Canon PowerShot G7
- 5.0 out of 5
- 5.0 out of 5
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Editors' Comments
The Canon PowerShot G7 is a sturdy, advanced camera for serious users, with a large 10-megapixel sensor and 6x optical zoom. The G7 replaces the Canon G6, now about two years old, and is a nice middle ground between point-and-shoot cameras and digital SLRs. The G7 features a "shift-type" form of optical image stabilization, using tiny, internal gyroscopes to compensate for hand movements and other jitters that may cause blurring. Keep in mind, the G7 does not feature the RAW file format, so if you're looking for a real heavy-duty shooter, you'll have to look to SLRs like the Digital Rebel XTi/400D.
Specifications
- 10 megapixels
- 6x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
- Auto focus, auto and manual exposure
- "Shift-type" image stabilization
- Movie mode with sound
- JPEG file format
- ISO 80-1600
- 2.5-inch LCD
- Secure Digitial Card storage (32MB card included)
- Lithium-ion battery
Comments on the Canon G7
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Canon PowerShot G7 Reviews
- 4.44052863436123 out of 5
Canon PowerShot G7 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 5.0 out of 5
From day one this camera impressed me, the images caputured were fantastically detailed, the macro mode really powerful and focusing at 1cm, pictures of sand at 10 megapixels were like small pebbles.
Then the video capture was awesome too, i already own a Pro Sony VX2100e and side by side the image quality of the footage is very similar obviously as this is a photo camera and not a dedicated film camera there are some major omissions but it performs very well.
The images as i say are positively fantastic its like every press of the shutter is an epic moment.
BUT>>>>
I noticed early on that there was dust on the inside of the lens, therefore impossible to clean. then finally....exactly 2 years and 1 week later the camera fails to start/powerup and looking aroung on the internet this seems to be a VERY COMMON fault and it seems to occur at the 2 year mark, leading me to think that rumours of a "death" chip in the camera are true altho proving this would be nigh on impossible, it is a crying shame tho, as this
WAS an awesome camera.
- 3.0 out of 5
When downloading pictures from the memory cardwith the Canon G7, it says there are no pictures. The same memory card in another camera shows the images. Is there a problem
- 5.0 out of 5
I love using the camera for videos but takes awesome photos. and i perfer to keep G7 over the G9 which i dont bel in upgrading
- 4.0 out of 5
it is a good camera. My pictures look professional. The video looks and sounds like we hired a pro. I would recommend.
- 5.0 out of 5
I took some beautiful pictures from my G7. The pictures are sharp and clear.
- 5.0 out of 5
Great camera, very versitle, great for sports photography and as an all occasion camera, but also works as a great art camera to satisfy your creative side.
I love this camera because i am a big hobby photographer but the things i do make it really hard for me to deal with the bulk of an SLR. This camera plain and simple works awesome and is small.
only complaint would be red eye, but this is a common problem and the computer software it comes with can correct it.
- 5.0 out of 5
I baught an A710IS early this year and love it. It was a bit intimidating coming from my Pentax MX film camera (slr). I have come to love the Canon. The zoom is amazing and clear. The pictures print out fantastic on my epson PAL. Colors are vibrant details are very crisp and clear. I am learning to use the other features as time goes by. I can't help but want a Canon G7 on my way to one of the high end Canon SLR's. I love photography, I shot with a Sony Mavica for several years. Every few years as money permits I have to upgrade when the technology just overflows. Rob
- 4.0 out of 5
It was a tough choice between the Canon A640 and the G7. After trying both cameras, I decided on the G7 even though it cost almost $250 more. Here's why . . . I use the manual features and they're much easier to adjust on the G7. Also, I appreciate the IS because I like to do macros and don't want to use a flash. The longer lense comes in handy too.
My hope is that the G7 will be sufficient enough so that I can hold off buying a DSLR. The G7 is a solid camera that has many of the features of a DSLR, and it fits in my purse. The chance of me getting a good picture increases because I'll have my camera with me most of the time. Can't see myself carrying a heavy DSLR and extra lenses every time I go out.
Why not 5 stars? I wish it had a better grip. There's really no place to put my thumb comfortably. I like the rotating LCD on the A640, which older versions of G cameras had. Longer battery life would be good too. I would be estatic if they included an extra battery pack, so I don't have to go out and buy one - they're on backorder. That I can see the lense barrel from the viewfinder is a design flaw.
All in all, the G7 is a great camera fit for an artist who uses her camera to create works of art through photography and design.
- 5.0 out of 5
I am an amateur but i must say that this camera allows for things to be as simple or as complicated as the photographer wishes to make them. I have the underwater case and, due to this accessory, am currently in love with this camera. I have found several aftermarket brands that are making lenses, lens adaptors and thread adaptors so the options for this camera are fantastic. there is also a great network of G7 owners on Flickr.com, they have their own group open for discussion and photo review :) This is the camera i have dreamt of since i was little...
- 4.0 out of 5
A lot of buyers are greatly confused about what cameras are. Let's lay it out straight here, its not the camera that needs to adjust, it's the user. Don't blame the camera because it did not live with your expectations, blame yourself for not knowing enough before you buy it, If you want Fuji's great low-light sensor, you will have to buy the Fuji and not look for it in a Canon (this is why hobbyist tend to collect more and more units and lenses as time goes by -there is no one ring to rule them all). That said, I bought the G7 because it best satisfied my needs. All other cameras have superiority over the other at some point, but based on my personal matrix, the G7 inched a score higher in areas that are important to me:
1. Looks: My co worker asked why I'm using film, not knowing it was a digital, the retro look got me at hello.
2. Controls: For beginners it will take a while to master the G7, I like the fact that it can force you to learn and look back at your photography knowledge. There's Auto mode of course but if you want auto everything, you don't need to get a G7, get something cheaper.
3. Build; Brick , brick, brick. You can use as a weapon as last resort to an imminent threat. I wanted to keep some camera and not end up selling it when new models arrive. that said, the friendly old man at the camera shop assured me about the legend of the number 7 - that Canon will forever protect this model number (remember rangefinder 7, EOS 7s). It was built as a keeper.
4. IQ: with intelligence passed from Canon SLRs and hundreds of reviewers attesting to its image quality, I am now a follower of that belief. But still, on inexperienced hands it will not create miracles...unless its in full auto, on a very bright day, on a great scene, at proper angle..etc etc.
5.Imperfections: A perfect camera would be a bore, I'd rather shoot with a Lomo. It may lack some important stuff like RAW, swivel monitor, bright lens and all that stuff I can live without. What I cannot live without and what G7 all had in its package are: IS (not superv but it helps), extra zoom (again not too much but there), black color, good retro styling, hot shoe, lens conversions(was reviewed as heavy and doesn't do well with flash and eyepiece), size to go in with other stuff in a nerd's bag (its not pocketable ok, unless you really fancy big bulky stuff plastered around your body), manual SLR controls.
That said, it has a little bit of everything I need, it does not always excel on those little bits but in the end when I sum the parts, it all adds up to the best camera that is capable of giving me what i want....now, if only the Fuji engineer who handles the sensors would cross to Canon and the Canon designer over to Fuji...
- 5.0 out of 5
sharp picture good colors good features
- 2.0 out of 5
optical viewfinder shows *more* than what you get! - line up the bottom just so through the optical viewfinder, your picture will not show that bottom line. If you do not use the optical viewfinder, then this is not a problem for you. The LCD is accurate. See Steve's digicams review.
- blown highlights
- noise reduction artifacts even at low iso
- iso over 400 very noisy, almost useless
- slow shot to shot speed *when LCD is on*
- typically slow and imprecise zoom
- lack of iso information in EXIF data (why???)
- poor battery life
PROS:
- feels good in the hand
- small
- looks cool
- can take a nice picture
- nice controls
- 5.0 out of 5
After about two years of sifting through reviews and recommendations for digital cameras, I decided to settle for the Canon G7. Before buying this camera, I used a Canon F1, Canon FTb, and a Mamiya 645M for all my photography. Needless to say, my expectations and quality standards were high. I was basically looking for a camera as rugged as the F1 but in digital and much smaller. Although I never came across one as tough as the F1, the G7 — when I first held it — convinced me I found the one. Its classic design and rugged body give it a charisma that puts other compact digital cameras to shame (perhaps with the exception of the Leica M8 — but the size of the M8 puts it into SLR category, IMO).
Pros:
- scroll-wheel
- glass lens /w coating
- image stabalization,
Cons:
- slow lens (f2.8 rather than G6's F2.0)
- no RAW
- no grip, awkward to hold
- small sensor, resulting in reduced image quality and the inability to create photos with shallow depth of field
Bottom line:
- 5.0 out of 5
I own over 10 digital cameras and I would say that the Canon G7 is the best of the compacts that I have. The photo quality is EXCELLENT and photos are SHARP! I also own a Canon 20D SLR, Fuji S3 Pro SLR, Sony F828. The G7 flash exposure is better than that of the 20D and the quality is at least as good or better. The G7 photo quality rivals that of the S3 and the F828. As far as compacts go, I also own a Canon SD500, SD10, Sony T10, T50, Nikon 5000, Nikon 950, Sony V1, and the Canon G5. The photo quality of the G7 beats all of them except the sharpness is about the same as the Sony V1, which has a Carl Zeiss Lense. The flash photos of the G7 is better than the V1. This G7 camera is just a fine piece of instrument that I am going to keep for a long time. I absolutely love it. I wonder how it compares with the Leica M8, anyone has both camers? The M8 costs about $5,000.00 and I waiting for someone to comment on whether it is worth the extra $4,500.00?
- 4.0 out of 5
I purchased this camera just before Chrismas to take some pics of our little girl opening presents etc.. and as I had lost my IXY 800IS (same as powershot 700IS). It seemed great at first as I loved the style and weight of the camera. It also seemed to take great pictures. I noticed though that even with the picture review off it seemed a bit slower than my Ixy and the size of the camera prohibited me from carrying it everywhere as I would usually wear my Ixy on my belt. I actually found my IXY under my nightstand of all places and returned the G7 to my local Brandsmart where I had purchased it. They were easy going about the return but beware only 5 days on returns for some items. Overall the size was just too big and it seemed slow. Keep in mind with 19 month old children these things have to be fast! Also, the IS or image stabilization is a must have!
- 5.0 out of 5
I not comparing this to a DSLR and therefore this is a superb camera in all respect especially the manual capability and the dedicated ISO button. Low lighting is not a problem since there is a OIS and able to use a lower ISO. To top it off, this camera makes a great collector's item because the design emanates a nostalgic feeling. It would have been even a better camera if Canon did not take away the raw file format but then again many compacts do not have raw file formats. Wished Canon included the accessories in the package such as the tele converters and lenses (they want to make more money this way). However, it was great of them to include accessories for those who need and could afford them as oppose to other compacts. I love this camera, highly recommended. Here are some of the items that beats Fuji F30:
Hot shoe for many types of external flash.
Optional accessories: Teleconverters (Zoom) and Wide angle lenses.
Water Proof casing.
Dedicated ISO button.
Excellent control buttons to easily access the features.
Nostalgic and sophisticated design.
- 5.0 out of 5
I've had this camera for a week now and i absouletly love it. I decided to upgrade from a Canon PowerShot A520, which was a big jump. The view screen is huge! You could watch TV on it ! i am still learning new things about the camera, but so far its been great!
