hello. i am relatively new to the digital camera industry. ill explain my situation. i have decided to travel the world next september (fall 2004). i will be gone for 8 months to a year visiting over 25 countries. i need a digital camera to take along. i will be backpacking through many countries so the camera can't be to heavy or big. i have narrowed it down to the a80 (which doesn't have a decent review) and the g3. now i want to be able to control many things as i intend on using the camera in many situations (including underwater and night photographs of the sky in egypt). price is an issue but the g3 is within the budget. any coments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. if anybody can suggest a better camera then by all means do so. ill investigate. thanks in advance. i have already found this forrum to be quite useful.
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help a80 vs g3
- Thread starter Adrayic
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Kirsten Salve
Leading Member
Hello,
The A80 does NOT have a review, yet. It has not yet been released!
But, if it is anything like the A70, it should get great reviews!
Here is a link regarding your question, from previous forums: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=6202092
The G3 is nice, but rather large and bulky, and if your battery dies and you do not have a spare, your in trouble.Supports RAW and has an external flash. Oh yes, it also has a faster lens, f2.0.
The A80 is smaller and uses AA or AA NIMH rechargables, has the same size 1/1.8 CCD, f2.8 lens, a swivel LCD (1.5" vs 1.8") which I can live with, to name a few differences.
Here is a link to the specs of both cameras: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp
I have used both the G3 and the A70 (soon to be replaced by the A80) and I prefered the A70. I am also new to digital, the A70/80 is a much more compact camera, but not so small that I had camera shake problems. The A70 also, on auto, took much better action shots than the G3. Yes guys, I know there are ways to get around this, but I want to be able to point and shoot an action shot if I come upon it.....and can not always be at the ready pre-focused for my shots.
If you have not tried both, invest in a CF card and go to your local photo shot and take some test pictures.
Here is a link to forum member Gayle's website, where you can see what an A70 can do!
http://members.iinet.net.au/~gayle_knowles/
Hope this helps,
Kirsten
waiting for the A80.......................................
but, having fun with my P71!
The A80 does NOT have a review, yet. It has not yet been released!
But, if it is anything like the A70, it should get great reviews!
Here is a link regarding your question, from previous forums: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=6202092
The G3 is nice, but rather large and bulky, and if your battery dies and you do not have a spare, your in trouble.Supports RAW and has an external flash. Oh yes, it also has a faster lens, f2.0.
The A80 is smaller and uses AA or AA NIMH rechargables, has the same size 1/1.8 CCD, f2.8 lens, a swivel LCD (1.5" vs 1.8") which I can live with, to name a few differences.
Here is a link to the specs of both cameras: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp
I have used both the G3 and the A70 (soon to be replaced by the A80) and I prefered the A70. I am also new to digital, the A70/80 is a much more compact camera, but not so small that I had camera shake problems. The A70 also, on auto, took much better action shots than the G3. Yes guys, I know there are ways to get around this, but I want to be able to point and shoot an action shot if I come upon it.....and can not always be at the ready pre-focused for my shots.
If you have not tried both, invest in a CF card and go to your local photo shot and take some test pictures.
Here is a link to forum member Gayle's website, where you can see what an A70 can do!
http://members.iinet.net.au/~gayle_knowles/
Hope this helps,
Kirsten
waiting for the A80.......................................
but, having fun with my P71!
Kirsten Salve
Leading Member
Forgot these 2 links:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=6202820
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=6204998
These guys seem to know a lot about the cameras and differences.
Good luck.
Kirsten
still waiting for the A80.......................................
but, having fun with my P71!
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=6202820
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=6204998
These guys seem to know a lot about the cameras and differences.
Good luck.
Kirsten
still waiting for the A80.......................................
but, having fun with my P71!
Iku Kawachi
Forum Enthusiast
If we're talking about the fall of next year, I'd strongly suggest waiting for futher improvements. Yes, it is said that "there is ALWAYS a new model on the horizon", but unless you feel a need for it NOW, you'll regret it when you actually use it. The G3 and G5 are by no means bad cameras, but chances are Canon will have a higher resolution, improved design camera out there.
--
http://www.soaringcapture.tk/
What's a 'lense'?
--
http://www.soaringcapture.tk/
What's a 'lense'?
