Flip out & twist LCD vs pocketability

Rick Kulp · Dec 2, 2001

I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you, leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2 at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--Rick

Chris &#8482; · Dec 2, 2001

Hi Rick,

I got a G1 and belive me, I would never buy a (future-) cam without a flippable LCD

This is the best viewfinder I ever had.

In Germany the S40 is about as expensive as the G2, so I can't understand how anybody could choose the S40 - the G2 is compact enough.

Greetings from Germany

Chris

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

FSC65740 · Dec 2, 2001

I have both G2 and S40. If I only could have one it would definately be the G2. I'm so used to using the flip lcd that whenever I use the S40 I find it awkward. G2 is also easier to hold but it could be I'm just used to the G2 more since I just got the S40.

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

UCSDxB0i · Dec 2, 2001

For those of you who had the G2 for a while hows the LCD working out sicnce its a movable part and i wonder how reliable that is

FSC said:
Rick Kulp said:

I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Click to expand...

Bob Williams · Dec 2, 2001

The flip out LCD also removes that heat source from direct
contact with the body of the camera. This is definately a good
thing, as it will heat up the entire back of the camera if you
leave it snapped in place during an extended shooting session.
G-2 apears to be the best 4mp camera out there at this time, and
in many ways is better than the 5mp offerings so far. I think
this one is a no brainer.

FSC said:
Rick Kulp said:

I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Click to expand...

ADSinger · Dec 2, 2001

Pocketability is highly overrated. My A50 is pocketable (sort of, ams as the S40 is sort of), but the G2 is not only feature rich, it is easier to use, The bit of extra size and weight is a steadying influence. I swear it reminds me of a Leica rangefinder in that way. The pivoting viewfinder is invaluable. For example, I find I shoot many, many shots with it at a 45 degree angle and the camera about 4' or so off the ground. This makes informal people shots much more appealing. Ditto for close-ups, macros, tripod use, etc. Absolutely, go with the G2.

alan.

Member said:
Member said:

Rick Kulp said:

I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Phong Huynh65881 · Dec 2, 2001

I don't think that anybody buys the G2 with the intention of putting it in your pocket whenever you want. If anybody is expecting easy pocketability with the G2, I suggest they go and handle one at the store.

I have my G2 on my tridpod next to me, and there is NO way this is fitting in my pocket -- considering I have on it a Lensmate, plus Tiffen 2x teleconverter, plus 420ex Speedlight.

If you want pocketability, don't consider the G2.

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Mark W · Dec 2, 2001

This is just my own opinion but the size of the G2 (in relative terms comparised to some of the other "mini" digicams) is one of its fewdrawbacks. We previously had a Canon Elf and took it EVERYWHERE it really was easy to slip in a pocket or my wifes handbag. We have found that we take the G2 with us FAR less than the Elf. So, on that specific issue, the G2 is not a winner in my mind (based on my own preferences, experiences, etc).

That said, I am immensely happy with the camera. I'm really pleased with its capabilities and wouldn't give it up at all. Pocketability was in important aspect for us (where the G2 was less-than-impressive although it's not like it's huge or anything) but there are many other characteristics where it wins hands down with other cameras I have had.

I hope this helps.

Mark

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Mark W · Dec 2, 2001

I should add - the flip-out LCD is a tremendous feature which I use - in one way or another - a great deal. I, too, would find it hard to use a camera without this feature and I remain surprised that more cameras of this price range do not have this feature.

Mark

Mark W said:
That said, I am immensely happy with the camera. I'm really pleased
with its capabilities and wouldn't give it up at all. Pocketability
was in important aspect for us (where the G2 was
less-than-impressive although it's not like it's huge or anything)
but there are many other characteristics where it wins hands down
with other cameras I have had.

I hope this helps.

Mark

Rick Kulp said:

I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Click to expand...

Andre67783 · Dec 2, 2001

To me that flip-out LCD is a huge advantage, especially on close-up work. When I'm out and about I make do with it on my belt or I even carry it in my coatpocket (yes, I'm aware of the risk of banging it). I think the G2's advantages are more important than the size disadvantage compared to the S40

Mark W said:
in one way or another - a great deal. I, too, would find it hard

to use a camera without this feature and I remain surprised that
more cameras of this price range do not have this feature.

Mark

Mark W said:

That said, I am immensely happy with the camera. I'm really pleased
with its capabilities and wouldn't give it up at all. Pocketability
was in important aspect for us (where the G2 was
less-than-impressive although it's not like it's huge or anything)
but there are many other characteristics where it wins hands down
with other cameras I have had.

I hope this helps.