- 3.0 out of 5
My reaction to this camera is that it would be lovely if I lived in a sunny climate. In the English Lake District where it is cloudy I really can't get this camera to produce natural light photographs which are not so utterly diminished by embarrassingly self evident levels of noise that render this camera virtually unusable in gloomy climes.
Yes there's much to celebrate about the facilities seemingly offered by this camera but the lack of integrity by Canon of sticking an overpopulated miniature CCD in releasing an otherwise exquisite camra is shameful - this camera will only produce good photographs in sunny climates or on a tripod (of static subjects).
It is so sad that marketing hype rather than honesty have led a wonderful design team having to work around a near uselessly insensitive sensor and a slow f4.8 tele lens. This camera exudes style control and creative potential but you'll have to live in a sunny part of the planet to get pictures which equal those from film cameras half a century ago,. This is a pitiful act by the world's largest compact camera maker Canon - the Fuji F30 knocks spots of your latest prosumer model at 200 ISO or above indeed, evidence suggests that the Fuji copes as well at 1600 as the G7 can at 400 ISO (see obvious comparisons on DPreview site).
In summary I feel cheated out of my money by Canon. Most pictures taken under the grey skys in the north of egland are so noisy as to be embarrasing and I am ashamed of the image quality of the appalling sensor in the camera. Evem at ISO 100 noise dominates dark shadows in cloudy daylight shots - free disposable film camera produces better results. So, nearly ����400 later, like a late 19th century photographer, I have to wait for sunny weather to enjoy the camera. Canon - you really have produced a fair weather friend which I believe has cheated me out of both my money and my hobby.
- 5.0 out of 5
Just got my G7 a couple of weeks ago. Coming off an Olympus C3040. I wanted more shutter speed in a fairly simple camera that could "customize" special shots not available on most cameras but not the size and weight of SLR's. Wow, did I pick the right camera for me. It can go from a point and shoot (that's excellent quality) to shooting specialty shoots in a heartbeat. Quality is exceptional and never having RAW before I don't miss it. I think its a great value for the price.
- 5.0 out of 5
I wish they just stop somewhere so I would know when I will stop buying Canon's.I'm having a slight problem with all my 53 Canon's and my office is small.This G7 now?When the "G" series came up I got the 2nd model. The G2.I bought it in Greece for 1000 EURO(year 2002).After 4 years I bought one again but used this time.They are awesome up to 10.000 images.After that?They just stay at your Canon collection in your office.
Now with the G7 I can say that I'm done.THIS IS IT.
Can the price drop a little at Christmas and that's all.
This is the best camera for everyone.
So simple to use and similar like all the Canon's.
Great choice.
Aris ATHENS Greece
- 4.0 out of 5
I went from good to great. I use to own the G3 that is up until 2 weeks ago. The G7 is a great camera, quick, customizable and fun. The prints are top shelf, functions top shelf display topshelf, but do miss the flip-out display.
This camera has so many functions some of which I may never use, all of them good to have.
The Battery life is much shorted than advertised, I also miss the RAW format. But the start up time, delay time is on point with some SLR's. Overall I am very happy I got this camera. The price is a bit high, there are other camera that can be had for a lower price, but not with a hot-shoe and 10 megapicels.
- 5.0 out of 5
I own 5 digital cams, and this is my favorite. It fits in my shirt pocket, with the cord around my neck so it won't fall out if I bend forward. It is about as good at 200iso as the 20D is at 400iso. The zoom is great for candid shots that I could not get with a large camera (people get nervous). I set the sharpness to -2, then sharpen up to 190 in photoshop. reduces noise a lot. Noise at 200 = noise at 400 in 20D. there are very few things to complain about, though it isn't perfect ( would like a bigger viewfinder, raw option, and grip surface where the thumb goes. But not big issues at all. I rate it as a 9/10. I am a pro photographer having shot over a hundred weddings. www. jonrp.smugmug.com
- 5.0 out of 5
A perfect camera for everybody.
Canon PowerShot G7 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
2) where can i download camera manual?
also does it work with 8G SD - i saw ad's by Pretec or Transcent.
one more question, what are the differences between 4G SDHC and just 4G SD?
The page I linked above has a link that describes the new movie mode and it "suggests" that in some modes you can take movies up to an hour long.
I would bet that it will work with large SD cards, but can't say for sure.
Whether the g7 can take an 8gb card, and whether this would double the potential length of a film, I'm not sure.
whts the prob can any 1 tell me ?
Because I will be backpacking through europe I figure compact is probably better so I am leaning away from SLR's (because they are a little too complex for me) and the S3 IS although it looks very attractive. I thought the new Canon A710is was the right camera for my situation, but now the G7 is almost here and I am in a quandry as to whether to spend the extra money on it as it covers the same bases as the A710, but I am wondering if the price difference is worth the benefits to me when taking into consideration my previous camera was a simple but bullet proof kodak 2 megapixel. Could someone please help me make sense of the differences like digic III vs digic II, 10mp vs 7.1mp (a friend told me that above 6 mp was overkill since that many megapixels do not benefit from the smaller size of the G7 or A710's lens).
Cheers
Regarding megapixels, your friend is right. Above 6MP, there's not a whole lot of difference in the quality of photos. The 710IS's 7.1 megapixel sensor will be more than enough for your purposes. Coming from a 2MP camera, you will be stunned by the depth and quality of the photos.
I'd go with the 710IS and keep the money you saved for a nice dinner in the UK.
You can find out more about the 710IS here ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ).
I borrowed an S2 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) from a cousin this summer, and found that it was very similar to my G6 in its functionality, but had a great zoom and image stabilization and seemed a little faster, even. The S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has a larger LCD than the G6 and still has the flip out screen (the new Canon G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) does not have a flip-out screen), although the 2" flip out screen on the S3 IS is a little small by today's standards.
If I were to do it over again, I would definitely get the S3 IS over the G6 or G7. The G7 looks pretty nice, but I love zoom, personally.
2) would 4G non-SDHC work on an SDHC camera? or would i strictly need an SDHC card when i use card size of greater than 2G?
appreciate your help in advance...
I'll bet that the Kingston card you saw simply didn't mention that it was HC, since it's just a way of indicating that it's got a lot of space on it, which is already apparent since it's 4GB
tigerdirect.com/application...
and
tigerdirect.com/application...
both says 4GB but no mention SDHC - are they useable on SDHC cameras and even if this works, would there be any problems during use later?
Basically, SDHC cameras use the SD 2.0 protocol, which should be backwards compatible with older versions of SD cards. So if it is SDHC then it will work on an SDHC camera and if it isn't, it should still work.
My first suggestion though would be to find a retailer who provides more information about the product you're buying.
As for the regular SD format 4GB cards, those are simply high-density flash memory based cards allowing for a higher capacity but there are drawbacks to those such as higher risk of data corruption if flash memory cells are damaged. Both of those companies that make 4GB SD cards are members of the SD Association but their cards are not guaranteed to be compatible in your device because of the 820-odd companies involved in making SD cards, only a handful of companies really make the cards, get those cards tested, and fully adhere to the actual SD standard.
Sandisk, Kingston, Lexar, and Corsair being four of the most reputable makers/designers followed by PNY which buys it's cards from third party manufacturers as do many other companies including the two who make 4GB cards advertised on those links. In fact you can buy identical cards from two different companies, take the sticker off, and find the exact same product underneath.
As neither of those companies making the 4GB SD cards are sold in retail or photography stores, and primarily sold on the internet, at computer shows, and overseas, the SD card association isn't concerned with their lack of compatibility or functionality nor does it hold member companies responsible for using the SD logo on a product that technically doesn't meet their standards unless the product is being made by one of the major players, none of which are making SD legacy compatible 4GB cards.
The bottom line is that you should buy an SDHC card if you are buying a camera that supports it and you don't already have existing SD cards that have a capacity which you are satisfied with but don't buy an SDHC card for a camera that is not SDHC compliant or expect your camera to be upgraded to SDHC compatibility though it is possible for camera companies to do so if their particular design permits it.
I also cant see why it would not be possible to use some other native file system to support >2GB (Ext3 for example.)
I have tried to format the card with my PC, either using FAT or FAT32, but still always "windows can not complete the format". I have also tried to scan and defrag it through device management but still nothing happen.
Help me, please......
For me the SD 2.0 standard with backward compatibility (I mean SDHC camera/reader <-> SD card OK but SD camrera / reader <-> SDHC card not necesserily OK) seems like a solution, but to be sure, I will make a research.
The increasing use of high-definition video and high-resolution digital photography demands higher storage capacity and more demanding data transfer rates. Because of this, the new SDHC cards guarantee a minimum sustained data transfer speed, not a maximum speed. There are three available speeds — Class 2, Class 4 and Class 6.
SDHC vs. SD Card Compatibility
The previous versions of SDA specifications did not provide such common standards for sustained data transfer speeds to be shared by all manufacturers. The new speed classification approach allows users to select card performance based on the needs of particular applications, such as HD video, and other MPEG applications, rather than just a maximum speed rating.
SDHC cards use the same physical format as SD cards but cannot be used with SD host devices that do not comply with SDA Specifications Version 2.00.
Host devices complying with SDA Version 2.00 can use both SD Memory Cards and the new SDHC Memory Cards.
Current SD cards complying with Version 1.01 and Version 1.10 use either the FAT12 or FAT16 file system, whereas Version 2.00 uses FAT32. This latest specification was established to support SDHC card applications with higher capacity needs. If the approved SDHC logo appears on the card
or package, the product is compliant with SDA
2.00 specifications.
Source Link: kingston.com/flash/pdf_file...
As i know, SDHC was an improvement over SD in the way memory addressing works. SD cards can't allocate more than 4 GB of memory because that's pretty much the limit. SDHC was made to allow higher memory addressing which means we can have storage of more than 4GB.
Thus, the answer to your question, based on my experience, is that odds are your laptop will be unable to read your SDHC card.
I am looking for a memory option for my daughters Creative Zen, and have seen 16gb SDHC cards going fairly cheaply on the internet. The Zen manual says i should but SD. Will the SDHC be compatible with this device? Or should i be looking for one that only has SD on it?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secur...
techgage.com/article/sd_car...
1.SD is upto 2Gb(with the exception stated above) SDHC[HC statns for High Capacity] exceeds 2GB
2.SDHC device will work with SD too....but SDHC willnot work with SD device
3.FAT16 for SD; FAT32 for SDHC
SDHC can support 4mb to 32gb MAX
SDXC can support 32gb to 2tb MAX
Follow the link below for more information.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secur...
Yes, they both have a 6x optical zoom. There are some important differences that will help you differentiate the two, however.
The Canon G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a higher-end, more advanced camera. The 10MP sensor is nice if you want to make large digital prints or engage in significant post-production cropping, but not essential for most mainstream camera users. The Canon A710's ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) 7MP sensor would do just fine.
The G7 also has ISO sensitivity settings up to ISO 1600, giving it a significant advantage over the A710 is low-light or high-motion situations.
There is also a significant difference in price. My advice is, if you consider yourself an 'advanced' photographer who needs a robust digicam, then go with the Canon G7. If you are a more casual or mainstream user, the A710 is more than enough. Both are superlative cameras, it just depends on what type of user you are.
That's why I will buy one, despite the lack of a RAW mode.
-Bigger CCD, and better relation (surface CCD/Mpixels)->better image quality, less noise: The CCD (and image quality) of A640 is appreciably better than A710, and I think that G7 CCD is the same as A640.
