G11 vs. SX1 vs. SX20

[Craig in LA]

Before I purchase a G11, I'd like to hear any first-hand comparisons with SX models. I already have a DSLR, so I'm looking for a compact camera that I can put in a jacket pocket when I can't lug around more gear. I'm interested in good IQ and the ability to take control of the camera. Shutter lag drives me crazy with compacts, and I don't like waiting while a camera is processing an image and saving it to the card. ... I've missed shots before while waiting for the camera to be ready for the next shot.

Any thoughts or experience with both G- and SX- cameras would be appreciated.

[phreeky]

For a pocket camera I just got an S90. I was holding both it and the G11 in the store, size difference is significant and I couldn't consider the G11 fitting. However I live in a warm climate so no big pockets like in some jackets, maybe different for you.

[denncald]

I have a G9, and have also considered either the SX20 or SX1, and the G11. Coming from a DSLR down to a P&S is going to be a problem for you with issues like shot to shot time, dynamic range, image noise, and other factors.

You want to stick the camera in a pocket for convenience. Pockets come in all sizes, but the SX1 and SX20 will not really fit in a pocket, even a jacket, IMHO. I carry the G9 (about the size of a G11) in a small camera bag that I put on my belt while out walking around, or on a hike through the woods, or riding my bicycle. When we are in the car, it fits nicely in a little spot in the console. I can actually fit the G9 in my shirt pocket, but I don't wear tight fitting shirts. It's quite heavy in the pocket, so if I wanted to I could also fit it in a pants pocket, as long as they are not tight fitting pants.

None of these cameras are as convenient to carry as the smaller S90 (G11 image sensor, no OVF). However, for me the S90 zoom is quite short when compared to the others under consideration. I'm working trying to change my attitude towards the zoom range I really need. Your consideration of the mid-zoom reach of the G11 vs the super-zoom range of the SX1/SX20 will also have to consider those limits.

In my opinion the SX20 and the SX1 image quality is noticeably lower than that of the G series, including my G9. The G11 image quality looks better than my G9. And, a DSLR image looks better than any P&S, in the right hands. I have a desire to get DSLR quality in a small P&S size, but then who doesn't? This has recently directed my attention to the Sigma DP2s and/or DP1x. Neither are really out there yet, and certainly no reviews available. However, used properly, the Foveon sensors offer interesting results, but the camera systems present lots of challenges to use properly, as well as the response time. The shot to shot time of the DP1 is much worse than the Canon models under consideration. So, everything involves a compromise, if you are willing to make it.

Here are links to the Imaging Resource site reviews for all the Canon cameras mentioned. The links are to the Performance timings for each.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G11/G11A6.HTM

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/PS90/PS90A6.HTM

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SX20IS/SX20ISA6.HTM

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SX1IS/SX1ISA6.HTM


Dennis

[rodleviton]

+1 for the S90. It has all the features and processor of the G11 in a nice small package.

[denncald]

The S90 comes with a possible deal breaker - the rear control dial can be quite easy to turn. There have been lively discussions on DPR about how much the control dial turns so many good photos in to bad photos, because people didn't notice the dial moved from the selected setting.

There is also a DIY "fix" thread there, and it has now been added on this forum. But, many folks are upset that the user has to "repair" their own $400 camera to make it work properly.

There are also a lot of very happy S90 users, so it's a divided camp. I know this dial issue is preventing me from making a purchase.

Dennis

[krb]

I really like the S90. Great IQ and it's better than the other options for low light shooting without a flash.

Haven't had any problems with the rear dial.

[phreeky]

I'm stumped at the rear dial complaints. It does turn very easy, yes, but I hold the camera like most people hold a P&S and my fingers/thumb are not touching the dial, and it doesn't adjust anything when the camera is off either so that doesn't matter.

Plus I normally shoot in Av mode, front ring set to zoom and rear dial to aperture. Being in Av mode I constantly pay attention to the aperture set so that's not an issue either. Exp comp is set via pressing a button and then turning the dial.

[Craig in LA]

I really like the S90. Great IQ and it's better than the other options for low light shooting without a flash.

Haven't had any problems with the rear dial.

Is the S90 IQ actually better than the G11 in low light? That is one of my concerns, because I sometimes need to shoot discretely, where flash is forbidden.

[krb]

Same sensor and image processor as the G11 but if you leave the lens at it's widest angle you get an f/2.0 aperture. I'd much rather be using a DSLR with an f/1.4 lens but that won't fit in her purse.

A couple weeks ago I was at an artist's reception with my wife and used the camera to take some pics. A couple of the other artists noticed and one of them started in about how much he loved his. He had just gotten back from Italy and was full of raves about how well it could handle the museums over there without using a flash. Even commented that with the small size and no shutter noise it had an advantage over SLRs because he was able to grab shots in places where you were not supposed to take pics.

An interesting idea: he said he'd set his up so that the front ring controlled white balance so when he was in a museum he could turn the wheel until the colors on the LCD matched the painting he was standing in front of.

[Craig in LA]

Ken,
Thanks for the input. I sometimes shoot live theatrical performances for a variety of performing arts groups. They permit photography during performances as long as there is no flash (which would be unbelievably rude and would be quite distracting to the performers). A small & discrete compact camera is what I would like to add to my current gear for such occassions.

[denncald]

Thanks for the input. I sometimes shoot live theatrical performances for a variety of performing arts groups. They permit photography during performances as long as there is no flash (which would be unbelievably rude and would be quite distracting to the performers). A small & discrete compact camera is what I would like to add to my current gear for such occassions.

I was using my G9 recently at just such an event, and I switched modes to try a different setting. What I failed to notice was the flash was turned on in that mode, so I blasted the performance with my flash...unexpectedly. :-(

Note to self: ALWAYS check the flash status BEFORE pressing the shutter release!

Dennis

[skid00skid00]

I've got the G9 and SX1.
G9 for better lens, better dynamic range, less noise. VERY good 13" x 19" landscape prints.

SX1 for movies, 560mm lens, slightly faster focus speed, faster frame rate.