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Anonymous
Hi /p/. I'm looking for a new camera but not an SLR (yet). So this only applies to photographers with experience in the point n shoot field.

I currently have a Canon Powershot A520 and it is really nice but has a few problems. The first problem is the speed of operation. Since I keep a lot of photos on my memory card (I just thin them down from time to time keeping my favorites) the camera sometimes takes over 30 seconds to go into "review mode". Also shot to shot time is around 4 seconds and with flash about 15.
The second problem is the amount of noise in low light conditions. Compounding this is that even with ISO 400, a shot could still have a shutter speed of a couple seconds and turn out blurry AND noisy. My other family members have Sony Cybershots and their shots are almost always clear with around the same amount of noise. I rarely take night photos but sometimes I want a picture of a big city skyline at night.

Anyways, if you didn't read that, that's alright. My point is that I want a camera that is fast with >1 second operation times across the board and less noisy than my A520. So a digital SLR sounds perfect right? Well, I want a camera that I can take anywhere and not look like I am ready to photograph. I want a camera that I can carry around the entire day in my pocket or backpack without it getting in the way. Image quality is not a concern as I'm quite happy with the A520's (in daylight).

I'm thinking of a Powershot G9 for the body and reasonable operation times (I'll turn the MP down). The only downsides of the G9 is the noise (common to all powershots) and the price. I mean, I could get a Digital Rebel for around the same price.

TLDR:
I am thinking about a Canon Powershot G9. Anyone have experience with them? How does it compare to the G7 and similar cameras?
>> Anonymous
You'd be better buying a DSLR and using your Powershot when you can't take the DSLR.
>> Anonymous
0/10

also

cybershot ftw.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
The G9 will be slow and noisy, just like your A520. All you'll gain is a hot shoe.

Why not just get an SLR for the same price?
>> Anonymous
>Sony Cybershots and their shots are almost always clear
>clear

Not my experience.
>> OP
Let's say I already have an SLR but want a better "everyday" camera. One that's small and quick.
>> Anonymous
>>161097

Let's say you are asking us to give you "bad advice" on cameras.
>> Anonymous
>>161097
I HEAR THOSE DISPOSABLES ARE SMALL AND QUICK, CHEAP TOO.
>> Anonyfag of Borneo !bHymOqU5YY
>>Let's say I already have an SLR but want a better "everyday" camera. One that's small and quick.
Get another Powershot A5xx, A6xx or A7xx. The G9, or G7 for that matter shouldn't be an everyday camera. Meaning, get it if you don't already have an SLR.
>> OP
>>161107
What do you mean that the G7 or 9 isn't an everyday camera? Is is just the price?

The only reason why I'm shying away from the A series is that I want something different. The reason why I'm shying away from DSLRs is because I am not ready for one.
>> Anonymous
>>161116

Too expensive for what it does. If you are willing to spend that kind of money then it is time to get a DSLR.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>161116
Why aren't you ready for one? I could understand that argument if you weren't considering buying a camera *the same price* as an SLR, but you are. If you're just afraid of manual controls, rest assured that DSLRs have an auto mode too.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
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I'm gonna throw my hat in the ring and suggest the Ricoh GR Digital (I or II, both versions are excellent. I own the GR-D 1)

It's got the best speed of operation of any compact camera, period. Dual wheels, with the rear wheel containing a push-in function to access other user-defined settings like ISO, quality, flash compensation, etc.
>> OP
>>161119
I've been looking at DSLRs for a bit and am leaning towards a Canon EOS 350D (Digital Rebel XT). On Amazon, the kit is actually the same price as the G9. But I still primarily take "vacation" shots meaning for my memories rather than photographs for commercial or artistic reasons. I can't just take an EOS anywhere with me. For that purpose, I'd still need a camera that I can fit in my pocket.

