Lifespan of canon g series?

[Canoneophyte]

Hello all!
Hope you dont mind me asking some newbie questions. I am thinking about getting my first digital camera and am eyeballing the powershot G6. How many (average) shots have you G series owners taken with your camera? One member posted 7500 shots and his G3 died?!!!!! Do most digital cameras only last this long? (Well perhaps it depends on the type of pictures you are taking?)
Havent had a chance to play with the G5, the store did not have it but the store rep thought Nikon's were the best. I looked at the Nikon 8700 (no 5700 on stock, apparently flying off the shelves whenever they come in) and the picture in the LCD screen did not seem very sharp, even after it was supposed to be focused. The Fuji FinePix S7000 focused very very fast and had a super sharp view in the LCD screen but this a bulky camera. The Canon powershot S1 IS had trouble focusing on a nearby object unlike the Nikon and Fuji, but perhaps it was not a fair comparison of cameras. Does the clarity of the picture you see in the LCD translate at all into the actual quality of the picture in hard copy?
Any comments in general about Nikon, Fuji, over Canon? Also wondering about Casio Exilim 6mp but thought I read it was noisy at ISO over 100. So confused. ??? Every store names a different brand having the best picture quality. Sighhh........what are your personal experiences especially for brand & picture quality? Digital SLR's are beyond my budget but definately am not interested in tiny point and shoots which don't allow the chance to develop photography skills.
I am all eyes :shock: Thanks in advance!!! TIA TIA!!! :lol:

[zakmckracken]

I had the same questions like you before, and I ended up with a G2. Now I'm a proud owner of a G5 :)

There are many aspects to look for in digital cameras, but the one I think separates Canon of the rest (especially the G series) is the picture quality. Yes, the focus is slow (not sure of the newest G6) but the shots taken with a G stand out.

Try the Comparometer and see for yourself :)

http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/CDISPLAY.HTM


Good luck in your quest :D 8)

[Deckyon]

It was my G3 that died. I do not think that was a standard thing. while 7500 shots is a lot, it shouldn't come anywhere close to the shutter life of the camera.

I personally like the G series, and had I been given the chance, I would have taken another G3. It was a VERY good camera that took VERY good pictures. Please do not base your judgement on ONE camera alone.

I like Canon cameras. I also like Nikon, but I like the Canons just a little more. I found, in my own testing, that the Canon produced less noise (on the G3 to the Nikon Equivelant.)

Before spending so much on the G6 or even Pro 1, consider the digital SLR cameras. The Digital Rebel is less than $1000 (many stores areound me carry it for $900) with the lens. The 10D has dramatically dropped in price since the announcement of the 20D. Do a lot more research and get your hands on the camera. Practical testing is worth 1000 opinions.

[dbump]

I'll echo Deckyon--play with the cameras in a store. Though it sounds like you're already doing that! The reviews can help you narrow to a few candidates, but the best camera is the one that fits your hands well, has an interface that makes sense to you, etc.
I think we've reached a point where the higher-end consumer cameras all have exceptional image quality, with minor--dare I say 'nitpicking'--differences. Technical image quality won't help at all if you can't be creative with the camera.
That said, I think one of the best things about the G series is the flip out LCD--it allows incredible flexibility in composing shots (putting the camera near ground, above your head, at waist level--brownie-style--pointing upwards/backwards/sideways, etc). I had no idea how useful it would be when I bought my G2, and now I wouldn't even consider a camera without one. I don't understand why DSLRs don't use them.

[HJMinard]

I have a three year old G1 that's still going strong ... I have no idea how many shutter actuations ... gotta be quite a few.

[Andy_T]

I don't understand why DSLRs don't use them.

They just work differently. The shutter covers the CCD all the time and only opens when the picture is exposed.

Deckyon ... I certainly do like your new avatar!

Ohh ... btw, G2, 2 years, 15,000 shots taken so far (a few of them even good :wink:)

Best regards,
Andy

[Deckyon]

Deckyon ... I certainly do like your new avatar!

