To Change or Not To Change?

[BIGEYE]

I am currently using a G9 and still learning with it. I only use the camera occasionally, but would like to use it more often than I do.
I am also condsidering changing to the EOS 500D with the 55mm lens kit (I am on a budget), but really can't make up my mind. Any help would be appreciated.

What would the 500D give me that I don't have with the G9?
Is it too much of a jump to go from the G9 to a DSLR, when I haven't fully learned to use the G9 yet?
How can I justify the extra cost in making the change?
How does the G9 optical zoom compare against the 18-55 mm lens kit offered with the 500D?
TIA

[Kevin B]

I'm not an expert but I'll get things started.

1) You'll get a bigger sensor and much better his iso performance. You also get more flexibility with the ability to change out lenses. People will argue but in general, you will get better quality images (i.e., less noise) with a larger sensor for the same number of pixels (assuming the processing engine is the same). You'll get a better burst mode for sports photography. In general, you get better depth of field control. I'm sure there are many others people will bring up.

2) Only you can decide. A DSLR is larger and heavier but in general will take better photos especially at anything above iso 100. If you are serious about photography and want to keep learning, I don't see it as too big a jump.

3) Moving to a DSLR is starting to invest in a system. The lenses you acquire (along with filers) and support systems can carry forward with new bodies as you upgrade if you wish. If all you want to shoot are snapshots, the jump isn't worth it. If you want to take and print higher quality images, it probably is. Again, only you can decide but you need to be more specific of your long term goals before you can really answer this question.

4) The G9 is a 35-210mm equivalent on a 35mm format. The 18-55 kit lens on a APS-C sensor is a is 28.8-88mm equivalent on a 35mm format. You would have to get a second lens to cover the telephoto end. The capability for wider shots will help with landscape.

My advice is to stay with the G9 for now and use it more. If you find you really enjoy photography and are using it all the time as well as you find the G9 lacking for something you want (flexibility of different lenses, image quality, desire for burst mode for sports photography, desire for shallow DOF, etc.), then I'd upgrade. If there aren't specific things you're missing now, don't spend the money. By waiting, you not only find out what you really need/want but there's a chance a new camera with better capapbilities will come along by the time you do decide.

Good luck and enjoy taking photos.

--Kevin

[BIGEYE]

Thanks for the good advice. I will stick with my G9 for now which has given fantastic shots. Still have to learn on how to use it in low light/night shots and fireworks dispalys.

[GordonSBuck]

The Powershot G series are excellent and versatile cameras for learning the details of photography. Since you've not identified any specific need or shortcoming of your G9 with respect to your needs, I also recommend that you stay with your G9 a while longer.