRebel will give you MUCH faster focusing, better
quality pics for enlargements, more flexibility with high ISO (low light)
situations, ability to shoot lower speeds hand held (because of the flexible
ISO settings, size of the camera and the way you hold a dSLR vs the way
most people hold point and shoot cameras).

It is more money now, but you will be happy you spent it. If you do go
with the Rebel, my prediction is that you will no longer use your film SLR.

I have a film SLR and it has not seen action since the batteries (not
rechargeable) went dead 6 months ago. The G3 has replaced it as my
main camera. I am continually frustrated at the slow focus response of
the G series camera though. Try the cameras out in the store and you
will see.

Good luck with whatever camera you get.