How portable are G2s?

Hi! This is my very first post so be nice to n00bie I really love the site helps me decide and improve in my shooting.

Anyway, I was wondering how people use their G2s. I just sold my Canon S300 and I am still researching which one to get. An S40 or a G2. Don't worry this is not a "Whats better, an S40 or G2" thread. Thats what the search button is for.

I loved my S300 for its size and portability and I was wondering if people just dump their G2s in their back packs and bring it out only when needed. I went to bestbuy last night to look at the G2 in person and realized that it is considerably bigger and bulkier than my S300.

So... are you a person who just lugs the G2 around like a book and take snapshots on the go or do you always put the G2 in a nice camera bag and use it for only set shots?

Thanks!

John

hi john,

i upgraded from a canon powershot S10 to the G2. for me at least, portability is a problem, particularly since i cannot live without my 420ex flash now and take it along with me everywhere. i have the canon 100EG deluxe gadget bag that can also be worn like a big fanny pack...this leaves my hands free but causes people to sing "baby got back" everywhere i go. i decided to get a S40 for a more portable camera but have found that i rarely use it because it's not as small as i thought. now, i'm thinking of getting rid of that and going for a S330 but i really don't want "just" 2-megapixels...been there, done that. i dunno...

-norm

Hey Norm,

it seems that I should think hard about what I really want then. I really liek the G2 and it's expandibility and features BUT not the bulky body which could hinder me bringing it everywhere. When I had my S300 it was with me all the time. I'm thinking of doing what other people are doing... gettign the G2 and complementing it with an S200.

I still need more input on this. =)

21farms said:

hi john,

i upgraded from a canon powershot S10 to the G2. for me at least,
portability is a problem, particularly since i cannot live without
my 420ex flash now and take it along with me everywhere. i have the
canon 100EG deluxe gadget bag that can also be worn like a big
fanny pack...this leaves my hands free but causes people to sing
"baby got back" everywhere i go. i decided to get a S40 for a more
portable camera but have found that i rarely use it because it's
not as small as i thought. now, i'm thinking of getting rid of that
and going for a S330 but i really don't want "just"
2-megapixels...been there, done that. i dunno...

-norm

Click to expand...

I really like my G2 and would like to carry it everywhere. I do find that I choose not to due to its size. I think I would like a mini camera just as long as I could be assured not to lose it

The G2 is not just the G2. It is the lensmate or other protector, flash card, polarizer, lens cloth or whatever and possibly more. I carry it in a "purse" and I have a second "purse" that holds a tripod, other lenses and manual. Its a bit much unless I am throwing it in the car.

That being said, I don't mine carrying my camera when I know I will be taking pictures--its just to and from work that I avoid now.

--
Allen

I have no idea about that which I am writing.
Thus, I hereby retract everything I just wrote.

Well, the relative weight of the camera means less shaking and camera movement, so it's rather a good thing than a problem. If you're not like at least 80% of G2 owners who put lens adapter, lenses, external flash and other stuff on the camera most of the time, you won't find it so bulky. The camera as such, without any accessories, will fit in a small 35mm P&S camera bag to have it on your waist all the time.

What I've done was to get a good lucking, well padded leather-like bag that resembles a lot my usual bag. I have lots of interior pockets for filters, cleaning cloth, memory cards, remote, battery, etc. I also have three compartments for camera (with lensmate & UV on), power adapter & cables. When I go out for a short time and feel like having the camera with me, I just take out the adapter & the cables and throw in my pda, the keys and whatever else I need to have with me. When I'm going on a longer trip, I'm keeping the adapter & cables and also take my other bag for pda, keys & stuff.
Hope this helps...

John Catral said:

Hey Norm,

it seems that I should think hard about what I really want then. I
really liek the G2 and it's expandibility and features BUT not the
bulky body which could hinder me bringing it everywhere. When I
had my S300 it was with me all the time. I'm thinking of doing
what other people are doing... gettign the G2 and complementing it
with an S200.

