Best Powershot G

I'm thinking about getting a Powershot G. I have several cameras now, but I really miss the viewfinder, and feel that the Powershot G is my best bet for a good affordable camera. I want to spend $100 or less, and am not sure which ones is best. Kijiji seems to have several in that range topping out around the G10 (for my price range). I suppose I could spring for a few dollars more if the general consensus is a G11 or G12. I like the EVF, but don't care if an OVF handles the full zoom (8x or more). I don't do much scenery, mostly objects (some far away) and macros. Can anyone recommend a camera meeting my specs. I am open to other than Powershot recommendations.

Thanks ...... john

Shinnen wrote:

I'm thinking about getting a Powershot G. I have several cameras now, but I really miss the viewfinder, and feel that the Powershot G is my best bet for a good affordable camera. I want to spend $100 or less, and am not sure which ones is best. Kijiji seems to have several in that range topping out around the G10 (for my price range). I suppose I could spring for a few dollars more if the general consensus is a G11 or G12. I like the EVF, but don't care if an OVF handles the full zoom (8x or more). I don't do much scenery, mostly objects (some far away) and macros. Can anyone recommend a camera meeting my specs. I am open to other than Powershot recommendations.

Thanks ...... john

One thing you can do is look up the reviews on this site for the cameras, starting with the oldest one first, maybe the G10. Then read the next review as it will generally tell you what has been improved or (in some cases) worsened between models. Earlier in the year I was doing the same thing and ended up going with a G12, although I don't remember what exactly prompted me to get that one over the other models.

I will mention though, the OVF might as well not even be there. The LCD screen was bright enough that I could still see it in the middle of the summer mid day without too much trouble, so I rarely used the OVF. It's too small to really be particularly useful.
You might also look at a S95. It has the same sensor as the G12 and mostly the same functions, but it doesn't have a hotshoe or all the dials. So it's more or less capable of taking the same pictures but you don' t have all the handy dials right at your fingertips as the G series cameras. When I got my Olympus camera I ended up selling the G12 because of redundancy but I kept the S95 since it's so tiny.

Hi Gohan,

Thanks for your help. I did look at the reviews, but I like to get the opinion of hands on users. So, is it your understanding that none of the Gs in my price range have EVFs?. If so, you may have saved me the trouble of looking any further. I have several cameras with decent screens, but I find that I have to hold them at arms length in order to see if the image is in focus. This usually ends up in blurry images, at least for me.  But I will check out the s95.

Thanks again ......... john

Thanks RedFox.

.... john

John,

I may be able to help.  I have owned the G5, G6, G7, G9, G11, G12, and G15.  Unless you're into nostalgia, I don't recommend the G5 or G6.

The G7 has 10 MP, and the G9 has 12 MP.  Both cover 35-210 mm, and both use the same defective OVF.  Normally, an OVF and the optical axis of the lens cross at infinity, so that anything closer to the camera will be shot a little too low.  The G7 & G9, however, have the optical axis of the OVF crosses that of the lens at around 5-6 feet.  With the result that the lens aims high for anything over 5-6'.  In fact at a long distance, a shot of a cruise ship showed just the top 1/3 of the ship.  I eventually learned to compensate and the results were pretty good after a while.  Both cameras do have a cross shaped reticle in the finder, and I used the top of the upper bar as the aiming point for distant shots.  Reviews on the G7 harped on the lack of RAW.  The G9 has RAW; but I preferred the color on the G7.  The lens is very sharp on these.  Front grip is small and needs to be built up.  ISO 800 is pretty noisy.

I don't know the OVF on the G10; but suspect it's like the G11/12.  It's lens covers 28  to 140 mm, and it has 14.1 MP.  I never bought one because I didn't like the feel in my hands.  The lens is not quite as sharp as the G9's.

G11 & G12 went back to 10 MP using the same sensors as the S90 and S95.  Their big thing was lower noise at higher ISO and, indeed, ISO 800 is quite good, and ISO 1600 is usable.  However, the S90/95 has an f/2 lens, and the G11 & G12 lenses start at f/2.8.  I thought the G7 was sharper.  The G11 & G12 OVF is fixed, and the optical axis of the lens and OVF cross at infinity; but the reticle is gone.

The G15 has the fastest lens in the series and covers 28-140 mm f/1.8-2.8.  It's very sharp.  The grip is also better, and the OVF is generally well aligned; but misaligned ones do exist. (a friend has one)  I still have a G15, and still use it.  It does flash very well.

For other brands, take a look at the Olympus XZ-2.

Hi Gerry,

Thank you VERY MUCH for this.

It sounds to me like the majour problem with the G series is the OVF, and a viewfinder is the majour reason that I'm looking at the G series, mostly to see if the image is in focus. Holding the camera at arms length just doesn't work for me. I don't think I can afford the G15, and am not into nostalgia, so that limits me to G7 to G12. So, considering that I normally shoot macros (insects, etc.) some distant objects (for example: animals in a field) and street photography (very rarely landscapes, sports, indoor, or faces) which (in order of preference, if you don't mind) would you recommend? I prefer sharp images.

