Happy with the G-1?

Linda40826

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I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.

I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.

Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.

The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can find them anywhere.
Advice please.
 
Linda,

I think you have the questions here that you must answer to make your decision.

Here are some of my opinions of ?'s you pose.

Delay of 3 seconds would be the max. I have had 3 other digicams and the delay was a problem. The G-1 seems a lot less to me.

external flash is a good idea but is not totally necessary for good pictures. All point and shoot cameras have some problems with flash, I would think that the G1 is average in this area. I have taken great and not so great flash pictures, same as with my other digicams and 35mm as well.

The strap on the G-1 can be used around the neck.

The battery life of the G-1 is a huge asset to the camera. It will outlast the AA's 5 times in my experience. They are expensive though.

You are right when you say that the 3040 has a lot of happy users. there are a lot of happy G-1 users too. On forums you will find these happy users who think that they should try to get people to buy their camera and those who have had bad experiences with the cams and want to warn you. In the end you have to decide what features you like and need for your type of photo expectations, then purchase that camera, and start taking some great pictures. BOTH CAMERA's will do that.

ERIC F.
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
 
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
Both are great cameras however when you add up the swivel lcd and compact flash plus microdrive and extemely long battery life....plus a camera case lets you use a regular neck strap and protects the camera I own and do prefer the Canon G1. I am extremely pleased with this camera. I also own a 2500L and have owned a 3030 so I am not brand loyal. I believe the Canon G1 is the best sub $1K camera out there today!!!!!

Hope I helped,
JImmy
 
Check http://www.steves-digicams.com ; for digicam reviews.

Morris
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
 
Please, don't waste your time with Cnet, Zdnet or any reviews from those computer guys -- I don't think they know what a good camera is about. For example, their "Editor's Choice" Kodak 4800 in my opinion is a real dog and I would not buy at any price (too noisy to produce any usable picture to my eyes). Reviews here and at links you can find from here are much more respectable.

In my opinion, one should not consider to buy a camera at this price range if you don't intend to use an external flash. Internal flash on any camera that I know of are simply not good enough for most indoor/night situations. For outdoor only, a cheaper point and shoot will do fine most of the time.

I just bought a G1 myself, and must say I'm have VERY MIXED emotion about it -- nearly at the point of regret. The hotshoe, battery, swivel LCD, fast focus, slide show, etc. the feature set so rich it's hard to complaint. On the other hand, color balance is so finicky that I'm about to be fed up with it. I tried a flash scene in my house (20 ft ceiling w/ external bounce flash) over 200 times and still could find a decent shot; with the same flash & technique I could get perfect colors on Toshiba PDR-M70 nearly every time. As I just discovered, shuter speed on G1 affect the color balance of the flash shot tremendously - heavy yellow cast at 1/125 and much better at 1/50. This is very weird, because at lower speed the incandescent light should play a stronger role and make it slightly more yellow at lower speed. It's like take the convensional rule, reverse it and amplify by 10!!! And for some strange reason I don't see this mentioned anywhere on the countless reviews I read. On top of that, even on outdoor pictures color is slightly off. Sigh.

With the G1 being touted as the best under $1,000 by most, I'm not sure if it's a good time yet to get into digital. Though I like color balance from Toshiba PDR-M70 I'm not keeping it either due to focus problems, lost of details, short battery life, lack of hot shoe (to use external flash you'll have to use one of those clunky brackets).

I can't speak for the C3040, but if I were to buy one, I'd get it where I can return just in case.

Wish I can have the perfect cam: G1 + Grip + M70 color balance & histogram -- don't ask me to pay more though.

Hope this help. Michael.
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
 
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
Hi Linda,

I was considering the Olympus 3030 before I got my G1. Had the 3040 been out, I probably would have gotten that.

Of course now that I've had my G1 for a while, I wouldn't give it up.

Basically I don't think you're going to go wrong with either of these cameras. Eventually, go with your gut feeling and either way, you'll be mostly satisfied. Don't expect any camera to be absolutely perfect.

If you're going to take a series of photos with the G1 that have identical exposure and focus, you can lock in both things and it will shoot very fast. My previous camera was a Kodak DC260, and in comparison to that the G1 is incredibly fast no matter what mode I use.

The battery in the G1, while not a common format like AA is absolutely no trouble at all. It lasts and lasts and lasts. It wasn't uncommon for me to go through two or three sets in one short evening with the Kodak.

Now buy a camera before those grandkids grow up!

Does the Oly have a flash hot-shoe? I know you said you didn't want an external flash, but who knows, you may change your mind some day. No on-board flash is going to match a good external.
 
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.

Have you considered the Pro90? I've got a G1 and a Pro90 and the Pro90 is the one I like. Just my 2 cents.
Ken A
 
I'm currently torn between the same choices. I had really planned on the g-1, but lately I have been leaning to the 3040.

Downside is the storage and raw file situation. If you only do jpg, then should not be a problem. Also, smartmedia cards have not really been priced as low as compactflash. 128mb sm cards show higher pricing than cf cards. (ref. newegg.com)

Be advised that you will hsave to buy "several" sets of AA batteries additional for the 3040 in order to have a charged set always on hand. (see batterybarn.com for Nimh pricing - good!)