Best regards,
Andy

Heh, thanks. It is a crop of my cat. Taken this morning as a snapshot with my new Pro 1. Full shot-> Shadow in the Sink (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=40956)

Again, I liked my G3 and would have taken another one if they were available. I think whatever happened to mine was just a fluke.

[ScottK]

I've had my G5 9 months, with about 12,000 pictures. But, I overdo it a lot - take the same picture with 5 different aperatures, 3 different filters, half a dozen or more focal lengths - you get the picture (no pun intended).

You asked a lot of questions, and most have been answered quite well already. One thing I'll add is that, no, you can't really tell sharpness all that well from the LCD. You can get an overall impression of whether the focus was close or not, but generally, even zoomed all the way in (in reviewing the picture), everything tends to look soft on the LCD. If you have or can get access to the appropriate types of memory cards, one option for reviewing picture quality would be to take a card (or two, depending on which each camera uses) in with you and try capturing the same shot on different cameras. The down side to this is that, generally, I don't think the inside of a store is the most representative shooting environment, but its the best you can do.

But, better than that is probably looking at what people are getting in the real world. In addition to suggestions above, try www.pbase.com. There you can search for pictures based on the camera, and get an idea of what people are really able to do with the various cameras. (Of course, if you're like me, that might not represent what you will be able to do right of the bat, but with a little practice...)

[dbump]

I don't understand why DSLRs don't use them.

They just work differently. The shutter covers the CCD all the time and only opens when the picture is exposed.


Makes sense. So no DSLRs use an EVF, they're all optical? That would take some getting used to... Maybe what I really want is a fixed lens digicam with zero shutter lag and low noise @ high ISO. If manufacturers ever decide to produce something like that, of course.

I've had my G2 for a year and a half. I have only 3000 images in that time, but lots of travelling, and no issues with the camera at all. I believe there was a problem with a fuse in a small number of G1's, but aside from that, I think the G-series has been quite robust.

ScottK's suggestion of bringing in your own flash card is good for another reason--you don't have to flag down a salesdroid to get a flash card for the camera you're interested, and then suffer them lurking there while you're playing with the camera. Unfortunately, you'll need at least CF and SD cards and probably MemoryStick and XD in order to test multiple cameras.

[Jon]

So no DSLRs use an EVF, they're all optical? That would take some getting used to... Maybe what I really want is a fixed lens digicam with zero shutter lag and low noise @ high ISO. If manufacturers ever decide to produce something like that, of course.

Well, no interchangeable lens DSLRs use EVF. And in exchange for not bing able to use the LCD display to compose, we get a brighter, higher resolution view of our subject. Plus we're able to adopt a more stable camera stance (bracing the camera against the forehead instead of holding it out at arms length). Fixed-lens DSLRs with EVF are available (Pro S1, S1 IS, DImage, etc.) if you really want them. But high speed, not yet. The smaller sensors used in digital cameras which aren't tied to larger format (35 mm and significant fractions thereof) are just too noisy. Maybe in a few years.

[kreego]

Another great site for exploring the possibilities of a camera is betterphoto.com. Here's the link for G5 pictures, including some submitted by yours truly ("Christian Harberts")

http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.asp?camID=2362

K

[Autumn]

7500 shots and his G3 died?!!!!!

I hope not I have taken 6534. :(

[Canoneophyte]

Thanks to everyone for all your helpful comments! Dbump, I didn't think about the advantage of an lcd letting you take unusual angle shots with the camera! Scott, very thorough of you to answer the lcd question :) Thank you Deckyon for your vote of confidence for the G3. Andy and HJ, good to hear your G's are going strong......15,000 shots.......nice!!!! Zak, Scott and Kreego, I will check out the links in more depth this weekend! I only got to take quick "peeks" today during lunch but must say, how inspirational to see all those gorgeous shots. I am not sure how much some of them are enhanced by editing software, but that definitely looks like another adventure of its own! It certainly might take me awhile before I could get to that level, but if the G series can do what I saw today....oh boy oh boy!!!!!!!! :) Woooohooooooo!!!!!!!! I will probably shoot away in a manner that I never did with my film camera, since you can delete bad images as well and do not have to print everything out. Hopefully that experimentation will let me evolve into a better photographer!
Trying this weekend to go to a larger camera store with better stock so I can play...but I think I am already seduced by the G series :P
Great forum.....thanks again for everyone's advice!!!!