Mark

Rick Kulp said:

I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Marc58280 · Dec 2, 2001

Funny I was actually thinking of posting a new thread saying how much I enjoyed taking pictures this weekend specifically because of the twist out LCD. I did not consider the twist out LCD to be such a huge plus when I selected the G2. I bought it mostly for the 4.0 mp and the quality of the photos. But I seriously do not think I could ever buy a camera without flip out LCD again. This is definately the way all future digital's should go. It allows for so many more types of shots. I was house hunting this weekend and was taking pictures of all the rooms in various houses so I could review them carefully at home (and not forget thiem). With the twist out LCD I could hold the camera in a corner of the room and properly frame the shot using the LCD. I could get quite as good a shot if I had to stand behind the camera. Also, I take so many more candid's with this camera. You'd be amazed how distracting it is for people when you hold a camera to your face. But holding it waste or even chest high, they don't notice it because that's not how they're used to being photographed.

As far as durability, the G2 screen is FAR from flimsy. I am really impressed with the strength of the hinge and how solid it feels when you open, close and twist it. No worries here.

Marc58280 · Dec 2, 2001

woops typo. Should say "I could never get quite as good a shot if I had to stand behind the camera."

Marc said:
Funny I was actually thinking of posting a new thread saying how
much I enjoyed taking pictures this weekend specifically because of
the twist out LCD. I did not consider the twist out LCD to be
such a huge plus when I selected the G2. I bought it mostly for
the 4.0 mp and the quality of the photos. But I seriously do not
think I could ever buy a camera without flip out LCD again. This
is definately the way all future digital's should go. It allows
for so many more types of shots. I was house hunting this weekend
and was taking pictures of all the rooms in various houses so I
could review them carefully at home (and not forget thiem). With
the twist out LCD I could hold the camera in a corner of the room
and properly frame the shot using the LCD. I could get quite as
good a shot if I had to stand behind the camera. Also, I take so
many more candid's with this camera. You'd be amazed how
distracting it is for people when you hold a camera to your face.
But holding it waste or even chest high, they don't notice it
because that's not how they're used to being photographed.

As far as durability, the G2 screen is FAR from flimsy. I am
really impressed with the strength of the hinge and how solid it
feels when you open, close and twist it. No worries here.

rufus68947 · Dec 2, 2001

I had the same strugle.... But being that the G2 can be had for about the same price, I couldn't turn it down. I know cost shouldn't make a diference, getting what you want, and will use is more important; it's just I fealt I was getting a better deal, and I'm not sure I'm wasn't putting more emphasis on size than it is worth.... One thing for sure though, the G2 is bigger than the P&S 35mm we use now, so I'll know before long how much trouble the extra size is.

Sorry to not be able to help, just thought I would share what I did,

Good luck,
Barry

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

mcveed · Dec 2, 2001

rufus68947 said:
Rick,

I don't know how people who wear bifocals manage with non-flip out LCDs. When I fold mine flat against the camera the only way I can use the LCD to shoot is to hold the camera up at eye level and tilt my head back so I can focus on the screen. With the LCD flipped out to the side of the camera I can hold the camera at chest level and tilt the LCD so I can look down at it through the bifocal part of my glasses. Get the G2 - someday you'll need bifocals too. I solved the pocketability problem by buying a leather pocket with a belt loop (its called a digital camera bag) - it can also carry a spare battery, my remote, another CF card, and a few other small items.
Don

rufus68947 said:
Rick Kulp said:

I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Click to expand...

--Don McVee

WH Yi · Dec 2, 2001

Marc said:
Marc said:

Funny I was actually thinking of posting a new thread saying how
much I enjoyed taking pictures this weekend specifically because of
the twist out LCD. I did not consider the twist out LCD to be
such a huge plus when I selected the G2. I bought it mostly for
the 4.0 mp and the quality of the photos. But I seriously do not
think I could ever buy a camera without flip out LCD again. This
is definately the way all future digital's should go. It allows
for so many more types of shots. I was house hunting this weekend
and was taking pictures of all the rooms in various houses so I
could review them carefully at home (and not forget thiem). With
the twist out LCD I could hold the camera in a corner of the room
and properly frame the shot using the LCD. I could get quite as
good a shot if I had to stand behind the camera. Also, I take so
many more candid's with this camera. You'd be amazed how
distracting it is for people when you hold a camera to your face.
But holding it waste or even chest high, they don't notice it
because that's not how they're used to being photographed.

As far as durability, the G2 screen is FAR from flimsy. I am
really impressed with the strength of the hinge and how solid it
feels when you open, close and twist it. No worries here.

Click to expand...

The swivel/tilt LCD is the digitech version of the WYSIWYG revolution of SLR. And not only can the LCD show you all of the image that the sensor will capture, its' swivel/tilt ability allows you view from a variety of positions around your camera. I'm looking forward to using a non-SLR interchangeable lens digicam someday soon.