Thanks again ....... john

P.S. I have an FZ150, that takes really nice pictures; but it's a clumbsy oaf to drag around.

GeraldW wrote:

John,

I may be able to help. I have owned the G5, G6, G7, G9, G11, G12, and G15. Unless you're into nostalgia, I don't recommend the G5 or G6.

The G7 has 10 MP, and the G9 has 12 MP. Both cover 35-210 mm, and both use the same defective OVF. Normally, an OVF and the optical axis of the lens cross at infinity, so that anything closer to the camera will be shot a little too low. The G7 & G9, however, have the optical axis of the OVF crosses that of the lens at around 5-6 feet. With the result that the lens aims high for anything over 5-6'. In fact at a long distance, a shot of a cruise ship showed just the top 1/3 of the ship. I eventually learned to compensate and the results were pretty good after a while. Both cameras do have a cross shaped reticle in the finder, and I used the top of the upper bar as the aiming point for distant shots. Reviews on the G7 harped on the lack of RAW. The G9 has RAW; but I preferred the color on the G7. The lens is very sharp on these. Front grip is small and needs to be built up. ISO 800 is pretty noisy.

I don't know the OVF on the G10; but suspect it's like the G11/12. It's lens covers 28 to 140 mm, and it has 14.1 MP. I never bought one because I didn't like the feel in my hands. The lens is not quite as sharp as the G9's.

G11 & G12 went back to 10 MP using the same sensors as the S90 and S95. Their big thing was lower noise at higher ISO and, indeed, ISO 800 is quite good, and ISO 1600 is usable. However, the S90/95 has an f/2 lens, and the G11 & G12 lenses start at f/2.8. I thought the G7 was sharper. The G11 & G12 OVF is fixed, and the optical axis of the lens and OVF cross at infinity; but the reticle is gone.

The G15 has the fastest lens in the series and covers 28-140 mm f/1.8-2.8. It's very sharp. The grip is also better, and the OVF is generally well aligned; but misaligned ones do exist. (a friend has one) I still have a G15, and still use it. It does flash very well.

For other brands, take a look at the Olympus XZ-2.

Hi Ring A,

Yes, I like the articulated screen. I have it on both my FZ150 and S5is. Thanks for your thoughts about the viewfinder.

.... john

John,

You didn't say if you use RAW.  If you do, that would let out the G7, although it's sharp and has very good color.  I actually preferred it over the G9.  And, of course; both have that OVF issue.

The G11 & G12 went back to 10 MP, have good color, and a better grip than the G7/G9.  In terms of what you shoot, the difference between them is that the G12 has a front wheel, and the G11 doesn't.  In my hands, the front wheel affected the handling, so I preferred the G11.

I mentioned (I think) the G7 was a little sharper.  To determine that, I downloaded the studio scene from Imaging Resource for each camera at several ISO settings, and then ran them through a good JPEG editor and added a little sharpening.  The edited shots were then printed as borderless 8.5" x 11" prints.  I then examined each print with a fairly strong magnifying glass that's normally used for thread counts in fabrics.  With my reading glasses, I can't see any significant difference up to ISO 400 at normal viewing distances.  I did run the G10 through that process as well.

I just took a break and went to my print files, and found ISO 100 and ISO 400 prints (as described above) for the G7, G9, G10, G11, and G15.  I also found my thread count magnifier and examined all 5.  As I said earlier, I really cannot see a difference with just my reading glasses, and I'm looking closely - like 6-8".  The G15 is the exception, as Imaging Resource changed the lighting and the whole image just looks different.  However, when I use the magnifier, I can see minor differences.

My advice would be to look for a really clean G11 or G12.  Same lens as the G10.  The G10 had over 14 MP, the G11 & 12 had 10.  Even so, the extra resolution is eaten up by higher noise at ISO 400.  And I don't see any better definition of fine detail; but I do see more noise grain.  Also, the G11/G12 will do better at ISO 800.  If I remember correctly, the G11/G12 had a fully articulated LCD; which is nice for sneaky shots with the camera at waist level.  Normally, for cameras of that size, I use a neck cord attached to the right hand strap lug.  Mainly because it wraps neatly around the camera and it's still able to fit in a loose pocket.  With a 2 point attached neck strap, they don't wrap well and the whole thing isn't pocketable.

Hope this helps,

Jerry

Jerry

Hi Jerry,

Well, that helps a lot. I have tried raw, with my FZ150, but was unable to improve on the native jpeg. One of the guys on another forum, took a night shot I liked and was able to edit the raw to bring up the part I wanted; but he was the only one who could. I think you have to know what you're doing with a raw editor. So, unless Canon's jpeg engine is not good, which I very much doubt, I probably will not use raw.

By the way, I spoke to guy who's selling his G9 for parts. He said that it just stopped working, and that he has reads articles from others saying the same thing about the G9.

