g10 Buyer's remorse, not a flame

[BiggerTuna]

so before I go on explaining the situation, it is good to know that I was deciding between a g10 and the Panasonic lx3, although it is like comparing apples to oranges I am still uneasy about my purchase, maybe less so due to the camera itself but the circumstances in which I bought it.
so here is the story:

I had been debating between the two cameras for a while now, the faster lens on the LX3 is in one way a huge plus, I hate iso noise (I am not in the market for a DSLR) and slow shutter speeds even in medium light (canon g10 is stupid with this, 1/10sec exp with 200iso in a medium lit room cannot be right). While the g10 has a solid desighn and it is a known quantity(similar to the g9 for obvious reasons).
Basically I went to my local camera store last saturday with the mind set to see if they had both cameras (they had the Lecia delux4, almost the same as LX3) and to ask for their opinion. What ended up happening was that the very knowledgeable store owner pulverised the difference between DSLR and regular cameras into my skull. Although I am a advanced-beginner photographer I KNEW THE DIFFERENCE!!! he was basically bullying me into a purchase and before I knew it I was at home with a new canon g10, 4gig sd card, a case, and two free canon mugs. I never got to look at the lecia dlux 4 and although wether buying it online or at the store makes no real difference I still feal bad about this purchase. Not that the g10 is a bad camera, but even now I feel that I should sell it somehow and get the LX3. should I feel this way? i guess my writing shows that I would sell it to get the LX3 but is there anything I can do to live with the g10? the faster lens and the upto 60sec exposure on the lx3 were all very interesting. I know it is not exactly fair to comapre it to the g10, but are my feelings justified? when I mentioned the LX3 to the store owner he completly blew me off and started rambleing about dslr's again. Its not like I don't like the g10, but for some reason I am still not happy. please help, thanks

[fishtek]

As a wise person on a forum about watches says...BUY THE SELLER! No matter how much you "need" an item, the manner in which it is presented/sold/offered etc., should be of significant importance. I'd return it, and explain to the seller directly how you feel about his aggressive attitude. Perhaps he'll try to make amends, perhaps you'll get more bluster. In either case, if he didn't take the time to REALLY make you comfortable with your purchase, he deserves to get it back, IMHO!

Oh...I used to build and sell custom fishing equipment, and a brand new fisherman got the same consideration as an old hand buying his 20th rod or reel...

Regards!
Don

[BiggerTuna]

Thanks Don, that was exactly what I needed. good thing I found the receipt,I just hope that they will take it back, and if they don't I blow a fuse! sorry canon! its not your fault, just a zealous DSLR fanboy trying to make me buy $800 in camera gear. Its a shame really, given different circumstances I might have been very satisfied with the g10.

[azpix]

your post has me curious......how did you go into look and get bullied into buying a camera?what happened in between? If he was pushing DSLRs, how did you end up with G10?



if you're not happy, try and return it. You don't need an internet poll to tell you what to do. I'm anxious to see if they take it back.


If they do take it back, Amazon has the g10 for 420, not tax, free shipping and if you need to return it, you don't have to drive down and negotiate with some clown. I believe a 4gb card can be had for about $10 ...a big savings from the $800 you spent.
good luck.

[pawdog]

What if you met your spouse under adverse circumstances? A friends funeral, or you stopped and helped her in a car accident or something like that. She was not exactly what you thought you were looking for but close, very close. You know there are other women out there very pretty, smart and funny but not the same. So even though this is not the way you intended to meet someone this is what happened.
You ask her out, she accepts. During the courtship you learn of different women. Some a little prettier, taller, or thinner, but none as perfect as in your dreams. But as you get to know her you find that she is very wonderful to be around. She enjoys your company also. You start to notice her little flaws. But they in fact seem really to be what makes her attractive to you. You start to realize that what you were looking for was one who fulfills the actual void in your life. Not some perfected person who really does not exist. You learn to appreciate her strengths and deemphasize her weaknesses. You accept the fact that overall she is pretty awesome, you accept her, you love her and you continue on with your wonderful life.