I still need more input on this. =)

Click to expand...

My G2 goes with me everywhere - always in a case; either in a very compact case, slung over my shoulder (sans 420EX flash), on the car seat, or tossed in the pannier on my bicycle, or else in a bit larger bag with the 420EX and Canon macro lens and adapter. I don't find it's bulk to be a bit of a problem after lugging a Nikon N70 and several lenses including an 80-200mm 2.8 around for a couple of years. The G2 is pretty small and light in comparison... Though I REALLY miss my 80-200 2.8 ...

• Cecil

I bought my G2 because I found taking an SLR with 2 lenses around with me on holiday was a bit much. Now I can just pack the SLR and use it when I need it, and take the G2 wherever I go.

I can't comment on the G2. I purchased an S30 with a compact padded case (Lowepro D-Res 10AW - only 4x2x4.5") that can hang off of my belt. It isn't heavy or bulky, and I don't have something hanging around my neck or shoulder. Plus, the bag has small pockets for an extra CF and battery.

Here's a link to the manufacturer (no, I don't work for them):
http://www.lowepro.com/pages/series/dres/dres10aw.html

Tim

John Catral said:

Hi! This is my very first post so be nice to n00bie I really
love the site helps me decide and improve in my shooting.

Anyway, I was wondering how people use their G2s. I just sold my
Canon S300 and I am still researching which one to get. An S40 or
a G2. Don't worry this is not a "Whats better, an S40 or G2"
thread. Thats what the search button is for.

I loved my S300 for its size and portability and I was wondering if
people just dump their G2s in their back packs and bring it out
only when needed. I went to bestbuy last night to look at the G2
in person and realized that it is considerably bigger and bulkier
than my S300.

So... are you a person who just lugs the G2 around like a book and
take snapshots on the go or do you always put the G2 in a nice
camera bag and use it for only set shots?

Thanks!

John

Click to expand...

John Catral said:

I loved my S300 for its size and portability and I was wondering if
people just dump their G2s in their back packs and bring it out
only when needed. I went to bestbuy last night to look at the G2
in person and realized that it is considerably bigger and bulkier
than my S300.

So... are you a person who just lugs the G2 around like a book and
take snapshots on the go or do you always put the G2 in a nice
camera bag and use it for only set shots?

Click to expand...

That's what I do. All the time.
--
http://printerboyweb.net/G2

In the early months, my G2 was a very portable camera.

Since then I have added a few items. It all started with the purchase of a Lensmate adapter which added a few inches to the front end of the G2. The added bulk necessitated a new roomier camera bag. Still portable but not like an unadorned G2.

At the same time I picked up a 420ex flash. Then came the Olympus A28 and A200 add-on lenses. All this is housed in a 100eg Canon bag. Believe it or not, everything fits - albeit a tad, space challenged (a center divider seperates the bag into 2 compartments: one side houses the G2 and Lensmate sitting G2 backside down / the other has the 420ex folded up slightly and the 2 lenses on top.

Looking for even more room, I have a bigger 10eg Canon bag on the way. Want enough room to bring along a small Sony mini-dv camcorder (maybe I'm expecting too much). Portable?? Sure, it's not as portable as the G2 by itself but I don't find the setup I have a problem at all. If I ever feel the need, I will just detach the Lensmate and the G2 is back to its natural and very portable state - for those rare occasions when I really need that portability.

21farms said:

hi john,

i upgraded from a canon powershot S10 to the G2. for me at least,
portability is a problem, particularly since i cannot live without
my 420ex flash now and take it along with me everywhere. i have the
canon 100EG deluxe gadget bag that can also be worn like a big
fanny pack...this leaves my hands free but causes people to sing
"baby got back" everywhere i go. i decided to get a S40 for a more
portable camera but have found that i rarely use it because it's
not as small as i thought. now, i'm thinking of getting rid of that
and going for a S330 but i really don't want "just"
2-megapixels...been there, done that. i dunno...