Your point about 'shooting from the hip' sounds quite interesting. I never really thought about it, but it would be much easier to steady the camera, assuming it has the articulating screen; but I can't quite picture how your neck strap works.. The main reason I'm looking at the G series is the view finder. It's very hard to find a good camera, in relatively compact form these days unless your willing to spend your pension on it. But the articulating screen puts an entirely different spin on the shooting. When I use the FZ150, which is rarely, I use the articulating screen to avoid getting too close to my nasty (spider) friends.

.. john

P.S. Oops! I think I called you Gerry in the last mail; because I saw Gerald's gear list, and figured I had remembered your signature wrong.

GeraldW wrote:

John,

You didn't say if you use RAW. If you do, that would let out the G7, although it's sharp and has very good color. I actually preferred it over the G9. And, of course; both have that OVF issue.

The G11 & G12 went back to 10 MP, have good color, and a better grip than the G7/G9. In terms of what you shoot, the difference between them is that the G12 has a front wheel, and the G11 doesn't. In my hands, the front wheel affected the handling, so I preferred the G11.

I mentioned (I think) the G7 was a little sharper. To determine that, I downloaded the studio scene from Imaging Resource for each camera at several ISO settings, and then ran them through a good JPEG editor and added a little sharpening. The edited shots were then printed as borderless 8.5" x 11" prints. I then examined each print with a fairly strong magnifying glass that's normally used for thread counts in fabrics. With my reading glasses, I can't see any significant difference up to ISO 400 at normal viewing distances. I did run the G10 through that process as well.

I just took a break and went to my print files, and found ISO 100 and ISO 400 prints (as described above) for the G7, G9, G10, G11, and G15. I also found my thread count magnifier and examined all 5. As I said earlier, I really cannot see a difference with just my reading glasses, and I'm looking closely - like 6-8". The G15 is the exception, as Imaging Resource changed the lighting and the whole image just looks different. However, when I use the magnifier, I can see minor differences.

My advice would be to look for a really clean G11 or G12. Same lens as the G10. The G10 had over 14 MP, the G11 & 12 had 10. Even so, the extra resolution is eaten up by higher noise at ISO 400. And I don't see any better definition of fine detail; but I do see more noise grain. Also, the G11/G12 will do better at ISO 800. If I remember correctly, the G11/G12 had a fully articulated LCD; which is nice for sneaky shots with the camera at waist level. Normally, for cameras of that size, I use a neck cord attached to the right hand strap lug. Mainly because it wraps neatly around the camera and it's still able to fit in a loose pocket. With a 2 point attached neck strap, they don't wrap well and the whole thing isn't pocketable.

Hope this helps,

Jerry

Jerry

John,

All the G series had strap attachment points on both sides of the body, and they came with a narrow strap that went around your neck and attached to both strap lugs.  You need something like that to conveniently use the rear LCD for waist level candids.  However, the extra length and bulk of the strap doesn't wrap around the body compactly, and it makes the camera too big for even a large pants pocket.  So I use a waist pouch for a camera fitted with a neck strap.

I really don't like wrist straps as the camera is constantly banging into things as you reach for a door knob, or try to use a drinking fountain, or a hand rail on the stairs, or try to tie a shoelace.  And so if I'm not doing waist level candids, I use a neck cord (lanyard) attached to the right hand strap lug.  The camera then dangles somewhere near my belly button at an angle, and that makes it harder to take those waist level candids.

When the G11 & G12 came out, they were well accepted with a lot of positive posts on this forum.  In several cases, they were used for travel magazine artwork, including magazine covers.

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for the explanation, and the benefit of all your experience.

..... john

Hi Ring A,

So, you don't find that the neck strap provides an extra modicum of steadiness for shooting?

...... john

Yes, I understand.

Thanks ...... john

Shinnen wrote:

Hi Gerry,

Thank you VERY MUCH for this.

It sounds to me like the majour problem with the G series is the OVF, and a viewfinder is the majour reason that I'm looking at the G series, mostly to see if the image is in focus.

No compact camera OVF will help you with focusing. Full stop! That OVF is just a way to make sure camera is pointed in the right direction. No focus aids and pretty approximate framing.

I have a G15 and it's a lovely camera but as soon as I get to where critical focus is an issue I use the back screen. My dream would be a G17 with a proper EVF, but it will never happen.

Shinnen wrote:

I'm thinking about getting a Powershot G. I have several cameras now, but I really miss the viewfinder, and feel that the Powershot G is my best bet for a good affordable camera. I want to spend $100 or less, and am not sure which ones is best. Kijiji seems to have several in that range topping out around the G10 (for my price range). I suppose I could spring for a few dollars more if the general consensus is a G11 or G12. I like the EVF, but don't care if an OVF handles the full zoom (8x or more). I don't do much scenery, mostly objects (some far away) and macros. Can anyone recommend a camera meeting my specs. I am open to other than Powershot recommendations.

Thanks ......

It's going to cost you a few more dollars but I'd suggest that you look for a good condition used SX50HS. It's one of the most versatile PowerShots available and will take care of your near and distance shots very nicely.

...just a thought.

Jim