I went to buy camera today but...

Nance · Nov 23, 2002

I left the store confused. I thought I had done enough research and with the help of good folks on this site I felt very good about my choice to buy G2 for $619 at local Fry's electronics here in california but when I walked in the store and asked the salesman for his recommendation, he said if he was me, he'd rather buy Olympus C-5050Z for a little more ($799 which actually is a lot more but let's say I am willing to spend more for a better product)

His reasons were:

A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II, SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery. He says you can never run out of AA batteries

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ? Or should I just go with G2 ? BTW G3 at Fry's is $799 I believe. So if G2 isn't better than C-5050Z, is G3 better ?

Thanks for your help. You guys have been very helpful.

Logan Howe · Nov 23, 2002

Nance said:
I left the store confused. I thought I had done enough research and
with the help of good folks on this site I felt very good about my
choice to buy G2 for $619 at local Fry's electronics here in
california but when I walked in the store and asked the salesman
for his recommendation, he said if he was me, he'd rather buy
Olympus C-5050Z for a little more ($799 which actually is a lot
more but let's say I am willing to spend more for a better product)

His reasons were:

A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II,
SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery. He says you can never run out
of AA batteries

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ? Or should
I just go with G2 ? BTW G3 at Fry's is $799 I believe. So if G2
isn't better than C-5050Z, is G3 better ?

Thanks for your help. You guys have been very helpful.

I'm not a digital camera expert

Although I'm not an expert I have had a kodak dx-3600, and a DX-4900. The 3600 was $299 and the 4900 was $399. that isn't even close to the same ballpark that your looking in, but I've been doing some reserch also, and must say that AA are powerfull yet very cheap and usefull in many things including cameras. While if you where to get the Li-Ion battery it would most likely only work in that line of cameras, need a special charger, and be extreemley expensive compared to the AA.
The wider range of storage type would be a huge PLUS

I don't now anything about the two cameras you mentioned, but I would rather have more MPs, use AA NIMH batteries, and a wide range of storage types.

Logan

vk · Nov 23, 2002

Why be confused? If did your research using the best possible source of information much of which came from actual user (read dpreview.com) I suggest you go with your choice. Even if you didn't do any research I would suggest that you do not put too much trust into what some salesman who probably has no real experience using any of the cameras told you.
vk

Nance said:
I left the store confused. I thought I had done enough research and
with the help of good folks on this site I felt very good about my
choice to buy G2 for $619 at local Fry's electronics here in
california but when I walked in the store and asked the salesman
for his recommendation, he said if he was me, he'd rather buy
Olympus C-5050Z for a little more ($799 which actually is a lot
more but let's say I am willing to spend more for a better product)

His reasons were:

A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II,
SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery. He says you can never run out
of AA batteries

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ? Or should
I just go with G2 ? BTW G3 at Fry's is $799 I believe. So if G2
isn't better than C-5050Z, is G3 better ?

Thanks for your help. You guys have been very helpful.

Kel Toookay · Nov 23, 2002

Logan Howe said:
Nance said:

I left the store confused. I thought I had done enough research and
with the help of good folks on this site I felt very good about my
choice to buy G2 for $619 at local Fry's electronics here in
california but when I walked in the store and asked the salesman
for his recommendation, he said if he was me, he'd rather buy
Olympus C-5050Z for a little more ($799 which actually is a lot
more but let's say I am willing to spend more for a better product)

Click to expand...

It depends on how much you really want to spend, the Oly is almost 200 more than the G2. What do you want to shoot with this camera? 4MP might be enough for your needs.

Logan Howe said:
Logan Howe said:

His reasons were:

Click to expand...

Logan Howe said:
Logan Howe said:

A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

Click to expand...

One point for the Oly.

Logan Howe said:
Logan Howe said:

B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

Click to expand...

2 points for the Oly

Logan Howe said:
Logan Howe said:

C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II,
SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

Click to expand...

