Repair or replace G9?

[essvee]

Well, I'm bummed. My trusty G9's front element picked up a nick that's manifesting as a big flare if there is any off-axis lighting.

I have a couple full size DSLR's and an SD but I really, really like the G series cameras if I want versatility and don't want to haul a D body and gear around. I *need* a G!!!

Anyone have any experience with Canon repair in this regard (and the approximate cost)? And if it's a couple hundred $US would you go this route or put it toward a new G11?

I have never felt the need to replace the G9 with a G10 or G11 because it's thoroughly serviceable for the slot it fills below the my D's but this flare is not going to work for me.

[2mnycars]

I had a g9 that I loved.
The G10 is great--but it never tempted me enough to buy. (Reviews at Luminous Landscape speak so highly of the g10!)
That's because I really liked my g9 with grip.

When the '11 came out I really wanted the articulating screen. I bought one; it failed -- internal battery wouldn't hold a charge. I got a replacment.

Just me--but if I were looking today I'd consider three cameras. G11. LX3 (on its way out). And the replacement for the Pany LX3.

Oh, make that 4. S95...

[tmwag]

Front element damage sounds like it could be costly. I haven't checked the prices lately but I thought one could get a used G9 for around $200. Used G11 are around $350 and do much better in low light.

[essvee]

Yeah, looks like I might just wait for the G12 at this point. I actually use and like the HD video on the DSLR bodies so the G11 would be a disappointment.

I wouldn't consider the LX cameras because I have used the Canon flashes on the G9 and I'd prefer to keep that option available. The G9 and 480 flash are great for a big group shot and it's still a rather easy combo to lug around if I want to travel light.

Thanks for your responses!

[rang]

Originally Posted by essvee

Well, I'm bummed. My trusty G9's front element picked up a nick that's manifesting as a big flare if there is any off-axis lighting.

I have a couple full size DSLR's and an SD but I really, really like the G series cameras if I want versatility and don't want to haul a D body and gear around. I *need* a G!!!

Anyone have any experience with Canon repair in this regard (and the approximate cost)? And if it's a couple hundred $US would you go this route or put it toward a new G11?

I have never felt the need to replace the G9 with a G10 or G11 because it's thoroughly serviceable for the slot it fills below the my D's but this flare is not going to work for me.

Fix it if you like the range on the zoom. If reach doesn't matter to you...go G12

[essvee]

Originally Posted by rang

Fix it if you like the range on the zoom. If reach doesn't matter to you...go G12

Well, now I hadn't considered that!

I'm thinking with the Digic 4 and ISO to 3200 I could get the same imaging, or better, via cropping. 6x vs 5x (if indeed that's what it comes out with) isn't that great.

Really, I'm not trying to talk myself into that G12 nor do I disagree with you. On the contrary, you brought up something I totally overlooked.

[CarloY]

[The difference between] 6x vs 5x (if indeed that's what it comes out with) isn't that great.

Or is it?
G9: 6 x 35mme = 210mme

G11: 5 x 28mme = 140 mme

why not contact a service center (other than Canon factory). I used camerasandparts.com which had a flat-rate for a no-power problem (they replaced two boards and did a cleaning and calibration - all for ~$100 shipped one-way in 2009).

[essvee]

Originally Posted by CarloY

Or is it?
G9: 6 x 35mme = 210mme

G11: 5 x 28mme = 140 mme

why not contact a service center (other than Canon factory). I used camerasandparts.com which had a flat-rate for a no-power problem (they replaced two boards and did a cleaning and calibration - all for ~$100 shipped one-way in 2009).

Another excellent point. Thanks.

The G11 is not a contender. *If* I replace, it will be the G12. Do we know the zoom range on that yet?

I'm swinging by a local repair shop tonight (they're good... I've used them before).

[denncald]

Wouldn't it be great if you could "upgrade" a camera by replacing an older CCD chip with the latest version? Sort of like swapping out CPU's on motherboards. I realize there is more involved, but it's an interesting thought.

Dennis

[rang]

Originally Posted by essvee

Another excellent point. Thanks.

The G11 is not a contender. *If* I replace, it will be the G12. Do we know the zoom range on that yet?

I'm swinging by a local repair shop tonight (they're good... I've used them before).

I would be pleasantly shocked if the G12 range falls back to the G9's because seems like most of the mfg's like to offer their P&S models with a wider short end.

With the G9 you can use the Canon wide lens +adapter and get wide or go fishy even with one of the fish eyes+adapter. On the far end the Canon 2X gets you way out there with just the optical train where no combo of lenses+adapter+G10/11/12? will come close in reach.
And that is not even taking into consideration the non-optical zoom option on top of the glass train.

However the G11 is much quieter. But if you use Noise Ninja on the G9's output you can address some of the relative noisyness of the G9 compared to the G11.

Best to have two G's
I ended up with a G9 + adapters/lenses and an S90.

Have fun deciding.

[2mnycars]

Dennis that sure would be good.
Or==when I first started I wished that they had developed data backs with digital ability for my pro film cameras. I went through a cycle of purging lenses (pro quality) and simplifying my life to accomodate my choice of digital cameras.

[Methodical]

Considered the Canon loyalty program? Not sure if they have what you are looking for but it's worth a peek. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...=canon+loyalty

[DaryleH]

Still use my G9 with Lensmate, RRS, Canon 250 & 500 closeup lens, 430EX Flash and love it, I print 16 by 20 prints with no noise and sell them via my vendor, I think everyone is pixel peeping thru the computer screen too much, just try printing one 8 by and see how much noise there is.

Daryle

[stephenrr]

I echo what's above about Canon repairs. Camerasandparts.com fixed my G9 quickly and inexpensively. The junk you'll read about them isn't true.

[spear]

G9 is a great camera but in low light there has been some compelling changes for the better on the latest models. The G11 has probably about 2 stops better in the ISO department and with the G12, if you would believe the initial reports, that seems to have been improved further. There is absolutely no difference in IQ between the G9 and G11 (and G12 I would guess) in good light, so it would depend on what your photographic needs are. Personally I would just go for the G12.