"dbuys.com" has the 3040 for $672 and the g-1 for $705. They have a good rating number on resellerratings.com.

Just my $.02
 
You've definitely helped! You actually had the 3030 so you should really know. Thanks. Just what I need. I've been afraid to purchase. Frozen. Thanks.
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
Both are great cameras however when you add up the swivel lcd and
compact flash plus microdrive and extemely long battery
life....plus a camera case lets you use a regular neck strap and
protects the camera I own and do prefer the Canon G1. I am
extremely pleased with this camera. I also own a 2500L and have
owned a 3030 so I am not brand loyal. I believe the Canon G1 is the
best sub $1K camera out there today!!!!!

Hope I helped,
JImmy
 
You might just be right ... wait to buy. Or, at the very least, buy where you can return. Many thanks!
In my opinion, one should not consider to buy a camera at this
price range if you don't intend to use an external flash. Internal
flash on any camera that I know of are simply not good enough for
most indoor/night situations. For outdoor only, a cheaper point
and shoot will do fine most of the time.

I just bought a G1 myself, and must say I'm have VERY MIXED emotion
about it -- nearly at the point of regret. The hotshoe, battery,
swivel LCD, fast focus, slide show, etc. the feature set so rich
it's hard to complaint. On the other hand, color balance is so
finicky that I'm about to be fed up with it. I tried a flash scene
in my house (20 ft ceiling w/ external bounce flash) over 200 times
and still could find a decent shot; with the same flash & technique
I could get perfect colors on Toshiba PDR-M70 nearly every time.
As I just discovered, shuter speed on G1 affect the color balance
of the flash shot tremendously - heavy yellow cast at 1/125 and
much better at 1/50. This is very weird, because at lower speed
the incandescent light should play a stronger role and make it
slightly more yellow at lower speed. It's like take the
convensional rule, reverse it and amplify by 10!!! And for some
strange reason I don't see this mentioned anywhere on the countless
reviews I read. On top of that, even on outdoor pictures color is
slightly off. Sigh.

With the G1 being touted as the best under $1,000 by most, I'm not
sure if it's a good time yet to get into digital. Though I like
color balance from Toshiba PDR-M70 I'm not keeping it either due to
focus problems, lost of details, short battery life, lack of hot
shoe (to use external flash you'll have to use one of those clunky
brackets).

I can't speak for the C3040, but if I were to buy one, I'd get it
where I can return just in case.

Wish I can have the perfect cam: G1 + Grip + M70 color balance &
histogram -- don't ask me to pay more though.

Hope this help. Michael.
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
 
The Oly does not have a hot shoe. But, from what I hear, this won't be my last digital cam.
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
Hi Linda,

I was considering the Olympus 3030 before I got my G1. Had the 3040
been out, I probably would have gotten that.

Of course now that I've had my G1 for a while, I wouldn't give it up.

Basically I don't think you're going to go wrong with either of
these cameras. Eventually, go with your gut feeling and either way,
you'll be mostly satisfied. Don't expect any camera to be
absolutely perfect.

If you're going to take a series of photos with the G1 that have
identical exposure and focus, you can lock in both things and it
will shoot very fast. My previous camera was a Kodak DC260, and in
comparison to that the G1 is incredibly fast no matter what mode I
use.

The battery in the G1, while not a common format like AA is
absolutely no trouble at all. It lasts and lasts and lasts. It
wasn't uncommon for me to go through two or three sets in one short
evening with the Kodak.

Now buy a camera before those grandkids grow up!

Does the Oly have a flash hot-shoe? I know you said you didn't want
an external flash, but who knows, you may change your mind some
day. No on-board flash is going to match a good external.
 
No, haven't even looked into it. I will if you tell me what you like better. Thanks!
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.

Have you considered the Pro90? I've got a G1 and a Pro90 and the
Pro90 is the one I like. Just my 2 cents.
Ken A
 
I have bought both cameras at the same time the c3030 and the G1 you cant really go wrong with either camera but I kept the G1 for the noise free smooth Images even in low light. The night shots are great with the built in noise reduction system which Nikon sony or olympus dont have. The new Firmware fixed the flash system but nobody beats Olympus internal flash but I have a external ex flash which if you do indoor shots this is a must have with bounce flash shots but with the Canon no bracket is needed. But what sold me was the battery life which can last me all day and the mircodrive which you never have to take out or carry around many little smartmedia cards. Yes you do need to do some post processing sometimes buts thats any camera even film and no you dont have to be Pekka to get a good shot. Like I said both are great cameras and I just wanted to tell my side but everybody has different needs so make your own choice but make sure its your choice. BTW I have decided to sell the G1 and get the pro90 which is G1 with 10x zoom.
 