-Hot shoe for external flash (determinant in inner pictures, I think it make the big difference).
-Better LCD
-Better lens (I find the A710 lens with too much, non acceptable, barrel effect)
The G is metal, the A is plastic.
The IS on the G7 makes a big differecne to macro shots.
Everything the A640 has, the G7 has, but more so ... except the flip-out LCD and the AA batteries (which, I must admit, are very attractive features).
Was trying to decide between the two for about three weeks, and I wanted to be convinced that the A640 was just as good, as I don't like to be suckered into buying the more expensive product just because of extra 'go faster' stripes.
After comapring macro images from the two models, the G7 proved itself the better camera. You can feel and see where the extra money goes.
learn more or using it better?
I noticed that you haven't marked a reply as "Best Answer. Are you still looking for responses? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question on digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
The effective lens range for the Canon G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is 1.6 ft. to infinity in normal mode and 0.39 in. to 1.6 ft in Macro mode. Other specifications for the camera can be found on the Canon site ( usa.canon.com/consumer/cont... ).
Andrew
thank you!
RAW format is an uncompressed digital still, meaning it is the highest possible quality and it is a very large (data wise) format. It is usually only found on higher end / pro cameras.
Enter the Canon PowerShot A710. This camera is absolutely stunning. Big, high resolution screen. Manual viewfinder. Big optical zoom with a readout on the screen showing you where the optical zoom ends and the digital (pixelated) zoom begins (solid gold!). An amazing selection of programmable settings: adjustable flash intensity for no more blown-out white faces, adjustable f-stops, etc. Movies at up to 60 fps(!). Very fast start-up time. Will accept optical accessories. No proprietary memory cards or batteries.
Of course, the camera has a small list of cons: Plastic body instead of metal. No raised lip around the LCD screen to protect against setting it down and scratching the screen. Plastic mount for tripods (with plastic threads - what we're they thinking?) Speaker for listening to movie sound on top of camera making difficult to hear it. No case included.
Not a big list of cons, I'll admit. And I added the last one just make it look like I wasn't trying to gloss it over.
I think it is expensive, but everything else in its price category is either complete junk or more poorly executed.
Yeah, if I had more money I would buy the G7. But that's the only difference between the two - money.
I also worry about battery life from 2xAA in the 710, even if you use rechargables.
I will have to disagree with Joe about the advantage of the 10 MP. First, the G7 has the new Digic processor, so we're hoping the images will reflect an improvement. Second, you don't need to print huge posters to see an advantage in more MP -- with 10 MP you'll have more freedom to crop.
The downside of ever more MP on a tiny sensor is the signal to noise ratio. With luck, the new Digic chip makes that a non-issue.
RAW is a "digital negative", a lossless format which saves all the original information. You need a special program to convert the images to jpegs, but I've found the tweaking you can do in RAW to produce better jpegs than any of my cameras produced on their own, even after PS tweaking. The loss of RAW in the G7 is a major bummer ...
Under similar options, I went for G7 and quite happy about it.
Most pros have already been mentioned:
- better built quality (metal instead of plastic; Japan instead of China);
- hot shoe for external flash;
- better/faster controls;
- 10 MP allow more options for crop;
- greater options for further growth;
I DO like the G7---it looks like a Porsche design. But it is larger that the A710, I think the G7 is about the size of the Canon A630-640 cameras.
But frankly, for $550, I'd get the Nikon D40 and be done with it.
G7 allows to be carried around in a pocket all the time, and, therefore, it allows to follow the main rule for making great photos: having the camera, when you unexpectedly need it...
It also makes a good second camera, in case if later on one decides to go for a serious dSLR...
Anyway, you are not talking from your own experience and seem to be just estimating possible options, whereas those who have actually made their choice in favor of G7 don't seem to be regretable at all :-)))
And about having a camera when you need it: I have gotten into the habit of taking a digital camera with me when I leave the house. It seems a bit silly at times, but I'm hoping the day will come when that will pay off in a great photo or two.
I have an old Kodak 6440 - 3 or 4 megapixel and 4x optical zoom. It is slow and I miss good shots. Thanks.
Just for the record I'm getting about over 300 shots (full memory card) at highest settings, with and without flash before needing to recharge the NIMH AA batteries. In fact the same batteries last longer in the 710 than they did in the A200 previously.
My comparison shots were with straight-from-the-box cameras, and with little adjustment of the settings. The a640 was pretty good, while the G7 was actually quite remarkable.
I've also been able to compare the G7 shots with some done on a Canon EOS 5D, and while there is a sizeable difference, they are still comparable images, possibly in the same ballpark.
Anyway, the hurried yet promising macros I was able to take with the g7 have convinced me, and I ordered mine today. wh00t
However, when I learned it lacked the flip-screen, no longer had RAW capabilities (I could go either way on RAW), and that I wouldnt be able to use my 2GB Extreme III Compact Flash card, I changed my mind.
What other cameras could you recommend that have excellent image quality, are less than 2 years old, are not more than $800, have a flip-screen, would be a step or more above the G6 and G7, and have a proven track record?
Anything available out there?
I doesn't have RAW and it uses 4AA batteries.
There are a few differences in the two cameras listed below (the Canon S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is listed first). Any specification that is comparable is not listed.
-Megapixels: 6 VS 10
-Zoom: 12x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom VS 6x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
-Manual Focus: yes VS no
-ISO settings: ISO 80-800 VS ISO 80-1600
-LCD Size: 2" VS 2.5"
-Battery type: 4 x AA VS lithium-ion
The pluses of the Canon G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are the higher megapixel count for better resolution photos, the higher ISO range for low light settings and the included lithium-ion battery for longer life. Its size makes it more portable as well.
The pluses of the Canon S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are the larger optical zoom for further distance shot, an option to add converter lenses with an adapter, and a manual focus capability for more artistic shots. You can buy after market lithium-ion or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries for improved life as well. You will also pay at lot less for this camera.
The final decision is up to you and what you want to use your camera for. If you just want to use it for everyday shots, and have it with you, the Canon G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) might be the better choice. If you want some flexibility and artistic range, the Canon S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) might be what you want to go for, or maybe even a dSLR ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) camera if you want to broaden your skills even more. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
s3 is has greatest movie mode , 12x optical zoom and by far the most versatile camera !
so dont go for a g7 until u want to click real high resolution pictures ( above six mega pixels )
I would thank very much any ideas on this issue, as i have said before i have been looking at g7 and FZ50 but i dont know whcih one of them two would be better for indoor photography.
Is the g7 truly a better camera?
The G7 does have a heftier metal body which you would probably like better. At least, parts of it are metal- I'm not promising that the whole thing is, but it is sturdier than the A710.
The G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is simply a more advanced camera. Not that it's better, it's just designed to do more stuff basically. As evidenced by the price tag.
If you don't like the feel/ operation/ body etc. of the A710, you might appreciate the G7.
It feels and looks great, has a good build quality and takes excellent pictures (including amazing macros).
The non-flip screen and the lack of AA batteries put me off when comparing specs online,but holding and shooting with the A640 vs the G7 made the decision very easy.
If you don't mind the additional cost and you still have the option of returning the A710, I'd definitely go for the G7. You know where the extra money went as soon as you start using the G7.
Perhaps I'm gushing. But there was none of the 'expensive new product anxiety' when I received the camera. Often with pricey purchases, I wonder if I've been taken for a sucker. Not this time.
As it turned out, I went ahead and bought the G7 instead...
I love it more and more as long as I stay away from some of the online reviews of it: some favourable, some not.
My Review?
This thing is so-ooo cool. The "brick-like" contruction, retro styling and features galore make for one awesome toy!
Who cares if its picture quality isn't as good as some reviewers have said it should be: in actual, fact it's a lot less expensive than the cameras it usually goes up against.
Say Cheese!
Andrew
S.Sengupta
Many pros end up using jpeg over RAW, for speed and space-saving.
RAW gives more control in editing, so potentially a better end result, but in practice this is usually not necesary.
I recently had to choose photos for a press release and commercial printing, and the photographer turned in the RAW files as well as the jpegs (processed from RAW by the camera, I think). The jpegs were 10% of the size of the RAW files, were of very high quality, and ended up being the images that were published, rather than the manually adjusted jpegs that eventually came from the RAW files.
I think most people who swear by RAW and demand it in their camera like the idea of the format more than they actually like working with it.
G7 has 6x optical zoom, 10mp, ISO up to 1600
I like the zoom feature of the S3, the megapixels of the G7. Does the ISO rating of the G7 compared to the S3 ISO rating make one of these cameras better than the other for fast-moving indoor & outdoor sports? (I currently do a lot of cropping with my 5MP 3x optical zoom to capture a sports player more closely)
I'm open to other camera make and model suggestions... also considered Sony H5, but it appears to have slower shutter speed at 1/1000 compared to 1/2500 for G7 and 1/3200 for S3. THANKS!!!!
In terms of the megapixels vs. zoom, think about it this way: the S30 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) can zoom in better, thus needs less cropping, thus needs fewer megapixels. The G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is the reverse. I would say that 12x zoom over 6x zoom is a much more significant improvement than 6 over 10 megapixels, which may not even make a difference unless you're printing very large. So I'd lean towards the S3.
With that said, both are great cameras. Those are just a few more factors to consider.
The minutes of battery life will vary depending on how long you have it on, how often you turn it off and on, if you use a flash, if you use a zoom, auto focus settings, etc. As for the number of shots: a fully charged battery will take approximately 220 shots with the LCD on and approximately 500 shots with the LCD off.
Andrew
It's always good to keep a screen protector on it. if it's come off, there are third party companies that sell LCD protector sheets for a modest (okay, not so modest) sum.
One word. EXCELLENT!
Taking some hurried shots of flowers, lit with a desk lamp, with camera on auto produced results that were comparable with a DSLR.
I'm able to zoom in to the extent that 70-100 micron structures are clearly defined when blown up to 5mm.
At about 400% zoom, the image starts to break up and artefacts are clearly visible. 200% zoom is quite acceptable and 100% zoom is flawless.
Highly recommended camera
I noticed you haven't marked a "Best Answer"... are you still in need of help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
is the program quality of the G7 vs leica's D-lux3 lens quality and raw capability any better?
thanks, alan
or does the leica d-3 have leica software? thanks again,
Are you still in need of help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
The battery that comes with the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... G7</a> is the NB-2LH Lithium Ion Battery. This is compatible with various Canon cameras to include the Digital Rebel <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... PowerShot S30/40/<a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... Digital Cameras & <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor... <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor... & <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor... Camcorders. I hope this helps.
Andrew
G7 also allows you to use ISO setting up to 1600, A710 allows 800 as maximum.
In addition, G7 has improved high resolution movie mode at 1,024 x 768 pixels
The G7 also has the new Digic III processor which speeds up operations/ shutter lag/ shot to shot time.
It also has a few new features such as face detection which the A710 IS does not.
I own this camera, and there is no where I can find that it actually does time lapse or interval shooting. Big bummer as that was one factor that made me lean towards this camera.
The users manual has no mention of anything even close, and every where I search online I can't find info of how to get this setting.
If anyone knows how to do this, I'd love to know....
|M|
Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to get the rep to show me how it works ... if anyone else can comment on this, please do ...
I just decided on the G7. It's a beautiful design and takes great shots straight out of the box. It's not exactly a pocket camera, however. The metal body gives it a lovely feel and it seems well built, but the 900 is much smaller with similar features (including the new DIGIC III chip and metal casing).
