[Gamoe]

I'm posting this on here because I'm having some trouble deciding on this one. I've had a Canon PowerShot G3 for more than two years. Just recently its lens was scratched in an accident (fell over on a tripod), which shows up as a fuzzyness on all pictures. I sent the camera to fix to Canon, which is asking for approximately $200 to repair (that is simply replace) the lens. They are also offering me an upgrade to a G6 model for $300, but it is refurbished and comes only with a six months warranty.

I don't think the repair option makes sense, considering the others. And so, I am between taking the upgrade offer or simply buying a new camera. The thing is I wasn't expecting to upgrade this soon, and I don't really have $600 to spend on a new camera + accessories, but paying $200 for a simple repair doesn't make much sense if I can get a much better camera for $100 more. However, I was actually looking forward to upgrading to a more compact camera.-- that I could actually put in my pocket, rather than have to carry around in a case all the time.

I really don't need all the features that the PowerShot G series provide, though I do care about image quality, not just megapixel, and would not be satisfied with camera of much lower quality like, for example, an HP camera I tried before the Canon. But what can I get comparable in quality (though not necessarily in controls/features) to a G6 for less than, say $400? Or should I just forgo my desire for more compactness and go for the G6?

[MrForgetable]

I wouldn't go for either of those "deals."

1. Is your price limit 400 dollars or are you willing to go higher? (since the G6 is just under $500 street)

2. Do you want to stay with Canon or are you willing to go Sony, Panasonic, or the like?

To me, the G3 had the best "image quality" of the G series Canon's. I'm not sure why, but to my eyes the pictures just looked better, richer. It was my dream camera for a long time.

However, the G6 is not bad (it's really good in fact) but cramming 7 mega-pixels into a small sensor like the one in the G6, it loses something along the way compared to the G3.

If I wanted a prosumer camera, my first choice would be the Olympus 8080. But that may be a little bit too expensive for you, but if you can go for it, this is definitely the camera I would recommend. I'd say it has the best image quality of any prosumer camera out there today. It is worth the price if you can pull it off.

However, if you want to go compact and keep the image quality, that's harder. If you want to stay with 7 megapixels, I'd say the best ultra-compact camera would be the Sony P200. Not too much purple fringing and the flash is far enough away from the lens to reduce red-eye. The controls are lacking compared to the Canon S60 and S70, but it is much quicker in operation and more compact.

That brings me to my other recommendation, the reasonably compact S60/70. I'd go for the S60 just because it is 5 megapixels rather than 7 stuffed onto a sensor, so the image "quality" will be better (less noise, etc.) Nice wide angle lens but the telephoto is a little short. Full manual controls though. Some purple fringing but probably higher dynamic range than the Sony sensor.

My last recommendation may be too much of a downgrade but maybe the A95. Good image quality, variangle LCD, and many, many controls. However, you did say you don't need the controls, so I guess that defeats the purpose. It's going for less than $300 if you look around. I'm not sure it'd be much of an upgrade from a G3 though.

Personally, I'd just go for the P200 if you find you don't use the controls much. It is MUCH more compact, big LCD screen, very quick in startup and shooting. You can find it for cheap now too. Limited manual controls (shutter speed, aperture), but they are there if you want to play with them. image quality is top notch as well.

However, if you do use the controls, I'd go for the G6. it is in another class. bigger, bulkier, and a million more controls. variangle LCD is not just a gimmick as most people have found use for it. so just ask yourself if you want/need the controls, and go from there.

If you consider an ultrazoom camera, there are a bunch on the market now.

Good luck.

[Gamoe]

Originally Posted by MrForgetable

I wouldn't go for either of those "deals."

1. Is your price limit 400 dollars or are you willing to go higher? (since the G6 is just under $500 street)

To be honest, I wish I didn't have to spend anything right now. I figured I'd upgrade when there were affordable ten megapixel models around. The more I spend, the more in-debt I am. On the other hand, this'll probably be the camera I'll be using for a while to come, particularly if it's costly. But either way I need a camera. How can I got though life without a camera?!?

2. Do you want to stay with Canon or are you willing to go Sony, Panasonic, or the like?

No, I don't mind going to another brand at all. In fact, I have been considering other cameras.

To me, the G3 had the best "image quality" of the G series Canon's. I'm not sure why, but to my eyes the pictures just looked better, richer. It was my dream camera for a long time.

I took wonderful pictures with the G3, and I'm not even a "professional". Unfortunately, a little scratch has cost me quite a bit...

If you want to stay with 7 megapixels, I'd say the best ultra-compact camera would be the Sony P200. Not too much purple fringing and the flash is far enough away from the lens to reduce red-eye. The controls are lacking compared to the Canon S60 and S70, but it is much quicker in operation and more compact.

I have been strongly considering that model. Though I really did like my G3, my primary gripes about it are the with the slow (or just plain no!) auto focusing, specially in dim light, and the slow "record/recharge" time between shots. I think the Sony P200 does better in these areas.

My last recommendation may be too much of a downgrade but maybe the A95. Good image quality, variangle LCD, and many, many controls. However, you did say you don't need the controls, so I guess that defeats the purpose. It's going for less than $300 if you look around. I'm not sure it'd be much of an upgrade from a G3 though.

That's the thing with me-- I can't settle for something less, or not much better (Hey that's why I use a Mac, no?). So, you're right-- I wouldn't even seriously consider that model. Though I am willing to sacrifice hardly used manual controls, getting just one more megapixel is not worth it.

variangle LCD is not just a gimmick as most people have found use for it.