You keep saying that you don’t want the big robust city girl with the smooth skin, high cost and awesome performance. I think you really do.:lol:;)

[Az2Africa]

What if you met your spouse under adverse circumstances? A friends funeral, or you stopped and helped her in a car accident or something like that. She was not exactly what you thought you were looking for but close, very close. You know there are other women out there very pretty, smart and funny but not the same. So even though this is not the way you intended to meet someone this is what happened.
You ask her out, she accepts. During the courtship you learn of different women. Some a little prettier, taller, or thinner, but none as perfect as in your dreams. But as you get to know her you find that she is very wonderful to be around. She enjoys your company also. You start to notice her little flaws. But they in fact seem really to be what makes her attractive to you. You start to realize that what you were looking for was one who fulfills the actual void in your life. Not some perfected person who really does not exist. You learn to appreciate her strengths and deemphasize her weaknesses. You accept the fact that overall she is pretty awesome, you accept her, you love her and you continue on with your wonderful life.

You keep saying that you don’t want the big robust city girl with the smooth skin, high cost and awesome performance. I think you really do.:lol:;)

Well said.

[sdmg9]

check out this side by side comparison

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmclx3/page11.asp

[fishtek]

I forgot to mention...I intend to own a G10 shortly...but I've done my homework, and, although I like to support the local businesses, I'll buy it via Amazon.com in all probability. The "local" shops don't carry 'em, and the "big box" stores are anything but local...

Regards!
Don

[traceye]

You had 4 choices - you could have said no, you could've said maybe, you could've bought it or you could've taken your mom with you (we always know how to say no).

The choice was yours entirely - don't blame a salesperson because you made a purchase that you later regretted. Blame yourself - you pulled out your wallet, he didn't.

Tracey

[NJdez]

You had 4 choices - you could have said no, you could've said maybe, you could've bought it or you could've taken your mom with you (we always know how to say no).

The choice was yours entirely - don't blame a salesperson because you made a purchase that you later regretted. Blame yourself - you pulled out your wallet, he didn't.

Tracey
lol seriously man...
its not like you got brain washed

[shack]

The choice was yours entirely - don't blame a salesperson because you made a purchase that you later regretted. Blame yourself - you pulled out your wallet, he didn't.

Tracey

I could not have said it better! And on top of that...the OP now needs an internet forum for guidance on what to do after the purchase.

Here's a thought...make a decision...on your own...and do something...anything...

[abdulMuiz]

excuse me...but I think you should keep the camera. It will be a constant reminder of your immaturity. Anyway, I was going to buy a G10.But they ran -out of it. I have to wait for a week.

[mastertech01]

I think you should buy the LX3 and try them both for awhile. Then sell the one you dont want to keep here or Ebay. The loss will be minimal and you will have the one you really want in the end. Why stick the dealer/manufacturer with your mistake and why keep asking the proverbial second guess when no one will be able to match your tastes, likes and desires in a camera? Let someone else save a few bucks on the one they want and you will be enriched with the experience of KNOWING which best suits you.

[traceye]

My other question to you is "why did you join a Canon digital photography group to complain that you bought a Canon G10"? Me thinks something afoul may be up?

[gmkelm]

Simply put, the OP purchased the finest "affordable" P&S camera available - perhaps the best P&S period - albeit it even produces better photographic results than some of the DSLRs.

Keep it. You won't do better. INMHO

Mark

[Jannie]

Forget those who are attacking you, if you are uncomfortable then I'd support you to return it and it's okay to say you felt he talked you into it. It doesn't matter, he's supposed to be of service to his customers more than just take their money. And it doesn't matter that it's the best, you ended up not wanting what you bought.

Salesmen can be ruthless, they can be skilled at manipulation, good ones listen as much as they talk, follow your heart and return it, even if you end up buying the same camera from someone else you will feel better about it.

Those who are slamming you are telling you their truth and that's fair but it's not your truth, photography is a beautiful obsession/hobby/experience, or it can be, there is no need to tarnish it.