The E10 had SM and CF, which I found helpful, I could copy from one card to the other. I never really wanted to take the SM card out of the camera to download, they seem so fragile.
3 points for the Oly.

Logan Howe said:
Logan Howe said:

D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery. He says you can never run out
of AA batteries

Click to expand...

Li-Ion last a lot longer but if yo run out of juice out in the boondocks you can't shoot until you recharge. With AA you can always buy some more at the bait shop, but you will need a couple sets of rechargable AAs anyway.
One point each.

Logan Howe said:
Logan Howe said:

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ? Or should
I just go with G2 ? BTW G3 at Fry's is $799 I believe. So if G2
isn't better than C-5050Z, is G3 better ?

Click to expand...

The G3 is better than the G2, but I think the Oly is better than both.

Logan Howe said:
Logan Howe said:

Thanks for your help. You guys have been very helpful.

Click to expand...

--
Mike D

Buy a pro camera and you are pro photographer,
buy a flute and you own a flute.

Burts Bees · Nov 24, 2002

Nance said:
A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

Alas, we don't have a review of the Oly here so no way to tell if this really makes a diff in your photos (but you would expect the lens to be faster of course)

Nance said:
B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

As described in the G2 review on this site, the G2 resolution is comprable to most 5MP rivals. Don't focus too much on the MP number.

Nance said:
C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II,
SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

Might make a difference, but CF is cheap and fast enough for me. I'm not sure what advantages these other formats offer.

Nance said:
D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery.

The G2's LI battery is awesome. Just back from Europe with my girlfriend's G2...she barely had to charge it. Far better than taking along a zillion AAs. Cmon when are you not going to be able to recharge your camera? Everywhere has electricity (just back from syria and egypt...no problems recharging my Kodak DC4800 daily)

Nance said:
Nance said:

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ?

Click to expand...

It's like comparing a Honda to a Toyota. Just try both and make a decision. Both will produce great results if you know the camera. It's going to take maybe 3000 shots before you really know it, so make a decision and start shooting now!

Nick
http://www.pbase.com/nicktc

Tuba Paul · Nov 24, 2002

I'd second the point about the batteries--I have devices that use proprietary LiON batteries as well as devices that use AA batteries, and I prefer LiON--costs less, lasts longer. By an extra battery and a car charger and you'll be set--better than juggling six dozen AA (unless you're going on a month long excursion to Belise).

Same thing with the memory--CF is the cheapest per meg and also has the largest available capacity and is just the right size--all the others are that much easier to loose.

The Oly is a nice camera, but then again so is the Canon... Is it worth $200 more to you? Maybe, maybe not. Two hundred will buy an extra battery, an auxilliary charger (car or international) and some memory as well. Or, it will purchase a really nice tripod...

Nick Cockcroft said:
Burts Bees said:

A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

Click to expand...

Alas, we don't have a review of the Oly here so no way to tell if
this really makes a diff in your photos (but you would expect the
lens to be faster of course)

Burts Bees said:

B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

Click to expand...

As described in the G2 review on this site, the G2 resolution is
comprable to most 5MP rivals. Don't focus too much on the MP
number.

Burts Bees said:

C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II,
SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

Click to expand...

Might make a difference, but CF is cheap and fast enough for me.
I'm not sure what advantages these other formats offer.

Burts Bees said:

D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery.

Click to expand...

The G2's LI battery is awesome. Just back from Europe with my
girlfriend's G2...she barely had to charge it. Far better than
taking along a zillion AAs. Cmon when are you not going to be able
to recharge your camera? Everywhere has electricity (just back
from syria and egypt...no problems recharging my Kodak DC4800 daily)

Burts Bees said:

Burts Bees said:

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ?

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

It's like comparing a Honda to a Toyota. Just try both and make a
decision. Both will produce great results if you know the camera.
It's going to take maybe 3000 shots before you really know it, so
make a decision and start shooting now!

