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7Hi or G3 - please help me decide - thanks!

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daze

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I bought a Canon G3 and I'm not so sure I love it. The main issue is that I find it hard to hold. (I'm used to the Canon EOS Elan 35mm. - better grip - much MORE of a camera in size) I went to a local camera store and found the 7Hi. It was so much nicer to hold. I am within my grace period for returning the camera to the online store. Should I exchange it for the 7Hi? Anybody with intelligent information about both? I would really appreciate any help. I don't want to be STUCK with a camera I won't really enjoy. I've read reviews and the 7Hi seems great but the reviews for the G3 are pretty outstanding. I've never owned a Minolta before so I'm scared to change teams. I've always been a Canon girl.
Pros & Cons? Thanks in advance for any valuable information.
 
daze said:
I bought a Canon G3 and I'm not so sure I love it. The main issue
is that I find it hard to hold. (I'm used to the Canon EOS Elan
35mm. - better grip - much MORE of a camera in size) I went to a
local camera store and found the 7Hi. It was so much nicer to
hold. I am within my grace period for returning the camera to the
online store. Should I exchange it for the 7Hi? Anybody with
intelligent information about both? I would really appreciate any
help. I don't want to be STUCK with a camera I won't really enjoy.
I've read reviews and the 7Hi seems great but the reviews for the
G3 are pretty outstanding. I've never owned a Minolta before so
I'm scared to change teams. I've always been a Canon girl.
Pros & Cons? Thanks in advance for any valuable information.
Click to expand...
Be happy!

The camera which you've got is about as good as it gets for that style of camera.

The D7Hi is about as good as it gets for a more SLR-style camera giving full manual control.

The only thing to be aware of is that the Minolta has a learning curve, and you need to work at it to get the best out of it.

If you wanted a similar style, but maybe a bit easier to learn to use, check out the Sony 717. If you prefer to be able to control your camera with buttons rather than menus, go for the Minolta.

The thing which I didn't like about the Canon, G2 rather than G3 at the time, was the viewfinder.
If something feels right to you, you are more likely to be happy with it.
Best of luck.
And they are both good cameras.
--
DaveMart
 
David,

Thank you for your posting. When I tried out the 7Hi yesterday, I didn't like how "stiff" the manual zoom was. Will that loosen up any. My Elan is like butter. What do you mean about the buttons vs. menus? Do you mean that pretty much all on the Minolta is manual, like my 35mm Elan vs. the Canon G3's computer style menus? Keep in mind, this is my first digital camera so I'm still learning.... EVERYTHING!
Thank you again, David.
Alicia
David Martin said:
daze said:
I bought a Canon G3 and I'm not so sure I love it. The main issue
is that I find it hard to hold. (I'm used to the Canon EOS Elan
35mm. - better grip - much MORE of a camera in size) I went to a
local camera store and found the 7Hi. It was so much nicer to
hold. I am within my grace period for returning the camera to the
online store. Should I exchange it for the 7Hi? Anybody with
intelligent information about both? I would really appreciate any
help. I don't want to be STUCK with a camera I won't really enjoy.
I've read reviews and the 7Hi seems great but the reviews for the
G3 are pretty outstanding. I've never owned a Minolta before so
I'm scared to change teams. I've always been a Canon girl.
Pros & Cons? Thanks in advance for any valuable information.
Click to expand...
Be happy!
The camera which you've got is about as good as it gets for that
style of camera.
The D7Hi is about as good as it gets for a more SLR-style camera
giving full manual control.
The only thing to be aware of is that the Minolta has a learning
curve, and you need to work at it to get the best out of it.
If you wanted a similar style, but maybe a bit easier to learn to
use, check out the Sony 717. If you prefer to be able to control
your camera with buttons rather than menus, go for the Minolta.
The thing which I didn't like about the Canon, G2 rather than G3 at
the time, was the viewfinder.
If something feels right to you, you are more likely to be happy
with it.
Best of luck.
And they are both good cameras.
--
DaveMart
Click to expand...
 
daze said:
David,
Thank you for your posting. When I tried out the 7Hi yesterday, I
didn't like how "stiff" the manual zoom was. Will that loosen up
any. My Elan is like butter.
Click to expand...
The Minolta is plastic.And no, it doesn't feel as nice as the zoom on a 35mm which uses metal. If you find that difficult you'd hate the digital control whch you have on all the other digital cameras!

