I have been looking at the canon g10. Is there anything better than this? Im wanting a point and shoot camera that will get me ready for a dslr. I will be using the camera for outdoor pictures of people. I know about the iffy iso...im not super critical of photos but I need it to be pretty darned crisp and clear for photo retouching. I like its build and look. Is this a good camera for me or should I try something else?
Best answer:
Answer by David M
That is a very good camera. You really couldn't go wrong with it. There are some bridge point and shoot cameras that are physically much larger and have much longer zooms but I feel that if you get one of those you might as well buy a DSLR.
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So, you're going to spend $ 400 on a point and shoot, fully planning on getting a DSLR in the future, and yet you could get a D40 with kit lens for $ 450? Why bother? Get the D40
ReplyDeleteWell, g10 is about it, as far as p&s closest to a professional, though it is still a point and shoot and is miles away from the cheapest and simplest of dSLR's...
ReplyDeleteThat said, my I ask you why do you have to "get ready" for a dSLR? Nikon D40 with 18-55mm lens costs about the same as G10, and it is a full featured dSLR with all the advantages that come with one. There's really no need for you to spend $ 400+ now and then spend the same amount later. Instead, later, when you feel you're ready - you can invest $ 400, into more advanced lenses, flashes or other accessories, to improve your kit, rather than discarding existing camera and starting over from nothing. The only reason why someone will buy G10 is for it's size, because it is a good quality camera that compromises quality for size. It's still on a larger side, but not quite as large as SLR.
D40 can very well be your bridge camera. You can set it on "auto" and shoot mindlessly, just like with point and shoot, or you can set it to more advanced modes and take more and more control over what you do, as your learning progresses. I really see no point in not going for SLR to begin with, if this is your plan to get one eventually...
LEM.
P.S. Note to Jim:
I am surprised with your comment, since it seems from your profile, that you are not a photography novice... D40 is an excellent build and quality camera, featuring a sensor that is over 10 times larger in area than that of G10. It uses real SLR focusing mechanism (read - fast and accurate) and metering, and for extra $ 400 the asker will save by not getting G1 and then an SLR they can get some decent glass too! Comparing G10 to a D40, is like comparing a top of the line bicycle to an entry level Harley... They are in completely different leagues. Oh, and I've used D40 along with a higher level D80, and I can tell from experience - D40 is a great SLR. Don't be fooled by words entry level. That just means fewer bells and whistles, but it is a great Nikon quality, same as the rest of Nikon SLR line-up.
I completely disagree with EE dude about buying the lowest of the low DSLR instead of the G 10.
ReplyDeleteThe G 10 is an outstanding P&S - probably the best one out there.
And it's WAY better in build quality, lens quality and performance than any of the entry level DSLRs with a kit lens.
Just be aware: After you've become accustomed to the quality of the G 10, you'll need to get a pretty darn good DSLR, with some quality glass, just to compete with it.
In other words, forget Rebels, D 40s and D 60s.
If you are really on a budget and want the best quality for the money, check out the P&S Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 [with a Leica lense] which has more features than most pro DSLRs that require auxiliary lenses not even equal to the single initial full-range lense that comes with the FZ28. It is reviewed at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/panasonic_fz28.html
It just came out on November 4, 2008.
It's an all-in-one 10.1 megapixel digital camera which includes (i) built-in image stabilization; (ii) HD720 quality video [Quicktime] which permits zooming while videoing; (iii) a 18x zoom [27 - 486 mm (35mm equiv.)] "Leica" lense for nature photography; (iv) up to 0.39 inch macro option; (v) up to 6400 ASA; (vi) takes up to 380 pictures per 120 min. battery charge; (vii) has a "burst speed" of 13 fps; and sells new for $ 315 at amazon.com.
Here's an actual handheld picture of the moon:
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/bf/1b/a83ac060ada0881604bad110.L.jpg
If you can take a handheld picture of the moon with an 18X zoom, concert coverage should be a breeze.
Good luck!
The G10, by far, is one of the best performers in the advanced compact camera segment. Another great camera is the Panasonic LX3, it boasts better high-iso performance, has a wider wide angle, all in a small, compact camera with a superb f/2 leica lens. On the downside, it's telephoto end goes only to 60mm, severely hindering it's usability. If you want a superzoom lens in a compact body, the Panasonic FZ28 is a great camera. Sporting a 18x zoom, it easily beats both the G10 and LX3. The difference in image quality won't likely been seen unless you're pixel-peeking, and the added bonus is the FZ is cheaper than both the LX3 and G10.
ReplyDeleteThe most professional point & shoot in the market now Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP with great a F2.0 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CCLBSA?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001CCLBSA but with this price you can get good DSLR.
ReplyDeleteor another one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CCNDK4?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001CCNDK4 with cheaper price.