Psst.......what is your favorite editing software easier than something like the full version of Photoshop......for an evolving beginner? Danke Danke!

[Andy_T]

Canneophyte?

Do you have different CF cards or a portable computer with a CF reader?

Reason is that I also once tried to judge the quality of a 10D shot in a photo shop by putting my G2 CF card into it and getting a shot.

Problem was ... the 10D did not recognize a CF card formatted by a different camera. Of course, I might have formatted it in the camera, but then I would have lost all the other images.

This leaves you with the following options:
- Have different CF cards and format them in the respective cameras
- take your laptop with CF reader and download the shots
- ask a salesperson to provide you with a CF card and transfer the shots to your card later.

Best regards,
Andy

[HJMinard]

Psst.......what is your favorite editing software easier than something like the full version of Photoshop......for an evolving beginner? Danke Danke!

Photoshop Elements (does it come with the G cameras? I don't remember - I just know it came with my DRebel). If you have to buy it it's waaaay cheaper than Photoshop. Buy a good book like "Photoshop Elements for Photographers" by Scott Kelby. It has excellent step-by-step instructions for common tasks. Learning Elements will provide you with a solid base of knowledge for eventually using the full Photoshop.

[dbump]

Looks like the G6 comes with an editing package by ArcSoft? Not familiar with that.

Good article comparing Elements to full PS:
http://www.graphic-design.com/Photoshop/lynch/index.html
Sounds like the author also has a good book on Elements?

[gkma01]

Had G2 for two years and the lcd is giving problems . Otherwise OK

[ajax]

I have a G2 and have used it haaard. I don't know how many shots as I goofed and reset the file numbering twice, but, I would guess at least 7000. I regularly haul it to work; I have hauled it to Paris, London, Santa Fe, and the Oregon coast more times than I can count. It has flown off the car seat and landed on the floor; it has bonked a horse head; it has been abused.

I'm not very gentle with it. :shock:

The only problem I have had is once or twice when I have been taking a LOT of photos in cold and damp situations--the zoom gets sluggish and jerky.

I've been happy!

[MackRoe]

Being a G3 owner and extremely pleased with my 1st digital camera, I want to just add that not only does the G3 take excellent photos, if used correctly and with some patience, its a pretty rugged unit also. I've (horrors) had my camera knocked out of my hands by the stick (yoke) of a 1940 Waco Stearman, as the pilot in the rear rolled the stick around before takeoff to make sure all control surfaces were free & moving. I freaked as the G3 fell fom my lap about 2 feet onto the aluminum floor of the aircraft with a bang, and although I was terrified that it ruined it, it caused no problems. Its fallen from my lap to the carpeted floor once also, but again, no problems.

By the way, anybody want to buy my G3 ??

No, just kidding...in the 18 months I've owned it, I've made thousands of shots with it, and it consistently gives beautiful shots if operated correctly. If you really want to see what a G3 can do...see Scott Dommin's albums on p/Base.com and you will become a believer. Of course, Scott is a miracle-man, I hope to get "near" his expertise with my G3. One more thing, I've found that cameras with high-pixel LCD's (even my G3) can fool you into thinking your shot is beautifully exposed and captured as you view it on the LCD, until you look at it on your computer screen...where it might not be as sharp and clear as it looked on the LCD. Digicam's LCD's are only a guide, using your histogram is probably the best way to see how well your shot's been taken. Sorry for the extremely long post....Mackroe

[nitewulf]

how much is the G6 retailing for exactly? if its around 700 bucks, i'd recommend just taking the plunge, paying a bit more and getting the digital rebel instead, a much better camera.
if its around 500, then go for it.