Titanium body w. Touch Control Dial
10 mp
3x optical zoom
DIGIC III processor
Face Detection AF/AE
2,5" LCD
ISO 1600
18 modes incl. XGA-movies
My Colors
Digitale teleconverter and Safety Zoom
Currently i am using Pentax K1000 28-80 zoom. Most pictures I take are family pictures, close up pictures of plants and flower, and long range pictures .
I am NOT looking for fully Automatic camera. Should able to upgrade (teleconvertors, wide angle lens, filters), able to fit external flash, my preference zoom 35-210,and above.
Should be compact to my personal usage (like Traveling, Small function, Party( Indoor /Outdoor) etc).
Should have good image stabilization(IS), Above 6.0megapixels and good Battery life.
memory cards: should be any of SD, SDHC, MMC or compatible all
I have some option, please help me which one is better. ( Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100, Canon PowerShot G7 ,Canon PowerShot A710 IS and Canon PowerShot S3 IS )
Also want to know about the built in flash performance (indoor)
Kindly advices which digital camera is better for me.
Now I personally love the Sony W100 and recommend it a gread deal, and I think if you are looking for a more compact camera to do these things then it is the best way to go. It has a lot of features and maunal controls too, and it truely is pocket size. And the fact that it comes in black is just cool. The issue for you is that it takes Memory Stick as all Sony cameras do.
S3 IS is my suggestion. Amazing camera, check out the user reviews.
ââ¬Ëm looking for a compact one because fmly member can easy to handle. S3 is look like bulky, no external Flash ,battery life , less memory card etc also I heard that S1 and S2 are discontinued. I compare to Sony DSC-H5 ââ¬Â¦lot off features there in sony (ISO-1000). also the price... can any one help me to find compact and Good Digital camera.
I noticed you haven't marked a Best Answer... are you still looking for help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately questions are being answered within just one or two days. Good luck!
Here are the various shooting settings:
⢠1024 x 768 @ 15fps - very high quality
⢠640 x 480 @ 30 / 15fps
⢠320 x 240 @ 30 / 15fps
⢠160 x 120 @ 15fps
But compared to a video camcorder that is diesigned to take only video to MiniDV, Hard Drive, or DVD it can't hold a candle. So if you are looking for primarily video features I would go with a camcorder.
With the G7 you will not be able to zoom in and out. "The focus and optical zoom settings remain fixed for the subsequent frames at the values selected for the first frame." In addition, your video will be limited in length - up to the size of the SD memory card. One other thing that is bothersome . . . any sound that the camera makes (like any button that you might push) also gets recorded in your movie.
So, depending on the types of movies you're planning to make, the G7 may or may not be sufficient for your use. It's good enough for short movies that I take of my family.
becuase lets face it - your not really just shooting movies your taking pics too - so this is more handy
zooming is not so good though - comapred to video cameras
[url=]digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ( ]digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
The A710IS was my first choice, as it has excellent features at a good price. Sadly, it has been crippled, being under-powered with just 2-AA cells which causes a long flash recycle time and worse, disables the LCD during the recycle period, during which you can't prepare for the next shot. I measured a distant flash recycle time of 8 seconds while the AC adapter was plugged in; it could be longer using a partially discharged battery. If I have to carry spare batteries anyway, I would prefer them to be in the camera, so that the camera has the power when it needs it. Another small thing, the plastic tripod mount is strangely located at the worst end for balance, so the camera will fall over if mounted on a pocket tripod.
The G7 is more expensive, but has more of the latest features, including the new DIGIC III processor offering ISO 1600, plus a useful ISO 3200 in a special scenes mode at a reduced 1.92 megapixel resolution, presumably by combining each 4 pixels into one to increase the light sensitivity. Unfortunately, this model has been even more crippled by a still smaller lithium battery. It has a flash recycle time spec. of up to 12 seconds. Worse yet, others have reported a shutter lag of more than 1/2 second while using the flash. This is AFTER pre-focusing by the first 1/2 press of the shutter button. It seems to be inherent to the DIGIC III process.
If you can live with these limitations, either one would be great. However, I find them unacceptable. You might also consider the less expensive 8MP A630. This has some excellent features, including 4-AA cells and a central tripod mount. However, it has just a 4x zoom, and lacks IS, DIGIC III, and ISO 1600+. Check it out!
Me? I may just wait until Canon can get it right, perhaps in next year's models.
The main difference seems to be the IS capability of the G7, which may make for a big improvement when shooting macro subjects, for all I know.
Assuming the camera will be held rather than on a tripod, will the IS likely make a big difference to macro images?
I was wondering if anyone has taken a very close look at the final results of macro shots with these two cameras, zooming in as far as possible to see where the image begins to dissolve.
I've found a few sites with comparisons of the G7 and A640, but none where I can compare the same subject at the closest possible range.
Many other comparison sites seem to show that the A640 has a better overall image quality for point-and-shoot.
For me, it's down to the wire over which one to get. Price is less of a factor. The A640 has the swivel screen, the AA batteries, and great feaures in other categories. The G7 lacks the first two advantages of the A640, and has a few slicker features such as zoom, IS, better video and a live histogram.
Any suggestions/opinions?
I too have been unable to find a direct comparison of macro shots from these two cameras, and I don't have hands-on experience with either, so I can't really help there either. However, I can speak to one of your other questions.
IS will indeed make a difference in macro images, but only in instances where the light is poor or where there is a lot of hand movement for one reason or another (taking a photo in a difficult position, for example). If you're taking a lot of macro shots under controlled circumstances (good light, easy positioning), it won't make that big of a difference since the faster shutter speed will provide for its own image stabilization.
These are both very nice cameras and I doubt you'd be going wrong in choosing either of them. Good luck in your choice!
p.s., dcresource.com ( dcresource.com/ )'s reviews of the two feature macro shots of the same subject, but it's unclear whether they're taken from the cameras' minimum macro range. Might be worth a look anyway.
I did a quick comparison at a camera shop. All the macros I took were were on auto and had a clumsy and rushed look, but the ones from the G7 had a few touches of real super-detailed excellence.
Snapping straight out of the box, the G7 seems like a much better camera (as indeed it should). Whether it's the IS or the new chip or some combination of factors, I'm not sure. But the difference was enough to convince me.
I really wanted to be convinced of the a640, as the flip screen and the AAs were a real draw, but I'm getting the G7.
Cheers again.
EDIT - Now I have my G7. It was delivered within 20 hours of ordering (nice one digitalstreet.nl - highly recommended to Dutch shoppers, lowest price and excellent service)
I've made a few more experimental macros, and they're great! A 70-100 micron structure can be zoomed in on until it's 5mm wide on a computer monitor, without breaking up.
I'm very impressed with the G7. The non-flip lcd seems like a small loss compared to the advantages. If I'd gotten the a640, I would be wishing I had the G7.
lesnumeriques.com/duels.php...
In a situation like this, macro focus is the most important factor. Currently, Canon is the class leader in macro capability, with several cameras that allow you to focus on objects that are actually touching the lens. Of course, in many situations this isn't exactly helpful as the lens blocks out light, but with the proper lighting the capability is astonishing. Models that make use of this feature include the Powershot S2 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Several other Canons allow macro focusing as close as 1cm, including the Powershot G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), A630 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), A640 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), A700 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), and A710 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). All of these are fantastic cameras and will serve you well.
If Canons aren't your thing, nearly every major manufacturer offers models with decent macro modes--there are dozens that can do the job you need them to. If you have other things to take into consideration when making your choice (price, megapixels, zoom, etc), you can let me know and I'll try to narrow your choices further. However, all of the models I've listed above are excellent. Good luck!
The flower is about 1.5 inches across and I was in danger of actually brushing against the bee and scaring him away! Look at the pollen on his back, legs and head. Also, you can see good detail in the stamens of the flower and the pollen they carry too.
i80.photobucket.com/albums/...
In this one the top of the strawberry is overexposed (it was on a white background in sunlight) and is out of focus. That's because I was about 1.5 cm from the subject - the larva. You can see how very focussed he is - you can actually see that he has two clear membranes (one smooth and one undulating) and he has freckles on his back! Did you know that strawberries had hairs!?!
i80.photobucket.com/albums/...
You can also get add on lenses or filters to increase your magnification. I got all my stuff so far from 47th St. Photo. Just be aware that the extension of the lens causes a shadow with flash (even without any accessories) - as Ben mentioned. Since you have that really powerful and flexible lamp to your avail, this should be no problem. Turn off the flash and go in using full telephoto and macro on auto setting (unless you prefer to set your own focus, aperture, etc to suit the situation).
This camera is really very easy to use and give very high quality pictures for under $200 (pcrush.com).
Good luck
How many megapixels you need really depends on what sort of photo printing you want to do. If you're not going to be making many prints, or if you're only going to be making the regular 4x6" prints, you don't need much in the way of megapixels. This chart ( design215.com/toolbox/megap... ) should give you an idea of what each megapixel level can do in terms of print size.
Aside from printing, megapixels don't make that much difference. Most computer screens don't have a higher resolution than 1600x1200 pixels, which is equivalent to 2 megapixels. If you're only going to be emailing/viewing pictures on the computer, the optics on your camera will always be more important than the megapixels.
Hope this helps!
It's more like 300px squared per inch. Each inch is made up of 300x300 pixels, or 90,000px. I guess it's something of a misnomer, but that's how it works.
Hope that clears it up.
As a simple rule just multiply the desired print size dimensions such as 5 X 7, then divide by 10 to get the number of MP required. This rule allows for 10% cropping and still maintains 300 ppi. Also, when you get down to the nitty gritty, you have to remember what ratio your camera takes image at -- 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 etc. You'll notice that not one of those common ratios can be printed at 5 X 7 without either cropping or leaving some of the 5 X 7 paper white.
But let me ask you this: Are there any particular features that you want or prefer? Anything about your old camera that you really liked? That might help us point you in the best direction. I'm curious why you chose these three to choose from, I don't think anyone has ever asked about the g7 vs. the A710 before.
My choices are the Canon SD 900, Canon Powershot G7, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2.
I do want the camera to be around 8+ MP, be able to shoot video (I seem to be fond of the ones that do the 'HD' videos), it seems RAW format may be important? I also perhaps may want to keep my options open in terms of getting add ons if I choose to pursue this further, yet I don't know if some of these cameras are too big if I plan on traveling quite a bit, especially places that are rainy.
I am open to other suggestions as well for digital cameras. My price range is around ~600 maximum for now.
The cameras you've chosen are all very good machines, but they're also sort of all over the digital camera map. The SD900 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is an ultracompact camera--very tiny, very powerful, but lacking in some of the manual controls/settings that the other, larger cameras you've selected have.
The LX2 is an interesting choice. It's a pretty unique camera, in that it offers both a 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen sensor (the only camera that does so) and a HD video recording mode. You should be aware, though, that the HD recording mode can only shoot at 15 frames per second (as opposed to the standard 30fps), which means that the HD video, while huge, will also be jerky. Furthermore, the LX2 has questionable image quality, despite its slick design and great features.
The G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a mid-sized, semi-bulky digital that packs a whole lot of punch, but that punch comes at what many consider to be too much cost. As a successor to the much-loved G5 and G6 models, it falls a little short, but it's a fine camera for sure.
