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G12 in today's market?

Started Aug 9, 2013 | Discussions thread
GeraldW Veteran Member • Posts: 8,872
Re: G12 in today's market?

Bob,

Good idea!  I don't think you'll be sorry.  Together, they make a great pair.

The larger sensors and faster lenses get all the press; but the little SX230HS is really very good.  I've had several "travel zooms" in the last 2 years and the SX230HS is really one of the two best in my opinion.  The other is a well set up Panasonic ZS7.  Part of the problem is that these are complex, yet not premium priced, and as a result they don't get the care in manufacturing that more upscale models do.  I've actually had several of these, 2 bought new, and 2 factory refurbs.  One of the new ones and one refurb were superior and very sharp.  The other two got returned.  I sold the good new one in a weak moment; but the refurb I have now is at least as good and with a well aligned lens, has very little chromatic aberration.  Surprise!  If yours is a good one, hang onto it.  Nothing that came along later is as good for stills.

The Panasonic ZS7 is in the same class, with its Leica designed lens.  It doesn't go as long as the SX230HS; but goes a bit wider.  Again, you have to get a good one.  My current one was bought used and came 100% complete, in the original box, and was absolutely pritine.  It needs a good bit more fiddling with the menus to get a really optimum set up; but once that's done, it matches the SX230HS for image quality up to ISO 1600.  Kind of a toss up between them, so I decided to keep both.  It, too, outperforms all the newer models. (Yes, I did try them)

It really bothers me that so many newer models are a step backward in IQ.  Usually to get better "numbers" in terms of "X" and "MP", and also to get higher resolution and frame rates in video.  I don't shoot video, so better video means nothing to me, except if "improving" it means a step back in stills.

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Jerry

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