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G5 or S602???? descision time after months of research...

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andy troup

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Hi Guys

I've spent ages reading through this forum and had finally settled on the S602 over the F717, G3, etc etc.

However, now Canon has released the G5 and it seems like a lovely camera. I'm aware of the problems that some people say occur with indoor shots and low light shots with the S602 (I'm also aware that some people say there isn't a problem ;-)). The G5 seems to be very good with night shots,but seems to suffer from purple fringing.

Basically, I like the S602 - a lot of its features are exactly what I wish in a camera: ability to take action shots, good macro capability, movie function, good lens and zoom etc etc.

The trouble I face (and people will probably sigh at this....), is for the amount the camera costs in the UK, I could probably get pretty much the same functions plus a higher resolution camera (such as the G5)

What do you guys think??? Has anyone used both cameras who could comment on the relative merits/disadvantages of each camera???

My brain is starting to really hurt!

Cheers,

Andy
 
If you had previously decided to get the 602 over the G3, what is the issue?

The G5 is nearly identical in most features, size/shape,e tc. Resolution enhancment? Marginal at best over the G3. The s602 equals and surpasses the G3 in resolution when you post process(do not use internal cam processing). But, the difference is immaterial between the two, within a few percent. I think you are falling for the marketing departments c_r_a_p, a.k.a. MP count.

-Chris
 
Andy Troup said:
Hi Guys

I've spent ages reading through this forum and had finally settled
on the S602 over the F717, G3, etc etc.

However, now Canon has released the G5 and it seems like a lovely
camera. I'm aware of the problems that some people say occur with
indoor shots and low light shots with the S602 (I'm also aware that
some people say there isn't a problem ;-)). The G5 seems to be
very good with night shots,but seems to suffer from purple fringing.

Basically, I like the S602 - a lot of its features are exactly what
I wish in a camera: ability to take action shots, good macro
capability, movie function, good lens and zoom etc etc.

The trouble I face (and people will probably sigh at this....), is
for the amount the camera costs in the UK, I could probably get
pretty much the same functions plus a higher resolution camera
(such as the G5)

What do you guys think??? Has anyone used both cameras who could
comment on the relative merits/disadvantages of each camera???

My brain is starting to really hurt!

Cheers,

Andy
Click to expand...
--

No matter what you might eventually decide, should that occasion arise, you probably will think in terms of "I should have bought the other". "Let go Luke. Use the Force." It is only a camera. The S602 is great with its speed for action shots ... I haven't a clue how the G5 stakes up. If you want a quick action camera you know what you gotta do. If not, then your decision is made also.

Good luck. I'd be interested in how you finally resolve this inner conflict.

-----
Mike Chinnock

Sanyo VPC-X350 HP C912 Fuji S602
Kenko VC-200HI
Sunpak 611 Vivitar 91
HP Photosmart P1000, 1115
 
I also wonder, do you plan to never add a tele, etc. to the camera? A G5(or any camera withou TTL viewfinder) useless if you need to use the viwefinder(sun, etc.). with an add on teleconvertor, etc.

-Chris
WmAx said:
If you had previously decided to get the 602 over the G3, what is
the issue?

The G5 is nearly identical in most features, size/shape,e tc.
Resolution enhancment? Marginal at best over the G3. The s602
equals and surpasses the G3 in resolution when you post process(do
not use internal cam processing). But, the difference is immaterial
between the two, within a few percent. I think you are falling for
the marketing departments c_r_a_p, a.k.a. MP count.

-Chris
Click to expand...
 
Andy Troup said:
Hi Guys

I've spent ages reading through this forum and had finally settled
on the S602 over the F717, G3, etc etc.
...
Basically, I like the S602 - a lot of its features are exactly what
I wish in a camera: ability to take action shots, good macro
capability, movie function, good lens and zoom etc etc.

The trouble I face (and people will probably sigh at this....), is
for the amount the camera costs in the UK, I could probably get
pretty much the same functions plus a higher resolution camera
(such as the G5)
...

Andy
Click to expand...
It seems a good number on the Canon forum have taken their G5s back, disappointed in the purple fringing that is much worse than the G3's, and higher noise at higher ISOs. Seems that ISO 50 is the only speed for low noise. Add to that that the optical viewfinder shows 83% of the frame, making composition difficult, and that the lens barrel intrudes into the view, and even worse with added adapter and filters/add-on lenses which you may want (tele) considering the zoom is less than on the 602, the camera seems rather handicapped. Some on the Canon forum think the G5 is just a stop gap until Canon puts out a better camera. Do you need the higher resolution for big prints? It probably won't help much except if they are cropped, and you can use the extra zoom of the 602 in many cases to make up for the slightly lower resolution, and then some. Most of its other features are better, but it has no swivel LCD.

