Please introduce me to the world of Powrshot cameras

Lord metroid · Feb 25, 2016

I sold my EOS 100D as I found it too big and heavy for my tourism needs. Instead I bought a SIGMA Quattro as it was released. After using the SIGMA camera for a while now, I am not satisfied with the size and weight of the camera and the unprocesseable RAW files. In retrospect, I ought to have kept my 100D instead but in hindsight maybe what I am looking for is a Powershoot of some kind.

What kind of photographer am I?

I equally like Optical Viewfinders as I like a Digital screen.
I am a manual mode only photographer.
I need the camera to be as small and light as possible. Easily carried in hand while walking and sightseeing for days on end.
I want printable image quality.
I want to record photos and movies of historical sights, landscapes, memorable happenings and places I visit.
I want to be able to record photos in environments such as night-time or badly lit indoor spaces.

I am a total newby in the Powershot range, saw a review of the video capabilities of the GX7 on youtube and thought it was interesting.

Perhaps you could help me navigate the Powershot camera line and maybe recommend me where to start.

Mark9473 · Feb 25, 2016

If it was a GX7, that is a Panasonic camera. ;-)

For the G7X however, you've come to the right place.

I think the G1X, G5X, G7X and G9X all can do what you want. Perhaps spend some time comparing specs. Also look at the size comparison: http://camerasize.com/compact/#534,637,573,636,ha,f

Exit10 · Feb 25, 2016

Lord metroid said:
I sold my EOS 100D as I found it too big and heavy for my tourism needs. Instead I bought a SIGMA Quattro as it was released. After using the SIGMA camera for a while now, I am not satisfied with the size and weight of the camera and the unprocesseable RAW files. In retrospect, I ought to have kept my 100D instead but in hindsight maybe what I am looking for is a Powershoot of some kind.

What kind of photographer am I?

I equally like Optical Viewfinders as I like a Digital screen.

I am a manual mode only photographer.

I need the camera to be as small and light as possible. Easily carried in hand while walking and sightseeing for days on end.

I want printable image quality.

I want to record photos and movies of historical sights, landscapes, memorable happenings and places I visit.

I want to be able to record photos in environments such as night-time or badly lit indoor spaces.

I am a total newby in the Powershot range, saw a review of the video capabilities of the GX7 on youtube and thought it was interesting.

Perhaps you could help me navigate the Powershot camera line and maybe recommend me where to start.

If you definitely need an optical (as opposed to electronic) viewfinder have you looked at the Fujis?

Lord metroid · Feb 25, 2016

Exit10 said:
If you definitely need an optical (as opposed to electronic) viewfinder have you looked at the Fujis?

I do not need an optical viewfinder, I am perfectly fine with a screen on the back of the camera.

glenncombs · Feb 25, 2016

Lord Metroid,

What the previous post meant was the camera could include either an electronic viewfinder, or a physical non-electronic viewfinder, in addition to the LCD or OLED display. Most modern cameras that have viewfinders have the electronic viewfinder, and not the physical (optical) viewfinder.

As with other suggestions, I agree that good choices for your consideration for a manual controlled Canon model could be the G1 X II, or the G5 X. These are flagship models, loaded with features and the low light performance you are looking for.

New Canon cameras will be coming shortly. It's never ending with Powershot upgrades. I have the original (first model) G1 X, and dearly love it and wouldn't take anything for it. But every camera is a tool filled with features and also limitations. Study these and others that different posts have suggested, and you'll find what you need for your kind of photography.

Glenn

EddyGil · Feb 25, 2016

I would recommend a Canon PS g5X

Lord metroid · Feb 25, 2016

G9X or possibly G7X seems nice, touchscreen and small size.

How is the bokeh on these 1" sensor cameras?

mikan · Feb 25, 2016

Lord metroid said:
G9X or possibly G7X seems nice, touchscreen and small size.

How is the bokeh on these 1" sensor cameras?

G7X will give you a better bokeh at tele, but it won't be as creamy as larger sensor cameras can produce. You can read this bokeh test I posted last week:

Loading…

www.dpreview.com

I bet G7X will produce a creamier bokeh than RX100 M3.

Lord metroid · Feb 25, 2016

mikan said:
Lord metroid said:

G9X or possibly G7X seems nice, touchscreen and small size.

How is the bokeh on these 1" sensor cameras?

Click to expand...

G7X will give you a better bokeh at tele, but it won't be as creamy as larger sensor cameras can produce. You can read this bokeh test I posted last week:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57310954

I bet G7X will produce a creamier bokeh than RX100 M3.

Seems like there is no bokeh to speak of. I like my bokeh to be more pronounced.

rpm40 · Feb 25, 2016

Lord metroid said:
mikan said:

Lord metroid said:

G9X or possibly G7X seems nice, touchscreen and small size.

How is the bokeh on these 1" sensor cameras?

Click to expand...

G7X will give you a better bokeh at tele, but it won't be as creamy as larger sensor cameras can produce. You can read this bokeh test I posted last week:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57310954

I bet G7X will produce a creamier bokeh than RX100 M3.

Click to expand...

Seems like there is no bokeh to speak of. I like my bokeh to be more pronounced.

