What you think of Canon G2?

I am currently shooting with two Canon D30s, I am considering to purchase a Canon G2 for outdoor location shooting that requires lots of hiking (I am tired lugging tons of gear) and inconsequence shooting (by this I mean to be less like a pro but rather as a consumer using a point and shoot camera to draw less attention).

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Ken Neb said:

I am currently shooting with two Canon D30s, I am considering to
purchase a Canon G2 for outdoor location shooting that requires
lots of hiking (I am tired lugging tons of gear) and inconsequence
shooting (by this I mean to be less like a pro but rather as a
consumer using a point and shoot camera to draw less attention).

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as
a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon
DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Click to expand...

--

In all fairness, if you're willing to carry the G2 with the 550ex as a fill light, you might as well carry the D30 with a small 24-85 lens and the 550ex flash.

Not much of a difference as you might expect.

The G2 seems like the no-brainer choice for a backup/take-along for a D30/D60 shooter given that it uses the same digital media, batteries, flash units and software. I'm really tempted to get one myself. The one thing that worries me most is the talk of shutter lag. Since the D60 is my first digicam, shutter lag is not something I've ever had to deal with and I don't like the sound of it.

Seems like a G3 is likely to come along by fall, in which case either it'll be an easy choice or the G2 will be cheaper.

Nill

I have the g2 as well as a D60( well its on order, D30 just sold). I love it, it takes wonderful images, and makes a great camera for those times when you don't want/cant carry a big set up. It has a lot of shuttter lag, and focus is slow, but who cares! The Images are simply wonderful.

Actually mine is used primarily in an underwater housing, and to keep my wifes mitts of the D60.

Nill Toulme said:

The G2 seems like the no-brainer choice for a backup/take-along for
a D30/D60 shooter given that it uses the same digital media,
batteries, flash units and software. I'm really tempted to get one
myself. The one thing that worries me most is the talk of shutter
lag. Since the D60 is my first digicam, shutter lag is not
something I've ever had to deal with and I don't like the sound of
it.

Seems like a G3 is likely to come along by fall, in which case
either it'll be an easy choice or the G2 will be cheaper.

Nill

Click to expand...

--
Bob Jarman

'I don't know how I got over the hill without ever getting to the top?'

http://rkjarman.com
http://www.usefilm.com/showport.php?uid=160

I own a G1, in addition to my D30 (also a Pro90IS). It's great for those times when lugging the old D30 isn't practical. I've managed some wonderful images with my G1 - no comparision to the D30, of course, but nice regardless. The G2 is the same machine with a little more resolution and a couple of enhancements. Not enough of an improvement over the G1 for me to upgrade, but a great choice for somebody in the market. Go for it - you'll be happy you did.

Mike

Ken Neb said:

I am currently shooting with two Canon D30s, I am considering to
purchase a Canon G2 for outdoor location shooting that requires
lots of hiking (I am tired lugging tons of gear) and inconsequence
shooting (by this I mean to be less like a pro but rather as a
consumer using a point and shoot camera to draw less attention).

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as
a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon
DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Click to expand...

--
Mike Flaherty
http://imageevent.com/mflaherty/mikesgallery

I'm in the same boat. The D60 is my first digicam, and i've never had to deal with shutter lag. The G2 certainly 'suffers' from it, but based on my assessment of the rest of the compact d-camera field, i 'had' to buy one to supplement/complement the D60.

I'm still waiting to see a comprehensive review of the Leica Digilux 1, as it is more responsive and has a much larger LCD, but prelimary image samples have been problematic. So, i guess i'm really waiting for a G3, in which case the G2 will be ebayed....

Seriously, though, the battery and flash compatibility, and the menu/operational familiarity make the G2 a natural choice.

rk

Nill Toulme said:

The G2 seems like the no-brainer choice for a backup/take-along for
a D30/D60 shooter given that it uses the same digital media,
batteries, flash units and software. I'm really tempted to get one
myself. The one thing that worries me most is the talk of shutter
lag. Since the D60 is my first digicam, shutter lag is not
something I've ever had to deal with and I don't like the sound of
it.

Seems like a G3 is likely to come along by fall, in which case
either it'll be an easy choice or the G2 will be cheaper.

Nill

Click to expand...