This is probably the feature I will miss most. It is very handy for group pictures, or if you're trying to take a picture from an odd angle-- for example, from a telescope, etc. But I am tired of lugging around a big case just to take my camera anywhere, but then again the LCD.... And yet again indecision strikes-- <sigh>

[mitchell_pgh]

A95 is my recommendation if price is an issue. They are a great camera (all things considered) and have more manual features over the PowerShot. You will spend more in batteries etc. and the size is larger, but the A95 can hold optional lenses and filters (the PowerShots can't say that) which can elevate you to the novice photographer rather quickly. From this camera, you can progress to a higher-end Canon camera.

IMHO, you can't go wrong with a Canon, and I can't say that about the other digital camera makers. Nikon is great at the high end, but generally suck at the low end. Sony is great for "novice" users and you will find a pro from time to time that uses them (but a large majority will use Canon and Nikon) and all the rest are fighting over the amateur point and click crowd (but there are always exceptions).

Just my 2¢

[OreoCookie]

Get the G6, the A95 and whatnot are toys compared to the G series. $300 for a new camera which costs $500 and all, because you broke you old one? Doesn't sound like a bad deal to me

[Randman]

I have a Canon iXus, 3.2 megapixels and it's been a workhorse and getting ready for an update. While the larger cameras have attractive points, I can't see too many amateur photogs needing more than 7MPs. Anyway, I'm on the hunt for a good 5 megapixel camera (7?). Are the Canons good in that range? I have had zero problems with the current iXus and that's almost good enough for me to stick with Canon unless there's a compelling reason to loo at another brand.

[The Placid Casual]

I have a G6 atm. Very nice indeed, no problems with it at all.

120% recommended! If I were your shoes, I'd upgrade in a heartbeat.

[Gamoe]

Originally Posted by OreoCookie

$300 for a new camera which costs $500 and all, because you broke you old one? Doesn't sound like a bad deal to me

Actually, $300 for a refurbished G6 camera, with only 6 months of warranty. And, not exactly like they've given me a good repair option. But, yeah it's still nice that they have the offer and I am really considering it.

I looked around and found the Sony P200 for $330 (shipping, taxes, etc. included). Adding a (minimum of) a 512 MB memory stick, it comes out to $400, without getting any additional battery or anything else, of course. The G6 uses the same type of battery the G3 does, so I could continue to use those, and as mentioned the Canon G-series does have some features lacking in other cameras. Though the Sony is said to be better/faster at focusing, one of my main gripes with the G3, I've also read that the G6 has improved upon the G3 in this regard. How much so I don't know, though.

The only other thing that bugs me is the size of the camera. I've been wanting a more compact camera to carry around. But, it seems to me that I won't be able to get as good a 7 MP camera for less than I could get the G6, which I have extra batteries for already. The A95 is already a big camera- at least certainly not compact (like the Sony P200)-- I'd lose some functionality, and it probably wouldn't be cheaper, so I'd much rather just have a G6. That, and the additional pro-G6 recommendations here lead me to think that maybe that's going to be my best option.

[d4nth3m4n]

randman-
i have nothing but love for the 5mp canon range. i've played extensively with a g5, a95, s500 and my personal sd400. all of which have surprised me more than once. i don't know when i became such a canon loyalist, but i just love their stuff.

[Randman]

Which you recommend of those? The Sd400? I like the iXus because it's small enough to carry on my belt when travelling.

[OreoCookie]

Originally Posted by Gabriel Morales

Actually, $300 for a refurbished G6 camera, with only 6 months of warranty. And, not exactly like they've given me a good repair option. But, yeah it's still nice that they have the offer and I am really considering it.

I looked around and found the Sony P200 for $330 (shipping, taxes, etc. included). Adding a (minimum of) a 512 MB memory stick, it comes out to $400, without getting any additional battery or anything else, of course. The G6 uses the same type of battery the G3 does, so I could continue to use those, and as mentioned the Canon G-series does have some features lacking in other cameras. Though the Sony is said to be better/faster at focusing, one of my main gripes with the G3, I've also read that the G6 has improved upon the G3 in this regard. How much so I don't know, though.

The only other thing that bugs me is the size of the camera. I've been wanting a more compact camera to carry around. But, it seems to me that I won't be able to get as good a 7 MP camera for less than I could get the G6, which I have extra batteries for already. The A95 is already a big camera- at least certainly not compact (like the Sony P200)-- I'd lose some functionality, and it probably wouldn't be cheaper, so I'd much rather just have a G6. That, and the additional pro-G6 recommendations here lead me to think that maybe that's going to be my best option.

The G-series is controlled like an slr, so if you prefer that to an smaller point-and-shoot camera, most cameras such as the A95 or any Ixus is not an alternative. It seems to me that you have to make up your mind about that and then make the decision.

I'd go for the G7, even knowing it's a refurbished model with only 6 months of warranty, but hey, it's better than what you sent in! FYI, I gave my old Olympus C-4040 to my parents (it's somewhere in between a point-and-click and a G-series-type of camera) and got myself a used E-20. I love slrs and prefer them over smaller cameras.

Just in case here's a review of the G6.

[d4nth3m4n]

Originally Posted by Randman

Which you recommend of those? The Sd400? I like the iXus because it's small enough to carry on my belt when travelling.

they're all different animals. i love the sd400 though. it's smaller than a box of cigarettes, and takes pretty badass pictures. there really isn't anything manual about it though, so you're pretty stuck. if that's a problem, go with either the a95 or something from the g series.

the SDs are really amazing little cameras.

[RAILhead]

My dad just got his Canon S2IS in, and it's freaking amazing. TOns of features and awesome image quality.

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...;modelid=11368

Be sure to see if any contenders have been review over at DPReview.com, too:
http://www.dpreview.com/

Maury

[Y3a]

The a95 isn't a toy! I do LOTS of stuff I never thought a digital camera would do. I dunno about that warranty being ONLY 6 months long though...