For example, my dad uses a film SLR but rarely takes pictures since by the time he gets his camera out and put together, the "moment" is gone.
>> Anonymous
>>161131
Carry on your neck like a tourist if the picture means that much, for fucks sake.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
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The operation is so quick, reliable, and similar to my SLRs, I can get very quick shots on the street. Also, and this is a rarity among point and shoots: no discernible shutter lag, if you're in Snap, Infinity, or MF mode (though the manual focus is lame and sucks). No shutter sound, either. You can turn every unnecessary sound off, which is not something I think you can say for many point-and-shoot class cameras, again. It becomes a stealth camera. With the viewfinder, I don't have to frame using the terrible (and bright) screen. Instead, I've got big 21mm/28mm brightlines, and I can shoot as though I'm using a rangefinder, a la HCB, Winogrand, Erwitt, DAH, and the other Leica-using ilk.

Granted, it's certainly not as good as a Leica, but I consider it... my very professionally made little half-frame (I say this because I don't think the files hold up as well as a dSLR file, but it possesses many nice qualities worth keeping around) convenience/stealth/street camera.
>> Anonymous
OP: It should do fine. There's a bias on /p/, for a variety of reasons, against these cameras. And they do have their flaws- more noise, you can't switch lenses, etc. But it's still a good camera, and if you can put up with that and manually focus (the autofocus is slow) you'll be fine.

On the other hand, there's no such thing as "not being ready for a DSLR." A G9 is just as sophisticated in manual mode, and an SLR is just as simple is automatic. And manual mode isn't hard to learn; one can literally learn it in ten minutes.

The reason to get a compact is because they're, well, more compact, smaller and lighter, and their shutters are quieter. That's it. Find those compelling? Go for it. Don't? Then a DSLR is probably right for you.

>>161127
>It's got the best speed of operation of any compact camera, period.

And how long does it take to write when you shoot raw?

(Not saying the Ricoh is a bad camera, but the quoted statement is off.)
>> OP
>>161134
No shit but if I'm at a theme park or fancy restaurant or something, it would be very inconvenient to carry it around my neck.

>>161127
It seems that The Ricoh GR is more expensive, more noisy and has a worse movie mode than the G9 (the movie mode is another reason why I want a point and shoot).
>> OP
>>161142
It's not that I am not ready to use on. I have used and know how to operate (film) SLRs fairly well. But I'm not a photographer in the sense that much of /p/ is and don't go out just to shoot photos. I do it when the right moment comes along.

So I suppose that asking /p/ wasn't the best choice huh?
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
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Frankly, I like the GR lens as well. It's sharp, fast, and because of the unfucked noise reduction, you can shoot good stuff at a 1/15th of a second at f/2.4 at 1600 and get usable stuff in any room with more than a few photons bouncing around. Now that's a pretty fucking good trick, if you ask me about a pocket camera. I just love mine.

Pick related for some ISO 1600 love.
>> OP
>>161158
Those are nice pictures quality wise and the noise isn't as bad as DPreview made it out to be. However, there are a few negatives that would keep me from buying one- the price, the fixed zoom (not that big of a deal since I rarely use zoom on my A520) and no view finder. It might make a good camera once I've dealt with more digitals, but not as my second one.

Thanks /p/, you've convinced me that I'm not a man unless I own an SLR. So my plan right now is to get a Digital Rebel (or Nikon- I still have to do a bit of research) and use that. If I find that I still need a replacement point and shoot, I'll get something in the Powershot A series down the road.
I'll wait and see if the EOS 400D goes down in price now that the 450D is out.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
>>161142
RAW is outrageous, like 10 seconds, but I don't use it, because the B&W jpeg output is simply great. I'm happy shooting jpegs. I'm happy shooting at 2fps, or 8fps if I'm using Time Traveling Continuous Mode. (You press the shutter release and it takes 16 pictures over the course of the PREVIOUS TWO SECONDS. Think about that for a second.)