What I hate about the G2:

There is no E-TTL in M-rec mode, so you can't shoot a flash picture with 1/125 and F5.6 without manual flash programming. Very Bad indoors. You either get F2 (maybe too open) in Tv mode or 1/60 (maybe too slow) in AV mode. I hate this because it can be programmed very easily.

Marcel D.
The Netherlands
GC-S5 - 990 - G2 - D60 ( BG-ED3 - 28-135 - 550EX )
http://fotohoek.go.to

Ken Neb said:

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as
a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon
DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Click to expand...

& it makes a great BU to my 1D. Sure, it has some shutter lag, but all p&s dc's have that(including the Nikon 5000 regardless of the ridiculous claims Nikon made to the contrary).

It takes amazingly good images as long as you keep the ISO low(we keep it at ISO 50 in RAW mode).

-John

Hi!

I actually own a G2 only, possibly suggesting to go for a D60... (not as an replacement but an add)

The G2 produces good images. Of course not the same as D60, more noise, but ok at ISO 50 and 100. Only 4MP, but squeeses most out of this. Some dislike the "preprocessed" finished look out of G2, also I like it. You can shoot RAW if you need it.

The lens is a big deal, but I agree to some others that it is difficult to use 2.0 with best results. But you can set up A or M mode starting with 2.8 or 4.0. When you are at 5.6 and wide angle setting it is a real easy going snapshot camera, because there is no much need to care a lot for DOF or perfect AF. A matter of taste to do so...

Concerning size I agree, if you look for something very small you shouln't consider a lot of accessories for G2. I am struggeling with the idea of accessories to my G2 as well. I actually use only the camera, an additional rechargeable battery, memory cards and the small, very helpful remote control.

I thought about an external flash as well, but then the set isn't compact any more... But it is also difficult to use the built in flash with the preset programs, that all open aperture to 2.0 which is good for ambient light but bad for sharpness and AF (sometimes not good enough). A acceptable compromise is mode A and f2.8 or F4.0. Close ups work good this way, but for a bit "wider" scenery the flash in's strong enough, you need an additional flash or going up the ISO scale which adds a lot of uncomfortable noise...

If you need speed, forget it. The camera is so slow in comparison to a D60. I had a brief hands on a D60. But for all things you don't need 6MP and low noise for huge prints, for stuff that does not run away form your camera it is a nice handy gadget! Maybe it should be a bit cheaper so...

Regards, A. Schiele.

Ken Neb said:

I am currently shooting with two Canon D30s, I am considering to
purchase a Canon G2 for outdoor location shooting that requires
lots of hiking (I am tired lugging tons of gear) and inconsequence
shooting (by this I mean to be less like a pro but rather as a
consumer using a point and shoot camera to draw less attention).

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as
a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon
DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Click to expand...

Hi

not happy with it, so I sold it. I wanted to have a small and good digital camera as a complement to my F100 + scanner. But, I ended up not using it at all. Then my girlfriend tried it, but shoting at 50asa (higher is almost useless) flash is a must (indoor & pretty often outdoor) and the combination is a joke. Not to mention bad AF, shutter lag and narrow dynamic range.... It is pretty obvious that I am not happy with it, but this is my true experience. I was more happy with my old S10....

Don't buy it.

regards
Johan

Ken Neb said:

I am currently shooting with two Canon D30s, I am considering to
purchase a Canon G2 for outdoor location shooting that requires
lots of hiking (I am tired lugging tons of gear) and inconsequence
shooting (by this I mean to be less like a pro but rather as a
consumer using a point and shoot camera to draw less attention).

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as
a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon
DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Click to expand...

G2 is a great carry-around camera - although its not as small as I now would like. However, it is a creat compromise on quality and size. I used it exclusively before my D30 and D60 so can vouch for its quality images

Ken Neb said:

I am currently shooting with two Canon D30s, I am considering to
purchase a Canon G2 for outdoor location shooting that requires
lots of hiking (I am tired lugging tons of gear) and inconsequence
shooting (by this I mean to be less like a pro but rather as a
consumer using a point and shoot camera to draw less attention).

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as
a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon
DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Click to expand...

Hi!

Member said:

not happy with it, so I sold it. I wanted to have a small and good
digital camera as a complement to my F100 + scanner.

Click to expand...

LOL, what did you expect? Try film based small P&S cameras and you wish you hadn't sold your G2... No P&S can compete with any SLR...