The FZ50 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a member of what's known as the ultrazoom class of digitals--it features SLR-like styling (a large, bulky body with a SLR-like but fixed external lens casing) and a 12x image-stabilized zoom. It also offers a 10 megapixel sensor, but as the dpreview.com review ( dpreview.com/reviews/panaso... ) of the camera put it, it "stretches its sensor to almost breaking point and compensates for the lack of sensitivity in anything but the brightest conditions by using excessive noise reduction." In other words, while it's the most feature-packed of the cameras you've selected, it might not produce the best image.
Really, which camera is best for you will depend much on what you want and how you want to use it. I don't think any of these cameras are too big for travel, assuming you don't mind carrying a small bag. None of them offer a very usable HD video mode, but most have very nice 640x480, 30fps modes. One thing you should consider is whether you're planning to simply point and shoot, or if you want to mess with manual settings and get artsy with your photography. If you're looking for simple point and shoot photography, the SD900 or LX2 may be the better choices; if you want to really get into manual photography, the G7 and FZ50 are more in line with your needs.
If you can develop a more specific idea of what you want, I can try to help you further. Let me know, and good luck!
Thanks for the responses. The video taking ability is the least important feature for me I guess.
In the past I have just used point and shoot. I would like to have some manual control. The LX2 is the one I am most leaning towards, but the questions about its image quality is making me hesitant.
The main point on the SD 900 for me is that there is no image stabilization plus the LX2 has a much wider angle capabilities, thus seems better to me atleast from just looking at features.
The FZ50 is one I just saw today and seemed like an interesting option.
The G7 seemed like a good option because it was not as big as the FZ50, but still I could purchase the add on to get wide angle etc if I wanted to later, but I have read that it may be a bit expensive for what I am getting. Also, it does not have RAW, and I am a pretty techincal person when it comes to computer so I probably would wnt to edit pictures etc so having this mode may be helpful? Plus this model would be easier for me to take traveling to places like India.
My goal would be to get a camera that could perhaps grow as I start getting more into photography and one that could last.
Thus as of now I am leaning towards the LX2 and have researched so many cameras that I think I am confusing myself now with all the reviews out there.
I don't know how important MP but any suggestions would be great on these or other cameras which I have overlooked.
Personally, I think the LX2 has the most interesting feature set, and I like both its widescreen sensor and its wide-angle lens. You can take a look at some sample images taken with the camera [url=dpreview.com/reviews/panaso... and see if you can see the problems with the image quality that the reviewers are talking about. I have to say it looks fine to me for the average user, but of course at full size the problems with noise reduction and image smear might be more apparent.
If you're already leaning toward the LX2, I'd recommend buying it from a reputable retailer with a return policy you can trust, try it out and see if you like it. If you do, keep it. If you don't, return it and try something else. That way at least you'll know.
Good luck!
One problem with wide screen photos is the amount of distortion that appears.
The lamp post and Westminster Clock bends heavily.
Another is that humans FOCUS their BRAINS on one central subject and wide screen pictures attempt to bring too much information into the frame.
Photography is an art form and other artists will have different preferences and ideals which are just as correct.
LX2 looks to be good camera but I purchased the FZ50 about 3 weeks back and believe me the pictures that I have clicked are 80% very good..I would suggest you FZ50 if you dont want to go to the SLR group - the Zoom and the picture clarity are its plus points, If you can provide me your email address I can send you a few photos Ive clicked with it....and Im still a learner
You're going to want an advanced extended zoom ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) camera. If you get a seat higher in the bleachers, these will help. Because you'll be indoors, you will need something with a higher ISO setting for the lower light levels. Something like the Panasonic FZ50 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is going to be your best bet. The ISO 3200 setting is great for lower light situations in a gym, and the 12x zoom will help get you closer to the action. Make sure you keep the shutter speed set around 1/200 of a second to capture the action without blurriness too.
Andrew
Camera Use:
-Going on a two month backpacking trip to SE Asia in May and need a camera for landscapes and site-seeing.
-Mostly shooting during the day and dusk. Not worried about night shots.
-Need something I don't have to mount on tripod and something I can take shots with from a moving bus/boat/bike. I am leaning towards something with Optical IS.
-Mostly going to keep pics on computer and make small prints. But a few good ones might be blown up.
Preferences:
-Moderate - high zoom, not really that important but it would be nice.
-Non Digital SLR
-Superb image quality, this is the most important thing because this is a once and a life time trip for me so I have to make them count.
-Semi-compact/compact, again I will be backpacking and I don't really want a large camera bag.
-Movie mode doesn't matter, I have a camcorder and money really doesn't matter this is my Christmas gift to me, from me.
Considering:
I have been looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 because of its widescreen shots, the Canon PowerShot G7 because of the manual options and the Canon PowerShot S3 IS which I heard is just a well rounded camera. But I am open to any other suggestions.
Thanks again in advance.
My vote would go for either the Canon S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or the G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). If image quality is top on your list I would personally go with a Canon over a Panasonic. Some might disagree but the more I look over sample images, the more I am finding that the higher end Panasonics (over 5 megapixels) do have something of an image noise problem.... not so bad at smaller sizes but if you take a photo in twilight and you want to blow it up this could cause some difficulties. I think Canon wins in terms of all-around image quality.
Between the S3 and the G7, it's a pretty close call. I typically recommend the S3 because of the fact that it has a fantastic movie mode, but you mentioned that this isn't a factor, so at this point it's kind of up to you. The S3 has a flip-out LCD and a better zoom, but a few less megapixels (however, still enough to most likely do whatever you want). The G7 has an optical viewfinder and probably slightly sharper photos during zooming. The S3 has a few issues with softness and vignetting at full zoom (this isn't a reflection on the camera's quality; just a fact of life with a DSLR-like cam with this much zoom power). I'm not sure how important zoom is to you, but you might want to keep that in mind- the G7 has 6x zoom that should be sharp all the way up, the S3 probably loses some sharpness around 8 or 9x.
Both Canons offer manual options (I think the S3 offers more) and both have image stabilization. If I were you, I would weigh these factors: how important is zoom? and how do I like to shoot, with a flip-out LCD or with the option of an optical viewfinder as well as a flat LCD? And that should lead you to the right camera.
Hope that helps!
Is a car charger necessary?
I see a leather case for the camera and a soft side bag for camera and accessories. Which is best? or both?
2gb memory card or 4 gb card and what kind?
I know I need a replacement batter. Anything else?
A memory card reader is not necessary but is great to have. It saves camera batteries and makes the download process a lot easier. Choose one that is compatible with the memory cards this camera uses. The memory card reader will probably run about 30 dollars.
This camera can use 2gb cards, and that should be plenty of space. I usually recommend buying 1gb cards (and buying two of them if you need the space) because it lessens the chances of having a card error that results in losing all of your photos.
A car charger is nice but isn't totally necessary if you have a back-up battery.
<a href="amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-... is the page of compatible accessories on Amazon. You don't have to buy them there, but it shows you what they look like and tells you what models etc. you need. For the memory cards, the brand doesn't matter, you just need an SD, MMC or SDHC card in whatever size you like.
I am looking for the best accessories that will serve my daughter well while backpacking etc. It just dawned on me that more batteries are probably better than a car charger if they are up top of a mountain. Quality video is important to them. Does the memory size affect that. Don't know the difference between SD memory card, SDHC memory card and multi media cards. Is there one kind that is best? Is the memolry card reader different than the slot in the printer? Going to check out Amazon now. Thanks for the help. Eliz
The adaptor kit shouldn't be needed provided you have batteries and a charger... it is mostly good for if you are downloading images from the camera and will have it plugged in and turned on for an extended period. If you use a memory card reader you won't need that.
Recommended battery and charger are the Canon Lithium Battery Pack NB-2LH and Battery Charger CB-2LW, which I believe come with the camera. So you should be able to buy an extra NB-2LH battery and that way she will be able to charge one while using the other.
MMC cards are the old ones, and you probably won't be buying one (but this camera can use them). SD cards are the standard ones (this is what you'll be buying if you get a 1 or 2 gb card), and once you get into the higher capacity cards (4gb) they turn into SDHC. Not all cameras can use the high capacity SDHC cards, but this one can, so if she ever does want a 4gb or greater card it would work in this camera.
Card readers come in different types. Some are compatible with various cards and have several different sized slots in them to hold each type of memory. Others are designed for just one type of card. All of them plug right into your computer's USB port. I personally recommend the kind with several different sizes of slots because if you ever get a different camera with different memory sticks, you can still use the card reader. <a href="amazon.com/Sandisk-ImageMat... is a nice one</a>.
This stuff gets confusing, so let me know if you're unsure if you're buying the right things and I can double-check it for you.
This really helps. I called Canon directly and the guy I got knew less than me, which is almost nothing. So if I understand right, the memory card reader is preferable to the adaptor kit. Will a 4 gb card serve a purpose over the 2 gb card? and If I get a 4 card then I would need a 4 gb card reader? But you stated, you liked the smaller cards. If they are filming video would more memory enable them not to stop the videoing to change. Somewhere I saw a high capacity battery but Canon guy knew nothing about it. Hope these are not too dumb of questions. LOL Because I was actually feeling kind of smart after talking to the Canon guy. LOL
It's no problem, these are not at all dumb questions. And if you had issues w/ the Canon guy don't even think about listening to the sales reps at the local big box store b/c they know even less! =)
Memory card reader= a lot simpler to use than having to plug the camera in with an adaptor and download photos that way. Easier on your camera too. Highly recommended. The adaptor can be nice to have but personally I've never needed one and have been digital for years. The memory card reader will read any gb memory card, as long as it's the right format (SD, MMC, etc.) The one I linked to above is designed to hold all types. For example, the cards that the Olympus cameras use (xD cards) are a different shape and size than the ones that a Canon uses, so the memory card holder has a bunch of different-sized slots in it. But it won't matter what gb the card is.
Personally, I wouldn't go any larger than 2gb. I try to stick to 1, as I said, since it lessens the possibility of losing all of your photos. But that also creates the pain of having to change cards if you fill it up, so 2gb is OK too. 4gb to me just seems like more space than you would really need, and I feel like that is asking for a card error to happen. That's my personal bias, but I think 2gb should be plenty really. If she does fill it up, she can of course switch cards or download some of the photos and then delete them to make more space. But if you really do want to buy 4gb, this camera can handle that too.
With video filming, you will need the memory space, and 1 or 2GB should be just fine. But this does bring up the question of the speed of the card. Sometimes typical memory cards can be slow when it comes to saving video, which means they will shoot for 20 seconds or so, then have to pause and save themselves and keep shooting. So you may want to look for a memory card that is marked as High Speed (60x or better, or 9mb per second or better) if they are going to do a lot of filming. <a href="amazon.com/SanDisk-SDSDH-10... one</a> should be a good example.
4GB capacity allows 32 min of continuous video, 2gb allows 16 min and so on.
I got a 4gb card for 46 pounds sterling - about $90US, which included a USB reader capable of transferring at the card's full speed (the same site sold these readers for about ($10-15US). The online store had 'moby' in the name (as in the whale)
not sure about the issue of wear and tear when transferring photos. It seems like a little more fiddling is required to open the camera and remove the SD card than to simply plug in the USB cable. If you adjust the settings of the canon software, your images can be transferred to a predetermined location and erased from the camera just by plugging in and pressing the review button.
The SDHC card stands for "high capacity" and is used for SD cards that are 4GB and larger. In order to use the SDHC card you need a camera that is capable of using it, which many of the newer cameras are.
