Canon G12 - sensor and video

I was reading the specs for this and it says CCD sensor. What exactly is that? Does the G11/G12 really offer anything above a point and shoot as far as noise goes?
Also does the video on the current G11 autofocus?

I just got my NEX5 and its really cool but the battery life is really terrible, I hear there is a firmware update and if this does not help I am probably going to exchange it for the Canon.

I'm not sure teh G12 is released yet. If not, it will be any minute. It'll have HD video. It basically has the same sensor as most point and shoots.

The G series is designed for toughness, coolness factor (cause the camera body is kind of retro), and has a screen (articulating) that pivots so that you can lift the camera over your head while in a crowd, spying on the neighbor sunbathing on the other side of the fence, etc. Plus you get a little more zoom. It's a five-times zoom (unless they are going to change that with the G12).

The G series is the same as the S series, except it looks cooler but can't fit in your pocket like the S-series.

Oh, and it's a hundred bucks more.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #10763058
I'm not sure teh G12 is released yet. If not, it will be any minute. It'll have HD video. It basically has the same sensor as most point and shoots.

Lets be a little more exact

Canon SD4000 IS specifications
Sensor • 1/2.3" type back-illuminated CMOS
• 10 million effective pixels

Canon G11 specifications
Sensor* • 1/1.7" Type CCD
• 10 million effective pixels*

Tommydigi wrote in post #10762189
I just got my NEX5 and its really cool but the battery life is really terrible, I hear there is a firmware update and if this does not help I am probably going to exchange it for the Canon.

I've read the same thing about the NEX5, in fact I think you may be the same "tdigi" that posted this thread about it on DPR?

http://forums.dpreview​.com …rum=1042&messag​e=36096554

The NEX5 is a very interesting camera, not just because of the looks, but the resulting images I've seen. I also don't like that it doesn't fully support the iMac I have, so I've dropped my interest until that is fixed.

I continue to work at getting more out of my G11. If you don't have the G11 yet, then perhaps you should wait for the G12, and some good reviews on it?

Dennis

denncald wrote in post #10765964
The NEX5 is a very interesting camera, not just because of the looks, but the resulting images I've seen. I also don't like that it doesn't fully support the iMac I have, so I've dropped my interest until that is fixed.

I continue to work at getting more out of my G11. If you don't have the G11 yet, then perhaps you should wait for the G12, and some good reviews on it?

Dennis

These two cameras are two different beasts. There's an APS-C sensor sitting in the NEX, it eclipses the Gxx line 4x over. But at the same time, the lens ain't all that small for the NEX.

Also, it's more that Apple hasn't written in support for the NEX raw images, not the camera supporting the iMac.

Yes that was me asking the question on Dpreview. The NEX is a great little camera. When I tried it in the store I loved it, its very responsive, very good quality and the video is great but it was not until I got home and started using it that I noticed the battery and the heat. The battery melts away before your eyes and in about an hour I was at 50%. I did hear the firmware update helps but the camera also got hot and not working with a mac was a bit of an issue too. The menu which takes a lot of flack was really not bad at all and in some ways I enjoyed it ( except for the ISO ) Considering the fact that I can get a T2i for about the same money I decided to go to a good advanced ps but I am leaning toward the LX5 for the 24mm 2.0 wide lens. The pancake was a lot of fun on the NEX.

randomlinh wrote in post #10766474
These two cameras are two different beasts. There's an APS-C sensor sitting in the NEX, it eclipses the Gxx line 4x over. But at the same time, the lens ain't all that small for the NEX.

Also, it's more that Apple hasn't written in support for the NEX raw images, not the camera supporting the iMac.

Yes, I realize the differences. Sony requires Mac users to use a Windows system to download the necessary firmware update to make the battery work properly, as well as add a feature. That's the kind of lack of support I'm referring to.

Dennis

I updated the firmware on my nex 5 and used it all day yesterday without switching batteries. That included several videos and many high speed bursts. Even though I purchased a 2nd battery, it was never needed. I suggest updating your firmware.

The nex 5 is a really nice little camera. Much closer to a dslr than the G series. And I like the G series, but they aren't in the same class.

oh and I'm using the DNG converter for my raw files, on mac.

Permagrin wrote in post #10767631
I updated the firmware on my nex 5 and used it all day yesterday without switching batteries. That included several videos and many high speed bursts. Even though I purchased a 2nd battery, it was never needed. I suggest updating your firmware.