Iku Kawachi
Forum Enthusiast
That's a year away! A lot will happen in the digicam industry between now and then. Making hotel reservations this early would be a very wise move, but choosing which digicam to buy for next fall's trip is perhaps a bit premature (unless you want to get in months and months of practice with the cam).
One thing to consider about the G3 is the good possibility that it will have scrolled off of Canon's product line-up before then, replaced by some new camera (or by the G5, which would be bumped down a notch by the rumored G6 release). In that case, they might be a little hard to find (but not impossible, since you can still find G1 and G2 cams new out there), though prices might be nice.
One thing to consider about the A80 is that I don't think it's had a reliable, comprehensive review yet.
One thing to consider about the G3 is the good possibility that it will have scrolled off of Canon's product line-up before then, replaced by some new camera (or by the G5, which would be bumped down a notch by the rumored G6 release). In that case, they might be a little hard to find (but not impossible, since you can still find G1 and G2 cams new out there), though prices might be nice.
One thing to consider about the A80 is that I don't think it's had a reliable, comprehensive review yet.
The A80 DOES NOT use the same 1.1/8" CCD that the higher end S series and G series use !!
It's smaller. This is repeatedly misquated,not sure why.
ANAYV
It's smaller. This is repeatedly misquated,not sure why.
ANAYV
Kirsten Salve
Leading Member
Hello again,
http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/a80/specs.html
and here:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp
The G3 is a lot bigger! and when you are traveling makes a BIG difference!
Dimensions of the A80: 103 x 65 x 35 mm (4.1 x 2.6 x 1.4 in)
Dimensions of the G3: 121 x 74 x 70 mm (4.8 x 2.9 x 2.8 in)
Weight (inc. batteries) A80: 350 g (12.3 oz)
Weight (inc. batteries) G3: 490 g (17.3 oz)
as stated in the DPReview side by side spec pages.
I carried the A70 in my purse and on my belt when I wore jeans. The G3 was too big for my purse and I wore it around my neck.
I am getting the A80 on the basis of the A70 picture quality, etc. I really liked the pictures from the A70 and would have bought it except I WANT the 1/1.8 CCD. and the A80 has this and so much more!
Now I hope that the A80 will live up to the A70 and be a great little traveling companion! Plus the advantage of the AA batteries (if I forget to charge the NIMH), which I can buy almost anywhere in the world.
If the reviews, for some odd reason, are not as good as the A70, I will buy the A70, not the G3, because of the size weight and easy of use.
Again, these are just my personal views of the G3 and the A70/80.
Kirsten,
still waiting for the A80.............................................
but, having fun with my P71!
I said the same "size" CCD. As stated here:
http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/a80/specs.html
and here:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp
I have used the G3 for 2 weeks (borrowed sister's G3) and the A70 (my in-laws) for a week.
The G3 is a lot bigger! and when you are traveling makes a BIG difference!
Dimensions of the A80: 103 x 65 x 35 mm (4.1 x 2.6 x 1.4 in)
Dimensions of the G3: 121 x 74 x 70 mm (4.8 x 2.9 x 2.8 in)
Weight (inc. batteries) A80: 350 g (12.3 oz)
Weight (inc. batteries) G3: 490 g (17.3 oz)
as stated in the DPReview side by side spec pages.
I carried the A70 in my purse and on my belt when I wore jeans. The G3 was too big for my purse and I wore it around my neck.
I am getting the A80 on the basis of the A70 picture quality, etc. I really liked the pictures from the A70 and would have bought it except I WANT the 1/1.8 CCD. and the A80 has this and so much more!
Now I hope that the A80 will live up to the A70 and be a great little traveling companion! Plus the advantage of the AA batteries (if I forget to charge the NIMH), which I can buy almost anywhere in the world.
If the reviews, for some odd reason, are not as good as the A70, I will buy the A70, not the G3, because of the size weight and easy of use.
Again, these are just my personal views of the G3 and the A70/80.
Kirsten,
still waiting for the A80.............................................
but, having fun with my P71!
You are correct.
I am wrong.
I'm certain I read that Canon re-did the lens due to the extra space needed for the Swivel LCD.Then they mentioned about the smaller CCD(i forget actual size,buy believe it's the one size smaller than 1.1/8".It was from a press release on the A80.
anyone else read this within the month?
Have i been staying up too late ,and need more rest?
