Opinions of Canon G11?

[!Yaminashi]

Hai guiz, I dont really know much about cameras but want to start shooting. I've tried fiddling around with settings on my canon powershot a540 but the shots never came out great lol

I came across the Canon G11, which after doing some reading and searching around the net has gotten some pretty good reviews. I particularly like the fact that its praised for good low light shooting, something that I want to start doing, car photoshoots and just sunsets etc

I'm sure the camera gurus here know what it is but basically its a point and shoot with entry level SLR capabilities.

Has anyone tried this camera? Would I be better off just buying an entry level SLR or would this be the right choice to begin with?

[LiquidTurbo]

The S90 does everything as well as the G11, except its smaller. You might want to check it out!

[skyxx]

To be honest, Canon's Auto mode is fantastic!

[joquio]

Look into Panasonic Lumix LX3 too.
I just bought one and if you want to take pictures in low light condition (ie. indoor) this camera has a awesome lens with F2.0 aperture.

[threezero]

Originally Posted by LiquidTurbo

The S90 does everything as well as the G11, except its smaller. You might want to check it out!

that might be true but the g11 just feels alot better, it more for the tinkerer while s90 is for the snapshot takers. OP mention he want to get into serious photography and even consider an entry SLR. All the button and dials on the G11 and the ease of changing setting should appeal to him. Also when i was doing my research it seems s90 has barrel distortion on RAW photo which was a deal breaker for me. Canon might have fix that already though.

I've been able to take great low light photography with the g11 quite well, in the OP is willing to invest in a tripod of some sort the result will be even better.

On the other hand if OP already have a compact camera i suggest getting a SLR, nothing beats a SLR, not the mention it is upgrable unlike the g11.

here's a sample pic i took with the G11. This is at the seattle space needle in pitch dark with no tripod. I find that at iso 800 and up there tends to be dead pixels in black area, could just be my unit but its easier fix with photoshop or watever.

[!Yaminashi]

I've actually looked into the s90, but I read somewhere that the g11 like threezero posted takes better quality images.

@threezero, yes that's exactly why the g11 appeals to me, the one touch dials to adjust aperture and iso settings, and I like to tinker

There's nothing I hate more than having to go through several menus to change one thing.

I have an old canon powershot a540, but it definitely doesn't allow me to do what I want to do with it. That being said, I would consider an entry level SLR like the d3000, I however from what I understand I would need different lenses for macro etc and night shots will be just "ok" without a proper lens?

I do want to get into photography, but only as a hobby, therefore I don't want to be spending thousands on lenses + other equipment.
I'm not as serious as in starting up my own business or anything, but I'd like to be able to take some nice car shots + sunset/scenery shots like posted above
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[threezero]

I use the kit lense that came with my old nikon d70s for years before investing in a real lense. imo any kit lense is going to out do the g11 in regular and night shot due to the sensor size in the camera alone. However I do feel G11 excels in macro shots. I don't have the money for a macro lens (cant not justify it cost to use it 2-3 times a year) and my G11 take macro with EASE and much better clarity in comparison to my kit lens. Another factor you might want to look at is the resale value. The resale value for g series has always been quite good so you can always flip it later if you decide to upgrade. If you have the patience to learn and to invest in a good tripod, the g11 can make amazing pictures for it size and cost, just search on flickr. imo the best camera is the one you always have with you.

PS: the flip viewfinder is a real bonus, I'm not able to take pictures I otherwise wouldn't be able being short and all lol

[!Aznboi128]

my s90 can beat the d60 in night shot,

s90 max @ f2.0 a kit lens is generally at 3.5

don't get me wrong with a nice lens any slr can out perform a s90/g11 but would I take a d3000 over a s90 hell no. It's smaller more useful.

[Alatar]

http://www.lensandshutter.com/produc...status=current

$339 at Lens and Shutter right now, probably the best price I've seen the G11 at.

[!Aznboi128]

^ that's a stupid deal! buy it! NAOW!

