Help!! Fix my Canon G3 or buy a Nikon 5400!!

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be $85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100 or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

I am not familiar with either camera. My standing rule is to not repair electronic items unless absolutely necessary. Typically the repair is more that what the unit is worth. You can often replace for not much more than the repair and get many new features in the process. JMHO

Consider the Nikon 5700, 8700 or 8800. These do a great job for "outdoor/family" photography.

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

tater,

Thanks for the reply. This is what is worrying me. I am trying to find the wisdom in dropping close to $200 in repairing a camera that's 2 years old. A mint working Canon G3 is worth about $300 or so. Decisions! Decisions!

tater8700 said:

Consider the Nikon 5700, 8700 or 8800. These do a great job for
"outdoor/family" photography.

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Personally, I would just take the money and get a new camera. I take it your CC only covers you for an extra year right? If it breaks again next year, then you have no coverage so you're better off just getting a new camera and a new 2 year warranty with the credit card coverage. I wouldn't get the G3 if it's used, but if you can get it new and use your credit card on it, then that would be the way to go, or just get the 5400. Don't forget the $100 rebate if you also buy an Epson printer at the same time. Epson C86 is about $95-$100 so it's basically free if you get it with the 5400. You do need to buy both from the same vendor at the same time to qualify though.

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

You are familiar with Canon that gives Canon an advantage. Other benefits: wireless remote included, fast lens (but at the expense of CA fully open).

Nikon advantages: 28 mm wide but slightly shorter tele end. I am partial to Nikon natural and in my opinion beautiful colors.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_g3%2Ccanon_g5%2Cnikon_cp5400&show=all

I would compare the cameras and their pictures on dpreview reviews and galleries. Try to come to some kind of a preference based on these and my priorities then go to a camera store and try out the G5 and CP5400 (you know the G3). Determine which handling I like. Take some test shots on my CF card go home and look a the images sleep on it and then decide.

Good luck with your decision!

Kind regards
Kaj
C P 5 7 0 0
http://www.pbase.com/kaj_e
WSSA member

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

Henry,

That's a real great point. My credit card would only cover me for an extra year (less than 4 months left), which would make it a bit tight. Besides, I believe that with delicate electronics like digicams, once you start repairing them, they are never as good as new and more chances of problems down the road. I may be wrong though.

I have to look harder into the 5400 though. I was a Canon user for some time (3 digital cameras and one film SLR) so that makes it harder to jump ships

HenryL said:

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Kaj,

Thanks for the advice. You are 100% correct. I will stop by a store tonight to try to make my final decision.

Kaj E said:

Nikon advantages: 28 mm wide but slightly shorter tele end. I am
partial to Nikon natural and in my opinion beautiful colors.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_g3%2Ccanon_g5%2Cnikon_cp5400&show=all

I would compare the cameras and their pictures on dpreview reviews
and galleries. Try to come to some kind of a preference based on
these and my priorities then go to a camera store and try out the
G5 and CP5400 (you know the G3). Determine which handling I like.
Take some test shots on my CF card go home and look a the images
sleep on it and then decide.

Good luck with your decision!

Kind regards
Kaj
C P 5 7 0 0
http://www.pbase.com/kaj_e
WSSA member

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

--

Click to expand...

I agree the others on what seems the most sensible decision, buy a new camera. You might run into more problems even after the repairs. I had never bother to get repaired, electronic cameras, VCR's, monitors etc., just went and bought the latest devices. Two years is good for an electronic device like your G3. Swallow your pride and get a new digicam, Canon or Nikon, it's up to you. Heck! You only live once.
toddles

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

--
toddles_todd t.
http://www.pbase.com/doublet
pbase supporter
'paddle to live, live to paddle'

Mac G4

My G3 seized up last June with lens extended just as I was reaching the one year anniversary. Canon did the repair under the warrenty. Came back looking like a new camera. They even replaced the bottom plate which I had somehow gouged.

