Trade up from G6???

Here is what I'm thinking.

I got a G6 this year added a lens adapter and 420ex, so it is kinda like carrying a DSLR anyway. I love the G6, but the new Rebel XT seems to promise so much more, in terms of flexibility in terms of low light (with higher ISO), auto focus speeds and shutter lag.
I would be looking to sell what I have on ebay and get the Rebel with the standard lens kit. I would only be using the fon board flash, which I think would suffice and be comporable to what I currently have with the G6 and 420ex, but would like some input on that. I'm hoping to only have additional cash layout of between $100-$150 for the change.

Please tell me if I'm missing something here. This is not a done deal decision, so I would really like input.

TIA,

Joe

Joe,

if you can financially make it work, I'd rather keep the 420EX and Omni-bounce, as they will be very helpful on your 350D.

Otherwise you'll lose money now on selling your (new) flash and have to buy another one sometime down the road. That is, if you are not dissatisfied with the flash and wish for something considerably better at a later stage.

You might of course also try to offer the camera on the forum here.

Other than that, you'll love the 350D once you have it.

Best regards,
Andy

Bosman, I think you realize that the Rebel XT is a different animal from the G6. If that's what you want, then you should take a good and fast look at Dell's offerings, they have the a great deal on the XT. See here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=118411

Thanks for the responses!

Andy, I'm hoping the on board will be what I need for now. I figure that with the increased ISO range I should be okay. But please correct me if I am missing something. I guess I was kinda hoping the Rebel would be more "compact" than the G6 with the flash.

Bottom, Thanks for the tip, it seems you really have to be quick to get on those deals. I do realize the Rebel is a different animal, but for some reason it doesn't seem intimidating. Maybe all the good advice and help on here has helped that. Not that I know all about SLR's cause I don't.

I would really also like some feedback on the standard lens kit. I realize it is better on the wide end than what I have but only about half the tele. I have heard some disparaging comments on the lens, but I'm comparing it to my G6. Maybe in the future I'll add other lens but for now I want to know I will be more than happy with it.

TIA

Joe,

I doubt that the 350D will be more compact than the G6 ... better take a look at a page that has specifications in mm, if that is your prime concern.

The inbuilt flash is ... well, an inbuilt flash
OK for fill flash during the day, but does not give the best pictures you might want, IMO.
Try out the difference of your G6 with 420 and inbuilt flash, it'll be exactly the same. My guess is that you don't want to miss the 420 EX you have once experienced.

The kit lens is ok and will give you better images than your G6 (I guess... haven't tried it). If you want to have a cheap lens that gives great images and is also a low light lens, then get the 75$ 50/1.8 as well. With those two, you're set.

Best regards,
Andy

Andythaler wrote:
Joe,

I doubt that the 350D will be more compact than the G6 ... better take a look at a page that has specifications in mm, if that is your prime concern.

The inbuilt flash is ... well, an inbuilt flash
OK for fill flash during the day, but does not give the best pictures you might want, IMO.
Try out the difference of your G6 with 420 and inbuilt flash, it'll be exactly the same. My guess is that you don't want to miss the 420 EX you have once experienced.

The kit lens is ok and will give you better images than your G6 (I guess... haven't tried it). If you want to have a cheap lens that gives great images and is also a low light lens, then get the 75$ 50/1.8 as well. With those two, you're set.

Best regards,
Andy

I meant more compact with the 420ex attached to the G6, it is a bit "awkward" being so top heavy. With the Rebel I figured I wouldn't have to worry about putting the flash on and off, because wearing it around my next with the flash on isn't really uncomfortable. So that is where I was coming from with the Rebel, the flash pops up when necessary, and I would hope that the flash being so much further from the lens would be significantly better than the G6's on board.

Not at all, I'm sad to report.
It will have less problems with red eyes, that's sure, but your flash pictures will have the exact same 'doe-in-the-headlights'-look as a picture with the onboard flash on the G6 has. The secret really lies in bouncing the flash and/or using a diffusor like your omni-bounce.

I'd even suggest that a low light portrait from the G6 with 420+omni-bounce will look better than a low light portrait with the 350D and the built-in flash.
A picture taken with the 50/1.8 @ f/2.5 and ISO 1600 without flash, however, will be a totally different story... 8)

Best regards,
Andy

Thanks Andy, you are giving me alot to think about.

Now c'mon ... you know you want to keep that great flash.

It's just a paltry 150$ more that way ... believe me, this is nothing compared to what you will spend on lenses, CF cards, bags, filters, tripods etc. later
(Also something you might want to think about )

Best regards,
Andy

PS: I had a G2 with lens adapter, 2 lenses and external flash.

Now... I have a 20D, some zoom lenses, some prime lenses, some camera bags, some flash units (soon)... you get the picture?
But I love it

That's why I'm needing alot of reassurance that I can get along and be content with the standard kit compared with to G6.
Believe me I know it will be tempting to add lens.

The idea is to really only get the kit lens and the 50/1.8 in the beginning.

You can add other lenses whenever you feel the need and have the money.

I might also add that (among others) I have a 300/4.5, an 85/2.0 and a 135/3.5 lens that take great images and cost about 150$ together... they are old manual focus lenses in the M42 system that can be used on the 20D/350D with a 20$ adapter... so you might actually save money

Best regards,
Andy

I'm in exactly the same boat. I think you might be a little optimistic about the difference in price. Are you going to use the kit lens?

I've resisted the dSLR route. I just don't want to get caught up in the lens race. I don't want to give up the preview. When the Sony R1 came out I tried to fit that square peg in the round hole of my needs. Just can't do it. It's a gallant first try at a new niche, but it doesn't quite make it.

I keep thinking Canon will replace the G6 / Pro1 by at least April. Who knows what that will bring?

But it looks like the Rebel XT will be my next camera. But I want to do low light photography handheld and I'm not the steadiest guy in the world so I really want IS. I'm looking at $750 to $1000 in lenses. Makes me sick. But if I'm going to progress, I'm going to have to spend some Jack.

Keep the 420ex. I know I will. I'm not sure how much you expect to sell the G6 for but they are selling new for less than $450. If you could sell the camea and lens adaptor for $350 I think you should be happy. An XT with a kit lens is at least $850 from a reputable source. That' more then $150 even if you can sell the 420ex for $125 or so. Maybe I'm just being pessimistic. I hope so. Good luck.

A picture taken with the 50/1.8 @ f/2.5 and ISO 1600 without flash, however, will be a totally different story...


AndyThaler said it all. It that improvement worth the effort and money to you?

In my experience, better equipment does not help me much in producing better pictures.

Bernard

Bernardg wrote:
A picture taken with the 50/1.8 @ f/2.5 and ISO 1600 without flash, however, will be a totally different story...


AndyThaler said it all. It that improvement worth the effort and money to you?

In my experience, better equipment does not help me much in producing better pictures.

Bernard

Hi Bernard,

You are right, better equipment does not ensure better pics. But I do think that equipment can enable or limit you.

I would strongly disagree here.

Better equipment certainly does enable me to take better pictures.
It may not enable me to take good pictures, however

Best regards,
Andy