G9 to 40D learning curve

[PicBug]

I know some of you have a G-series and a full DSLR kit.

Would you share with me what kind of learning curve I could expect with this move? I expect to have a 40D by end of March. :D (Happy dance!!!)

[KarlMarsh]

I'd say the controls on the G camera are really similar to the Canon DSLR. Even the menus are similar. There are a few more buttons and the extra display on top but it is really pretty intuitive.

The main difference will be that you have an extra control dial up by the shutter release and depending what mode you are in (M, AV, TV) it will adjust different things. The other big difference is no shutter lag and rapid fire shooting. You will also have to learn that you can get good results with ISO 400, 800 and 1600 where as on the G camera you never go near those speeds if you care about the image.

[Kevan_G9]

I would think the learning curve might be more getting used to different lenses and understanding their capacity. This coming from a guy who hasn't gone down that road, yet. I just recall my old 35mm daze.

[zombie8]

Things are similar, but not too similar. It's like the same, but different! I went from G7 to 40d. I was overwhelmed at first, but not because I was working a DSLR. It was because I didn't know where all the settings I already knew had moved to. It took me no more than 2 days to get used to the change.

With the G7, I learned a LOT about how to take a decent photo by managing settings like aperture, exposure, ISO, bracketing, exposure compensation, white balance, etc. The 40d was a natural extension once I figured out the buttons/menus/2nd wheel. I really like it. Your G9 will obviously give you the same level of preparation.

The one thing I noticed with the move is how accustomed I am to using the giant dial on the back of the camera. I still instinctively want to use the big dial instead of the small one by my thumb for the main function. I have to get off my duff and figure out how to switch the dials. If anyone has that info, please chime in now.

Probably the most difficult thing to figure out was how to enable AND turn on LiveView. Although I appreciate the ability to turn it on/off with the touch of a button, I shouldn't have to go into a menu system to enable that ability. After bragging about it so much, you'd figure the company would actually want you to be able to use it.

[wjm]

moved up to 40d from basic point and shoot
after reading the manual twice and pushing lots of buttons and playing about with different settings went to see a friend who is a semi pro armed with about 30 shots
he explained things in plain english and showed me where i was going wrong,which wasnt too far of the mark
learing curve wasnt to steep but the further you go the curve keeps on rising
best way to learn is take loads of pictures at various settings and see what ones turn out best
dpp gives you the setting used in the info tab

[10megapixel]

The G10 will prepare you for what settings to use to accomplish your shots, but finding those settings on the 40d is a bit different...it's not bad though, just read the manual. There's a quick reference guide that comes with the 40d that will easily fit in your pocket or camera bag that covers the basics when your in a hurry.

[PicBug]

Thanks so much for the reassurances! I remember looking at these monsters and wondering how people did it! I think I can do this.......

I have my refurbed 40D (and spare battery) on the way from Adorama! (Thanks for the forum for knowing where to go, what's a good price, and that refurbs rock) Woot woot!

[tigerotor77w]

The other big difference is no shutter lag and rapid fire shooting.

Question about this. Is shutter lag defined as the delay between when you half-press the shutter and when the camera actually trips the shutter? Or is it from pushing the shutter (starting the AF mechanism) to the shutter tripping?

My two P&S -- and indeed much of the upper-end of P&S in general -- seem to have very short half-press times.

[PicBug]

Shutter lag: When your photo is empty. Teehee!

From Wiki: shutter lag is the delay between triggering the shutter and when the photograph is actually recorded

I can't wait to stop speedy things!

[johnz]

Question about this. Is shutter lag defined as the delay between when you half-press the shutter and when the camera actually trips the shutter? Or is it from pushing the shutter (starting the AF mechanism) to the shutter tripping?

My two P&S -- and indeed much of the upper-end of P&S in general -- seem to have very short half-press times.

Try it :) You will see difference, trust me.

I have a 40D, and got my self a G10 few months ago, well i used it about a week and then sold it - shutter lag was definitely one of the reasons.

[Alextee]

40d is much easier to use in manual mode, that button that you have to press to switch aperture and shutter really throw me off when I use my g9 instead of the 40d

[johnz]

40d is much easier to use in manual mode, that button that you have to press to switch aperture and shutter really throw me off when I use my g9 instead of the 40d

Yeah, the main reason why XS and XSi don't feel like SLR's IMO :)