Got my G6! Initial Impressions.

[sdommin]

My new G6 arrived today - I ordered it a few days ago from B&H. I intend to give it a good workout as far as testing, but I had a little time for a few "first" shots. My initial impression is that the G6 is a decent improvement over the G3 (and believe me, that's saying a lot. I think the G3 is one of the few truly "classic" digicams). Side by side, you can tell that the G6 is smaller (but not lighter) than the G3. Obviously, the shape is changed a little because the battery is oriented differently. I don't know why the engineers chose to do this, but maybe they had a good reason. The lens doesn't stick out as much on the G6 (in both retracted and extended modes) - I thought that both cameras used the exact same lens (?) One thing that really bothers me about the G6 (you know there had to be something to quibble about, right?) is that the zoom lever sticks out from the hand grip. In fact, the zoom lever is the furthest thing forward on the camera when it is turned off. Big deal, you say? Well, with the small belt-clip-type camera bag that I used to carry my G3 in, the zoom lever rubs against the case when I take it out or put it back. What's worse, the zoom lever appears to be under pressure when it's sitting in the case. Probably not good for it. OK, I guess I need a bigger case (but the compact size is why I like the G-Series in the first place!).

Build quality appears equal to the G3. Yes, it's silver, and I swear my head is positively going to explode if I read another "I'm not going to buy it because it's not black" post. :twisted:

I intend to put the G6 through its paces and find out whether Canon has really done something about the CA that its brother (the G5) and cousin (Pro-1) suffered from. I'll do that soon.

Here's a grab shot, of nothing in particular...
http://home.att.net/~sdommin/g6_plane1.jpg

See that tiny white dot in the very center? Here it is, magnified 1600 times. I think the G6 has the sharpness thing nailed down! 8)

http://home.att.net/~sdommin/g6_plane2.jpg

[pradeep1]

Scott,

How's the focus speed in low light?

[sdommin]

Hi Pradeep. Nice to hear from you again!

I haven't really checked that feature except to say that it feels faster overall. I'll look into that more.

[twl845]

:lol: Gee maybe you can get the first picture of a flying sauser that isn't out of focus.

[FlyingPete]

Nope its a plane, I cleaned up the image with 'Hollywood CSI Grade' image sharpening tools to get the following:

http://www.lowden.net.nz/Stuff/g6_plane2.jpg

Great software! :D

[Ronin]

Hahahaha! No way...

[Andy_T]

Nope its a plane, I cleaned up the image with 'Hollywood CSI Grade' image sharpening tools to get the following:

Great software! :D

:lol::lol::lol:

Yes, I always like it when they do that in the movies!

Great work!

Best regards,
Andy

[Ballen Photo]

Nope its a plane, I cleaned up the image with 'Hollywood CSI Grade' image sharpening tools to get the following:

http://www.lowden.net.nz/Stuff/g6_plane2.jpg

Great software! :D

Pete, I'm impressed with the software you used. Is this available on the net? Or where do I find it?

Scott, That's amazing that the camera retains that much information at that crop. WOW! :shock: :shock: :shock:
-Bruce

[BOBinsane]

ahaha lmao! :D :D :D wow, Can you use that software an expect the same results from like a point and shoot sony from the store? Or is it Canon proprietary

[555SWRT]

Scott,

How do the focus lag and shot-to-shot times compare with the G3? Even though I am not considering buying the G6, I am really curious to find out whether Canon has improved the AF capability (including low-light performance) on this cam.

Regards,

[FlyingPete]

ahaha lmao! :D :D :D wow, Can you use that software an expect the same results from like a point and shoot sony from the store? Or is it Canon proprietary

It will work with anything, even enhance reflections in things, same software that was used in Blade Runner to see around corners!

[elmimmo]

sdominn, can you please comment on the REAL included software? I have a precise question in this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41546&sid=0dd68e5e4f5fb7cb5e8d254 a106535de), which goes down to asking what level of RAW touch up (that is, without the need to export to TIFF16 first, for instance) does it allow: only the same paremeters that you can choose in-camera before shooting or something more detailed?

[sdommin]

sdominn, can you please comment on the REAL included software? I have a precise question in this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41546&sid=0dd68e5e4f5fb7cb5e8d254 a106535de), which goes down to asking what level of RAW touch up (that is, without the need to export to TIFF16 first, for instance) does it allow: only the same paremeters that you can choose in-camera before shooting or something more detailed?

I'll look in to this, but keep in mind that I only use RAW every now & then. I didn't know it was possible to do what you're asking about.

[getg3]

Scott,

Congratulation with your new toy. Please post more G6 pictures and comments. Thanks!

[ds77]

What is the name of this software? I have been searching for some information on this type of thing but can't seem to find anything.

a g6 might be my next investment :) unless I can swing a drebel.

[JohnnyE]

What is the name of this software? I have been searching for some information on this type of thing but can't seem to find anything.