Bob
 
Given the surprising (!) tendency on this forum to advocate the S602, I wonder if you posted the same query on the Canon forum, and if so, what kind of response you got there.

Is the grass actually greener on the SAME side of the fence?
Andy Troup said:
What do you guys think??? Has anyone used both cameras who could
comment on the relative merits/disadvantages of each camera???
Click to expand...
 
I did put it on the Canon forum. However, the fuji forum is considerably more efficient at getting replies back than any other forum :-)

There have been no replies in the last ten minutes from Canon users. Too early to tell though.

Regards,

Andy
 
Andy,

this is the fuji forum... there will be some sort of a bais towards the s602. But we will try to give you our opinion at the best of our abilities.

Before I got the S602, iwas looking at the G3 as well. There are certainly benefits with the G3; swivel LCD, higher MP, built-in ND filter. But when I compared it to the S602, its pros; larger optical zoom, faster response in AF, smaller shutterlag, movie movie, burst mode, takes AA batteries... my choice was made.

Granted the G5 is 1MP more than the G3, but I don't think that's enough to change my mind. To my surprise, the resolution of the S602 when printed, its a lot better than all the 3MP cameras I've used and seen. But if you are concerned about resolution size and the ability to crop, then the G5 will suit you better. The G3/G5 is definitely a great landscape camera as far as I can tell.

I think you'll have fun either way.

Jimmy
morepix said:
Is the grass actually greener on the SAME side of the fence?
Andy Troup said:
What do you guys think??? Has anyone used both cameras who could
comment on the relative merits/disadvantages of each camera???
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Get the Fuji. I have no regrets after buying mine... and I use it for everything. I couldn't decide between it and and another camera (which I WON'T tell you about because you'll add that choice to your quandry.)

FYI... The G5 has an optical viewfinder. I use my Fuji's EVF about 90% of the time (instead of the big LCD screen) and can't live without it. So I think there's a huge difference in the way you shoot FOR the Fuji.

Get the Fuji (quickly before they vanish!)

MacsterX
Andy Troup said:
Hi Guys

I've spent ages reading through this forum and had finally settled
on the S602 over the F717, G3, etc etc.

However, now Canon has released the G5 and it seems like a lovely
camera. I'm aware of the problems that some people say occur with
indoor shots and low light shots with the S602 (I'm also aware that
some people say there isn't a problem ;-)). The G5 seems to be
very good with night shots,but seems to suffer from purple fringing.

Basically, I like the S602 - a lot of its features are exactly what
I wish in a camera: ability to take action shots, good macro
capability, movie function, good lens and zoom etc etc.

The trouble I face (and people will probably sigh at this....), is
for the amount the camera costs in the UK, I could probably get
pretty much the same functions plus a higher resolution camera
(such as the G5)

What do you guys think??? Has anyone used both cameras who could
comment on the relative merits/disadvantages of each camera???

My brain is starting to really hurt!

Cheers,

Andy
Click to expand...
 
I actually just went through the same thing. It was between the Canon G3, G5 and the S602. Honestly, since I had a Fuji before, that featured the Super CCD, I knew what to expect. The 6MP Images from the S602, are, despite not being "true", in that, they are not from a 6MP CCD, look amazingly like images from a 4 MP and sometimes, even 5 MP camera. The thing is, you'll notice this more, when you resize your images down to a lower resolution, like 1024x768. The images look amazing and I think look just as good, if not better, than from other "true" 5 MP cameras. Plus, for me, the color that the Super CCD captures is second to none. I came to regret giving up my Fuji 6800...because I listened to what people said about higher-spec cams. I never got the color and sharpness, like I had with that cam. So, when looking at getting a new one, after a LOT of research, I decided to go with the S602. I just got it today, actually! :)
Can't wait to get home and try it out! Good luck, either way!

Scott
 
I thought there would be a Fuji basher by now telling how any Canon camera would be a better choice than any Fuji. I've seen similar before, telling how the Super CCD technology is only hype. It really was determined by a consensus of imaging experts, before Fuji decided to use it, that the 45 degree shift had quite apparent benefits, averaging a 141% improvement in resolution.