And yes, it does loosen up. I repeat, at this level in digitla cameras the 7Hi is as good as it gets. You'll also find the AF poor compared to a 35mm film camera. But you won't find better unless you go to a camera with removable lenses.
What do you mean about the buttons
daze said:
vs. menus? Do you mean that pretty much all on the Minolta is
manual, like my 35mm Elan vs. the Canon G3's computer style menus?
Click to expand...
Exactly.
daze said:
Keep in mind, this is my first digital camera so I'm still
learning.... EVERYTHING!
Thank you again, David.
Alicia
Click to expand...
--
DaveMart
 
David Martin said:
daze said:
David,
Thank you for your posting. When I tried out the 7Hi yesterday, I
didn't like how "stiff" the manual zoom was. Will that loosen up
any. My Elan is like butter.
Click to expand...
The Minolta is plastic.And no, it doesn't feel as nice as the zoom
on a 35mm which uses metal. If you find that difficult you'd hate
the digital control whch you have on all the other digital cameras!
And yes, it does loosen up. I repeat, at this level in digitla
cameras the 7Hi is as good as it gets. You'll also find the AF poor
compared to a 35mm film camera. But you won't find better unless
you go to a camera with removable lenses.
What do you mean about the buttons
Member said:
vs. menus? Do you mean that pretty much all on the Minolta is
manual, like my 35mm Elan vs. the Canon G3's computer style menus?
Click to expand...
Exactly.
Member said:
Keep in mind, this is my first digital camera so I'm still
learning.... EVERYTHING!
Thank you again, David.
Alicia
Click to expand...
--
DaveMart
Click to expand...
Just had a thought. Check out the Olympus E-20 as well. It's not as capable as the 7Hi in a lot of respects (slower, less zoom) but you'll love the way it feels.
Regards,
--
DaveMart
 
Dave, thank you again. I have checked out the E-20. I'm not willing to give up the zoom or speed, just like you said.

I've been on the phone with online camera stores and they are all telling me to keep my G3, that it's just a better made product. But I really liked the feel of the 7Hi. I have to make a solid decision pretty soon. Your input is very helpful.
Thanks,
Alicia
Member said:
Member said:
Member said:
DaveMart
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Just had a thought. Check out the Olympus E-20 as well. It's not as
capable as the 7Hi in a lot of respects (slower, less zoom) but
you'll love the way it feels.
Regards,
--
DaveMart
Click to expand...
 
After one month with the 7Hi and about 1,000 images, I am extremely pleased with my decision and I think you should give it a try. Coming from a traditional SLR, the 7Hi is very similar to use. The photos are outstanding.

I like the way the camera feels in my hand and its very comfortable. I chose to use a wrist strap (from another camera) and like it much more than the shoulder strap. I felt the camera was just too small for a shoulder strap.

The reason for the steep learning curve is all the features the 7Hi has. However, the buttons are nicely laid out for the types of changes you want to make to the images you are taking.

I have not found one negative point to the 7Hi and like you, I spent considerable time researching this website and others before I made my decision.

Consider this in your decision process. You will invest some time learning the features of whatever camera you choose. That time will equate to the final product of the images you are capturing. The 7Hi will not disappoint you in that after you practice some shots with various features, you will find you've opened up your range of creativity considerably.

Be ready to change batteries often, but that's pretty common to digicams that use bright LCD screens.

Best Wishes,

BH
daze said:
I bought a Canon G3 and I'm not so sure I love it. The main issue
is that I find it hard to hold. (I'm used to the Canon EOS Elan
35mm. - better grip - much MORE of a camera in size) I went to a
local camera store and found the 7Hi. It was so much nicer to
hold. I am within my grace period for returning the camera to the
online store. Should I exchange it for the 7Hi? Anybody with
intelligent information about both? I would really appreciate any
help. I don't want to be STUCK with a camera I won't really enjoy.
I've read reviews and the 7Hi seems great but the reviews for the
G3 are pretty outstanding. I've never owned a Minolta before so
I'm scared to change teams. I've always been a Canon girl.
Pros & Cons? Thanks in advance for any valuable information.
Click to expand...
 
daze said:
Dave, thank you again. I have checked out the E-20. I'm not
willing to give up the zoom or speed, just like you said.
I've been on the phone with online camera stores and they are all
telling me to keep my G3, that it's just a better made product.
But I really liked the feel of the 7Hi. I have to make a solid
decision pretty soon. Your input is very helpful.
Thanks,
Alicia
Click to expand...
Alicia, I sell things for a living.
Never ask someone who is selling things what you should buy.
They have their own agenda.