You do realize that he's joking about the software, right?

[ds77]

What is the name of this software? I have been searching for some information on this type of thing but can't seem to find anything.


You do realize that he's joking about the software, right?

:roll: *slaps himself*

[FlyingPete]

What is the name of this software? I have been searching for some information on this type of thing but can't seem to find anything.


You do realize that he's joking about the software, right?

:roll: *slaps himself*

Who said I was joking? :lol:

[sdommin]

Who said I was joking? :lol:

OK, Pete, play nicely now! :?

[antbrown]

Scott,
Now that you've had the G6 for a few days would you say it's a lot better than the G3 and do you think you'll use it more than your 10D? I'm interested in knowing if you think it's worth upgrading from the G3 to the G6.

Thanks,

Michael

[sdommin]

Scott,
Now that you've had the G6 for a few days would you say it's a lot better than the G3 and do you think you'll use it more than your 10D? I'm interested in knowing if you think it's worth upgrading from the G3 to the G6.

Hi Michael,

One of the major reasons I bought the G6 is because it was so similar to the G3 (if that makes any sense). Is the G6 better? Yes, definately. Is it a lot better? Well, no it is not - but don't get the wrong idea.

In my opinion, the G3 was an exceptional camera; a true "classic". People are still using it 2 years after it was introduced, which is incredible for a digicam. It would be a very tall order for any camera to be called "a lot better" than the G3 - probably impossible. Even though I have a lot of cameras, I can't bring myself to sell my G3.

How is the G6 better, and should you upgrade? In the few days I've had mine, I've noticed the improvements like faster startup, and faster, more accurate focusing. The 7mp sensor and new lens coatings seem to have tamed fringing and CA (it's there, but you really have to look for it. In that regard, I think it's better than the Pro-1). All of the things I liked about the G3 are still there - the swivel LCD, the Canon "pastel" colors, the neutral density filter, the menu system, the small size, etc., etc.

If all of those things are to your liking, then upgrading would be worth it to you. If you're on a budget, and you still like your G3, don't starve your kids just to join the "new camera frenzy".

I don't plan on getting a new 20D, because I use my 10D so rarely anyway. My biggest problem is deciding whether to use my Leica D2 or Canon G6. I guess I'm just a "point & shooter" through and through. For what I do, the G6 (like the G3 before it) fits the bill perfectly.

[MegaTrixel]

Scott,
I'm new to the board and I've just had a look at your pbase gallery.

Wow! Very nice! Definitely something to be proud of.

I was wondering - what percentage of those shots were taken with your G3?

[dfrost]

Scott,

Your last post was one of the best I've seen on the subject of camera choices. And your results prove that you know how to use what you have.

I'm also resigned to being a "point and shooter" and the idea of a DSLR just doesn't do anything for me. I've had a variety of excellent film SLR's in the past, and each one ended up sitting at home most of the time because the small camera (Olympus XA, then several auto-everything P&S) was easier to carry and more likely to be there when a "Kodak moment" appeared. A picture taken always beats the one not possible because there's no camera. And my passion for travelling by bicycle doesn't work very well with a big camera. The G3, however, comes on almost every ride and is always in my briefcase during the week.

The G3 has been the best compromise between picture quality, usable features, and size that I've seen until the G6. I'm really thrilled that Canon decided to bring out the G6 instead of (or in addition to?) a Pro-2. Unfortunately I'm now in the college tuition phase of life (parents are starving), so the G3 had better keeping going ....

[sdommin]

Scott,
I'm new to the board and I've just had a look at your pbase gallery.

Wow! Very nice! Definitely something to be proud of.

I was wondering - what percentage of those shots were taken with your G3?

Thanks, MegaTrixel, and welcome to the forums!

On my "Favorites" gallery, I'd say about 15 were taken with the G3 (a quick count - I might be wrong).

If you're wondering about what the G3 can do, here are some of my galleries with the G3 used in all of the photos:

http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/desert03
http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/hawaii03
http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/wdw_sept03
http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/dixie04

[sdommin]

Scott,

Your last post was one of the best I've seen on the subject of camera choices. And your results prove that you know how to use what you have.


Thanks!

I'm also resigned to being a "point and shooter" and the idea of a DSLR just doesn't do anything for me. I've had a variety of excellent film SLR's in the past, and each one ended up sitting at home most of the time because the small camera (Olympus XA, then several auto-everything P&S) was easier to carry and more likely to be there when a "Kodak moment" appeared. A picture taken always beats the one not possible because there's no camera. And my passion for travelling by bicycle doesn't work very well with a big camera. The G3, however, comes on almost every ride and is always in my briefcase during the week.

The G3 has been the best compromise between picture quality, usable features, and size that I've seen until the G6. I'm really thrilled that Canon decided to bring out the G6 instead of (or in addition to?) a Pro-2. Unfortunately I'm now in the college tuition phase of life (parents are starving), so the G3 had better keeping going ....