-norm

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/tulip_festival

As portable as an A20 or A40 when you remove the shoulder strap. Attached a wrist strap for safety. Then turned the camera bag inside out to remove internal pouches sewn in to make room for the G2. Accessories have to be carried elsewhere. eL

John Catral said:

Hi! This is my very first post so be nice to n00bie I really
love the site helps me decide and improve in my shooting.

Anyway, I was wondering how people use their G2s. I just sold my
Canon S300 and I am still researching which one to get. An S40 or
a G2. Don't worry this is not a "Whats better, an S40 or G2"
thread. Thats what the search button is for.

I loved my S300 for its size and portability and I was wondering if
people just dump their G2s in their back packs and bring it out
only when needed. I went to bestbuy last night to look at the G2
in person and realized that it is considerably bigger and bulkier
than my S300.

So... are you a person who just lugs the G2 around like a book and
take snapshots on the go or do you always put the G2 in a nice
camera bag and use it for only set shots?

Thanks!

John

Click to expand...

eL said:

As portable as an A20 or A40 when you remove the shoulder strap.
Attached a wrist strap for safety. Then turned the camera bag
inside out to remove internal pouches sewn in to make room for the
G2. Accessories have to be carried elsewhere. eL

Click to expand...

A Lowepro AF Plus can take the G2 without Lensmate attached, plus spare CF cards and batteries in the front pouch.
--
http://printerboyweb.net/G2

John Catral said:

I loved my S300 for its size and portability and I was wondering if
people just dump their G2s in their back packs and bring it out
only when needed. I went to bestbuy last night to look at the G2
in person and realized that it is considerably bigger and bulkier
than my S300.

Click to expand...

John, I'm used to toting a D60, or a medium format camera around. The G2 is a pleasure compared to either. I find it sets me free to just have fun with a camera. I purchased a small inexpensive "fanny" pack from Wal-Mart, and the G2 fits in nice and secure, and is hardly noticeable carried that way.

I have an S30, and strangely enough, didn't buy it for its portability. I'm a student, and could not afford a G2, so I went for the next best thing in my price range. Since then I have gotten a lens adapter, some filters, and other equipment. I carry my S30 in a fairly large camera bag to handle the "gear" = ). I still lug it around wherever though, just can't put it all in a pocket. If I had gotten the G2, I would still have taken it everywhere (it isn't that much bigger than the S30/S40 - same length, a bit taller and a bit deeper)

-Ben

John Catral said:

Hi! This is my very first post so be nice to n00bie I really
love the site helps me decide and improve in my shooting.

Anyway, I was wondering how people use their G2s. I just sold my
Canon S300 and I am still researching which one to get. An S40 or
a G2. Don't worry this is not a "Whats better, an S40 or G2"
thread. Thats what the search button is for.

I loved my S300 for its size and portability and I was wondering if
people just dump their G2s in their back packs and bring it out
only when needed. I went to bestbuy last night to look at the G2
in person and realized that it is considerably bigger and bulkier
than my S300.

So... are you a person who just lugs the G2 around like a book and
take snapshots on the go or do you always put the G2 in a nice
camera bag and use it for only set shots?

Thanks!

John

Click to expand...

It is portable enough. I used to have the Ixus V (S110) and I maved to S40 because of it was smaller that G2. After 2 week I desided to sell it because I missed all the expandability of the G2.

Now I have the G2 and the 420EX flash. The lensmate in on it's way. I absolutely LOVE the camera.

If I go out to take pictures I carry a bigger bag with all the toys in it.

If I wan't portability I just take the small camera bag on my belt with just the G2 in it. ( then I usually regret that I did not take the bigger bag

Kristian

ps. When my wife saw the G2 with the 420ex attached she said. " If I remember right, you bought the first digital camera (the ixus) so you could have a camera that is allways with us. Are you going to carry THAT with us from now on? ) hehe....

--
---
http://www.iki.fi/steelduck