DSLR vs. Canon G9

[Spenser]

Good evening, need some thoughts regarding the purchase of a new digital camera. Currently using Pentax Optio point and Shoot. Camera is great for fishing and water activities where waterproof function is needed. However, not useful as daily snapper, primarily due to absence of view finder. So, considering the purchase of Canon G9 as daily camera. Like the size, ergonomics and general heft and design. The down side is absence of interchangable lenses. Discssions with the camera store that I deal say this isnt a big thing for 90% of the shots or time. However, price point is close enough to Nikon and Canon Rebel XTi to make it a quandry. My concern with DSLR is that I wont take it due to heft, and size whereas G9 is small enough to just stash and go. Take primarily scenery and normal type photos, which seems to be OK for this. Every one here seems to have gone down this path with recent purchases, so thoughts or ideas would be appreciated, as well as general pros/cons, beyond the obvious lens issues. Thanks and appreciate the input.

[Schattenjager]

don't know much about the G9 - but I have the G7 and LOVE IT. For all the reasons you mentioned and the fact that it takes DSLR quality pics. It is programable, super easy to use, and loaded with features. I keep mine in a Pelican case in my man purse / weapons platform along with two long life batteries and a charger. I don't think you will be sorry with the G9. I am selling my G7 to get one.

[Photog]

I own both a G9 and 1D MkII DSLR. I used to take my DSLR everywhere; but it is just to much to haul around. I started taking it fewer places, and was using my G3 more often. Now I have the G9, and couldn't be happier. My DSLR is used for all my professional work, and my G9 is used for everything else.


1st) Price: The G9 and Rebel are not close in price, because you will need a couple lenses for the Rebel. The cheap lenses will not help with making nice photographs. The lens is the important part. The G9 lens is tack-sharp.

2nd) Ease of use: You will keep the G9 with you all the time, and you can make outstanding photographs with it. Get used to using the screen instead of the view finder.

3rd) Filters: Buy a lens adapter for the G9. I do not add a lens, but I do add a polarizer, or use a split neutral-density filter. The adapter also protects the lens, when deployed. I purchased mine from Lensmate (http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/order_G7_1.html);but Canon makes one too. It attaches to the body; so you can hold the camera with the lens adapter. That is why it can protect the lens mechanism.

4th) Flash: This camera will make use of the high end Canon flash units. It greatly improves family photos around the house.

5th) Zoom: The G9 has 6X in the glass, and has 12Mpixle images. It is easy to crop the final image, and still have good detail to work with.

6th) RAW: The G9 can capture images in RAW format. using the Canon software (or Photoshop, eventually), you can make huge adjustments to the image (not like a JPEG).

Cheers!

[cshontz]

Not to hijack this thread, but I'm in the midst of a crisis. I'm a snapshooter - I like to snapshoot... alot. However, I also like to dabble with creative photography, and I fully enjoy and appreciate the strengths of my Rebel. That being said, if I'm shooting on the go, I want the majority of my pictures to turn out good - and that simply hasn't been the case with the Rebel.

So I feel like I'm at a crossroad. I like the speed, control, functionality, and potential of the Rebel, but I like the consistent output quality of the P&S.

This has been nagging at me since I first started shooting with the digital Rebel. I love taking pictures. I've been doing it for years, and I have thousands of pictures online. Wouldn't a DSLR be the next logical step after owning two bridge P&S cameras (G2 and S80)?

Why do I feel like I'd be happier with a G9? I'd almost certainly miss the fast and intuitive operation of the Rebel. I'm at a loss and welcome your thoughts.

A picture I took last year on a drive through the forest with my previous S80, which is technically similar to the G9.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/250989626_d8a49321de.jpg

A picture I took last weekend with my Rebel. I blew the composition, and lost the opportunity to capture a beautiful scene. It looks like a muddled Bob Ross painting that has been collecting dust for 20 years in an old woman's attic.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/1672842583_9a5c6c5714.jpg

[Spenser]

Well, I pulled the whole stalker routine, and went to the photo store every day since last Thursday, walking around the camera display, no doubt looking like a serial killer to the staff. Finally, my wife told me shut up about it and go buy the camera so that I could get the brochures and magazines off the couch. Bought the G9, even though I hesitated when in the store toward the Rebel XTi....
Definitely made the correct decision for right now, shot it over the weekend and generally ergonomically very good, the full controls are kind of daunting right now, and I have been shooting on fully auto until I understand the rest of if. It mated perfectly with iPhoto, and did not require the use of the Canon software to download or manipulate, which is one of the things that I was afraid of. The size is perfect, although I think you will need to use the neck strap, and not wrist strap, as it is kind of "chunky" with some heft.