You are not in competition with the salesman, separate him from your connection with photography and find a better way to do it.

[Robbierob]

IMHO
From the tone of your post...to me...its obvious you wanted the Panasonic lx3 all along.
It could of been the nicest, or meanest, most timid, or most aggressive saleperson on the planet, but it shouldnt matter if you now what you wanted.

If I want the Canon 40d as an example, I wont be sold on the Nikon. If I want a comparison of the which is best suited for me, then I do my research and take the advice of the sales person.

Go back and get your Panasonic lx3. I am sure that is the camera that will make you happy. The G10 was never REALLY an option for you, even before you went to the shop.

[traceye]

Get a grip Ms Jannie - since when is answering a question openly and honestly considered slamming? When someone posts a question here, they should be prepared for honesty.

[tat2stuff]

I just got a G10 after significant research, tryouts, etc. I am an advanced amateur (I've been shooting for almost 30 years). My main kit is made up of Nikon, D300, IR converted D70, etc. I wanted an advanced point and shoot that had Raw capabilities, to carry around and also do street photography with. I originally wanted the LX3 as I already have a Lumix TZ-5, which I love, but no raw. My next choice was the Coolpix P6000. I used it for a week and liked the size, IQ was acceptable, noise was fixable in post process( I usually don't shoot over 400 iso). I liked the built in GPS too. The downside was the controlls were cumbersome and no live histogram. I had shied away from the G10 as I thought it was too big to carry around in my pocket. Plus no one had it in stock to look at. I was content with the P6000 until I came across a G10 in Best Buy. I instantly liked it over the P6000 without even shooting with it. I ordered the G10 from 17th st photo, where I buy all my equipment, and was completely impressed with it. My first tryout with the camera was at night doing some shots on the street. I set the iso at 400, opened the apature and shot away. my shutter speed was between 1/5-1/15 and I shot hand held. I really expected to get home and see a bunch of blurry and grainy shots....but no...most of the shots were pretty good. I even added some noise on a few B & W conversions :D

here's a few of the shots

Canon Powershot G10
1/15 @f 4
iso 400
hand held
shot in raw...edit in Lightroom & CS4

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/9812/street131.jpg


Canon Powershot G10
1/5 @f 4
iso 400
hand held
shot in raw...edit in Lightroom & CS4..added some noise to mimic film grain

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/9812/street191.jpg

Canon Powershot G10
1/8 @f 3.2
iso 400
hand held
shot in raw...edit in Lightroom & CS4

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/9812/street141.jpg

Canon Powershot G10
1/5 @f 4.5
iso 400
hand held
shot in raw...edit in Lightroom & CS4

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/9812/street181.jpg


I'll live with the extra size and weight of the G10, it's still smaller than my Nikon SP Rangefinder. The controls are laid out so much better, apature, shutter speedvery easy to maneuver, iso, exp comp also right there on dials. I'm pretty impressed with this camera.

The LX3 is better at higher iso as far as noise, has better glass, and did it right reducing the megapixels on the sensor. All small sensors will suffer from noise issues, especially when you bang up the megapixel count on them. I can only imagine the IQ on the G10 is Canon followed the less is more school of thought.

[cryforashadow]

Before I bought my camera, I searched on internet, asked people, read on magazines and all that to be sure exactly what camera fits my needs. What I really want. I chose it before going to the shop and went to the shop and told the salesman "I want that camera plz" and gave him the money and he gave me the camera. He saw that I was certain so didn't try to make me buy the "better/newer/more expensive" model.

[traceye]

Got my G10 the week it came out. Love it.

[nordstern1]

to the OP, if youre not happy with the G10, return it. its as simple as that. no need for an internet poll to make up your mind. thats what got in you in this predicament in the 1st place...letting others decide for you.

welcome to the forum by the way...http://yoursmiles.org/msmile/fun/m0115.gif

[Timphoto]

You had 4 choices - you could have said no, you could've said maybe, you could've bought it or you could've taken your mom with you (we always know how to say no).