There are issues with quality on all digital cameras. If the Minolta's were that bad, would everyone on this forum have one that works?

Sure, some people have had problems, but you are going to get that with any camera and any manufacturer. See Sony's recent hassle on focussing with the 717.

Unless you need the extra portablity of the G3, the 7Hi is just in a higher class than the G3. If you don't like the zoom on the E20, the G3 has no more.
Come on in, the water is fine.
--
DaveMart
 
Bern, thank you. Between you and Dave, I think I'm pretty settled on the 7Hi. I just needed plenty of positive input. Like I said, I've always been a Canon girl so I'll have to adjust to the Minolta. It just felt so much better and if you say the image quality is good, well, there it is.
Thanks to you & Dave,
Alicia
Bern said:
After one month with the 7Hi and about 1,000 images, I am extremely
pleased with my decision and I think you should give it a try.
Coming from a traditional SLR, the 7Hi is very similar to use. The
photos are outstanding.

I like the way the camera feels in my hand and its very
comfortable. I chose to use a wrist strap (from another camera)
and like it much more than the shoulder strap. I felt the camera
was just too small for a shoulder strap.

The reason for the steep learning curve is all the features the 7Hi
has. However, the buttons are nicely laid out for the types of
changes you want to make to the images you are taking.

I have not found one negative point to the 7Hi and like you, I
spent considerable time researching this website and others before
I made my decision.

Consider this in your decision process. You will invest some time
learning the features of whatever camera you choose. That time
will equate to the final product of the images you are capturing.
The 7Hi will not disappoint you in that after you practice some
shots with various features, you will find you've opened up your
range of creativity considerably.

Be ready to change batteries often, but that's pretty common to
digicams that use bright LCD screens.

Best Wishes,

BH
Click to expand...
 
Dave,

I'm feeling pretty settled and confident in the 7Hi. Thank you for your personal time with my issue,
Thanks again,
Alicia
David Martin said:
daze said:
Dave, thank you again. I have checked out the E-20. I'm not
willing to give up the zoom or speed, just like you said.
I've been on the phone with online camera stores and they are all
telling me to keep my G3, that it's just a better made product.
But I really liked the feel of the 7Hi. I have to make a solid
decision pretty soon. Your input is very helpful.
Thanks,
Alicia
Click to expand...
Alicia, I sell things for a living.
Never ask someone who is selling things what you should buy.
They have their own agenda.
There are issues with quality on all digital cameras. If the
Minolta's were that bad, would everyone on this forum have one that
works?
Sure, some people have had problems, but you are going to get that
with any camera and any manufacturer. See Sony's recent hassle on
focussing with the 717.
Unless you need the extra portablity of the G3, the 7Hi is just in
a higher class than the G3. If you don't like the zoom on the E20,
the G3 has no more.
Come on in, the water is fine.
--
DaveMart
Click to expand...
 
daze said:
David,
Thank you for your posting. When I tried out the 7Hi yesterday, I
didn't like how "stiff" the manual zoom was. Will that loosen up
any. My Elan is like butter. What do you mean about the buttons
vs. menus? Do you mean that pretty much all on the Minolta is
manual, like my 35mm Elan vs. the Canon G3's computer style menus?
Keep in mind, this is my first digital camera so I'm still
learning.... EVERYTHING!
Thank you again, David.
Alicia
Click to expand...
The zoom loosens a bit but you learn to ignore it - sooo much nicer than electronic control though. The dial vs menu controls and manual focus ring are the best features of this camera. Easy to access and very intuitive.

The main part of the learning curve on the D7i is the fact that its default settings tend to suit low contrast neutral conditions and in sunny outdoor shots it tends to be a bit too contrasty with dark shadows and sometimes blown highlights. Most of us shoot using flex focus (unique to this cam) with contrast -2 and colour saturation turned up to +1 to compensate. You can store this as your daylight setting in the memory so its no problem at all, but has improved my outdoor use of the cam a lot.

It takes a little learning but theres a lot on this forum to help you out there.

The only recurring quality problem seems to be AF at wide angle. I have no problems at all but one or two others seem to have. Check this out as soon as you can (take some shots at 28mm with good AF lock and check them on your monitor - they should be nicely in focus. If not, take it back). Otherwise the cam does not seem to have any serious common faults.