I still love the G3 as auxiliary to my D70. I really appreciate the bright clear colors.... and the f2 lens..... and its (relative to the D70) compact size and quietness.... adn its swing out LCD.

So I decided to carry the G3 out to Vail and up onto the slopes. Into an inner pocket in my Northface. In the afternoon I'm taking some shots of my kids in the lift line and then nothing happens. Shutter won't release, lens won't move. Can't even shut the darn thing off! Put it back into my pocket with the lens fully extended! Pulled the battery since I couldn't shut it off. back in the condo I let it warm up slowly in dry atmosphere. Four hours later still have the same problem.

Four days later I hear from canon that repairs can run 175 to 300 bucks! Ouch. I pull the camera out of the packing and wonder what sort of paperweight it will be. I try gently jiggling the front edge of the barrel in a circular motion. Darned if the lens doesn't retract under my jiggling. For the heck of it, I popped the battery back in..... and....it's alive! OMG! Back from the dead!

So that's what I used for my Christmas family shots as we opened presents by the tree. Perched the resurrection miracle on my new manfrotto 3021+3030 and for the very first time I got out the G3 remote unit and .... had a great time.

So I understand your quandry... stay with G3? I had decided that if I was going to get another prosumer P&S it would be the G6. No consideration given to a G5. Someone said I should look at an A95 ? Switch to Nikon? Naw... Canon has me in their pocket... already have an A300 and A80 for the kids......

Fortunately the G3 lives on.....but maybe only to die once more of extensile disfunction .

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

--
Marabou Muddler

Wasn't that camera around $800 a year ago? My, my, my.

Khaled, if you like point and shoot pics, stick with the G3.

Khaled12 said:

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be

Click to expand...

--
Todd
http://www.muskopf.org

To those whom I offend--please forgive me.

Is the focus assist light. The Nikon 5700/5400 cameras had pretty poor low light (read indoor) focusing abilities. I spent one Christmas with my 5700 in one hand and a laser pointer in the other trying to get a focus lock. It was a nightmare. For family pics, I'd stick with the G3, especially if the credit card company is paying.

My wife's got a G3, I've got a 5700.

Todd Art said:

Khaled, if you like point and shoot pics, stick with the G3.

Todd Art said:

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be

Click to expand...

--
Todd
http://www.muskopf.org

To those whom I offend--please forgive me.

Click to expand...

--
Todd
http://www.muskopf.org

To those whom I offend--please forgive me.

... your G3 they will likely just replace the entire section of the camera that failed. In my previous case they took out the whole lens assembly and even some of the major body parts.... and used new pieces. Should be as good as new..... although the defect that occurred is still part of the design vulnerability of all G3's whether new or refurnbished.

Khaled12 said:

Thanks for the reply. This is what is worrying me. I am trying to
find the wisdom in dropping close to $200 in repairing a camera
that's 2 years old. A mint working Canon G3 is worth about $300 or
so. Decisions! Decisions!

tater8700 said:

Consider the Nikon 5700, 8700 or 8800. These do a great job for
"outdoor/family" photography.

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Marabou Muddler

Todd,

Thanks for the reply. I need the camera to offer good P&S auto mode as well as all the manual options. That's why I liked the G3 a lot. I went last night and tried the 5400 at a store to get a feel for the auto focus issues in low light. However, I was turned off mostly by the smaller 1.5" lcd in the 5400. Before going there, I was thinking that it shouldn't be that much difference compared to the 1.8" screen in the G3, but I was wrong.

So I may repair the G3 and keep it. Or, most probably, I will just sell it for parts without repairing it and go for either the S60/S70 or even consider the A95. I am just worried about the repair and chnaces for it re-occuring after the extended warranty expires in 3 months.

Todd Art said:

My wife's got a G3, I've got a 5700.

Todd Art said:

Khaled, if you like point and shoot pics, stick with the G3.

Todd Art said:

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be

Click to expand...