My mom had a hard time saying no...but then I was *such* a good boy when I was young... :rolleyes: :D

The choice was yours entirely - don't blame a salesperson because you made a purchase that you later regretted. Blame yourself - you pulled out your wallet, he didn't.

Seriously, I have to agree with Traceye on this one. Suck it up, you made your decision. Use the G10 for a few months.

[PlayersZ28]

What if you met your spouse under adverse circumstances? A friends funeral, or you stopped and helped her in a car accident or something like that. She was not exactly what you thought you were looking for but close, very close. You know there are other women out there very pretty, smart and funny but not the same. So even though this is not the way you intended to meet someone this is what happened.
You ask her out, she accepts. During the courtship you learn of different women. Some a little prettier, taller, or thinner, but none as perfect as in your dreams. But as you get to know her you find that she is very wonderful to be around. She enjoys your company also. You start to notice her little flaws. But they in fact seem really to be what makes her attractive to you. You start to realize that what you were looking for was one who fulfills the actual void in your life. Not some perfected person who really does not exist. You learn to appreciate her strengths and deemphasize her weaknesses. You accept the fact that overall she is pretty awesome, you accept her, you love her and you continue on with your wonderful life.

You keep saying that you don’t want the big robust city girl with the smooth skin, high cost and awesome performance. I think you really do.:lol:;)

But he wanted to look at two women and decide between them. The store owner continually told him about supermodels, never let him see more than one woman and then he took her home. :D

[leesurf]

I sold my G10 after 2 months with it. Bought an LX3. Although the controls are not as good on the LX3 its a much better camera than the G10.

[mastertech01]

But he wanted to look at two women and decide between them. The store owner continually told him about supermodels, never let him see more than one woman and then he took her home. :D


Just remember the supermodels are high maintenance girls.. :cool:

[waussie]

I don't think there's a a great deal of difference between the cameras, so that's not an issue.
You say you were bullied into buying it, that is an issue. It happened to me once and it really felt bad.

Now I say I am looking and not buying today, if they are not interested because of that then I leave, if they are really pushy then I leave, but I have found that I have found I usually get good service and no pressure.

[ceehjayem]

I say go with the LX3. But more importantly, go to Jim's Steaks. That place is the best for Philly Cheesesteaks. YUM.

[tat2stuff]

I say go with the LX3. But more importantly, go to Jim's Steaks. That place is the best for Philly Cheesesteaks. YUM.


:-P you got that right

[Streetshooter]

:-P you got that right


Yeah...Jim's is almost as good as Gino's......or Steves or.....

[WT21]

To the OP: I've been there. Asking "why did I buy that?" I'd do one of two things:

a) return it immediately. If you were not comfortable with the idea that you never compared both cameras, then it will always eat at you. Who wants to live with that?

b) if their return period is well defined (let's say 2 weeks or a month), then keep it the full term of the period before deciding. I don't own the G10, nor am I intending on buying it, but clearly it is a good camera. Try it out in low-light conditions and high ISO (what you were considering the LX3 for) and see if you like it. If you do, then you've got a camera you like. If not, then return it and try the LX3.

Next time, you'll know to not get railroaded in one direction or another, but sometimes when two options are so close, we look for people to "convince" us one way or the other. Now you know that you are not yet "sold" on the G10. So, return it immediately, or keep it for the "testing" period, and then make your next step. I'm sure you don't want to be one of those revolving door buy-and-return types, but this seems an honest mistake, so don't sweat it.

[Robbierob]

Biggertuna hasnt been on since he started this thread. I think he is sick of our advice LOL

[bluefox9er]

cant speak for the G10 but the G9 is simply my biggest waste of money on photography kit to date. easily the worst camera i have ever used in terms of acceptable noice/iso/blown highlights

[Robbierob]

really? I was considering getting a used G9 for my bag, as a just in case, camera. You would not recommend it?