[XtC-604]

just go with an entry level DSLR, the grain that i saw on that 800iso shot is scary. Even an entry level olympus DSLR (e-420) is better.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse420/page30.asp

[!Aznboi128]

But why would you go to 800 iso? With my s90 I rarly go above 400 and I've been to 1600 with min grain, sure a true slr like 5D mark 2 is a lot better but honestly, a tripod, f2.0 iso at 200 can take some astonishing night shots
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[syee]

The G11 and S90 share the same sensor, so the image quality should be virtually identical.

The S90 actually has a decent amount of manual control - it's not just a point and shoot (although you can use it that way if you want). It's probably got about the same level of control as the G11 in a smaller package.

As for the barrel distortion, if you download it via DPP, it corrects the distortion. It apparently also corrects it in camera if you save the images as a JPG.

I'd also consider the suggestion of looking at an LX3. I've heard a lot of good things about it, plus you have the advantage of 720p video (which neither the G11 or S90 has). The major disadvantage, the LX3 doesn't have as long a zoom as the G11.

I personally have an S90 for days when I don't want to lug the 50D around. Sure, it's not as sharp as a DSLR, but then I don't expect it to be either. It's good for it's size, has a ton of manual controls, albiet a bit pricey.

If it's going to be your one and only camera, then think about whether you'd want to lug around an DSLR everywhere you go. That should be your motivating factor. A camera is no good if it's sitting at home because you don't want to lug it around. If you do decide to forgo a DSLR, then I think the G11 is a great choice. (as is the LX3) Get the S90 if you want G11 control, in a P&S package.

[XtC-604]

Originally Posted by aznboi128

But why would you go to 800 iso? With my s90 I rarly go above 400 and I've been to 1600 with min grain, sure a true slr like 5D mark 2 is a lot better but honestly, a tripod, f2.0 iso at 200 can take some astonishing night shots
Posted via RS Mobile

If your using f2.0 not much is gonna be crystal sharp clear, ill post some of my shots later when I get home
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[!Yaminashi]

Originally Posted by syee

The G11 and S90 share the same sensor, so the image quality should be virtually identical.

The S90 actually has a decent amount of manual control - it's not just a point and shoot (although you can use it that way if you want). It's probably got about the same level of control as the G11 in a smaller package.

As for the barrel distortion, if you download it via DPP, it corrects the distortion. It apparently also corrects it in camera if you save the images as a JPG.

I'd also consider the suggestion of looking at an LX3. I've heard a lot of good things about it, plus you have the advantage of 720p video (which neither the G11 or S90 has). The major disadvantage, the LX3 doesn't have as long a zoom as the G11.

I personally have an S90 for days when I don't want to lug the 50D around. Sure, it's not as sharp as a DSLR, but then I don't expect it to be either. It's good for it's size, has a ton of manual controls, albiet a bit pricey.

If it's going to be your one and only camera, then think about whether you'd want to lug around an DSLR everywhere you go. That should be your motivating factor. A camera is no good if it's sitting at home because you don't want to lug it around. If you do decide to forgo a DSLR, then I think the G11 is a great choice. (as is the LX3) Get the S90 if you want G11 control, in a P&S package.

I definitely dont mind the extra size of the G11, I'm probably going out to pick one up tonight and hopefully play around with it when I get home.

At $339 + tax I cant really say no lol

[Volvoman]

Don't pull the trigger yet

Future Shop sells it for $469 now and it'll go back up to $569 on the 3rd. The sale at Lens and Shutter doesn't end until after that so buy it from Futureshop when the price goes back up and they will price match L&S's price and give you 10% of the difference ($230x10% = $23 cheaper)

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...21f68e4de1en02

[joquio]

Originally Posted by Coach Hines

I definitely dont mind the extra size of the G11, I'm probably going out to pick one up tonight and hopefully play around with it when I get home.

