What the Gs can’t capture!

[Jorge]

Judging from the numerous digital-photos I’ve been trough on the Internet a pattern is emerging. The evidence is there: Canons G-series are producing stunning shots of architecture, landscapes, sunsets, trees, rocks, flowers, boats, cars, motorbikes and you name it. But there’s something missing: the people! I’ve seen virtually no shots of people. Why is that?

My guess is that the Gs lack of high, usable ISO settings and lack of speed and precision in focusing makes the Gs quite unsuitable for people and action shots. The D30 and D60 seems to fare a lot better in this regard judging from the material in various galleries. Pekka’s own galleries shows this tendency as well.

Can someone point to galleries with people and action taken with the Gs to prove me wrong – I’d really like to se them if they exist?

[Don Ellis]

I don't take action and I have a feeling you're looking for people in motion, but here are a few stationary souls...
http://www.kleptography.com/gallery-faces.htm

Don

[Leighow]

In my own case, that is largely related to my interests and lifestyles. I change my screen saver regularly, and people images are not included in my escape images -- although someone fly fishing in a quiet pool would be an exception! I have taken a few sets indoors and outdoors. I saw nothing wrong with the camera -- except for built-in flash. Here is my only people post ever! http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3649#16364
.

On this site you should look at several shots of children by many members, people (vacation shots), others, and Alexandre's galleries. Then decide whether the G2 meets your expectations. By the way if Alexandre's portrait of Quinton does not change your mind, then I would like to ask you to post a link to a people photograph that does! http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3684

I think that it will turn out to be entirely a function (as Eland would say) of the SLR. Subject. Lighting. and Rubbish.

HOWIE

[Jorge]

Thanks a lot, Don!

Your fine collection of faces does prove that portraits are definitely not of limits to the Gs!

But you’re right, I would like to see shot’s of people moving, since I figure this kind of “reportage”-photography must be one of the greater challenges to the Gs – and maybe beyond the limits of slow focusing and the need for low ISO to keep noise levels in check. At least I haven’t seen much to prove this not to be true.

So if anyone out there finds the Gs to be good tools for shooting “reportage”-style with lot’s of people moving around I would very much like to see your results!

[Leighow]

JORGE

Well, ok .. not just portraits, but … “…shot’s of people moving ….”

(1) Cosmic Girl asks a somewhat similar question, and receives several responses that, while not definitive, seem to share your concerns. See http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4362.

(2) Some photographers at http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=003uNK seem to share your worry.

(3) KD6lor experienced your concern at http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=982

(4) Here is what another photographer says; “…Don't buy a G2 for action work – even if the action is a crawling bug. I also have lots on blurry photos of sand where a baby turtle should have been. It's very very difficult…”
http://www.eddiem.com/camera/

(5) One more hopeful reviewer who suggests that the “…Pan focus mode is also provided as a preset exposure on the Mode dial. It fixes the lens at the widest possible angle, allowing you to photograph at any distance (25.6 inches or 65cm to infinity), without having to refocus on close-up or faraway subjects. This mode is great for fast-paced action, when subjects are in constant motion.

(6) I also remember a few sets of soccer shots .. like Gerry’s at http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2225#9813

On close, it all sounds like the G2 may be limited as per your post. Certainly I can say from experience that, to an experiences film SLR guy, the G2 is a very frustrating camera to use when shoot geese along their flyway! In contrast there are some great action shots (snowboarder, fighter jets) on the exhibition – thanks to the D 30.

So Jorge, I will now back off and let those with hands- on experience respond to your query. I too will be interested in seeing whether success stories emerge.

HOWIE

[jimwong]

I'm taken a lot of people shots and also landscape, city scape, animals, etc, but you are right, one thing sadly missing, is action shots, and this seems to be related to the fact that there is shutter lag and/or a slow response to getting a focus lock when the action is fast and even a 1.0 to 1.5 sec delay from the time you press the shutter to getting the shutter to release, you miss the shot.. I tried shooting a fast moving fashion show where the models did not pause even for two seconds.. I kept missing the shot.. this is where prefocusing with a SLR works better. I tried pan mode but found my flash too weak to get the correct exposure..

[Mike K]

Most, if not all consumer level digicams will have problems autofocusing on a moving object. They all use a contrast focus system that is just too slow for rapid focus changes. A different technique is needed, read this tutorial on prefocus:
http://www.finchnest.com/house/photo/G1speed.html
Mike K