Check out some of the galleries here as well, especially Melanie Kipp's at http://www.caughtintimephotography.com

Should convince you this is a good choice.
--
Steve

http://www.arnason.no/modules.php?set_albumName=album17&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php
 
Steve,

Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience. Good information. I think my mind is settled on the Minolta 7Hi.
Thanks again,
Alicia
Steve Jacob said:
daze said:
David,
Thank you for your posting. When I tried out the 7Hi yesterday, I
didn't like how "stiff" the manual zoom was. Will that loosen up
any. My Elan is like butter. What do you mean about the buttons
vs. menus? Do you mean that pretty much all on the Minolta is
manual, like my 35mm Elan vs. the Canon G3's computer style menus?
Keep in mind, this is my first digital camera so I'm still
learning.... EVERYTHING!
Thank you again, David.
Alicia
Click to expand...
The zoom loosens a bit but you learn to ignore it - sooo much nicer
than electronic control though. The dial vs menu controls and
manual focus ring are the best features of this camera. Easy to
access and very intuitive.

The main part of the learning curve on the D7i is the fact that its
default settings tend to suit low contrast neutral conditions and
in sunny outdoor shots it tends to be a bit too contrasty with dark
shadows and sometimes blown highlights. Most of us shoot using flex
focus (unique to this cam) with contrast -2 and colour saturation
turned up to +1 to compensate. You can store this as your daylight
setting in the memory so its no problem at all, but has improved my
outdoor use of the cam a lot.

It takes a little learning but theres a lot on this forum to help
you out there.

The only recurring quality problem seems to be AF at wide angle. I
have no problems at all but one or two others seem to have. Check
this out as soon as you can (take some shots at 28mm with good AF
lock and check them on your monitor - they should be nicely in
focus. If not, take it back). Otherwise the cam does not seem to
have any serious common faults.

Check out some of the galleries here as well, especially Melanie
Kipp's at http://www.caughtintimephotography.com

Should convince you this is a good choice.
--
Steve

http://www.arnason.no/modules.php?set_albumName=album17&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php
Click to expand...
 
Alicia,

I bought the G2 in April and didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Sure, the colours were great and the images sharp, but for me, it was an awkward size midway between a compact and an SLR. Moreover, the embedded menus made using the camera a fiddly process, which I just found hard to appreciate. That said, the G2 is an excellent camera, just not for me. Like they say, different folks, different strokes!

I love the 7Hi for the grip, the manual zoom ring and the well laid out buttons. The numerous buttons and dials might seem intimidating at first, but once you start playing with the camera, you'll appreciate how quickly they allow you to get to the controls. Images are excellent, even more so once you discover more about the camera. If you want an SLR-like camera without busting your bank (think the D60, S2 Pro, D100), and if you're keen on improving your skills in photography, go for the 7Hi, especially since you prefer the handling.

Finally, I'll say do your research on the camera, try out the camera and the alternatives, and follow your heart. ;-)

Hope that helps a bit.

Regards,
Ruby ( a Minolta gal)
 
Ruby,

Very helpful. Thank you!!!! I'm so glad you replied. You sound like you understand my dilemma. I DID arrange for exchange today. I sent the G3 back in exchange (difference in price, of course) for the 7hi. I'm so happy to read your posting since I changed teams. I felt as though I wouldn't be taken seriously with the G3. I know that sounds silly, but I don't want some point and shoot camera. Mostly, I tried it and found that I didn't like the focusing (Yes, I know I need to set to "single" and not "continuous", etc..., but nothing worked to my satisfaction). It really came down to the grip. I love the feel of the 7hi. Now I'm just anxious to receive it!!!.
Thanks again, Ruby.
Alicia
Ruby S said:
Alicia,

I bought the G2 in April and didn't like it as much as I thought I
would. Sure, the colours were great and the images sharp, but for
me, it was an awkward size midway between a compact and an SLR.
Moreover, the embedded menus made using the camera a fiddly
process, which I just found hard to appreciate. That said, the G2
is an excellent camera, just not for me. Like they say, different
folks, different strokes!

I love the 7Hi for the grip, the manual zoom ring and the well laid
out buttons. The numerous buttons and dials might seem intimidating
at first, but once you start playing with the camera, you'll
appreciate how quickly they allow you to get to the controls.
Images are excellent, even more so once you discover more about the
camera. If you want an SLR-like camera without busting your bank
(think the D60, S2 Pro, D100), and if you're keen on improving your
skills in photography, go for the 7Hi, especially since you prefer
the handling.

