To G11 or not to G11?

[Bstanley]

I began looking for a new camera because I wanted to be able to take better family/vacation photographs, especially inside buildings and in low light conditions - I have not been able to take these pictures consistently using a couple of (increasing capable) Point and Shoot's.

But after researching DSLRs and playing with several at my local Shiny Stuff store I couldn't convince myself that I'd be willing to tote one around all day at WDW (especially with an extra lense or other kit), or that I'm willing to spend the money that would be needed.

While I was there though I spotted Canon's new 'Point and Shoot on steroids' - the G11. It offered quite a lot of the manual controls that I wanted, felt decent in my hands and has had positive words written about it by a number of pundits - specifically about it's low light performance (I also was impressed that Canon decided to stop with the insane rush to bajillions of pixels). I am willing to spend the $500 (+tax) on it - Oh and I've also always like Canon products - ever since my FTb.

Having said all that - am I fooling myself that I will be able to take quality pictures inside San Angel Inn with a G11 using a 1/1.7" sensor...? Or capture fireworks? Or etc?

Should I just put the $500 aside and save up for a Micro 4/3 camera to come along that strikes my fancy? Or just accept that it will take a DSLR to do what I want to do and deal with it?

Anyone want to offer some free advice?

 

[VVFF]

I began looking for a new camera because I wanted to be able to take better family/vacation photographs, especially inside buildings and in low light conditions - I have not been able to take these pictures consistently using a couple of (increasing capable) Point and Shoot's.

But after researching DSLRs and playing with several at my local Shiny Stuff store I couldn't convince myself that I'd be willing to tote one around all day at WDW (especially with an extra lense or other kit), or that I'm willing to spend the money that would be needed.

While I was there though I spotted Canon's new 'Point and Shoot on steroids' - the G11. It offered quite a lot of the manual controls that I wanted, felt decent in my hands and has had positive words written about it by a number of pundits - specifically about it's low light performance (I also was impressed that Canon decided to stop with the insane rush to bajillions of pixels). I am willing to spend the $500 (+tax) on it - Oh and I've also always like Canon products - ever since my FTb.

Having said all that - am I fooling myself that I will be able to take quality pictures inside San Angel Inn with a G11 using a 1/1.7" sensor...? Or capture fireworks? Or etc?

Should I just put the $500 aside and save up for a Micro 4/3 camera to come along that strikes my fancy? Or just accept that it will take a DSLR to do what I want to do and deal with it?

Anyone want to offer some free advice?

You can take firework pictures with even the most basic P&S.

As for San Angel Inn, I bet you could with the G11. They may be a bit noisy but it certainly is pretty good at high ISO. I took one picture with my S3 inside that place and after using lots of NR, got a decent picture that would print at 4 x 6 nicely.

 

[boBQuincy]

Free advice? That's the best kind 'cause if we don't take it we don't feel we have lost anything!

Our G11 arrived yesterday, to fill the gap between our dSLRs and our tiny SD1100 (yes, we are a Canon family). I have only had a very short time to play with the G11 but a test photo (of a sofa) at ISO 1600 looks far better than any P&S high ISO I have seen yet! Now then, it ain't gonna' make me give up my SLRs but for when we don't want to carry those the G11 sure looks promising.

As for San Angel a trashpod would allow ISO 100 and give a good image.

 

[sdshutterbug]

I gotta say I played with the G11 and the S90 at my local best buy and I thought the smaller package and f/2.0 (at the wide end) lens, along with reduced price, made the S90 a more attractive camera. Also excellent high ISO shots, just like the G11. G11 has more features and a hot shoe if you need it though.

 

[manning]

I hear Fuji is suppose to be real good at high iso.

 

[Bstanley]

I did try out the S90 and while I liked the faster lens (and appreciated the lower price) - the ability to more quickly/easily set things for a shot with the direct controls on the G11 appealed more.

So far at least I'm still heavily leaning toward the G11.

Oh - I asked the local Best Buy sales person if they carried GorillaPods (which are on the website) - what a look I got!

 

[pixie08]

I think it depends on how much you think you are going to grow and what you want to acheive. I was in your place over a year ago. I decided that while I wanted to take great family photos, I also would also start taking pics as a hobby. I too, was worried about wieght etc. In the end I bought the Canon rebel and loooove it. True, at the time it was way more advanced than I needed but as time passes I find myslef buying another lens and playing with manual controls which give me more control. I usually carry around the standard lens in Disney though I bring my larger to the hotel and see how I feel that day. I also carry around a nikon p&S and used to use it but now I find the pics so inferior I never use it. I bought myself a nice comfy strap (I did not like the one that came with it) and I find it quite easy to tote around. I have two camera bags, one that just fits the camera snuggly, an sd card and a battery etc. Then I have a lasrger one which fits the extra lens or two etc.

Anyway after that ramble my point is $500 is alot of money so if you think in a year you may want a camera with even more features just get the rebel. If you think that is something that would never intrest you and all you want is some good photos of your family and trips then go with the G11. HTH!l

 

[boBQuincy]

After playing with a G11 for a long weekend it has a place in our camera bag but it is not a SLR replacement. Low light performance is good for a P&S but nowhere near that of the larger sensor cameras. The new Micro 4/3 compacts would be better for most uses but they cost about twice as much and none of them have a real viewfinder (to us a real camera *must* have a real optical viewfinder). The G11 has a so-so viewfinder but at least it is optical.

If and when the Micro 4/3 come of age we will probably buy one, for now we will use the G11 for the times when we just don't want to carry a SLR. If size is not an issue a Rebel Xs is a much better choice, it is only a little more $$$ and only about 1/2 pound heavier but the capabilities are *much* greater.

This is ISO 1600 RAW, with NeatImage noise reduction applied:

 

[Bstanley]

So it looks like a G11 is among the best in the small sensor world, but no one is going to mistake a G11 pic for a DSLR pic when the conditions are difficult.

Sigh.

I still love all the knobs on the G11

Maybe if I can find a DSLR at a Pawn Shop or a garage sale my mommy will let me have both ...

 

[DawnM]

I didn't know the G11 was out. I toyed with getting a G10 for a long time. I do already have a DSLR and love it and am just really trying to learn the darn thing.....I thought it would be nice to have a smaller version with many of the same buttons/knobs to play with and keep with me at all times......but I cant' justify the cost right now. I have a little P&S Canon that I keep in my purse but is really the kids' camera.

Anyway, if the G11 is $500 plus tax, and you really want a DSLR, I would look into a Rebel with a basic lens to start with. For the same price you can get started with a DSLR.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1256738423&sr=1-1