The fact that neither you nor I can find anything about the images produced with the G7's tele-converter lens is probably a good indication that it works without a hitch. If there were issues, you'd be hearing about it somewhere. That said, it's also a fairly new camera and it's possible that there might not be enough of them out there yet to cause the kind of mass complaints that a defective part causes. If I were you, I'd take my G7 in to a camera shop that stocks the tele-converter and ask if you can try one in the store. That way you'll know for sure.
Good luck!
Go to the 'special scene mode' and select
ISO 3200.
Put the camera on a tripod before clicking
away. This should give you something instead of just noise.
I think I can help, but I'm a little confused by your question. I understand that you have wide angle and close-up Canon lenses that you're using on your G3, and you want to use the same lenses on a G7. The LA-DC58H adaptor is designed for use with the G7 (which you stated; are you using it on your G3 or have you yet to purchase it?) I'm not sure if you're asking whether the adapter will work or whether the lenses will work... or just if there will be an optical difference to be prepared for.
I've read your question a few times now and it is probably really obvious, but I just can't quite figure out what you're needing to know... can you clarify for me a little? Sorry... it's been a long day. =)
What I have been trying to get Canon to tell me is whether there is an adaptor for the G-7 (seems there is, in the form of the LA-DC58H) which will take these lenses. Seems it ought to, because the thread is a standard 58mm.
Second question is, even if they physically fit the G-7 adaptor, will they work optically, given that the focal length of the G-7 prime lens is not the same as the one on the G-3. If you can help sort that out for me, I'd be very grateful. Why Canon cannot be bothered to deal with such a simple question is beyond me! "If anyone can, Canon can't" should be their new advertising slogan. Thanks.
Thanks for the clarification. After researching this a little I'm starting to understand your frustration! I can find info that states that the LA-DC58H is the G7 adaptor; I can find info that it is 58mm; and just about everything else. But when I try to find out if your w/a WC-DC-58N will work, all I come up with is that that w/a is designed for use with the G3 and G5 and some of the A-series, and that WC-DC-58B is the w/a meant for the G7. I can't find anything that explains the difference between these wide angles, nor why 58-N would not work with the G7. But apparently, it won't. The G3 and G5 (and some of the A-series) share the same approximate focal length while the G7 does not, so maybe there's your answer.
I'm still looking into this to see if I can clarify further. As it stands it just seems that the lenses wouldn't work and that there is a separate one for the G7 (WC-DC-58B).
<a href="digital-cameras.com/lenses_...
<a href="digital-cameras.com/lenses_...
I have used Digital compacts before, but these two cameras stand out
in my view as an upgrade from my Vivitar 5385. I take lots of scenic shots
and close-ups of flowers but am not very technical minded. I do print my own
photos and require pictures with high colour quality and clarity.
These are both very good cameras, but for me the S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is the clear winner for what really boils down to one reason: price.
You're going to be paying quite a bit more for the G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), and you won't be getting that much more in return. In some areas, you'll be getting much less. The main benefits that the G7 has over the S3 IS are in terms of megapixels/sensor size (10MP to the S3's 6MP, and a larger sensor) and size/weight (it's almost 5oz lighter and nearly half as thick). The S3 on the other hand has twice the zoom (12x to the G7's 6x), a still very reasonable sensor, a very cool flip-out & rotate LCD, and it takes the ever-convenient AA batteries (get some rechargeables and you're ready to go).
I own the S2 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and love it. For macro photography it's flat out amazing, especially in super-macro mode, which offers a minimum focal length of 0cm. Yeah, that means you can essentially focus on something that's touching the lens. It produces great up close shots of flowers. Here ( img61.imageshack.us/img61/4... )'s one I took last summer in New Mexico. The S2 is pretty much exactly the same camera as the S3 (one fewer MP and that's about it).
Hope this helps, and good luck!
According to this page on Canon's Japanese site, the recommended flashes for the G7 are the Speedlite 220EX, 430EX and 580EX. The 580EX is just the newer version of the 550EX, however, so I don't see why the 550EX wouldn't work. Just to be sure, though, If I were you I'd take your flash into a major electronics store like Best Buy or Circuit City, and ask if you can try it on their display model.
Hope this helps.
If you need further help, you can contact Canon directly, but hopefully someone here who also has the camera may be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck.
Select the picture to view, press telephoto zoom button and pictures will be enlarged in steps of 1 to 10.
Using the 4 way selector buttons allows you to move the zoom picture left, right, up or down
Go to www.canon.com and you will be able to get it.
Should you prefer short cuts, here is the direct link to the download site :
alpha02u.c-wss.com/inc/Appl...
usa.canon.com/consumer/cont...
then you select : Drivers / Software
a new window will be opened
select Product/Software Manuals tab and you will find what you need
Enjoy
Where the camera focuses is largely dependent on what focus mode it is set to as well as distance from the object. The G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has multiple options for focusing; it has 9-point selectable autofocus and a manual focus option called Flexizone that offers tons of options as to what point you want to focus & meter from.
In terms of the Macro, I'm willing to bet that when you tried it in the store you were simply too close to your finger to get a shot (thinking this because it focused on the background). In Macro focusing a huge part of it is how far away you are from the object. The distance varies by camera and the user's manual will tell you specifically how close to be in order to focus properly in Macro.
Hope that sort of helps.
Likewise, the reviews are not really into relatively specialised applications. they talk of macro mode, but when the image in the foreground is only 20 or 30% of the area of the frame, the camera may not work the same as if it filled the frame.
What I need, I guess, is someone who can say something like "I use it all the time for that sort of application. You need to set it on XYXYXY mode, and it works just like you want", or alternatively, "that's right, it just is not possible to get it to do that sort of thing reliably. you can only do that with a DSLR" (or a several year out of date Nikon P&S).
imaging-resource.com
If you like it, try it out at Best Buy or wherever.
Then get nice NiCad (2700 mAh) batteries, and a great charger. Check out
thomas-distributing.com
Where in Europe are you headed?
Actually, my Canon A520 and A710 both have shutter beeps you can turn on and off, on the set-up menu. On the A710, I press the menu button, and then go over to the icon that has the person and the camera, and it is in that menu. I suspect the G7 is similar, no?
In fact, I would be surprised if the camera software is really that much different.
Rich
I don't think your G7 has an Auto lens cover, correct? Therefore, any aperture reduction when you switch to PLAYBACK mode might be a design that attempts to minimize light entering the camera. Kinda crazy.
But I am surprised that you hear a clicking noise.
alpha02u.c-wss.com/inc/Appl...
In the ZoomBrowser EX Main Window go through "Manage My Camera"
Good Luck
You can see some sample images taken with each camera here ( dpreview.com/gallery/panaso... ) (FZ50) and here ( dpreview.com/gallery/canong... ) (G7). They aren't all of the same subjects, so it's not a direct comparison, but there are enough images for each that you should be able to get a feel for what each camera can do.
I think the G7 would probably be handier for family shots, if only because it's smaller and more portable. The FZ50 is very large for a consumer camera--largely because of it's 12x zoom lens--but that much zoom might not be necessary for shooting around the house. Furthermore, the FZ50 has serious issues with image noise in low light, while the G7 reportedly does a bit better. If you're going to be doing a lot of indoor shooting, this will make a difference.
Hope this helps!
I'm not sure if it works this way on a Mac, but when the camera is connected in Windows, you can use the file browser to manually look at the files on the camera's memory card. If you can do something similar in OS X, you can probably copy the movie file from your camera to the hard drive of your Mac and then open it with iMovie.
Let me know whether this works or not.
Maybe that will help.
If the camera is truly completely incompatible with OS X, the other option is to buy an external USB memory card reader (usually about $10 or less) and use that as a means to get the files. It's a workaround, but a reliable one.
I bought a card reader and it worked like a charm. Thanks for the advice. I've now got access to my G7 video, thanks to you.
Little late adding a response but am hoping it can help.
You can indeed browse the contents of a memory card using a Mac. The problem in Lynne's case is that pesky iPhoto got in the way when she connected the G7 via USB; this can also be remedied.
In OS X' Application folder lives a little app called Image Capture. Fire this up and go to its preferences. There, under the General tab, you see Camera and a pop-down menu: in Lynne's case it probably indicates iPhoto, Change it to Image Browser and it will start up instead of iPhoto allowing you to download all or some of the cards contents..including videos :)
Image browser can also be used to control cameras such as the G7 remotely and, in a pinch, used with certain scanners.it's a small app but with great capabilities.
There are several different classes of cameras involved in your question, so let's try to break it down a bit.
The A710 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and are the two closest matched here. The A570 is essentially a minor upgrade on the A710: it brings in the newer DIGIC III image processor, ISO 1600 shooting, and face detection autofocus. These are all nice upgrades, but the camera also has some small drawbacks compared to the A710. Its optical zoom is shorter (4x vs 6x) and there's no improvement in terms of megapixels or LCD size/resolution. Of the two, I'd stick with the A710.
The [url=digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ( ]A570[/url ) and P5000 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are fairly closely matched as both are 10MP semi-compacts with full manual controls. The P5000 is much smaller and lighter than the G7, but it also has a shorter zoom. It does have the ability to go up to ISO 3200 shooting, but experience with many digital cameras tells me that ISO 3200 is more of a gimmick than a usable mode for digital shooting.
The TX1 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a completely different prospect than the other four cameras you've listed. As a hybrid still/video camera, it can offer features that none of the others do (HD video shooting, for starters) and its form factor is significantly different. It's shockingly small and feature-packed, but previous hybrid cameras have suffered from subpar performance in one mode or the other, so I'd hesitate to recommend the TX1 without seeing some sample images first. It's also quite expensive.
Essentially, it comes down to what you really want in your camera. The A710, A570, and P5000 are all pretty small, full-featured cameras. The G7 is a little larger and even more feature-packed, and the TX1 is a radical new design that's as-yet untested. If you want a proven camera, go with the A710. If you are willing to take a tiny risk, the P5000 looks like a good choice.
Hope this helps!
Ive narrowed my choice to 4 ; G7 vs P500 and TX1 vs TZ3 (Lumix).
G7 has it all covered against the P500 as far as features are concerned , the only thing holding me back is no one ever saw the end product of the P5000 yet. A lot of hands on review on P5000 can be promising but without an evidence of a real side by side comparison, one can never tell. Advice: Wait till we see the P5000 perform in test shots. On a separate note , the P5000 feels tiny and plasticky compared to the really heavy G7, but it will save you a lot of space and weight if you plan a camera that goes with you all the time.
For the TX1 vs TZ3 - The only thing I like about both is the significant stabilized 10x optical zoom despite a compact size. Both cameras have something to throw against each other; TX1 has HD recording and acceptable picture quality, while Panny's TZ3 has 28mm wide angle capability but suffers from noise...throw in the LX2 in there and it gets the more confusing. Cant anyone make the perfect camera yet? In the end It all boils down to your priorities.
Picture Quality. Compact. Zoom. You can only pick two.
They are not capable of reproducing the quality of the DSLR's, so keeping that in mind, it's easier to pick a camera for your needs; you should think if you need a small camera that fits into your jacket, shirt or similar, or you don't mind carrying it on your belt or that it bulks in your jacket.
You should also keep in mind that you need a camera that does not take a long time between shots, specially with flash.
For all of this, I incline for the Nikon P5000, which is not as expensive as the G7, and I just made some test shots at the store with my SD card and looked at them in my PC, and they were good quality at ISO 64-200, a little noise at ISO 400.