ANAYV
I am wrong.
I'm certain I read that Canon re-did the lens due to the extra space needed for the Swivel LCD.Then they mentioned about the smaller CCD(i forget actual size,buy believe it's the one size smaller than 1.1/8".It was from a press release on the A80.
anyone else read this within the month?
Have i been staying up too late ,and need more rest?
ANAYV
Kirsten Salve
Leading Member
Hello,
Kristen (again)
still waitng for the A80..................................
but, having fun with my P71!
I read that Tom's had a "pre-production" model. Can that "pre-view" even be trusted? I just hope the A80, with the changes, will be even better than the A70, which I think takes some good pictures. And as a "newbie" wanting to learn more about manual features, I think the A70 (and hopefully the A80) will be an excellant choice!
Kristen (again)
still waitng for the A80..................................
but, having fun with my P71!
Kirsten Salve
Leading Member
I know that Canon had the LCD pixels incorrectly listed, but they updated the info on their website (US). The US site originally stated 67,000 pixel, and did that have everyone going for a while!!
So, maybe you saw a similar spec , that was later corrected. It does happen.
Thanks,
Kirsten
waiting............................you know the rest...
I think it depends on if you plan to end up with one or two cameras. I think the G3 (and G2) are really good deals (G3 if you can get it under $450, if not G2 for under $400). They support external flash, have some pro-like features, and support RAW image format (which is only important once in a while). But if you're planning on one camera only, I'd give some more emphasis on the weight/size factor. I like my G3 a lot (though it's not perfect) but I think I'd be frustrated with it if I didn't have my old s110 as my carry-anywhere camera. If the maximum portability isn't a huge issue, I think the external flash support on G3 is an important factor. And the G3 is still certainly portable, just not as portable as A70/A80. Good Luck.
Yes, Tom's did a review, but it was severely lacking. They "liked" it, but what the heck does that mean?
Of course, Tom's picked the A70 over six other cameras, so maybe the A80 will be even better?
Of course, Tom's picked the A70 over six other cameras, so maybe the A80 will be even better?
Since you will be traveling in 11 month's time, a better strategy is to wait for 1 or 2 months to see reviews for A80. I think in your case you probably should get the A80 for the following reasons, provided that it gets good review recommendations:
1. it is smaller and lighter. you have to remember that for travel photography you would need something wider than the 35 or 38 offiered by G3 and A80. that is, you will have to put an adapter and wide-angle lens on. that will put more bulk on G3
2. whether you need external flash is a 50/50 question but you will take photos outdoors more often. also an external flash is more burden to you.
3. if you need to take the camera underwater, I think the A80+case would be much smaller
4. aa batteries would probably get you running for longer with one charge. don't think that you can rely on alkalines, though.
1. it is smaller and lighter. you have to remember that for travel photography you would need something wider than the 35 or 38 offiered by G3 and A80. that is, you will have to put an adapter and wide-angle lens on. that will put more bulk on G3
2. whether you need external flash is a 50/50 question but you will take photos outdoors more often. also an external flash is more burden to you.
3. if you need to take the camera underwater, I think the A80+case would be much smaller
4. aa batteries would probably get you running for longer with one charge. don't think that you can rely on alkalines, though.
Michael iron86
Well-known member
IMO they are close enough the same size I would opt for the G3 get a 400 if you want small
Kirsten Salve
Leading Member
Hello,
Here are the numbers.
A80
Battery: AA (4) batteries (NiMH recom.)
Weight: inc. batt. 350 g (12.3 oz)
Dimensions: 103 x 65 x 35mm (4.1x2.6x1.4in.)
G3
Battery: Canon Lithium-Ion
Weight: inc. batt. 490 g (17.3 oz)
Dimensions: 121 x 74 x 70mm (4.2x2.9x2.8in)
I have used both the A70 and the G3 for 2 weeks, and they are "not" close enough in size or weight for my preference. I carried the A70 in my purse and on my belt, I could not do either with the G3 and carried it in a camera bag.
I used a Sony P71 last year and it was very "packable", but the A70/80 has so much more to offer! The G3 take great pictures, but when size is a factor, the A70 (and hopefully A80) has my vote for most versatile digi tool out there. But again, I am a newbie to digital, other than the Sony P71, which by the way, also has a 1/1.8 CCD-Sony went to the 1/2.7 CCD with their newer P72 model....what a shame.