Perhaps the G5 is just too controversial for the Canon Talk people to get gung ho over. Can't say that about the 602 on this forum, can you? ;)

Bob
 
photobob said:
I thought there would be a Fuji basher by now telling how any Canon
camera would be a better choice than any Fuji. I've seen similar
before, telling how the Super CCD technology is only hype. It
really was determined by a consensus of imaging experts, before
Fuji decided to use it, that the 45 degree shift had quite apparent
benefits, averaging a 141% improvement in resolution.

Perhaps the G5 is just too controversial for the Canon Talk people
to get gung ho over. Can't say that about the 602 on this forum,
can you? ;)

Bob
Click to expand...
I'd probably stay with the G3 (over G5) but find it to be an excellent supplement to the S602 or vice versa. Follow both and know passionate adherents for both. BTW, I've got the Fuji. If I had uses where the swivel finder and optical finder were critically important, I'd got Canon. I'm into sports for the kids, the leads to the Fuji. I'd love a Fuji with the Canon tilt finder, etc.

I supose it comes down to which you feel you like best. There are cogent and unique features to both. You can't add remote or an internal ND to the Fuji, you can't add the burst and longer zoom to the Canon.
 
The answer is clear: Buy both!
Craig Gillette said:
I'd probably stay with the G3 (over G5) but find it to be an
excellent supplement to the S602 or vice versa. Follow both and
know passionate adherents for both.

I supose it comes down to which you feel you like best. There are
cogent and unique features to both. You can't add remote or an
internal ND to the Fuji, you can't add the burst and longer zoom to
the Canon.
Click to expand...
 
Better yet..... Fuji s602 + Sony Glasstron LCD video glasses. Talk about a flexible viewfinder. :-)

-Chris
morepix said:
Craig Gillette said:
I'd probably stay with the G3 (over G5) but find it to be an
excellent supplement to the S602 or vice versa. Follow both and
know passionate adherents for both.

I supose it comes down to which you feel you like best. There are
cogent and unique features to both. You can't add remote or an
internal ND to the Fuji, you can't add the burst and longer zoom to
the Canon.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
WmAx said:
Better yet..... Fuji s602 + Sony Glasstron LCD video glasses. Talk
about a flexible viewfinder. :-)

-Chris
Click to expand...
You mean Sony has now come up with what I suggested 2 years ago, an eyeglass LCD viewfinder attached to camera with a coily cord so you could put the camera anywhere you wanted and still have a good view? Switchable left/right eye so you could see what you were doing otherwise, of course. Even better would be wireless, I suppose, but would take more to implement it well.

Bob
 
Well, I m sure it was not intented as a camera viewfinder. It was meant to watch movies, etc. Their are several versions. The one I am getting has one lcd per side and a lcd shutters to control the ambient outside light/view-from opaque to transparent. Search on ebay for sony glasstron and you will find them. Prices start at about $300.

-Chris
photobob said:
WmAx said:
Better yet..... Fuji s602 + Sony Glasstron LCD video glasses. Talk
about a flexible viewfinder. :-)

-Chris
Click to expand...
You mean Sony has now come up with what I suggested 2 years ago, an
eyeglass LCD viewfinder attached to camera with a coily cord so you
could put the camera anywhere you wanted and still have a good
view? Switchable left/right eye so you could see what you were
doing otherwise, of course. Even better would be wireless, I
suppose, but would take more to implement it well.

Bob
Click to expand...
 
WmAx said:
-Chris
photobob said:
WmAx said:
Better yet..... Fuji s602 + Sony Glasstron LCD video glasses. Talk
about a flexible viewfinder. :-)

-Chris
Click to expand...
You mean Sony has now come up with what I suggested 2 years ago, an
eyeglass LCD viewfinder attached to camera with a coily cord so you
could put the camera anywhere you wanted and still have a good
view? Switchable left/right eye so you could see what you were
doing otherwise, of course. Even better would be wireless, I
suppose, but would take more to implement it well.

Bob
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
. . . be sure to give a mini review on your experience with them.

from: http://www.reviewfinder.com/reviews/glasstron/index.asp?page=4

Sony Glasstron PLM-A35 Audio/Video Glasses Introduction What You Get The Glasstron Experience Conclusion

Like I said at the beginning of this review, I wanted to like the Glasstrons. They look funky, and the concept is good. However, I found them just too uncomfortable, and producing too much eye strain to really be able to use them for more than brief periods. Hopefully in the future I'll get a chance to take a look at Sony's higher-end model, which has a higher resolution LCD and direct RGB video input for use with a computer.