Maybe if you could go to a store and you see them side to side you can decide better.
However, the Only-Auto ISO option of Canon Powershot A710is to be a slight drawback?
The 6x zoom is awesome, size, feel too, the burst shots are incredible, but in picture quality and perfomance is deplorable. It takes forever between shots specially with flash, the pictures are SO grainy even in low ISO.
I do have the Nikon P5000 now and it does have some slight defects, such as slightly slow between shots with flash when battery is low, the batery durabliity is not as good as I would like, but it is much better than the Canon A710is, and for the pictures I've seen in internet tests about the G7, the P5000 takes better pictures, and handles really well.
I doubt that the lens is the problem, probably too slow shutter speed and/or too shaky hand. The A710 has IS which mitigates the above problems.
Your response caused me to get the two cameras out and look carefully at the lenses. Well, I found a big smudge on the A520. Wiping that off should help a lot!
Just as important though, is that there are two different lenses on these cameras. The A520 has a 5.8-23.2mm lens, while the A710 has a 5.8-34.8mm lens. The f-numbers match, but the focal lengths don't. So the diameter of the A710 lens is larger by exactly 50%
(34.8/23.2=1.5)
I'm glad you discovered that smudge before writing the A520 off. Yes, they do have different lens with the 710 having a wider zoom range. I've read alot of reviews for both these cameras along with the rest of the A series and most reviews give them excellent IQ ratings and sharpness.
I have posted here earlier when i was still choosing what compact i will purchase, and after a few off-country travel with the G7 , this is what i have proven to be true for me:
The G7 is a damn heavy compact.
The G7 should'nt be pocketed...lest you're a giant.
Stable hands, stable hands, IS will not make flashless shots that grand. Dont trust Auto setting too much especially on dark settings.
and finally, if you really want a pocket camera that can go with you without the extra space and hassle, go for the Nikon P5000 or Ricoh caplios. I swear there were even times that I wish that I had a tiny Exilim or Sony Tseries in my pocket for those snapshots.
This experience made me think more about in-between cameras. Sometimes one just have to make things simple; either go BIG or go small. Then never look back.
So the super-slims are nice and quite handy. If you don't take a camera with you, you won't get the shot!
Many cameras take great 640x480 video (that will still look great on a HD screen) so unless you really care about HD then the TX-1 is not really necessary.
What is your experience in this regard? If you use the decreased settings, what further processing is applied?
Here is an example of advice in the net I mean: "I set the sharpness to -2, then sharpen up to 190 in photoshop. reduces noise a lot".
Andrew
Interested in comments/feedback on the picture quality, etc. on the G7. I realize it is a more upscale model than the A610.
It's true that both the A710 IS and SD800 IS have a smaller sensor (and more megapixels) than the A610. This combination does have the potential to produce noisier, lower quality images, but the fact of the matter is that both of those cameras do produce pretty stunning results. Check the galleries here ( dpreview.com/gallery/canona... ) and here ( dpreview.com/gallery/sd800i... ) for proof.
The G7 is a very good camera. It has been getting some flak from reviewers, but mainly for not being as feature-packed as its predecessors and not so much for image quality, which is almost uniformly described as great. Again, you can get a nice selection of sample photos here ( dpreview.com/gallery/Canon_... ).
Given its price and feature set, I'm not convinced the G7 is worth the price bump over the A710, but you should take a look at the samples and decide for yourself.
Good luck!
So how about when you compare the A710 IS to the SD800 IS...do you think the SD800 IS would be the better choice?
But you priorities might be different.
well, we can also ask- what is better, a car or a bike... SLR camera is totally different device than point and shoot camera. So you need to ask yourself some questions. Are you interested to learn photography to understand all aspects of it? Are you willing to invest an extra money and buy more lenses in the future? Are you willing to carry a bag with lenses, filters and the SLR? If you answer YES to all those questions then you might become a professional and you should go for the D40. But if you plan just to take occasional pictures during a weekend trip then you probably want to get a point and shoot like G7.
I agree with Ardi on this one. The SLR camera takes a lot more care and desire to use than a traditional point and shoot. I actually have both types of cameras and use them in different situations. It reall depends on the type of photos you are looking to take.
Andrew
I THINK SLR CAMERAS + GOOD LENS IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN G7.
IS IT TRUE?
I THINK YOU CAN BUY G7.
I BOUGHT IT AND I THINK IT IS GOOD CHOISE.
WORKING WHIT G7 IS SAMPLE.IT IS AOUTO & IT HAD MANUEL .
Again, the G7 is a great camera and will work for many great shots, especially because you'll have it with you all the time.
thanks for your attention
yes, your right. but you can read article about g7 & one kind of slr camera.
it is www.w4rmk.com
These are two different classes of cameras--the D40 is a digital SLR, while the G7 is a compact fixed-lens camera. The short and simple answer is that the D40 is the better camera. Here's why:
1. Sensor. The D40 is a digital SLR, and all dSLRs have much larger sensors than their fixed-lens counterparts. The larger sensor means that each pixel you're capturing in your photographs is given more access to the light coming in through the lens, and the result is cleaner, sharper, less noisy photos.
2. Lenses. As a dSLR, the D40 is equipped with the ability to change lenses for different kinds of shooting. This means that you can use all kinds of different wide angle and zoom lenses, as well as stranger ones like fish-eye and macro. Another added bonus is that most dSLRs allow for reverse-compatibility with older film lenses, which are often inexpensive in comparison to new made-for-digital lenses.
3. Settings. No consumer digital can match the features and settings options of the lowliest dSLR. The range of controls over ISO, white balance, shutter speed, aperture, continuous drive shooting, and so on are unmatched. Furthermore, you can focus and zoom manually with many lenses, a feature you won't find on many non-SLRs.
All of this might not mean much if the G7 was much less expensive than a D40, but it's not. Like many of the newer dSLRs, the D40 is available with a decent kit lens for prices that would have seemed absurd a few years ago.
Hope this helps!
Sure, you can do more with add-on lenses. But, do you really want to invest in more lenses when the D40 is really a basic consumer camera that you'll be sure to out grow? The G7 comes with a 35-210mm (6x optical zoom) lense that is a good range for many situations. You can get as close as 1cm for macro shots - very sharp. The G7 comes with image stablization and face detection. You can buy a Vibration Reduction lense for the D40, but that's more money you'd have to spend. VR doesn't come cheap.
A major deciding factor for me in choosing the G7 is that I can put it in my purse and take it everywhere. Don't think I'd enjoy lugging around the D40 and lenses - been there, done that with my old film cameras.
So, although the G7 is only a little less expensive than the D40, by the time you buy lenses, you'd be paying a lot more for the Nikon.
One other consideration . . . once you start buying Nikon lenses, you're pretty much stuck with Nikon for a long time. Okay, maybe I'm a little committment phobic. :)
You make some good points. The G7 is definitely more easily portable, less compicated, cheaper, and it still produces extremely good shots.
However, some of your points are a big misleading. Yes, the G7 has 10MP vs. the D40's 6MP, but the 10MP you're getting from the G7 are coming from a sensor that's about a third of the physical size of the D40's. More megapixels from a smaller sensor means a lot higher noise and a lot lower quality shots, especially in low light situations.
The D40 might be a consumer dSLR, but that doesn't really make it "basic." I feel pretty confident saying that it'll outlast the G7 in terms of durability and ease of use relative to its peers, and I'm by nature a huge Canon supporter. ;]
The additional manual control the D40 (or any dSLR, really) affords is a huge bonus, too, if you're shooting outside of the Auto mode. Finally, along with the low light performance, a dSLR's near-total lack of shutter lag is perhaps its best selling point to those who are frustrated with non-SLR digitals.
If you're looking for something that's portable and not too complicated, the G7 is a great choice. That said, if they're near the same price and I want as much camera as I can get for the money, the D40 (or Pentax K100D/K110D) wins hands down.
In conclusion, if someone wants a small point and shoot camera with manual features that are as professionally close to a dSLR that you can get at this time, the G7 is it.
They start out about the same price, but when you add lenses to the Nikon, especially VR lenses, the price goes way up. Really, there is no point in getting a dSLR unless you want to add more lenses. So, if one is not planning to spend any more than the initial outlay, the G7 would be a better deal.
I would recommend the Olympus just because it has wide angle lens. 28mm is essential for both landscapes and cities. Especially when you want to take pictures of castles, churces, high buildings etc. Since you usually can not walk far away from the building you will not get the whole building in the frame if your lens is 35mm. Last summer in Paris I had 28mm and I wished I could have even 24mm... Or another example. If you go to see Crater Lake in Oregon you can not get the whole lake in the frame unless you have 28mm or wider lens. For indoor pictures it is even more important to have wide angle lens. The Olympus has impressive zoom as well, it should be good enough for even birding photography.
While I generally always use the auto mode (or scene modes if they are available), image quality is more important above all. Seems the sensor in the A610 I have is the same at the G7, so my concern with the A710 IS or SD800 it that it would be a "step down".
Any and all feedback would be appreciated.
I think you will find that the G7 wins that particular battle. For the opinion of a professional you can do no better than Michael Reichmann here, luminous-landscape.com/revi...
As a professional Michael Reichmann misses the inclusion of RAW, but he still rates the picture quality as superb
does anyone know what this is
help very much appreciaited
thanks in advance
This is the camera shake indicator. It's less an indicator that the camera is actually being shaken than it is a warning that the light is poor and movement of the camera during shooting might cause blur. This is why it still shows up when the camera is mounted on a tripod. You'll probably notice that the icon doesn't appear when you're shooting in bright sunlight, because the shutter speed in such a situation is high enough to preclude any blur. In short, it's simply telling you to be careful.
Good luck!
Normal: 1.6-13 ft./50cm - 4.0m (W), 1.6-8.2 ft./50cm - 2.5m (T)
Macro: 1-1.6 ft./30-50cm (W/T) (when sensitivity is set to ISO Auto)
As for "effective megapixels:"
Total Pixels Approx. 10.40 Megapixels
Effective Pixels Approx. 10.0 Megapixels
I'm a fan of canon and have been considering the G7, but all the reviews mention that high iso settings are useless, that pictures are grainy and noisy. Is this true and WHAT does it mean? Can ANYONE suggest an all around good camera for me?
So, using that as an example ... film with an ISO of 100, is a slower film. As such, more light is needed to create the image and the image is generally sharper and with less grain. Whereas a similar picture at an ISO of 3200, will take less light and as such, but much more grainier.
Digital cameras don't use film, but process the digital signal with those same kinds of ideas. We call it grainy, but in essence that grain is emulated by the ISOs signal to noise ratio, (I think). As such, shooting at ISO 400, will have much less noise/grain as shooting at ISO 1600 for a similar picture in similar conditions.
There's a really good article on ISO ratings at Wiki, here ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_... ).
Any recommendations on a good All Around semi-compact camera with manual modes?
There is light noise, which is going to produce a grain-like style (which actually, it's not a bad thing... it's just different style), and there is chroma noise. The second one... is awful and unacceptable. It makes colors to be false and show color aberrations. The sensor, and noise reduction is what makes diferences.
The bigger each pixel is, the more light is going to get when the shutter's open. The more light it gets, the less noise is going to show. That's why it's false to say that the more megapixels, the better pictures it will take. You just have to have enough mp to print them the size you'll need, but also try to have the biggest pixels as possible, which means less quantity, but bigger. Thus, a 6 mp is more than enough for almost anything you'll need. Much more, one of the best profesional cameras ever made, is the Nikon D2Hs, which is only 4mp. So, try to reach a camera that has a big sensor, but not that many mp.