[Spenser]

I have the same problem that you do, what I see when I look at the scene isnt what turns out on the camera, until Im really not trying to make things look good, and then I wonder why or what I did. I like that snap by the way, reminds me of wet fall day in Pennsylvania, used to be from those parts and the Adirondacks are similar, but typically less gloomy at times.

Photog-thanks for the hints regarding the filters. I admit that I bought the G9 instead of the Panasonic/Leica because of the view finder BUT I have found the viewfinder difficult to use, at least at first, I think because I have a melon head and the view finder seems fairly small and or tucked into the camera.

[Photog]

Chris,
With your Rebel, you have some menu adjustments that will change what the photos will look like. A few years back, we would use saturated film, like Fuji Velvia, or Kodak Ultra. These films made the colors very strong and vivid. Your Rebel can be set up to do the same thing, or even B&W or Sepia. I don't know the menu controls on the Rebel; but look in your manual for "Picture Style". Under "Picture Style", the Landscape or Saturated is more vivid than the other choices. Try each of them, the next time you are shooting some bright colors. See which setting you like best.

Also; the cheap lenses (less than $800) do not transmit light and colors to the camera as well as the more expensive models. They also do not focus as well.

Now, you have used the G2 and the S80. I have a G3 and an S70, and some others. They really don't compare to the G9. The G9 is much easier to handle, and more intuitive (except for focus). It has knobs on top (like a real camera should), for the ISO settings, and the shooting mode (P, A, S, M, etc). It will take outstanding photographs, and can be used very creatively. If you can spend a little time on the computer, with your images, learn what things you do to them, that makes them better, then adjust the settings in your camera, to produce the same effect. This will reduce you editing time.

Cheers!


This shot taken with the G9.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/bsp3122/IV8E1442.jpg

[Photog]

Spenser,
The controls that will have the most effect on your colors are: White Balance, and Picture Style. There is a button on the back-top-left corner of the G9. It is designed to do what ever function you want. I suggest you set it for White Balance (W/B). You will change you W/B more often than anything else. THis button will make that much easier.

You may be comfortable with iPhoto; but, the Canon software will do a much better job adjusting your photos. It also gives you the option of shooting in RAW format. You can then dump the images int iPhoto, to do what you normally do with iPhoto.

As for the view finder: P&S view finders have always been crap. There is now a huge screen on the back of your camera, that can be viewed from many different angles. Use it, love it, enjoy the freedom it gives you.

[Photog]

Chris,
I pulled your photo and did a tiny "curves" and "saturation" adjustment. You took the original; so, I will take these down if you wish.

You can set your camera to capture the images just like this.

Adjusted: Curves & Saturation
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/bsp3122/FallRoad2.jpg


From Camera:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/bsp3122/FallRoad.jpg

What do you think?

[cshontz]

Chris,
I pulled your photo and did a tiny "curves" and "saturation" adjustment. You took the original; so, I will take these down if you wish.

Better. Well done, Brian! I was aware of the user defined styles that I can apply with the XTi, but didn't consider adjusting them while I was in the woods. Not to mention the preview on the LCD tends to make things look pretty vibrant. I'm confident I could go back there - decrease the aperture a little, max the sharpness, step up the saturation and take somewhat better photos.

Still, I've given this alot of thought and discussed it with my wife. I enjoy photography, aspire to be a good photographer, but my primarily interest is shooting where I am and what I'm doing, as opposed to taking very specific shots. I don't mind setting up shots - I even enjoy it - but more often than not, I'm shooting on the go. I like to take alot of good shots, and have them come out okay on the first attempt without post-processing. I like post-processing to fulfill a single creative vision, but would prefer the camera to handle processing if I'm trying to document an experience with 100's of photos.

The Rebel XTi is a great camera, but after using it for a few months, I feel a point and shoot such as the G9 would seem better suited to my particular needs. I've decided to replace it with a G9. I just need to find a home for the XTi first.

I greatly appreciate your feedback on my dilemma. Its not an easy decision to make because I was really enthusiastic about shooting with a DSLR. :)

[Photog]

Chris,
The SLR cameras have a certain, comforting feel to them. Even better when they are built stout, like a Nikon D200 or Canon 5D. But they don't lend themselves to shooting on the run.

The G9 is great fun, and very capeable. I definitely like the lens adapter attached. It gives the camrea a slight SLR feel.

Cheers!

[GaryMc]

Interesting thread. I currently shoot with the Canon A620. I chose it mainly for it's rotating LCD display but after two years with it I'm not happy with the lens and exposure settings. I also miss not being able to use a polarizing filter.
I'm hard on my cameras, they go everywhere with me. Mountain biking, canyoneering, my job as a BLM Ranger and travel. I'm very concerned with durability!

Is the G9 worlds better than the A620? Sorry for the naive question

I'll also add that a decent camera store is at least 3.5 hours from me, I can't just run out and get tactile.

