G10 vs SX200

[KatyaLP]

Guys,
I am looking for a compact, ultra wide angle for my vacation.

I was almost sold on G10 because of it's image quality, but don't exactly have that kind of money to spend on point and shoot now. SX200 is at least $100 - $150 cheaper. Will it do the job? Or the image quality between these two worth that extra money?

[denncald]

Consider the Panasonic ZS3/TZ7, unless you need/want the manual controls, then the SX200 fits better. You may not like the 200SX during operation, because the pop-up flash is always popped-up when the camera is on. However, manual controls would be the drawing card for me with the SX200. The ZS3 has a 25mm wide lens, while the SX200 is 28mm wide. You might want to read a sample of user reviews for the SX200 on the Canon (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=18329#reviews)site.

The ZS3 is a continuation of their popular Travel Zoom series, so it might be what you are looking for. Here are some reviews to consider; DPR (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q209grouplongzoom/), IR (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/ZS3/ZS3A.HTM), CL (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml). You should also see the SX200 review on the CL (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX200_IS/index.shtml)site, since it does a head-to-head with the ZS3.

Dennis

[KatyaLP]

Dennis, thanks for the info!

[BigBlueDodge]

I would also recommed the Panasonic ZS3 or ZS1 models over the SX200. I love Canon but Panasonica has really upped the game in the P&S cameras. DPreview did a review of small travel size cameras and awarded their recommendation to the ZS3 and ZS1

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q209grouplongzoom/

[2mnycars]

When you start looking for an ultrawide angle lens your choices are more limited. I have a G9 that I truly enjoy, except the lens is not so wide-angled.
If I were looking today I would read many reviews, including recent ones on Luminous Landscape. I'm intrigued with the Panny LX3 and the (too expensive for me) Leica equivalent. IIRC it has a 24 to 60 mm equivalent lens. The reported image quality of the g10 tempts me too.
Regards,
Dave

edit: have you considered buying used? There must be many fine quality p&s cameras around waiting for a friendly owner!

[Padrino]

Manual control, real wide-angle, excellent image quality, class leading low light capabilities... all come with LX3. But, it is not only expensive (as you say for the G10) but also is really hard to find!

[DeCeccoNET]

Regarding the pop up flash....

I enjoyed the manual controlls of the sx100 especially the ease of not being forced into using the flash...

With the sx200 I understand that it is an automatic pop up, but is that independant of the flashes settings? In otherwords, regardless as to whether or not the flash phisically pops up, can it still be set to "off" by default?