Nick
http://www.pbase.com/nicktc

Harv · Nov 24, 2002

I have the G2 and agree with the positive statements made about it. However, why not do a "hands on." Both the Oly and the G2 are good cameras. However, which one feels best in your hands?

ianR · Nov 24, 2002

I've read 2 magazine reviews of the 5050 and they confirm what we all expected: Noise.

You just can't squeeze 5mp into a space that held 3mp 2 years ago without a major advance in technology and not expect something to give. There's no advance in technology here, just in production techniques and noise reduction software (perhaps). Lens design still can't pull 5MP from that small sensor either.

The G2 has been just about top of the heap for last year (I don't own one) and the 5050 will be average at best IMO.
Go with your considered choice, not what a shop assistant tells you.

PS Hang around and hear what info they give other people.I recently heard a shop assistant tell a customer that the Nikon 5700 is an SLR.
PPS The comments so far about Li batteries are correct IMO.
regards
Ian

Harv said:
I have the G2 and agree with the positive statements made about it.
However, why not do a "hands on." Both the Oly and the G2 are good
cameras. However, which one feels best in your hands?

--
6900

Hans59567 · Nov 24, 2002

Nance said:
I left the store confused. I thought I had done enough research and
with the help of good folks on this site I felt very good about my
choice to buy G2 for $619 at local Fry's electronics here in
california but when I walked in the store and asked the salesman
for his recommendation, he said if he was me, he'd rather buy
Olympus C-5050Z for a little more ($799 which actually is a lot
more but let's say I am willing to spend more for a better product)

His reasons were:

A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II,
SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery. He says you can never run out
of AA batteries

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ? Or should
I just go with G2 ? BTW G3 at Fry's is $799 I believe. So if G2
isn't better than C-5050Z, is G3 better ?

A: Right, but not that important
B: Ditto

C: CF is the best and the memory of the near future. You can use also a Microdrive in the G2
Only interesting for people who have already lots of SM cards.

D: Partly right: AA cells are loosing rapidly their charge: Totally empty within a month.
G2 has a really nice and unbeatable feature: The swivelling LCD !

G2 was ever much much more expensive: Ripened out now and relatively low priced for a real masterpiece. No serious problems with this camera.
G2 has a remote control included !

Listen to salespeople but do what YOU like best.
Hans

ianR · Nov 24, 2002

Another quick point to consider: you'll probably be able to get a G3 for the same price as a 5050.
Hmmm!
Ian

Hans59567 · Nov 24, 2002

ianR said:
ianR wrote:
Another quick point to consider: you'll probably be able to get a
G3 for the same price as a 5050.
Hmmm!
Ian

Right you are: Even less: 702 $$ for the G3 (with 4xzoom) versus 799 for the Oly. Hans

paul schwartz · Nov 24, 2002

Nance:
Why buy at fry at all? If you go on-line to http://www.pricegrabbers.com

and look for canon g2 you will see prices $100 cheaper. The two cheapest sites for new cams both have good reputations (you could check that out on this board).

Nance said:
I left the store confused. I thought I had done enough research and
with the help of good folks on this site I felt very good about my
choice to buy G2 for $619 at local Fry's electronics here in
california but when I walked in the store and asked the salesman
for his recommendation, he said if he was me, he'd rather buy
Olympus C-5050Z for a little more ($799 which actually is a lot
more but let's say I am willing to spend more for a better product)

His reasons were:

A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II,
SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery. He says you can never run out
of AA batteries

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ? Or should
I just go with G2 ? BTW G3 at Fry's is $799 I believe. So if G2
isn't better than C-5050Z, is G3 better ?

Thanks for your help. You guys have been very helpful.

Nance · Nov 24, 2002

Hans said:
Hans59567 said:

ianR wrote:
Another quick point to consider: you'll probably be able to get a
G3 for the same price as a 5050.
Hmmm!
Ian

Click to expand...

Right you are: Even less: 702 $$ for the G3 (with 4xzoom) versus
799 for the Oly. Hans

where did you see that price for a G3 ?

