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G-series vs other Powershots - IQ comparison for beginners

Started Mar 20, 2016 | Discussions thread
Jay_B Regular Member • Posts: 447
Go to the Canon Store for a bargain...
2

patriot07 wrote:

FIL is looking for my advice on a new camera. I'm a Nikon DSLR user, and I love my D7100. But I've had great luck with Canon p&s back in the day, and I know the in-laws like Canon more. So I have a few questions for the DPR experts about the differences between them.

They are mainly looking for a camera for family pictures and the FIL wants a quality camera for pictures of the homes he's remodeling so he can eventually build a gallery for his website. Budget is definitely <$400, but preferably <$250, meaning the G9 and G16 are probably the only G-series models in consideration.

Go to the Canon USA Store at shop.usa.canon.com. Use the menu to find the refurbished Powershots. I have purchased a number of "refurb'ed" items and never had them look less than brand new. Enter the code "LUCKYCHARM" to get 15% off refurbs. Stick with the "1 inch" sensor cameras. IMHO, I would purchase either the G7X for ~ $450 w/ discount. If you can't swing that, get the G16 for $265. I would stay away from the ELPHs.

I'm mainly comparing the following models:

G9 - $429 - 25mm sensor, 20MP, ISO 125-12,800, 28-84mm FL

G16 - $379 - 15mm sensor, 12MP, ISO 100-12,800, 28-140mm FL

S120 - $449 - 15mm sensor, 12MP, ISO 80-12,800, 28-140mm FL, touch screen

Elph 170 IS - $109 - 11mm sensor, 20MP, ISO 80-1,600, 25-300mm FL

Elph 350 HS - $159 - 11mm sensor, 20MP, ISO 80-3,200, 25-300mm FL

Is the main difference between the expensive ones and the Elph series going to be in low light, or are they going to take noticeably better pictures all the time? Seems to me like the Elph might not be appreciably different quality than a smartphone, but you do get the zoom capability. Are there other models I should be looking at? What would your recommendation be?

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Jay B.
"No...really...my camera made me do it..."

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