Anyone have a Canon G7?

[WickedWench]

I'm thinking about upgrading my camera before my next trip, so that I have the ability to shoot in some low-light situations. I don't want a DSLR, and the G7 looks like it might fit the bill. My only concern is that some reviews complain about noise at high ISOs. I was wondering if anyone out there had a G7, and could share their experience, and maybe some pictures they took with it? Thanks in advance..

 

[ukcatfan]

Groucho has sort of been keeping tabs on this lately and it still looks like the Fuji models have the best performance in low light for a p&s.

Not sure what the reasons for no DSLR are for you, but if it is price, be aware that the cheapest DSLR is about $50-75 cheaper than the G7. They are bigger, heavier, and only come with 18-55mm(3X) for that price though.

Kevin

 

[WickedWench]

No, it isn't the price. I'm a point and shoot person, who just wants a little more flexibility in certain situations. A DSLR is way more camera than I want or need.

 

[Groucho]

Most any DSLR can be run in Auto or Program mode and be just as easy to use as a point-n-shoot, while delivering sharped photos, and much better at night. Pretty much all PnS cameras suffer, and the higher the megapixels, they more they suffer. The G7 has a relatively large (1/1.8") sensor for a PnS but being 10 megapixels overwhelms that advantage.

The benchmark at the moment seem to be the Fujis, especially the 6mp ones with the larger sensor (fewer megapixels generally help in the noise department).

However, if you are after really solid low-light capability, you really have no choice but to go for a DSLR, even if you don't plan on taking advantage of its power. (Especially when the Canon G-series is designed to offer more advanced, DSLR-like features.) Second choice being a larger-sensor Fuji (like an S6000fd); and after that, look for larger-sensor and/or smaller-megapixel PnSs from other manufacturers. The Fuji S6000fd can be had for $254 after rebate currently, I'd much rather have than than the G7 that sells for exactly $200 more - the Fuji will work much better in low light and probably produce sharper photos pretty much across the board.

Good luck whichever way you go.

 

[klmall]

WickedWench - I love Canons in general and I truly love my old G5 and from what I've read, agree with all the advice above. The G7 though is not the best of what Canon offered in the "G" series and to me, seems a step down in some ways. Yes, it added image stabilization modes etc. but you lost your rotating LCD screen which if you are going to stick with non-DSLRs is a real plus for me! I've held a G7 and it seems hard to hold for any length of time since they changed the shape. You also lost RAW format support and battery life has reportedly gone down terribly.

I am still happy with my old G5 and its add-on lens etc. I am glad I did not upgrade to the G6 and especially happy I did NOT buy the G7.

Here's some reviews with info:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_g7-review/index.shtml

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/Canon-G7.shtml

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Canon-PowerShot-G7-1

 

[WickedWench]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will be passing on the G7, as you've pretty much confirmed the doubts I had about it. Now I'm torn with making do with the p&s I have, or going DSLR as you've all made a pretty good case for them. I really don't want to get a heavy, complicated camera that I'd really only need for a fraction of my shots, but its frustrating at times having so few options. Ugh. Oh well, I guess I have a tough decision to make. Good thing I'm not going til October. ;> Thanks again.

 

[ukcatfan]

Your next step needs to be going out to handle some in person to see what you like. Bring along a CF and SD card b/c most places will let you take some test shots on your card.

Kevin

 

[WickedWench]

Your next step needs to be going out to handle some in person to see what you like. Bring along a CF and SD card b/c most places will let you take some test shots on your card.

Kevin

That was another thing that made me wary of the G7.. I couldn't find it anywhere to look at it. :> Good tip about the cards, I wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks again! :>