edit:
after reading your post more carefully, ok, may be you shouldnt get the rebel just yet, its not a newbie camera. but still i'd say for 700 the G6 isnt worth it just yet, and im sure the price will drop a lot within a year. might as well go for a g3/g5 now and learn taking pictures, and buy a dslr down the line.
the nikons are usually very good, i just find their comparable counterparts to the canon models are usually way more expensive. my bro's 5700 was 750 for instance, and its very comparable to my G5. though it does have a much bigger optical zoom. but i find the controls very awkward, the canons usually have very intuitive and simple controls. in the nikon, you'd have to hold a button down and then turn a dial to change various exposure settings...its kinda tedious when you wanna take some fast pictures.
also the bigger zoom does make it unstable when you zoom in, so you need a tripod. i believe it does have some more controllable settings than my G5 though, i didnt really play around with it that much.

[dbump]

The Digital Rebel certainly has a lot going for it, being SLR, but may not be the best choice (even in similar price ranges) for someone looking for tons of features in a smaller/lighter package. The best camera is the one you end up taking with you, and some folks (okay, me :) ) aren't going to lug around a case the size of a small overnight bag on a regular basis. In fact, there are times when I leave the G behind, because it's too big/fragile for my activity (say, mountain biking). I've thought about picking up a cheap, last-years-model minicam for those occasions. No way would I take an SLR off-road cycling. I'd break both the camera and my back--not sure which would pain me more!

[Canoneophyte]

Dear all, thank you for your kind advice as always.

Mackroe! No post is too long!!!!!!!! I am learning a lot of things from this forum from all of you and every word is eagerly gobbled up by my eyes! I feel like a baby just learning to crawl right now in digital land, seems like so much to learn!!!!!!!!! And you said it Mackroe...."operated correctly".....that is something I hope I can learn to do... ie. I did not know that for sunset shots, etc you should use manual focus at infinity? I've never even used a tripod before and it seems like that is highly recommended for preventing the shakes. Even seems manual focus is recommended over auto focusing sometimes to get a clearer shot? I have seen Dommin's photo gallery. That is not a man but a digital godling (if I may say without offending anyone). " I believe I believeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!" :lol: I don't know if I could even ever be as 1/2 as good as him. But I am willing to learn and will certainly try my best! Wish he taught classes or had an online tutorial !

Nitewulf! Yes the G6 is around $700. I agree with you regarding the Nikon. I had a chance to look at the 5700 and it just didn't feel comfortable to me...the g5 just felt much more intuitive like you said. I keep reading that digital SLR's are much better, but right now it might me more of a camera than I can handle at the moment. Maybe someday....when I am beyond noob land. I got thrown off for a bit when announcement of the new Sony came, but I remember seeing some samples from a Sony (sorry dont remember model) and was surprised at how blue the images were. Video capabilities of V3 was tempting but if Canon had a faster lens I think that may be more important for me. It is because I am also leaving for a trip, I am anxious to get a camera this month before I take off.

Dbump! I think the weight of a G series is just right for me. I held the Canon powershot pro1 and it felt a bit heavier than I preferred at the moment. Seems like the G6 will allow me to evolve.....even however slow that may be to become as good as you folks!

Ajax....lol bonking horses head.....good thing you were ok and the horse didnt spook (and you didnt get run over by the cattle).

Now my question is if the G6 like the G5 has bufferring (not sure what that does) that renders write speeds faster than a certain speed useless? Go for larger card that's also cheaper? Are the cards pretty much the same regardless of brand? Ouch.....camera bag, cards, warranty, spare batteries, post editing software (to photoshop cs or not to photoshop cs) ........its adding up fast! :shock: Seems like many recommend the longest warranty.....sighhh

Thanks all! Appreciate everyone's input :wink:

[dbump]

My understanding is that the G (or any consumer-grade camera) is the bottleneck, not the CF card.
Couple of pages on speed:
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/mediacompare/

I'd go for capacity and a lifetime warranty, though the card should be pretty tough. Check:
http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/336/C3131/
The last picture on that card is really painful--you can see the lens, and not in a good way. But the card survived.

You might check both Amazon and Buy.com--they often have very low prices, and reasonable reputations. 512 seems to be the sweet spot on the curve of cost/size currently.