[Lost Canadian]

The G9 is mostly metal. You will be hard pressed to find a more rugged point and shoot camera. Performance of the G9 is also as good as you'll find, IMO, in the category of point and shoot cameras.

[Spenser]

The G9 one serious, chunky piece of metal. It has heft, and you know that you are holding a camera, especially with the additon of the lensmate that adds a "small DSLR" feel to it.

[Photog]

The G9 has been a great camera. If you are used to the Canon A620, the G9 should be an easy transition. Lensmate (http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/A620A610.html) makes adapters for the A620 also. What I ahve always liked about the Lensmate, is the way it attaches to the body of the camera, and completely protects the lens. It provides a 58mm filter thread. This is great for using a polarizer. You sould also use a standard 58mm lens cap. Everything is protected from the daily thrashing, inside a truck.

The G9 does not have a flip-out screen. The screen is larger and can be viewed from extreem angles. This helps with MOST of the situations I used to use my flip-out screen on my G3.

Purchase a good Canon flash to go with it, and you will be very pleased with low-light and indoor photographs.

[GaryMc]

Brian, Is there a case that you recommend for the G9 with the Lensmate adapter attached?

Thanks again,

Gary

[deserteagle56]

The G9 has been a great camera. If you are used to the Canon A620, the G9 should be an easy transition. Lensmate (http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/A620A610.html) makes adapters for the A620 also. What I ahve always liked about the Lensmate, is the way it attaches to the body of the camera, and completely protects the lens. It provides a 58mm filter thread. This is great for using a polarizer. You sould also use a standard 58mm lens cap. Everything is protected from the daily thrashing, inside a truck.

The G9 does not have a flip-out screen. The screen is larger and can be viewed from extreem angles. This helps with MOST of the situations I used to use my flip-out screen on my G3.

Purchase a good Canon flash to go with it, and you will be very pleased with low-light and indoor photographs.

I have to second what PHOTOG says about the Lensmate adapter. I purchased a Canon S2IS back when they first came on the market. Anyone who has purchased one of these superzoom cameras (of any brand) knows that one of the problems is that the lens cap won't stay put which can lead to a scratched lens. So I bought the lens adapter, a polarizer and a couple other filters, and a 58mm lens cap that screws in. I leave this adapter on the camera most of the time for, as PHOTOG say, it completely protects the lens area. Plus, I love the effect that polarizer has on our Nevada blue skies. As an aside, the camera is so light and so handy - it can focus right down to the front lens element - that I find myself using it more and more in preference to my SLRs. It's with me pretty much all the time - hanging around my neck when I'm on the dirt bike or on the quad, in the backpack when I'm hiking...it even goes to work with me. So now I have a closet full of Nikons and lenses I rarely use any more!

[Photog]

Brian, Is there a case that you recommend for the G9 with the Lensmate adapter attached?

Thanks again,

Gary

Gary,
This is a bag that I use, on a daily basis. It is large enough for the camera, flash, and a few accessories. It does not look like a camera bag. I always cut off the logo tags. It was made by Eagle Creek; but I have not been able to find a new one lately.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/bsp3122/IMG_0346.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/bsp3122/IMG_0349.jpg

It even has a waist belt.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/bsp3122/IMG_0350.jpg

Lowe Pro (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Cirrus-TLZ-5,1915,8.htm#) and others, make small camera cases. After you have your camera and lens adapter, take it in to a good cmaera shop to see what bag it all fits in. I like to have my battery charger, tripod base, flash, polarizer, lens rag, etc, in the bag. I purchased a smaller bag, that the camera w/adapter fits into; but I only use it for backpacking.

[SOAZ]

If the below link works it seemed like a great price unless there is a condition to it...
Tempting tempting. Will mortgage companies take an IOU.

http://www.everyprice.com/item.asp?item_id=175004&partner=g123&keyword=canon_g9_camera&gclid=CPSD-J6IkpECFRquQAodpHVKHw&ZipCode=85032&submit=Calculate

[Photog]

If the below link works it seemed like a great price unless there is a condition to it...
Tempting tempting. Will mortgage companies take an IOU.

http://www.everyprice.com/item.asp?item_id=175004&partner=g123&keyword=canon_g9_camera&gclid=CPSD-J6IkpECFRquQAodpHVKHw&ZipCode=85032&submit=Calculate

Based on the prices shown there, I would stick with B&H for a supplier. A few extra $ will save a lot of stress. Service is worth $.

[SOAZ]

Based on the prices shown there, I would stick with B&H for a supplier. A few extra $ will save a lot of stress. Service is worth $.
Right on! I will take you advice if I get one. I've heard a lot of these sites have gray market ones. Not worth it when one is spending that kind of money already.

[Photog]

Right on! I will take you advice if I get one. I've heard a lot of these sites have gray market ones. Not worth it when one is spending that kind of money already.
B&H has gray market available too. But you can choose USA market, as I always do.