Portability of the G1/G2 is better w/o LensMate, but still depends on you - you can get a close-fitting belt or shoulder-strap pouch, or the Canon semi-hard case to hang around your neck - whether this is cumbersome or convenient depends on you. Digicam only can fit into most jacket and coat pockets - just be careful of getting it knocked around. For absolute pocketability, as in carry-at-all-times even with business suits, the S40 is too bulgy - I would go for the S110/IXUS V or a Pentax Optio.

P.S. The lens difference between the G2 and the S40 would be important to some people. First of all, the G2's lens is faster: by 1 stop at wide (f/2.0 vs f/2.8) and by ~~1.5 stops at tele (f/2.5 vs f/4.9). Second, the G2 can easily use wide and tele lens adapters - another more-versatile-but-less-portable aspect.~~

Jeroen H29622 · Dec 3, 2001

Rick Kulp said:
Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

VERY important!! I don't think I will buy a digicam without it in the foreseeable future. I have a G1 now (well, not now actually, it's being repaired by Canon) and I'm considering the G2 and the Nikon CP5000 as its successor. Both have a flip-out LCD.

Rick Kulp said:
Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

No, I carry my G1 virtually everywhere. I hardly leave home without it.

Jeroen
the Netherlands

http://autorai2001.dhs.org
Cool pictures of sports cars, taken with a G1.

John C.H. · Dec 3, 2001

Hi Rick,

The flip out and twist LCD was one of the main reasons I chose the G2. I had been reading these forums for about a year when I went to Rome for week in July. Spending a lot of my time peering up at the magnificent ceilings in the palaces, etc. and trying to frame the view through the viewfinder of my film SLR whilst balancing it on anything handy to steady it convinced me that my first digicam would have to have this feature. This wasn't the only reason I chose the G2 but I decided there and then that whatever camera I bought it should have this feature and be lighter than my SLR.

I also find it very useful for macro shots of small flowers and taking pictures of kids and pets at there own level.

Having used a waist level medium format camera for many years also, I find I can hold it much steadier against my stomach holding my breath if I want to use a slow shutter speed than waving it around out in front of me. A slightly protruding stomach helps here as it gives room for the screen on the curve :–)
Regards,
John

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Chris Bertke · Dec 3, 2001

Rick

This seems to be a rugged little camera. Time will tell. Don't let the flipout LCD worry you.

As for portability the same rules apply to digital as to 35mm work.

When I'm on holiday travelling light and doing family snaps I use my Olympus mju for pocketability..

When I am feeling creative I pack my tripods, Pelican carry bag, two camera bodies, flash, 4 lenses, spare film, spare batteries, filters, reflectors etc. In short, I am doing less of this, and the G2 now goes with me everywhere. Small bag over the shoulder, or the camera and bag go into my rucksack, or moonbag, (fannypack in USA?)

The LCD folds away, helping keep it clean and protect it from scratches.

What more do you want?

Have fun, whatever you do.

ChrisB

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

rshhung · Dec 3, 2001

The LCD flip feature is the standard in all DV Camcorder. You will love the flip LCD features once you've used it in absolute necessary occassions. Try take a picture when you're standing in the middle of a crowded environment and the only way to take a shot is to raise your hand over your head, G-2 has this adventage. Or try to take a snap shot at almost close to ground level, G-2 prevents you from lying on the floor. Try take pictures around the corner, all you need is to stick your hands out.

Ray

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

Rob H69854 · Dec 3, 2001

Hi Rick. Two things that might help you decide.

1) If you're used to EOS cameras or similar, the size and weight of the G2 will be no problem. It weighs a bit less than the EOS 300/Rebel, the body size is similar but without the protruding lens. It fits in the pocket of my favourite outdoor jacket OK.

2) The G2 takes the Canon Speedlight flashguns which I don't believe the S30/S40 can. I bought the 420 EX just yesterday and used it continuously at a party last evening, it's transformed my G2 flash photography and I can use it on my EOS too.

I tend to use the viewfinder more than the LCD out of habit I guess but even though it has diopter adjustment it's probably the least sopisticated feature of the G2. The LCD is great for those oddball shots. Also it's protected when not in use.

Robert UK

Rick Kulp said:
I'm struggling with the decision between the pocketability of
S30/S40 vs the extra features of G2. Of these features, the flip
out & twist LCD on the G2 (and coming soon on the CP5000) seems to
be especially attractive. Seems like you could get shots you'd
otherwise miss (over heads, around corners, ...) and also be very
creative with it.

Has the LCD been a deciding factor for any of you? How important

is it in practice to you G1 and G2 users?

Has the larger size of the G2 been a problem for any of you,

leaving you wishing you had an S40 in your pocket instead of a G2
at home?

Thanks.

Rick Kulp

--
Rick

--Robert

Flip out & twist LCD vs pocketability

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