Thanks guys for wonderful responses. I think I am sticking wiith Canon here.

Hans59567 · Nov 24, 2002

Nance said:
Hans said:

Nance said:

ianR wrote:
Another quick point to consider: you'll probably be able to get a
G3 for the same price as a 5050.
Hmmm!
Ian

Click to expand...

Right you are: Even less: 702 $$ for the G3 (with 4xzoom) versus
799 for the Oly. Hans

Click to expand...

where did you see that price for a G3 ?

Here: http://www.epinions.com/Canon_PowerShot_G3_Digital_Camera_Digital_Cameras

Not that I would buy for the very lowest price but a real well known firm have the G3 for 799 as you can see on that site. Hans

ianR · Nov 24, 2002

I think $799 is your target price for a G3 from a reputable dealer. I've checked a few of the places at around the $720 mark and they all have bad ratings.
Buydig have the G2 at $519 and they have an excellent reputation.
B&H have the G3 at $799 and they have an excellent reputation too.
Check seller details here
http://www.photo.net/neighbor/one-subcategory?id=2
http://www.resellerratings.com/
regards
Ian

Nance said:
I left the store confused. I thought I had done enough research and
with the help of good folks on this site I felt very good about my
choice to buy G2 for $619 at local Fry's electronics here in
california but when I walked in the store and asked the salesman
for his recommendation, he said if he was me, he'd rather buy
Olympus C-5050Z for a little more ($799 which actually is a lot
more but let's say I am willing to spend more for a better product)

His reasons were:

A) Aperture F1.8-F10 for Oly Vs F2.0 - F2.5 / F8 for G2

B) 5MP for Oly Vs 4MP for G2

C) Storage devices are "xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I/II,
SmartMedia" Vs only CopactFlash for G2

D) 4 AA batteries Vs Li-Ion battery. He says you can never run out
of AA batteries

So what do you say guys ? Is it really a better camera ? Or should
I just go with G2 ? BTW G3 at Fry's is $799 I believe. So if G2
isn't better than C-5050Z, is G3 better ?

Thanks for your help. You guys have been very helpful.

--
6900

bac522 · Nov 24, 2002

I consider myself an advance amateur, the G2 is an awesome camera that will last me for a very long time. I've beaten the hell of it (drop it from more then 10' from a bike! Fell into a puddle, yikes! And a few other minor things. The case has a few dings in it to prove it.) yet the camera is still working flawlessly.

The swivel LCD is awesome, didn't think much of it when I bought the camera, now I couldn't live with out it. The battery life is incredible, easily several hundred shots from one charge, I doubt and AA batteries would do that?

As for memory, you'll only buy memory cards once if you get a large enough size (256MB or more)the other memory support options are not important. A compact flash card will outlast your camera in terms of storing and retrieving images. Compact Flash will easily be around for the 5 to 8 years.

As for 5MP verses 4MP you are only talking 20% more pixels and from a picture quality point of view you will not notice it unless you are printing wall size posters.

Nothing wrong with the Olympus, that is what I started out on, but for a hard earn $200 difference that would seal the deal for me, the G2.

Nance · Nov 24, 2002

OK I am sold on Canon. The question now is G2 or G3 ? Is G3 worth extra $200 over G2 ? How so ? If I order from buydig.com should I also order accesories (what accessories ?) from them or buy them locally ? I HAVE considered buying from buydig.com before and now I am eager to order from them after reading above post.

vk · Nov 24, 2002

If you have the extra $$$ then go for G3. I have G2 and feel that G2-> G3 upgrade wouldn't be worth the money for me. If I were you I would get a new G2 now and wait a while to get accessories. You will need CF card > =256MB, but that's it. The reason I say this is that right now G2 is likely as cheap as it will ever get for a new camera. You can always get accessories later since they will be the same price. When you are ready to get more stuff I recommend you go in this order: 1.Lensmate or another adapter. 2)Good UV filter. 3)Tripod 4)External Flash 4)Carry case.
I also suggest that you look around in the canon forum.
vk

Nance said:
OK I am sold on Canon. The question now is G2 or G3 ? Is G3 worth
extra $200 over G2 ? How so ? If I order from buydig.com should I
also order accesories (what accessories ?) from them or buy them
locally ? I HAVE considered buying from buydig.com before and now I
am eager to order from them after reading above post.