What I'd recomend is to buy FujiFilm compact cameras because of their Super CCDs, which are quite bigger sensors, showing not that many mp. Much more, they show comparable noise to DSRLs, at high ISO. This is remarkable. The only thing, is that they don't have a similar camera to the Canon G7. They've got a 3x zoom compact camera, or a super zoom featuring 10.7x lens. Nothing between them. It just depends on your needs. The models, are Fujifilm F31 fd, or the Fujifilm S6000.
Hope to be helpful,
Alan Schamber.
<A HREF="dpreview.com/reviews/compar... a comparison of the two cameras side-by-side to make it easier to compare the features.
I used to have the Lumix FZ5 and now use the Canon S3 IS and have great experiences with both brands. For your requirements and between these two cameras I would definitely go for the TZ3.
The TZ3 narrows to a 28mm wide angle lens, which is perfect for capturing landscapes, scenery and architecture and for creating depth. It may have fewer pixels at 7MP but it does have a larger sensor so compared to a 10MP with a smaller sensor, you won't lose out on image quality. There's a nice larger, higher resolution LCD on the TZ3 too. It may drain the batteries quicker, but great for composing and reviewing pics.
The G7 does have the Canon "face detection" technology, which is great for people pics, but that obviously doesn't apply to your needs.
Hope this helps and good luck,
Mark
" We have discovered that, in a very small number of PowerShot A530 and PowerShot A540 digital cameras, the area around the battery cover on the bottom of the camera may become hot. We would like to convey the details of this phenomenon and our service policy.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers who use these products. We spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.
Phenomenon
We have discovered that in cameras where the opening/closing spring on the inside of the battery cover (see images below) sticks out beyond its regular position, if a battery is put into these cameras and the battery cover is closed, it causes a short-circuit and the following phenomena occur:
1) The bottom of the camera becomes extremely hot near the battery cover.
2) Batteries that are loaded are depleted quickly.
3) The number of shots that can be taken becomes extremely small.
Affected Cameras
PowerShot A530, PowerShot A540 Digital Cameras
Please check the first two numbers from the left in the serial number listed on the bottom of the camera.
The serial number: Cameras with 21″, 22″, 23″, 24″, as the first two numbers from the left.
For cameras with the serial numbers listed above, please open the battery cover and check the hinge part.
Cameras in which the opening/closing spring sticks out like in the ones shown in the images below are affected by this malfunction."
Additionally, there is another product advisory from Canon which states that many of their products were packed with counterfeit batteries and a/c adapters which can cause over heating as well.
"Affected products:
All Digital SLR Cameras, All PowerShot Cameras, All Digital Video Cameras
The purpose of this document is to notify you that counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs and battery chargers are being used with Canon brand Digital Cameras and Digital Camcorders. Canon recently discovered these counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs and chargers on sale, and in circulation on internet auction websites, being passed off as Canon genuine lithium-ion battery packs and chargers. Canon also learned of an explosion which appears to have been caused by one of these counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs.
Because these counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs and battery chargers are often not equipped with certain protective devices meeting Canon's and the industry's basic quality standards, using or recharging these counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs could cause your camcorder to malfunction, or lead these battery packs to overheat, leak liquids, ignite, or explode. In the worst case, this could not only damage your camera or camcorder, but also result in fire, burns and/or injuries (including loss of eyesight). Accordingly, these counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs and/or battery chargers should not be used.
Please be advised that Canon is not responsible, and will not be liable, for any malfunctions, damages or injuries caused by non-Canon genuine lithium-ion battery packs and/or battery chargers (including any counterfeit products).
For questions about "Counterfeit" products, please contact us at the following:
Telephone: 1 (800) 828-4040."
THis may be your problem.
The Canon has a slightly larger sensor and has the new Digic III processor which reduces noise, uses Canon's new "face detection" focusing technology and responds faster.
Hope this helps,
Mark
The G7 is indeed quite a bit more compact than the G6:
G6: 467 g (16.5 oz), 105 x 73 x 73 mm (4.1 x 2.9 x 2.9 in)
G7: 380 g (13.4 oz), 106 x 72 x 43 mm (4.2 x 2.8 x 1.7 in)
As for the zoom, the 2x extra will help significantly (the total zoom being 1.5x that of the G6). However, it's not exactly approaching the 12x+ that ultrazoom models like the Canon S5 IS and the Sony H9 are getting.
You should also be aware that many reviews find the G7 to be a bit of a step down from its predecessors. I think the penultimate paragraph of the dpreview.com review ( dpreview.com/reviews/canong... ) sums it up best:
"Ultimately then, the G7 is a camera that suffers in comparison with its predecessors. It also suffers from being neither fish nor fowl; too big, expensive and complex for the 'average' compact user; possibly (though by no means certainly) too limited for the high end / enthusiast user. And yet - taken on its own merits - it is without doubt one of the best, and most comprehensively-featured compact cameras we've ever seen, and one that (in the right hands) is capable of great results."
Hope this helps!
In auto mode how do I force the flash to flash in bright lighting conditions?
Otherwise whats the fastest way to force the flash in any setting?
by John MI so I found it by trial and error. It may have been to obvious
for him to mention but I needed that info...Also I'm finding the two Canon G7 manuals to be a bit too small and dense to read comforably.
I was considering a rebel xt, but realized that I do not want to change lenses.
Please advise which canon would be best for my needs---fast and more distance than my G2. Thanks, Mewing
But if you're looking for a beefier point and shoot, have you looked Olympus' way? I am currently testing the Olympus SP-550UZ ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and have so far been quite pleased with the results. 7.1 MP, 18x zoom, image stabilization and some great scene based program features including a 15fps burst mode. This is great for sports photography.
It also has in camera editing features such as cropping, sepia and black/white alerations, nite modes, super macro mode for REALLY close up shots, panoramic guides for shooting multiple shots to stitch into a panarama, even a mode for shooting documents.
I'm really enjoying it. If I had to complain, however, I have found the menu structure wanting and difficult to use on the fly. But other than that, it's a top notch camera.
The Canon G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is the heir apparent to your G7. It'll be familiar ground so the adjustments would be minor and the learning curve not so steep.
The G7 is a very good camera, but it's not really in the same class as the S5 IS. The major difference, of course, is the zoom. The S5 sports 12x optical, while the G7 is limited to "only" 6x. Outside of that, they're comparable in most specs departments but the G7 has by far the better sensor (larger physically and with 2MP more). Both carry a bevy of manual control options.
You can get a full run-down of their features side by side here ( dpreview.com/reviews/compar... ).
Good luck!
imaging-resource.com/PRODS/...
there are also other tips to speed up your performance:
1. Prefocus. Hold down the shutter half way to get a prefocus of the image you're shooting. When it changes, prefocus again. This will speed up your camera's performance during picture taking since it won't have to autofocus before it shoots the shot.
2. Use faster SD cards. Yes, there are faster cards and it does make a difference in writing the image file to the card. This is especially key if you're taking multiple or burst images.
3. Fresher batteries. Use alkalines at least. But I recommend using high energy batteries designed for digital photography. Varta is a good brand. They are usually sold in camera shops, are long lasting (because they are sold in small quantities) put out alot of energy.
4. Shoot in "sports" modes when you're in situations that require action. Night or available light modes when in night time settings. These presets can help in speeding up your shots, rather than the camera taking a split second to evaluate the conditions of the lighting.
5. Pan with the action. You can create some pretty cool shots by panning with your shot, focusing on your subject. This will create the effect of your subject in sharp contrast to the blurry background.
6. Use a flash - even in day time. This will "freeze" the image and cause your subject to "pop" in the shot. However, flash is only designed for limited range and can dissipate outside of about 20-25 feet unless you're using a zoomable flash.
7. Stick with 100-400 ISO. Going higher will cause more noise/grain in your shots, particularly in darker settings.
Go to Menu > Recording Pixels>select large
Press Func/Set to confirm and return.
You are now ready to take pictures in the best quality.
Has anyone written a book? I find the manuals difficult to use.
Thanks.
usa.canon.com/consumer/cont...
thanks again larry for helping but i need this sorry again if i lead u to be tired.
Another tip is to go to Canon's website ( usa.canon.com/consumer/cont... ) and look for firmware updates. Download and install them.
Was it dropped lately?
RAW mode can be disabled on the Canon G9 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), and the the photos would save save JPG files. Both of these cameras are good options. The Canon G7 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has a slightlylower resolution 10 vs 12.1 MP, and does not shoot in RAW mode. If you're not looking for raw, it might be a better option for you at a slightly lower price. You can get the Canon G9 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) for under as $430 on eBay ( itemlistings.ebay.com/sdcsr... ). You can also look on CraigsList ( craigslist.org ) for used cameras in your location.
Andrew
I'd also try cleaning the battery contacts. Sometimes dirt, dust and other "schmutz" can prevent the batteries from making a good connection. Take out a pencil eraser and give it a few scratches to clean off the contacts. Also, make sure your batteries are well charged and new. Lithium-ion batteries do lose capacity over time and if this camera is over two years old, it may be time to get a new power source.
Outside of that, you may be looking at a service estimate by Canon.
Simply won't power on, despite cleaning contacts, trying a different memory card, trying its spare battery. Canon wants over $100 to even look at it! There is a tiny screw missing on the bottom of the camera; wondering if that has anything to do with the problem.
My G7 failed to turn on one day, and after a check in my pocket, I noticed that one of the bottom screws had fallen out in there. There now is a distinct rattle coming from the camera and it still doesn't want to turn on.
I'm going to have to send it to a Canon repair centre I think, as I'm definitely up to speed with fixing cameras!
Dave
How long have yours lasted before failing to start, if its like 2 years and 1 week there is definately something "amiss" as statistically electronic failures occur well within the first year i.e. DOA then after that at cycles of 10 years on.
camerasandparts.com/conopor...
These guys fixed my camera, and it's now working better than it ever has! They only work with Canon's, so they have outstanding expertise and knowledge when it comes to Canon's! For $89 total, they totally fix the issue as well as service the whole camera. Not only did they fix the issue, they have a correction for those internal screws so you never have to worry about it happening again. Return shipping and all parts and labor are included in the cost as well! My experience with them has been total first-class.
You will be so pleased with these guys.... I promise!! Good luck!! :)
myfixtips.com/blog/digital-...
you can download a new manual at this link
usa.canon.com/consumer/cont...
But not all class 6 cards are created equal. I recommend sticking with main brands like Sandisk. Better quality, faster in speed and reliability.
And don't be sucked in with these gigantic card sizes. Those are in response to video cameras that are coming out and write to SD cards. Smaller cards are still a good choice when shooting digital stills. Reason being, insurance. Any memory card can fail or become corrupted. And when you're on vacation the last thing you want is to lose the opportunity to take pictures until you can recover that media card with a software utility. If your card goes bad, swapping another one for it at that moment is of advantage so you can keep taking pics. Then, later when you're in front of your PC, you can use a utility like "F-Recovery" ( filerecoverytools.com/produ... ) to get back your pictures and recover your card.
No need to lose the moment because you relied on one card one when several can solve that problem. At the very least, you want to get more than one of whatever size you settle on.
I think i found the problem. If you set the self timer to "custom" you can actually choose more shots. That works.
I am now truely unimpressed with what i thought was a wonderful camera