Pros

Lightweight, small and portable
Sound quality is fantastic
Actually did feel like I was looking at a big screen
Cons

No focal adjustments
Produced eyestrain and ear discomfort fairly quickly
Low resolution video quality

Even though there is a separate LCD for each eye, there's no facility for 3D video

-----
Mike Chinnock

Sanyo VPC-X350 HP C912 Fuji S602
Kenko VC-200HI
Sunpak 611 Vivitar 91
HP Photosmart P1000, 1115
 
Andy, my view of the G5 is that Canon droped a G3 in a can of black paint.

I have not handled a G5 yet, but since it is suposed to handle just like a G3, the comparison I made to the G3 holds with the exception that the G5 eats storage faster.

Morris
Andy Troup said:
Hi Guys

I've spent ages reading through this forum and had finally settled
on the S602 over the F717, G3, etc etc.

However, now Canon has released the G5 and it seems like a lovely
camera. I'm aware of the problems that some people say occur with
indoor shots and low light shots with the S602 (I'm also aware that
some people say there isn't a problem ;-)). The G5 seems to be
very good with night shots,but seems to suffer from purple fringing.

Basically, I like the S602 - a lot of its features are exactly what
I wish in a camera: ability to take action shots, good macro
capability, movie function, good lens and zoom etc etc.

The trouble I face (and people will probably sigh at this....), is
for the amount the camera costs in the UK, I could probably get
pretty much the same functions plus a higher resolution camera
(such as the G5)

What do you guys think??? Has anyone used both cameras who could
comment on the relative merits/disadvantages of each camera???

My brain is starting to really hurt!

Cheers,

Andy
Click to expand...
 
Well, the review is for extended periods such as watching movies,e tc. Also, that is the always-opaque model. It does not have the option to also see outisde the glasses.

Steve has had quite positive conclusion for use as a viewfinder:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/glasstron.html

Of course, I have no interest in this model. The model i am getting has LCD shutter to vary the outside view.

-Chris
Mike Chinnock said:
WmAx said:
-Chris
photobob said:
WmAx said:
Better yet..... Fuji s602 + Sony Glasstron LCD video glasses. Talk
about a flexible viewfinder. :-)

-Chris
Click to expand...
You mean Sony has now come up with what I suggested 2 years ago, an
eyeglass LCD viewfinder attached to camera with a coily cord so you
could put the camera anywhere you wanted and still have a good
view? Switchable left/right eye so you could see what you were
doing otherwise, of course. Even better would be wireless, I
suppose, but would take more to implement it well.

Bob
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
. . . be sure to give a mini review on your experience with them.

from: http://www.reviewfinder.com/reviews/glasstron/index.asp?page=4

Sony Glasstron PLM-A35 Audio/Video Glasses Introduction What You
Get The Glasstron Experience Conclusion

Like I said at the beginning of this review, I wanted to like the
Glasstrons. They look funky, and the concept is good. However, I
found them just too uncomfortable, and producing too much eye
strain to really be able to use them for more than brief periods.
Hopefully in the future I'll get a chance to take a look at Sony's
higher-end model, which has a higher resolution LCD and direct RGB
video input for use with a computer.

Pros

Lightweight, small and portable
Sound quality is fantastic
Actually did feel like I was looking at a big screen
Cons

No focal adjustments
Produced eyestrain and ear discomfort fairly quickly
Low resolution video quality
Even though there is a separate LCD for each eye, there's no
facility for 3D video

-----
Mike Chinnock

Sanyo VPC-X350 HP C912 Fuji S602
Kenko VC-200HI
Sunpak 611 Vivitar 91
HP Photosmart P1000, 1115
Click to expand...
 
WmAx said:
Well, the review is for extended periods such as watching movies,e
tc. Also, that is the always-opaque model. It does not have the
option to also see outisde the glasses.

Steve has had quite positive conclusion for use as a viewfinder:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/glasstron.html

Of course, I have no interest in this model. The model i am getting
has LCD shutter to vary the outside view.

-Chris
Click to expand...
I hope yours has means to focus as the inability could well be the source of the eyestrain mentioned. And we know how important it is to see the sharpness of the subject the camera is focusing on. Seems the size/earpieces should be adjustable for comfort.

Bob
 
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