[bluefox9er]

really? I was considering getting a used G9 for my bag, as a just in case, camera. You would not recommend it?


well, I personally would't reccomend the G9, my main complaints being ..

1. Blown highlights. this camera simply cannot cope with highlights without nuking them

2 Apalling noise at low ISO...if you have to go over 100 ISO then FORGET IT

this camera is only cpable in absloute perfect day lit conditions.


that said, the G9 does have a base of users who think it is very good, but unless you want to lug around a tripod with your P&S, I'd keep WELL clear of it.

[WT21]

well, I personally would't reccomend the G9, my main complaints being ..

1. Blown highlights. this camera simply cannot cope with highlights without nuking them

2 Apalling noise at low ISO...if you have to go over 100 ISO then FORGET IT

this camera is only cpable in absloute perfect day lit conditions.


that said, the G9 does have a base of users who think it is very good, but unless you want to lug around a tripod with your P&S, I'd keep WELL clear of it.

I don't disagree with any of this, but have you tried shooting the G9 at -2/3 EV and then correcting pp? That seems to help a lot with my a650 (essentially the same camera as the G9, but with aa batteries, flip-out screen and a lot cheaper).

[hef]

I think you should buy the LX3 and try them both for awhile. Then sell the one you dont want to keep here or Ebay. The loss will be minimal and you will have the one you really want in the end. Why stick the dealer/manufacturer with your mistake and why keep asking the proverbial second guess when no one will be able to match your tastes, likes and desires in a camera? Let someone else save a few bucks on the one they want and you will be enriched with the experience of KNOWING which best suits you.

+1 on this... that's what i did... the only problem is I like them both... so I kept both.... i owe, i owe so off to work i go. (broke)

[sdmg9]

cant speak for the G10 but the G9 is simply my biggest waste of money on photography kit to date. easily the worst camera i have ever used in terms of acceptable noice/iso/blown highlights


i think that's the first time i have heard someone say that...

i have no complaints although im no pro..

these guys gave it a good review and they have samples at the end http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong9/

also plenty of g9 groups on flickr to see more high quality photos that the g9 is capable of

[Savas K]

I recently sold my G10 and am looking at the LX3.

[thatkatmat]

If you're used to DSLR metering and IQ the G-10 will dissapoint, like was said, it blows highlights and to me always seems kind of "hazy" but, it's the best P&S 've used, I like the video and my wife enjoys it so I keep it. I think I'd rather spend $200 on an xt and throw a 18-200 superzoom on it for about the same price.

[*Sonic*]

I have a 30D and various lenses, including the outstanding 70-200 f2.8 L

I also have the G10 (recent purchase on my holiday to New York) and I havent regretted buying it for one minute, and 99% of the shots I took in NY were using the G10

I didnt even think about buying a 2nd hand DSLR and superzoom, as I would be in exactly the same position as having my 30D, I wanted a good P & S compact that would fit in my pocket and as a result I have taken so many more photographs than I would have normally

To the OP, take it back and get an LX3 as that *is* what you wanted all along

[BigRed450]

cant speak for the G10 but the G9 is simply my biggest waste of money on photography kit to date. easily the worst camera i have ever used in terms of acceptable noice/iso/blown highlights

But look what you are comparing to! DSLRs that are top of their game in the noise department and worth thousands of $ more. The listed lenses you have are worth more then the G10.
The G10 IS simply the best point and shoot camera out there for overall usage compared to the line up of P&S cameras. It was not built to replace DSLRs.

[birdfromboat]

back to the original post: do what feals right. If keeping the g10 isn't gonna keep the fire lit, get rid of it. Admit it, this is a fun hobby, we got into it and stay in it cuz it's fun. Fun doesn't have to make sense, STOP MAKING SENSE! sell it if you want, keep it if you want, sell it and buy another one just like it from another salesman you like, in the same shop if you want. If there is a lesson to be learned here it is this: confidence in and happiness with your equipment is important, what other people think/say/do is not important. Find what YOU like, and enjoy yourself fully when you USE it. Often.
Just my advice.......flame on