The g7x actually has better ability to control DOF than the Quattro does, with the right settings. The quattro, for example, gives you a minimum 0.9 feet in focus at f2.8, shooting from 5 feet. The g7x can best that throughout the second half of its zoom range. Around 50mm you are getting similar DOF to the sigma, and you can get as shallow as 0.35 feet at 100mm f2.8. Of course perspective will differ so it depends what focal lengths work best for you.

Plus, the Canon has a background defocus feature you can play with, which will take two shots and attempt to further blur the background with in camera processing, which can be set to low, standard, high, or auto.

See http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G7X/sample_images.shtml for a page of sample images which takes some time to explore DOF control.

The g7x has its pros and cons, but it is the best pocketable camera out there in terms of DOF control (the only compact that really gives you significantly better DOF control is the Panasonic LX100, which is a great cam but larger and pricier). See Dpreview's chart:

mikan · Feb 25, 2016

Lord metroid said:
mikan said:

Lord metroid said:

G9X or possibly G7X seems nice, touchscreen and small size.

How is the bokeh on these 1" sensor cameras?

Click to expand...

G7X will give you a better bokeh at tele, but it won't be as creamy as larger sensor cameras can produce. You can read this bokeh test I posted last week:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57310954

I bet G7X will produce a creamier bokeh than RX100 M3.

Click to expand...

Seems like there is no bokeh to speak of. I like my bokeh to be more pronounced.

Oh your picture makes me hungry.

If bokeh is important to you, I'm not sure if 1 inch sensor cameras would make you happy. But I followed Elliott's advise (take a step back and crop), and the end result wasn't bad at all. Not like APS-C like, but totally usable. However, G9X might not suit your taste (f/4.9 at tele), consider G7X or G7X M2 if you are still thinking about 1" sensor cameras. Or, one of the new Nikon 1" sensor advanced compact cameras (but they are larger and won't be available till June).

Barry Margolius · Feb 25, 2016

I just want to add a bit to what has been said, since you are not familiar with Canon Powershots. The G7X and the G5X are pretty much the same camera (same lens, same sensor), but the G5X has a EVF and a couple of extra dials. You will have to decide for yourself if you are willing to put up with a bit larger size to get the viewfinder and dials. For me, it was a no-brainer, I love viewfinders.

And yet another 'warning', the G7X Mark II was just announced. It has many operational improvements over the G7X, but it seems likely that it uses the same lens/sensor combination.

Final warning: For me, USB charging is an important feature. The G5X and the G7X Mark II (and the G9X) all have this, but the older G7X does not.

crashpc · Feb 25, 2016

Powershots are nice fun cameras. I´d look at G7X.

Now, how about some Canon EOS M version (M10,M3) and couple of small lenses?

22mm f/2 STM and/or 15-45mm IS STM. M with one of these lenses on will be definitely smaller, and it will keep you in that DSLR image quality you had.

OzarkAggie · Feb 25, 2016

You'll get your best image quality from the G1 series because of the larger sensor and very capable lenses. Personally I waiting until the Mark II came out before buying the original G1x. What I didn't like about the Mark II was the placement of the mode dial outboard of the shutter, the WIFI button right above the thumb pad, and the flaky mode dial on the lens barrel.

While neither are "pocket-able" I bought a softcase that doubles as a belt holster which is a lot more convenient.

The other G's with the 1" sensor are smaller but I wouldn't be satisfied with the IQ. So recently I picked up a Canon M with the 22mm, and adapters for lenses I already own.

You might want to look at the M-10 because it is very compact, APS-C sensor, $500 @ Amazon. Comes with a 15-45mm lens that gives the equivalent of 24-72mm. While the lens is interchangeable most people shoot 90% of their shots with the same kit lens that comes with their camera.

Check it out.

damian5000 · Feb 25, 2016

G7X or G7XM2. Easy choice if you want bokeh, bright tele, and compact. G5X can't recommend unless you need hot shoe and/or EVF.

Lord metroid · Feb 26, 2016

damian5000 said:
G7X or G7XM2. Easy choice if you want bokeh, bright tele, and compact. G5X can't recommend unless you need hot shoe and/or EVF.

G7X Mark II seems awesome, continues/clicking ring selection and souped up processor.

damian5000 · Feb 26, 2016

Lord metroid said:
damian5000 said:

G7X or G7XM2. Easy choice if you want bokeh, bright tele, and compact. G5X can't recommend unless you need hot shoe and/or EVF.

Click to expand...

G7X Mark II seems awesome, continues/clicking ring selection and souped up processor.

That's what I'd go with if buying a new camera. Might switch up if they've added some of my desires.

Barry Margolius · Feb 26, 2016

damian5000 said:
G7X or G7XM2. Easy choice if you want bokeh, bright tele, and compact. G5X can't recommend unless you need hot shoe and/or EVF.

Just want to point out that the G5X gives you the same "bokeh, bright tele" as the G7XM2. Your decision would be primarily balancing size vs. EVF, hot shoe and dials. The M2 also has a performance advantage if shot to shot time is important to you.

mikan · Feb 26, 2016

rpm40 said:
Plus, the Canon has a background defocus feature you can play with, which will take two shots and attempt to further blur the background with in camera processing, which can be set to low, standard, high, or auto.

Thanks for the info! I had no idea that's what the background defocus feature does. I've just tried it and indeed, I can see the background gets much more blurry with this feature than just using f/2. Too bad this feature gives you no control, though; I can't even set the AF point.

Please introduce me to the world of Powrshot cameras

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