G6 - first impressions

Moving from SLR (original Rebel) to Digital is going to take some time for me to get used to...

1. it's too tiny to hold; feels like a toy... I have no idea how people use even smaller, compact digitals...

2. Having all sounds turned off (those anoying sounds!) and being outside, there is NO WAY to tell that shutter just went off. Am I going to miss that soft shake I was getting from my Rebel? This will be answered later...

3. LCD is totaly useless on a bright sunny day; viewfinder ... well, I don't want to go there. am I too spoiled with the read-out I had on my SLR's? Hm...
I know there is a top LCD with all the info, but it's not the same!

4. Damn, it takes good pictures! I love its white balance feature.

5. Not sure if I should invest into 220EX, or go straight to 420EX since its own flash seems to be doing good job...

How was your transition to G6-world?

Go for the 420EX. It sounds like you're going to be getting a DSLR shortly anyhow, and the 420EX will work as a wireless slave to the 550EX/580EX. The 220 won't. It also doesn't tilt/swivel the flash head IIRC.

Funny, but I actually decided against the dSLR. Simply because of the size. I loved everything else (I tried Nikon D70 since Canon 350XT ws not out yet). I'd like NOT to have to cary a bulky bag that looks like a... well, like a camera bag ; I like to pack light and be mobile!

It was a big desision to "step down" to G6 after using SLR for 15 years (please, no offense to any G-users!), but I think I may like it!

Can I stick a defuser on 220ex?

You could, but without tilt-swivel it won't do much other than reduce the intensity of the (already fairly puny) flash. And that size isthe trade-off for a camera that's comfortable to hold.

Mr. Twister wrote:
Funny, but I actually decided against the dSLR. Simply because of the size. I loved everything else (I tried Nikon D70 since Canon 350XT ws not out yet). I'd like NOT to have to cary a bulky bag that looks like a... well, like a camera bag ; I like to pack light and be mobile!

It was a big desision to "step down" to G6 after using SLR for 15 years (please, no offense to any G-users!), but I think I may like it!

Can I stick a defuser on 220ex?

Like you, I have been using SLR's for many, many years too, and I have found the G6 to be a joy to use. This is my first serious digital camera and I really like the way you can control almost every aspect of capturing the image. Now if it only had a bulb feature!

I'd like to get a 20d soon, if the price lowers a bit, but I will be keeping my G6. It is my everyday companion and is great for taking inconspicuous street shots (like a Leica rangefinder), and I believe I will be carrying it more than a dSLR.

Ah those are a few things I didn't like about the G6.. I had sold my D Rebel for the g6 cause of the rebels size.. lets just say the g6 ended up going back and I have another d rebel. lol

I am a bit confused. What is it exactly you didn't like about the G6? Thanks.

Welcome Mr. Twister,

Regarding your concerns, which are real, but can be overcome!

1. Put a wrist strap on the right side of the camera, and get a Lens mate adapter (lensmateonline.com), with these two modest add ons, the little G6 will have that "proper" feel that you miss. I promise!

2. Those sounds. I turned mine off too!

3. The LCD. Mixed bag here, good and bad. If you're having trouble seeing the LCD in bright sunlight, try one of Hoodman's shades or the Xtenda a view from photoslove.com. I have both, and they both have their strengthes and weaknesses.

If you've ever had a twin lens reflex camera, you will appreciate the G6's ability to shoot from the waist at unbelievable slow speeds. Not only will this give you a different perspective, but everyone ignores you when you hold the camera this way. Hold a SLR up to your face and everyone runs for cover!

4. If you like the white balance now, just wait till you shoot RAW and work with Photoshop's RAW converter. Oh Ma Gawd!

5. I'm going to save for the 420EX, gotta have that swivel and bounce!

Have fun, Jeff

Flash... it depends on how much you shoot with flash. If it's the occasional shot then the 220EX is a great flash, very compact and light. Personally I use the 550EX with the G6. It has enough and more power for anything. I often shoot with a multi flash setup with a couple of 550EX'es. It's a wonderful companion to the G6, but very big. I'd recommend you either get the 220EX or skip the 420 and go straight for the 580EX or 550EX.

Agree

Agree

Disagree, despite actually being a workaround to the LCD issues, a hoodman shade is cumbersome to use, a nuisance to have to carry around (one extra thing to worry about), looks rather silly and unprofessional, and is rather unattractive.

Far more easier to use hand as a sun shield.

Agree

Agree

If your planning on upgrading to a DSLR at a later stage or plan on experimenting with multi flash / lighting setups, the 550ex or 580ex is the way to go. In all other cases i fell its an overkill. The 420ex is the better way to go, while retaining the bounce, swivel and zoom flash features without comprimising cost and flash strength.


My 2cents worth
Cheers

I used to have the G2 and I know what you mean about having a compact Leica like camera. I don't know about the G6 though, did they do away with the shutter lag yet?

Shutter lag is generally okay..But can be made amazingly fast by setting camera to hyperfocal distance and shooting in manual mode.

Not to be picky really but using a G6 you're not going to look professional anyways.

Ogrt48 wrote:
Not to be picky really but using a G6 you're not going to look professional anyways.

I agree on that, but ive found that walking around with my 420ex flash mounted, lens adapter and filters attached... tend to make people look twice..

The other night for the st kilda festival i even had this pro come up to me and ask what i was shooting with... i shy'd away in embarresment and dissapeared into my little hole after i sighted his Mk1.

To the average person though, the top heavy look with mounted barrel adapter is definetely a worth a second look...

Now i know what your thinking... OH MEEEE GOSSSSSHHHHH ... hahahaha

@Nabil-A

Could you be so kind and post the settings you use for G6 hyperfocal settings? I tried to make some myself, based on the calculation that can he found here:
http://www.dofmaster.c​om/dofjs.html

I prefered to use Av mode, set the aperture to 4 , no zoom, manual focus on around 2,5 meters, flash to auto, ISO 100, saved to C1. I got some pretty descent shots, but i´d like to compare to the results of others
Thanks,
Kusie