Member said:

But, I ended
up not using it at all. Then my girlfriend tried it, but shoting at
50asa (higher is almost useless) flash is a must (indoor & pretty
often outdoor) and the combination is a joke.

Click to expand...

Is built in flash of D60 so much better or stronger? I doubt...

Member said:

Not to mention bad
AF, shutter lag and narrow dynamic range....

Click to expand...

Yes, all of this is a bit true, but it is still a good piece of camera. You like a coolpix? (-:

Member said:

It is pretty obvious
that I am not happy with it, but this is my true experience. I was
more happy with my old S10....

Click to expand...

I can not compare, but I belive you, think you can better judge than me here.

Think you are ready (or own already) a D60? D60 is much better but as well not perfect. Do you like it?

regards, A. Schiele

Pros:

The shutter lag of the G2 is very close (if not faster) then the D60 once pre-focused. I think the spec for the G2 is 70msec while the D60 is 100msec.

The focus speed of the G2 is also close to the D60 for most shots and depending on the D60 lens selection.

The G2 USB transfer rate is over twice the rate of the D60 (.7 MB/s vs .29 MB/s).

5X focal crop helps keep things in focus.

Works great with accessories between G2 and D60 ( i.e. batteries, micordrives, 420EX flash, ... )

Cons:

Shot to shot timing is very slow on the G2 in RAW mode ( approx 3 sec ).

G2 also has the aperture taper with shutter speed ( only f8 avail with 1/1000 sec ... ).

Hard to get nice blurred background, unless using large teleconverter (i.e. B300) on the G2.

Too small of preview image when using RAW in G2. This makes it tough to check the image on the display.

Summary: I'm keeping my G2; it's a great camera for the price.

Mike

mikecol said:

Pros:

The shutter lag of the G2 is very close (if not faster) then the
D60 once pre-focused. I think the spec for the G2 is 70msec while
the D60 is 100msec.

The focus speed of the G2 is also close to the D60 for most shots
and depending on the D60 lens selection.

Click to expand...

I have not found this to be true at all. Although I really like my wife's camera, it misses shots all the time that would be a piece of cake with a D60.

-John

Hi

I have an old Pentax Espio 35-115 zoom (P&S) I believe it is.. very good results when scanned, clearly better than the G2 - believe it or not!

I bougth the G2 as a complement but I don't think that it performed as good as I want.

The onboard flash on the D60 is probably not better/stonger but it ought to be possibile to use the camera at higher asa wich will give you better flash perfomance.

Not, I bought a Coolpix 880, sold it even faster...

The best digicam, that I owned, so far is the E10 but I couldn't stand the riddiculous perfomance between the photos, or the even worse af.

Yes, the D60 is an attractive camera, but I will await some future camera when the prices drops and the most obvious drawbacks are gone.

Regards
Johan

alfred_schiele said:

alfred_schiele said:

not happy with it, so I sold it. I wanted to have a small and good
digital camera as a complement to my F100 + scanner.

Click to expand...

LOL, what did you expect? Try film based small P&S cameras and you
wish you hadn't sold your G2... No P&S can compete with any SLR...

alfred_schiele said:

But, I ended
up not using it at all. Then my girlfriend tried it, but shoting at
50asa (higher is almost useless) flash is a must (indoor & pretty
often outdoor) and the combination is a joke.

Click to expand...

Is built in flash of D60 so much better or stronger? I doubt...

alfred_schiele said:

Not to mention bad
AF, shutter lag and narrow dynamic range....

Click to expand...

Yes, all of this is a bit true, but it is still a good piece of
camera. You like a coolpix? (-:

alfred_schiele said:

It is pretty obvious
that I am not happy with it, but this is my true experience. I was
more happy with my old S10....

Click to expand...

I can not compare, but I belive you, think you can better judge
than me here.

Think you are ready (or own already) a D60? D60 is much better but
as well not perfect. Do you like it?

regards, A. Schiele

Click to expand...

Hi

If I look at your criticism, we might be both somehow in line with what I would call "absolute" expectations beond anything that is availiable... From This standpoint I can agree to most fo your statements!

Member said:

I have an old Pentax Espio 35-115 zoom (P&S) I believe it is.. very
good results when scanned, clearly better than the G2 - believe it
or not!