--
Todd
http://www.muskopf.org

To those whom I offend--please forgive me.

Click to expand...

--
Todd
http://www.muskopf.org

To those whom I offend--please forgive me.

Click to expand...

Thanks MMuddler. I may repair the G3 and keep it. Or, most probably, I will just sell it for parts without repairing it and go for either the S60/S70 or even consider the A95. I am just worried about the repair and chnaces for it re-occuring after the extended warranty expires in 3 months.

MMuddler said:

Khaled12 said:

Thanks for the reply. This is what is worrying me. I am trying to
find the wisdom in dropping close to $200 in repairing a camera
that's 2 years old. A mint working Canon G3 is worth about $300 or
so. Decisions! Decisions!

tater8700 said:

Consider the Nikon 5700, 8700 or 8800. These do a great job for
"outdoor/family" photography.

Khaled12 said:

I posted this question in the Canon forum but not much luck in
getting a reponse..

Guys.. I really need help in making up my mind. I have been using a
dpreview avid reader for a few years. Did not post much though and
thus had to re-register to ask for help.

My Canon G3 is 20 months old. It broke down with the lens extracted
and I sent it to Canon for repair as my credit card is providing me
with extended warranty. The camera's top lcd display was just
showing a "lens" error and the lens is stuck out.

The flat repair rate from Canon is $195. My CC paid me that amount
and Canon has the camera now waiting for me to authorize the repair.

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be
$85 or so. I am trying to limit my additional out of pocket to $100
or so, which rules out the G6.

I am worried of problems that may result from the G3 repair. I love
the Canon features and usability and I read many comparisons
between the G3/G5 and the 5400. I cannot make up my mind.

The camera is used by both my wife and myself for outdoor/family
pictures.

Your help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Marabou Muddler

Click to expand...

I would keep the G3.

The repair is not costing you anything out of pocket and Canon does a good job on their repairs.

It seems to me that you just have the itch to buy a 5400. If that is true, than go for it.
The G3 is a very nice camera. Mine works well and has for about a year now.
Each camera has its good and bad points.
Enjoy yours.

Khaled12 said:

Thanks for the reply. I need the camera to offer good P&S auto mode
as well as all the manual options. That's why I liked the G3 a lot.
I went last night and tried the 5400 at a store to get a feel for
the auto focus issues in low light. However, I was turned off
mostly by the smaller 1.5" lcd in the 5400. Before going there, I
was thinking that it shouldn't be that much difference compared to
the 1.8" screen in the G3, but I was wrong.

So I may repair the G3 and keep it. Or, most probably, I will just
sell it for parts without repairing it and go for either the
S60/S70 or even consider the A95. I am just worried about the
repair and chnaces for it re-occuring after the extended warranty
expires in 3 months.

Todd Art said:

My wife's got a G3, I've got a 5700.

Todd Art said:

Khaled, if you like point and shoot pics, stick with the G3.

Khaled12 said:

Does is make sense to pay $195 to fix it or would I be better off
getting, for example, the Nikon 5400 which can be bought now for
about $280 after rebate (from Newegg). So my extra cost would be

Click to expand...

--
Todd
http://www.muskopf.org

To those whom I offend--please forgive me.

Click to expand...

--
Todd
http://www.muskopf.org

To those whom I offend--please forgive me.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Looks like some good advice has been posted.

Here is my $0.02.

I just got through dealing with Canon and it wasn't the most pleasant experience. My A70 had hot pixels on the CCD after 9 months. They replaced it under warranty. The LCD was also replace due to static on the LCD image. Six months later and about 300 images, the CCD has the same problem. Sent it back to Canon and found out part repairs are only warranted for 90 days. They wanted $130 to repair plus shipping. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with the camera quality or service. Granted it was out of warranty but this was also an existing problem.

I liked the A70 quit a bit but the 5400 is fast becoming a favorite.

--
Coolpix 5400