SX10 IS or G10?

[Sheeno]

Hello everyone. :)

I'm new to these forums, and actually new to photography in general. I'm looking to invest in a compact digital camera that will see me into serious photography. After much researching, I feel I have narrowed it down to these two. I want to take pictures of wildlife, especially macro, but far from confined to it. I also want a general, all-purpose camera: whether I'm out on a social activity or taking pictures of landmarks. Which of these two cameras do you think fulfills my needs better?

G10 pros:
-Greater megapixels (although I can't see this being that important... I'm not going to be shooting posters or anything)
-Larger LCD screen, with higher resolution.
-RAW format (how important is this on a compact digital?)
-Smaller dimensions
-Larger sensor (less noise, perhaps?)


SX10 pros:
-4x greater optical zoom (and this, to me, seems like an extremely useful thing, especially for wildlife photography. How is the quality when zoomed so far? Could the G10 use any kind of lens converters that would enhance its slightly lacklustre zoom?)
-0cm macro focus range (how much does this enhance macro images compared to the G10's already impressive 1cm?)
-Cheaper
-Flexible LCD screen

Also, how does the G10's optical viewfinder compare to the SX10's electronic one?

What I'm mainly wondering, above all, is how do the image qualities compare? Especially at ISO 400 and lower.

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks in advance for any help. Feel free to mention any other points of either camera you feel may sway me.

[SnapShot621]

My vote goes for the SX10 IS
I luvvvvv this camera! It is capable of taking some amazing photos and loaded with lots of bells and whistles. I am a beginner and still learning but this camera is awesome. It is alot of camera for the price!

[cols_shot]

I would have to agree with SnapShot621 ,as you get an awfull lot of usefull features with
the SX10is. For the most part the pixel count is not woth bothering about . The g10 can use
a teleconverter but would depending on the magnification affect picture quality. No idea by how mutch though.

[ironchef31]

My cheer goes to the G10.
Raw, Raw, Raw!

[joefzd1]

Both are great cameras, but being able to access all the camera menus and settings via the viewfinder rather than the screen in bright sunshine made me sell my G9 and get the SX10is.

[Sheeno]

Okay, thanks. I think I'll go for the SX10. That zoom is just too much to pass up. :)

[JustShootin']

Both are great cameras, but being able to access all the camera menus and settings via the viewfinder rather than the screen in bright sunshine made me sell my G9 and get the SX10is.

Yep, seeing your settings or viewing your photos on an LSD screen in the bright sun is a real picnic for sure. I agree that what the OP wishes do do with the camera, that the SX10 is the right camera.

[c2thew]

especially the feature of zooming while taking a video. it is absolutely essential for school projects and such.

[lensmen]

Hmm.. I guess you have done your homework in comparing the specs sheets of both camera.

In terms of capabilities, the SX10 is a fantastic camera. the zoom, picture qualities, the battery life & use of AA-size batteries, the grip and left-hand supporting lens - for those IS shots in low light or superzoomed shots without tripod.

In terms of size & compactness, the G10 would be a better choice. Sometimes, I do hate the SX10 for it's size & shape and that I cannot simply plug it into my jacket or pocket without the fear that it will drop out or that the world knows I have a camera with me.

Go to the local store and have a feel of the handling. See which on you liked. If the 20X is very important, than the SX10 is your choice.