Click to expand...

From slides or negs?

I found it always very difficult to scan negs with equal or better results than doing direct prints (either service or own labwork)

While slides are easier to scan, it is more difficult to expose them proper in simple cameras and so there is some trouble too.

Beond of noise I can find on screen as well, I find my prints in the range from postcard to half letter size nearly perfect, and I am very critical too!

Maybe there is some tweak in the rest of your workflow? How do you create "prints"?

Member said:

I bougth the G2 as a complement but I don't think that it performed
as good as I want.

Click to expand...

Well, as said, depends on expectations. But basically I think a G2 can replace an average pcket sized film camera well.

Member said:

The onboard flash on the D60 is probably not better/stonger but it
ought to be possibile to use the camera at higher asa wich will
give you better flash perfomance.

Click to expand...

Yes, definitely! As said, better "availiable light" performer.

With film I also always use ISO 400 (often Fuji neg). It is so fine that I even use it with MF for general purposes. The spare ISO is a big deal and with MF central shutters you can syncronize all shutter times...!

Member said:

Not, I bought a Coolpix 880, sold it even faster...

Click to expand...

(-: From what you told before, no doubt!

Member said:

The best digicam, that I owned, so far is the E10 but I couldn't
stand the riddiculous perfomance between the photos, or the even
worse af.

Click to expand...

Well, the Oly? But this is not any kind of pocket size, as far as I can remeber, isn't it?

Member said:

Yes, the D60 is an attractive camera, but I will await some future
camera when the prices drops and the most obvious drawbacks are
gone.

Click to expand...

Well, if you are so demanding this seems the only way to go. When I look at my "serious" inside, I should do the same. A D60 would be a compromise to me as well... But it is not always most fun to stay serious (-: But the two guys inside my brain are still struggeling (((-:

Regards, A. Schiele

The concensus on the Galbraith forums seems to be that the G2 is generally preferred over the Nikon CP 5000.

I wrote this a while ago. It's a little dated and long of tooth but...

http://home.attbi.com/~algoldis/g2vd30.html

Ken Neb said:

I am currently shooting with two Canon D30s, I am considering to
purchase a Canon G2 for outdoor location shooting that requires
lots of hiking (I am tired lugging tons of gear) and inconsequence
shooting (by this I mean to be less like a pro but rather as a
consumer using a point and shoot camera to draw less attention).

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as
a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon
DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Click to expand...

Hi!

As an example to proove this, I decided ecaxtly this way (also I am normally a N* fan)... There are even more flaws with the coolpix and images out of the box look not as good as well.

just my 2ct.

regards, A. Schiele.

Al Goldis said:

I wrote this a while ago. It's a little dated and long of tooth
but...

http://home.attbi.com/~algoldis/g2vd30.html

Ken Neb said:

I am currently shooting with two Canon D30s, I am considering to
purchase a Canon G2 for outdoor location shooting that requires
lots of hiking (I am tired lugging tons of gear) and inconsequence
shooting (by this I mean to be less like a pro but rather as a
consumer using a point and shoot camera to draw less attention).

I like the fact the G2 is highly rated and it will take my 550EX as
a fill light. I would like to hear comments from existing Canon
DSLR shooters who had experience with the G2. Thank you. Ken

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

The shutter lag of the G2 can be lessened significantly by setting a custom white balance. Then depress the shutter butoon halfway to focus lock, and you have eliminated shutter lag.

The worst thing we have learned about the G2 is using fill-flash in bright sunlight. The maximum f-stop is f8. Although the manual camera setting may indicate that you're getting sync speeds up to 1/500, the file info betrays the truth: the camera fires only at 1/125 when a flash is detected on the hotshoe. Our best results were achieved using AV and and f8. For some reason the camera will fire at a faster speed if you let it pick the shutter speed.
Joe

Al Goldis said:

The concensus on the Galbraith forums seems to be that the G2 is
generally preferred over the Nikon CP 5000.

Click to expand...

I'll agree with that, my wife had a Nikon 5000 for three weeks & exchanged it for the G2 which she is quite happy with.

There areb only two things that annoy me about the G2: One is the shutter lag(even when pre-focused, it is too long if you're using a flash). The other thing is you can't leave it in manual focus & shut off the LCD(it defaults to AF as soon as you shut off the LCD).

-John