Hans59567 · Nov 24, 2002

You may read the conclusions of some other inspirated testers: Steve's report and some links on that page.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/g3_pg8.html

I agree further with vk. Only my first concern would be the UV filter as lens protector (and a carrying case or bag as second.) One fingerprint is easily made on the front lens, specially in the beginning, and you will end up to struggle through lots of, partially controversial advises, how to get safely rid of it. Then you will buy expensive cleaning stuff, half of the price of a filter, AND a filter.

I can almost feel your eagerness to buy: Ha, go, go, run for it.. you will not be disappointed.
Enjoy !
Hans.

vk said:
Nance said:

OK I am sold on Canon. The question now is G2 or G3 ? Is G3 worth
extra $200 over G2 ? How so ? If I order from buydig.com should I
also order accesories (what accessories ?) from them or buy them
locally ? I HAVE considered buying from buydig.com before and now I
am eager to order from them after reading above post.

Click to expand...

ianR · Nov 25, 2002

So, here are some prices on compact flash from newegg who I believe are a good company

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?DEPA=&submit=Go&description=compact+flash&searchdepa=0&page=2

They have Compact flash type I 256mb for $84 and buydig have type II 128mb for $79.

http://www.buydig.com/cgi-local/shop/web_store.cgi?cart_id=814972126.1038211703&page=outlet_frontpage_db.html&details=yes&exact_match=on&pro_id=HSCF128MB&search_request_button=yes&accy=MRT1GMDKIT+MKDIGCAMGR1000+SDREADERUSB+PQIREADERUSB+VGVT-126+SAKTR12+HSCF256MB+HSCF512MB+HSCF128MB+HSCF256MB+HSCF512MB+HSCF64MB+HSCF32MB+HSCF16MB+SAKLCK+sdreader+MRTCFAD+sakbp-511l+CNVCR560+DF390+DF560+SAKLAG152+sakdowa-52+sakdowa2x52+SAKDO2X-52+ACCCNG+ACCCNH+ACCCNI+CROUV-52+CROFK52+BRCUSET52+sakch3000cl+HPPHOTO100+SAK5200+IMA85x11PAP20PK+IMA4x6PAP25PAK+IMACANVAS85x11+IM85x1150Pack+IPAPER19+IPAPER17+CNGB2200&as=yes

I'm not an expert on compact flash, but I know the Canon will take either. Phil's test seems to give better speed for the type I. Maybe you need to ask this question.

Generally, the camera sellers make their profit on accessories so it probably isn't the cheapest way to buy. The above seems to prove that unless type II has some great advantage.

Don't buy too much at first because your needs and ideas will evolve over time. For example, you might think a big card is a good idea now but later you might think having 2 smaller cards is a better idea in case you drop one and break it ( the microdrive type don't take shock very well so I'm told) or lose it. Or you might be a person that likes to take their card to the printers to get prints directly. Two cards means you've still got one in the camera.

You might buy a spare battery and find that in fact, the battery as supplied is adequate and you've wasted your money. Wait and see how it fits your style.

I do agree 100% about the protective filter though. These you can find anywhere but buy a good one like from the Hoya HMC range which will let through more light, not produce flare and qive a really good optical quality.
Good luck. You're nearly there.
Ian

Hans said:
vk said:

Nance said:

OK I am sold on Canon. The question now is G2 or G3 ? Is G3 worth
extra $200 over G2 ? How so ? If I order from buydig.com should I
also order accesories (what accessories ?) from them or buy them
locally ? I HAVE considered buying from buydig.com before and now I
am eager to order from them after reading above post.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
6900

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