Camera Purchase- Canon G7 or Pentax K100D

[Forevryoung]

So I told you guys a few weeks ago about my boyfriend's weird obsession with shooting in "true black and white" with a digital camera by removing the filters...

Well in that same story, I mentioned that I was in the market for a camera. Yesterday evening we went and looked at a bunch. The decision is between the Canon G7 and the Pentax K100D. I liked both of them but they are two very, very different cameras. The Canon is nice and small with some manual features (and 10 megapixels) and the ability to add an additional lens if I wanted but the Pentax is small (for a DSLR), I believe I already have two lenses for it in my parent's basement, and it gives me the ability to really get into photography and learn more but it is 6 megapixels (doubt I would be needing more than that though). Huge decision.

I know a few of you have the Pentax and love it- does anyone have the Canon G7? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Anewman]

I was a huge fan of the Canon G series. But the only advantage it has over the entry level DSLRs is size, NOTHING ELSE.

I was upset that Canon decided to take RAW capability out of the G series. The only reason I see in doing it is so that it does not take sales away from their own entry level DSLRs.

 

[ukcatfan]

With the difference in the size and type of the sensor, the 6MP DSLR sensor will likely deliver as much resolution if not more than a 10MP p&s. It is tough to compare b/c the playing fields are completely different. It is like comparing a Crown Vic with an 8 cylinder to a BMW M3 with a 6 cylinder and assuming the Crown Vic will perform better. You will also get a noise advantage with any DSLR over any p&s.

On the other hand, if you are interested in using video, the G7 has a good video mode. I personally feel like the G7 is overpriced for what you get, but it is a nice camera.

You mentioned possibly adding lenses to the G7. If you really think that you might do this, then I suggest going ahead and getting the DSLR. The results of putting a lens add-on to a p&s will not be a good as a DSLR with a lens in the same focal lengths.

Kevin

 

[Forevryoung]

I'm so clueless but definitely considering the Pentax more and more and more once I hear all these awesome things about it (from what I understand of all the photography jargon )

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I just decided to purchase the Pentax K100D (thanks to this board).

Last year DH bought me a Kodak z740 and while I love that camera, it isn't a DSLR. I have never been completely happy with it due to that fact. If you are at all interested in getting a DSLR someday, I would get the Pentax (even if you need to wait a bit to save money).

I have read a lot about the Pentax these past few days and it is a great camera. I can't wait to actually purchase and start using it.

 

[Groucho]

Yes, you are talking very different cameras.

Let's get the important numbers out of the way right off the bat:

The Canon G7's sensor is 7.18mm x 5.32mm.
The Pentax K100D's sensor is 23.5mm x 15.7mm.

A little entry-level math will tell you that that gives the G7 a sensor surface area of ~38.2mm and the K100D a sensor surface area of 368.95mm.

Nearly 10x the surface area.

In other words - don't expect a 10mp picture from the G7's sensor to look better than a 6mp picture from the K100D! Instead, expect noise and a lack of detail when viewed at full resolution. Actually, DPReview's review says "...a CCD stuffed to the gills with pixels to such an extent that it compromises image quality."

And yet the G7 costs the same as the K100D. The K100D gives you a lot more camera, and more importantly, much, much more room to grow. (As does any DSLR. I can't see spending over $300, maybe $350 for ANY PnS digicam.)