Good points. I've decided to not get caught up in the "you must use a DSLR" thing, and I'm more & more glad that I enjoy the smaller digicams. Even though I do own a 10D, I'm finding that I use it less and less - because of the portability factor if nothing else. Your sentence above sums it up very nicely:

"A picture taken always beats the one not possible because there's no camera."

How true!

[Ralph M]

I have been tempted a couple of times to jump to a dslr but have resisted the urge. I keep thinking.. Am I going to use it? On the other hand I think the G6 will be most tempting and I will most likely get one down the road. As many of you, I find the G3 to be an excellent traveling companion and an excellent camera overall. Over the summer I took it to Bermuda and got some pretty good shots. I also have been playing around with some black background flower shots that were popularized on the Nikon fourm. The G3 worked out very well. Here are a couple of links to the results. (Hope this works as I have not posted links here. Mostly a reader.) Regards. R.

http://www.pbase.com/rmcmillan/bermuda2004

http://www.pbase.com/rmcmillan/flowers

sample:


http://www.pbase.com/image/31955323.jpg

[sdommin]

Excellent shots, Ralph. Bermuda is a very colorful place. I was there many years ago, but I think I'll have to return with a digital camera. The G3 is an excellent traveling companion, and I think the G6 will be, also.

[dfrost]

Scott and other G6ers:

Do you usually shoot at the full 7MP resolution, or do you save some memory space using M1 (5MP) or M2 (3MP)? What is the memory used for a typical L-size jpeg from the G6? For comparison, my G3 L-jpegs are typically 700-1,000 Kbytes.

And I wonder if the already improved fringing would be reduced further at those lower resolution levels. Any of you willing to do an "aluminum foil" test and share the results?

[Ralph M]

I appreciate the comment. I have only recently started doing the Pbase thing being a more recent digital convert. I have to compliment you on the images you have up on your site... excellent work. I go back a long way in this hobby and find digital quite fascinating. I have to say that I don't miss the smell of Dektol in the least. (neither does my wife!)

[Ballen Photo]

The G3 worked out very well. Here are a couple of links to the results. (Hope this works as I have not posted links here. Mostly a reader.) Regards. R.


Ralph,
I was enjoying looking through your photos of Bermuda, when I noticed your photo of the U.S. Coast Guard ship "The Eagle". This was of particular interest to me, as it is a Sail powered ship and looked to be still in service(I LOVE sailboats/ships). Do you have any more info or photos of this Ship? Your photos of Bermuda are VERY nice, and look like a Sailors Paradice. Thanks for sharing. :D
-Bruce

[Jon]

The Eagle is the Coast Guard Academy's sail training ship. More at their web site (http://www.cga.edu/).

[Ralph M]

I have a couple of other shots of the Eagle at Kings Wharf which was the old Royal Navy Shipyard. It just appeared one day and I was told that Bermuda was a stop on the annual cadets summer cruise. I took this shot from a water taxi that we were on at the time. I liked this one because both towers of the building were in the frame and the clouds looked good. One thing that some nautical types might notice is that the flags are only displayed on the bow. Well, they were just in the process of stringing them when we went by. Speaking of ships.. reminds me that I have a bunch of slides of an OpSail in New York harbor from years ago that gathered a lot of these craft from all over the world. I had a lot of fun on that trip as I took a ride on a fishing boat out to get good vantage point. You would have enjoyed that. I'll have to dig those out someday. Thanks for the comments. R.

[Jon]

Speaking of ships.. reminds me that I have a bunch of slides of an OpSail in New York harbor from years ago that gathered a lot of these craft from all over the world. I had a lot of fun on that trip as I took a ride on a fishing boat out to get good vantage point. You would have enjoyed that. I'll have to dig those out someday. Thanks for the comments. R.

Op Sail '76? I've got a whole slew of shots from the day before in Narragansett Bay. My father brought his sailboat up so we were able to get in pretty close when they were moored or docked.

[Ballen Photo]

I have a couple of other shots of the Eagle at Kings Wharf which was the old Royal Navy Shipyard. It just appeared one day and I was told that Bermuda was a stop on the annual cadets summer cruise. I took this shot from a water taxi that we were on at the time. I liked this one because both towers of the building were in the frame and the clouds looked good. One thing that some nautical types might notice is that the flags are only displayed on the bow. Well, they were just in the process of stringing them when we went by. Speaking of ships.. reminds me that I have a bunch of slides of an OpSail in New York harbor from years ago that gathered a lot of these craft from all over the world. I had a lot of fun on that trip as I took a ride on a fishing boat out to get good vantage point. You would have enjoyed that. I'll have to dig those out someday. Thanks for the comments. R.

Thanks for the info Ralph. I'm sure I would have enjoyed that gathering in New York Harbor. :D
-Bruce