The nex 5 is a really nice little camera. Much closer to a dslr than the G series. And I like the G series, but they aren't in the same class.

oh and I'm using the DNG converter for my raw files, on mac.

Did the firmware really help that much? I was amazed at how bad the battery was on mine so I ended up returning it. The heat was also a concern and it got me feeling this technology needs another generation to iron out the kinks.

I will say the menu is really pretty nice and the lack of buttons was not at all an issue. I do agree, It is a nice little camera thats a lot of fun to use but I decided to get something more pocketable like the LX5 or the S95 and then add a Rebel as a smaller camera.

Considering the NEX is not really that pocketable and I am already so invested in Canon lenses a rebel T2i or whatever comes out next probably makes more sense for me, I have been playing around with my brother's T2i and its really a lot of fun and much lighter then a 5d2 plus its a better camera that I can get for the same price if not less when the rebates come out.

the jimmy wrote in post #10765822
Lets be a little more exact

Canon SD4000 IS specifications
Sensor • 1/2.3" type back-illuminated CMOS
• 10 million effective pixels

Canon G11 specifications
Sensor* • 1/1.7" Type CCD
• 10 million effective pixels*

I stand corrected. Oops.

Tommydigi wrote in post #10768007
Did the firmware really help that much? I was amazed at how bad the battery was on mine so I ended up returning it. The heat was also a concern and it got me feeling this technology needs another generation to iron out the kinks.

I will say the menu is really pretty nice and the lack of buttons was not at all an issue. I do agree, It is a nice little camera thats a lot of fun to use but I decided to get something more pocketable like the LX5 or the S95 and then add a Rebel as a smaller camera.

Considering the NEX is not really that pocketable and I am already so invested in Canon lenses a rebel T2i or whatever comes out next probably makes more sense for me, I have been playing around with my brother's T2i and its really a lot of fun and much lighter then a 5d2 plus its a better camera that I can get for the same price if not less when the rebates come out.

Yep, the firmware really did help. The first time I used it, the battery ran down just playing with the camera. And it did get hot using high speed shooting. No problems with either yesterday. And it was a hot day too so I totally expected it.

I agree it isn't a pocket cam, that's for sure (unless maybe cargo pants..would work there). And I'd considered an entry level dslr but if I carry a dslr, I'll carry my good one. If I don't want to carry one, then this gives me great IQ in a small package.

I don't like that the lenses are so limited. And the menus make me crazy. But otherwise, I'm happy with it.

I'm not sure I'd classify the T2i as a better camera. A different one for sure but not necc better. It can't shoot 7fps. And it doesn't have the in camera pano/hdr options and it doesn't shoot 1080i continuous focusing video. But it does have a view finder and it is compatible with your lenses.

I feel the T2i is a good DSLR that is much easier to carry when compared to a 5d2 assuming I am using a prime or the 18-55 kit lens compared to a 5D2 + 24-105 but yes the NEX is a great small light package that has good if not great IQ.

I had the kit with both lenses and they performed pretty well. I think another lens like a 28-35mm pancake would be a great addition that I would prefer over the zoom that made the camera just to big. The menus where really not bad at all, I found it pretty easy to use. This is what I was really expecting to hate and I found it just fine for this type of camera.

Thanks for the discussion here.
Quite a while back, I had a Sony F828. Loved it. Waist level screen (swivel lens) and optical quality was great. One of my favourite cameras.
I wouldn't mind a second system if it simplifies my life. I'll look after the dust has settled, and Sony has shown a commitment providing additional lenses. Would love to have 1 with sufficient quality that I can just leave sitting on my camera...
Thanks for the posts here; great value to me.
DaveL

Hey Dave, how's it going sir? This new Sony NEX system is quite intriguing. I wonder if it's a sign of things to come with DSLRs? I love my D300 and will likely get a D400, but man, I'm really getting sick of lugging DSLRs around. I can't wait for the day when they possibly reduce the size of these, or come up with a good enough new system with photo quality (almost) on par with hi end DSLRs. Something without the shutterlag and other limitations of a P&S. Maybe I'm dreaming but I think it's possible. I think we're getting closer.

Cheers!

The NEX Sony's are ...well weird..what's next a 500mm prime. They're portable/pocketable until a lens is attached...blah