At $339 + tax I cant really say no lol

Originally Posted by Volvoman

Don't pull the trigger yet

Future Shop sells it for $469 now and it'll go back up to $569 on the 3rd. The sale at Lens and Shutter doesn't end until after that so buy it from Futureshop when the price goes back up and they will price match L&S's price and give you 10% of the difference ($230x10% = $23 cheaper)

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...21f68e4de1en02

Not gonna happen guys.
It has been confirmed by ppl who called to store to check the price.
The sale's price is suppose to be $479 so $339 was a error on their part and you can see that their website is down ("Our Web Site is currently under going maintenance. Please check back shortly")

So even if you go in the store to buy today it'll be $479+tax.

I would say either go with Canon S90 or Panasonic Lumix Lx3 if you want a more compact camera with good amount of manual settings.
Sure the price of the Lx3 is still pretty high but what made me take the Lx3 over the S90 was:

• HD video
• Wider lens
• Better Macro range
• Way better styling and build quality feels better too

So aside from the lesser zoom range I think LX3 is better than S90.

[!Yaminashi]

Damn that totally sucks! I knew it was too good to be true
I've looked around for the lumix lx3 but couldnt find it anywhere on FS, BB or lens & shutter

[joquio]

Originally Posted by Coach Hines

Damn that totally sucks! I knew it was too good to be true
I've looked around for the lumix lx3 but couldnt find it anywhere on FS, BB or lens & shutter

Black's sells the LX3 but too expensive ($549.99+tax).

I almost ordered from Abe's of Maine for US$389. They even ship to Canada with USPS for $15 so IF you get dinged for taxes at the custom you'll end up pay ~CAD$450. If you get lucky you might not get charged tax so you'll pay ~CAD$420.

But I found one on craigslist which was like brand new in box with bunch of extras (lowepro camera bag, 4GB SD Card, Lens adapter, step up ring, polarized filter) for $400.

[!Yaminashi]

Now I'm actually not so sure what I want to do. Now that the G11 isnt that great of a deal anymore, it sort of makes more sense to get the D3000 with an 18-55 dx vr lens (whatever that means lol) for the same price as a G11

[BlackZRoadster]

Originally Posted by Volvoman

Don't pull the trigger yet

Future Shop sells it for $469 now and it'll go back up to $569 on the 3rd. The sale at Lens and Shutter doesn't end until after that so buy it from Futureshop when the price goes back up and they will price match L&S's price and give you 10% of the difference ($230x10% = $23 cheaper)

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...21f68e4de1en02

i just went on the lensandshutter site, its 479 now

[!Aznboi128]

some real quick shots from my s90





honestly I say a s90 or g11 is all you need... for now. Like all people you will always upgrade. I started with a sd750 then got a d40 then d90 now I got a d80 and a d60 with a s90 as well. And honestly I use my s90 more then my d90 cause it's just so easy.

[joquio]

Originally Posted by Coach Hines

Now I'm actually not so sure what I want to do. Now that the G11 isnt that great of a deal anymore, it sort of makes more sense to get the D3000 with an 18-55 dx vr lens (whatever that means lol) for the same price as a G11

I learned so much more by playing with my DSLR for a few months.
In your case I would by a entry level DSLR IF you are willing to lug it around with you.

I bought the LX3 for portability since I'm too lazy to lug my DSLR with me everywhere I go.

[joquio]

Originally Posted by aznboi128

some real quick shots from my s90





honestly I say a s90 or g11 is all you need... for now. Like all people you will always upgrade. I started with a sd750 then got a d40 then d90 now I got a d80 and a d60 with a s90 as well. And honestly I use my s90 more then my d90 cause it's just so easy.

I dunno if these two pictures does the S90 justice?
1st picture: I can't really see where your focus is? Everything seems pretty blurry. Also, noticeable noise.

2nd picture:Better focus but still high noise.

If those pictures are the best macro pictures the S90 can do then I'll say that the LX3 blows the S90 out of the water

[!Aznboi128]

^ so like I said, it was quick shots. just got home had 2 seconds to take some pics minimal edit on iPhoto and then upload.

I never said that the s90's better then the lx3.