Just my two cents,
Kirsten
still.....waiting for the A80............................
but, having fun with my P71!
for now.
Here are the numbers.
A80
Battery: AA (4) batteries (NiMH recom.)
Weight: inc. batt. 350 g (12.3 oz)
Dimensions: 103 x 65 x 35mm (4.1x2.6x1.4in.)
G3
Battery: Canon Lithium-Ion
Weight: inc. batt. 490 g (17.3 oz)
Dimensions: 121 x 74 x 70mm (4.2x2.9x2.8in)
I have used both the A70 and the G3 for 2 weeks, and they are "not" close enough in size or weight for my preference. I carried the A70 in my purse and on my belt, I could not do either with the G3 and carried it in a camera bag.
I used a Sony P71 last year and it was very "packable", but the A70/80 has so much more to offer! The G3 take great pictures, but when size is a factor, the A70 (and hopefully A80) has my vote for most versatile digi tool out there. But again, I am a newbie to digital, other than the Sony P71, which by the way, also has a 1/1.8 CCD-Sony went to the 1/2.7 CCD with their newer P72 model....what a shame.
Just my two cents,
Kirsten
still.....waiting for the A80............................
but, having fun with my P71!
for now.
Michael iron86
Well-known member
Daniel Oh
Leading Member
If you need underwater, A80 is the way to go. None of the decente G3 underwater cases is cheaper than the camera. Besides for your type of trip I am not sure how frequently you will have an outlet so it make sense to be able to use alkalines as emergency backup and the new 2000 mA 15 min charger AA batteries.
Obviously G3 is better but it difficult to beat A80 for your needs. But wait for the reviews the sensor and the CPU is good but the new lens system was never tested... I would guess the first review is a few days away...
I am also debating myself between A80 vs C5060 (one ugly camera) vs more details in LC1. The reviews will make the decision form me (red eye, picture quality, shutter lag, purple fringing etc)
Good luck! Don't forget to post images it sounds like exciting trip. I wish we head the current technology on my old days of hitchhiking...
Jeong
Daniel Oh
Obviously G3 is better but it difficult to beat A80 for your needs. But wait for the reviews the sensor and the CPU is good but the new lens system was never tested... I would guess the first review is a few days away...
I am also debating myself between A80 vs C5060 (one ugly camera) vs more details in LC1. The reviews will make the decision form me (red eye, picture quality, shutter lag, purple fringing etc)
Good luck! Don't forget to post images it sounds like exciting trip. I wish we head the current technology on my old days of hitchhiking...
Jeong
--
Daniel Oh
Kirsten Salve
Leading Member
vs
Sorry wrong #'s 121 x 74 x 70 mm = correct: 4.8 x 2.9 x 2.8 in
Hello,
The G3 is exactly twice the width of the A80, the length and height are not that much different, but I was able to put the A70 into my cargo pant pocket (minus the soft case of course) which is quit convenient when traveling. I did not like the smaller models-any mfg., tended to have problems with camera shake.
Again the G3 is a great camera, but when traveling around Europe, skiing, hiking, etc. "for me" the size of the A70/80 is perfect!!!
And looking at other A70 owners web pages (Gayle for instance) I think the A70 is a winner, and hope the A80 will be even better.
Respectfully,
Kirsten
waiting for the A80........................................
but, having fun with my P71!
Kirsten Salve
Leading Member
Hello,
I have also considered the C5060. I somewhat liked my brother's C5050, but I did NOT like the noise and the purple fringe. If I could get this kind of shots, WITHOUT the noise I would be sold! http://trilliummanor.fotopic.net/photo.php?id=1354891
a few A70 shots: http://trilliummanor.fotopic.net/show_collection.php?id=48549
What did you mean by more detail in LC1?
Thanks,
Kirsten
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A80 vs C5060 (one ugly camera) vs more details in LC1.
I have also considered the C5060. I somewhat liked my brother's C5050, but I did NOT like the noise and the purple fringe. If I could get this kind of shots, WITHOUT the noise I would be sold! http://trilliummanor.fotopic.net/photo.php?id=1354891
a few A70 shots: http://trilliummanor.fotopic.net/show_collection.php?id=48549
What did you mean by more detail in LC1?
Thanks,
Kirsten
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