Finally, I'll say do your research on the camera, try out the
camera and the alternatives, and follow your heart. ;-)

Hope that helps a bit.

Regards,
Ruby ( a Minolta gal)
Click to expand...
 
You're most welcome, Alicia. :-) I've bought a few digital cameras within the period of just one year (Ixus 300--lovely point & shoot which i outgrew quickly, sold to a colleague who loved it; G2--gave to my brother who financed most of it anyway; Olympus 2100UZ--excellent macro capabilities & IS, but huge grip strained my small hands & AF is slow, slow, slow; and finally the Dimage 7Hi--which has been really neat), so I understand how you feel. I've posted some photos taken with the 7Hi. Check out nos. 1-5 at http://public.fotki.com/suxi/things/ and nos. 1&2 at http://public.fotki.com/suxi/people/ .

I picked up photography only in Jan, so do bear with my photos! Hope the 7Hi is the right camera for you too, and would love to hear about your experience with the camera! :-p

P.s: I've 'overdone' the levels for no. 4, mostly to show the details on the door grill.
 
Love the no. 4 picture! I love shots of doors. Thanks again for the encouragement. I can't wait to get my 7hi. I'll let you know how it suits me after I've had some time to "get to know it".
Talk to you later, Ruby.
Alicia
Ruby S said:
You're most welcome, Alicia. :-) I've bought a few digital cameras
within the period of just one year (Ixus 300--lovely point & shoot
which i outgrew quickly, sold to a colleague who loved it; G2--gave
to my brother who financed most of it anyway; Olympus
2100UZ--excellent macro capabilities & IS, but huge grip strained
my small hands & AF is slow, slow, slow; and finally the Dimage
7Hi--which has been really neat), so I understand how you feel.
I've posted some photos taken with the 7Hi. Check out nos. 1-5 at
http://public.fotki.com/suxi/things/ and nos. 1&2 at
http://public.fotki.com/suxi/people/ .
I picked up photography only in Jan, so do bear with my photos!
Hope the 7Hi is the right camera for you too, and would love to
hear about your experience with the camera! :-p
P.s: I've 'overdone' the levels for no. 4, mostly to show the
details on the door grill.
Click to expand...
 
Hi,

After reading through this thread and noticing your comments concerning the color quality the Canon G series produces… I figured I’d let you know that you can really tweak the settings of the 7 series from “duller than natural” all the way to “explosive color”.

The top 34 shots, on the page below, were all taken at +3 color saturation, +1 contrast, VIVID color, and ISO 100. You’ll also love that the 200mm lens…. It’s so sweet… gets ya real close to those lions, without getting bit!!!

http://www.congiano.com/exotic_amimals.htm

Have a good day now,
Anthony
daze said:
Ruby S said:
You're most welcome, Alicia. :-) I've bought a few digital cameras
within the period of just one year (Ixus 300--lovely point & shoot
which i outgrew quickly, sold to a colleague who loved it; G2--gave
to my brother who financed most of it anyway; Olympus
2100UZ--excellent macro capabilities & IS, but huge grip strained
my small hands & AF is slow, slow, slow; and finally the Dimage
7Hi--which has been really neat), so I understand how you feel.
I've posted some photos taken with the 7Hi. Check out nos. 1-5 at
http://public.fotki.com/suxi/things/ and nos. 1&2 at
http://public.fotki.com/suxi/people/ .
I picked up photography only in Jan, so do bear with my photos!
Hope the 7Hi is the right camera for you too, and would love to
hear about your experience with the camera! :-p
P.s: I've 'overdone' the levels for no. 4, mostly to show the
details on the door grill.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Great pics. Love the Giraffe!
Alicia
anthony said:
Hi,

After reading through this thread and noticing your comments
concerning the color quality the Canon G series produces… I figured
I’d let you know that you can really tweak the settings of the 7
series from “duller than natural” all the way to “explosive color”.

The top 34 shots, on the page below, were all taken at +3 color
saturation, +1 contrast, VIVID color, and ISO 100. You’ll also love
that the 200mm lens…. It’s so sweet… gets ya real close to those
lions, without getting bit!!!

http://www.congiano.com/exotic_amimals.htm

Have a good day now,
Anthony
Click to expand...
 
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