You bought both! Whoa. I'm leaning toward the 3040 but am deciding whether to buy online or in a store. The online prices seem so much better, but I'm not sure you're not getting a refurbished unit, etc. Any advice there?
I have bought both cameras at the same time the c3030 and the G1
you cant really go wrong with either camera but I kept the G1 for
the noise free smooth Images even in low light. The night shots are
great with the built in noise reduction system which Nikon sony or
olympus dont have. The new Firmware fixed the flash system but
nobody beats Olympus internal flash but I have a external ex flash
which if you do indoor shots this is a must have with bounce flash
shots but with the Canon no bracket is needed. But what sold me was
the battery life which can last me all day and the mircodrive which
you never have to take out or carry around many little smartmedia
cards. Yes you do need to do some post processing sometimes buts
thats any camera even film and no you dont have to be Pekka to get
a good shot. Like I said both are great cameras and I just wanted
to tell my side but everybody has different needs so make your own
choice but make sure its your choice. BTW I have decided to sell
the G1 and get the pro90 which is G1 with 10x zoom.
 
Jimmy i have just bought the g1 and am trying to find the hard case to which you referred. Please tell me where you got the case. Thanks
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
Both are great cameras however when you add up the swivel lcd and
compact flash plus microdrive and extemely long battery
life....plus a camera case lets you use a regular neck strap and
protects the camera I own and do prefer the Canon G1. I am
extremely pleased with this camera. I also own a 2500L and have
owned a 3030 so I am not brand loyal. I believe the Canon G1 is the
best sub $1K camera out there today!!!!!

Hope I helped,
JImmy
 
No, haven't even looked into it. I will if you tell me what you
like better. Thanks!
1. The grip is more comfortable, especially if you add an aux. flash.
2. The 37 to 370mm (35mm format) optical zoom.
3. The image stabilizing lens.
4. Better built in flash-less red eye.
5. Little larger layout for controls.
6. Your left hand cradles the lens barrel similar to a 35mm SLR.
7. The colors seem to be a little more accurate (subjective).
8. It's just alot of fun to use.
Hope this helps you, Ken A
Have you considered the Pro90? I've got a G1 and a Pro90 and the
Pro90 is the one I like. Just my 2 cents.
Ken A
 
To me it's all picture quality. This is my seventh digital camera and the picture quality is far and away the best of all thecameras I've owned. There are some things I don't like about the G1, but there are things I don't like about all the cameras I've owned. As for the Olympus, if the B300 lens is any indicator of Olympus quality then you surely would do well with an Olympus too. If you get the G1 and want a telephoto converter lens, get the B300, not the Canon.
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
 
could someone please tell me more about the b300?
can it be used with the lensmate adapter?
does it cause vignetting on the g1? price, etc....

many thanks,

brian
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
 
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
The AA-Batteries of the 3040 seem to be a advantage, but as I heard battery life is very short (60-80 pictures with display on). Even my two

year old Fuji performs much better. The G1 is heard to have an incredible long battery life, so the higher battery price should pay off.

Like almost any other digital camera, the G1 has a mode where you

can shoot a few pictures quickly; then you'll have to wait until they are stored.

The 3040 has a slightly better internal flash. In case you need an externeal flash, you will be paying a lot of money with the Olympus, because you can only use one (very pricey) Olympus flash (about 500$). Canon offers four falshes for the G1 and later other cmpanies will offer compatible flashes, too (expect them to be cheaper).

I am going to buy a G1 for these reasons:
  • Flip Screen
  • Compact Flash (more flexible than Smartmedia)
  • Battery life
Why don't you consider the Sony S75? Should be in the same range as 3040 and G1, but with better battery life and the video clips are only limited by memory (up to 90 min with 128MB).
 
I'm down to choosing between the G-1 and the Olympus C-3040.
both seem to have different attributes.
There aren't a lot of reviews on the G-1 out there yet.
CNET hasn't reviewed it yet, and I need some encouragement!
There are a lot of happy 3040 users.
I am concerned about the G-1's delay of 3 seconds? I want to take
pix of the grandkids, and want the ability of rapid shots.
Also, I have read some disappointment with the built in flash. I do
not want to have to put on an external flash.
The flip screen, long battery life and stronger memory card seem
positive.
the G-1 is not as comfortable to hold, nor does it have a neck strap.
The 3040 can take AA batteries, which might be a plus since you can
find them anywhere.
Advice please.
Hi Linda,

I was just recently in the same boat as you are now. Reading camera reviews, watching this forum, and trying to decide on which camera to buy.
Seems like all cameras have pros and cons which make deciding even harder.

For me the choices came down to the G1, Olympus, and Nikon 990. What finally helped me make a choice is actually seeing them and comparing them for myself. All seemed like good cameras but I chose the G1 and have not regretted it.

Things that I like are sharp picture, long battery life, solid feel, and swivel LCD, which I have found to be one of the most useful features on this camera. I also liked the fact that it uses Compact Flash instead of Smart Cards.

I think there maybe easier cameras to learn, but if you have the willingness to learn as I do, this may not be an issue.

What it all boils down to is don't wait too long! Life is too short and kids grow up too fast! It seems that something better always comes out right after you buy anyway but thats technology.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Geno
 

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