It's not a camera for everyone. I don't pretend to ignore its faults: slow RAW write time, no zoom lens, highish price ($427 at popflash.com I believe). But for the intended buyer of this camera, there is no other camera on earth that can fulfill the same role. Honestly. It's one of a kind.
>>161176
If you're looking at dSLRs, don't worry about the body. Get a fuckin' cheap one if you can. But don't skimp on a decent lens. Try to get something fast and wideish. The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is EXCELLENT, and gets nice and wide.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
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Shit, forgot my picture!
>> OP
Right now I don't care too much about getting the very best quality as I've said that my A520 is pretty clear in most cases. I'm not saying that the A520 even compares in quality to an SLR, just that image quality isn't the reason I'm upgrading. Although the boost in quality will certainly be sweet.

As for another lens, I'll do that gradually as I think I'll be happy with kit lens for at least a while. Also, if I get a Canon, I shouldn't have to worry about compatibility right?
>> weatherreport !UPBQK5lNSw
Yeah, every thing I use is fucking great.

Nikon, Ricoh, fuck yeah. It's all fucking amazing and stuff.

It's just so perfect.
>> Anonymous
>>161210
heavyweather trolling? Thats something new. Usually it's butterfly or beethy.
>> Anonymous
>>161212
heavyweather != weatherreport unless of course you have knowledge that weatherreport is his trolling identity. But he might as well do it anonymously. It's much easier that way.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
>>161210
Haha, awesome
>> weatherreport !UPBQK5lNSw
Fuck yeah, dudes.

It's got the best speed of operation of any compact camera, period. Dual wheels, with the rear wheel containing a push-in function to access other user-defined settings like ISO, quality, flash compensation, etc.

Best fucking camera ever. I use nothing but the best. Anything else isn't good enough for me. Suck it.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
>>161220
Dude + awesome + fucking = my lexicon.

Fucking awesome, dudes.
>> Anonymous
>>161183
I won't press the point past this, because I don't think having a passionate opinion on one's gear is a bad thing at all, in the same way having a passionate opinion on one's lover isn't a bad thing at all, but it's just not true that the Rioch is the only small-sensor camera suitable for use by serious shooters.
>> weatherreport !UPBQK5lNSw
>>161223but it's just not true that the Rioch is the only small-sensor camera suitable for use by serious shooters.

No fucking way, man.

I did like tons of research and reading online. It's the only good option. If you use anything else, you're wrong.

I'm sorry but I'm right on this matter. Trust me.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
>>161223
It's true, it's not the only one. The G9 is solid, and there's some good Olympus pocket cameras, I know Alex Majoli uses one particular kind for some of his reportage. The new Sigma DP1 is interesting, as well, though even more expensive.

It's just that the Ricoh is the only one that hits almost every need I have of a pocket camera. Now if only Leica made an affordable digital rangefinder...
>> OP
And my thread is officially over.
>> Anonymous
>>161262
>It's just that the Ricoh is the only one that hits almost every need I have of a pocket camera.

Well great for you, then. There's nothing better than a piece of equipment one's satisfied with, and you do great work with it.

Oh, and I just looked at your Flickr. You got to shoot the Aga Khan?
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
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>>161265
Yeah man... I get some great assignments for the weekends, I tell ya. The most interesting and often important people come to Austin. State capitol, woo!
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
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Here's an outtake with a little closer shot of the Aga Khan...

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D50Camera SoftwareVer.1.00Maximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern670Focal Length (35mm Equiv)48 mmImage-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:04:15 00:57:08Exposure Time1/40 secF-Numberf/2.8Exposure ProgramManualISO Speed Rating800Lens Aperturef/2.8Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModeCenter Weighted AverageLight SourceUnknownFlashNo FlashFocal Length32.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeManualWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlLow Gain UpContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknown
>> $19.99 !OSYhGye6hY
>>161270
Still shooting with the broken lcd or did you find a replacement?
>> Anonymous
>>161268
What were the circumstances?

(And did he send you a racehorse for Christmas? Do you keep it just for fun, for a laugh, a-ha-ha-ha?)

(Sorry for the silly Peter Sarstedt reference.)
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
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>>161271
Nope, still broken. Just like shooting film, I guess. It did make strobing into really intelligent guesswork, though... fortunately, I remembered how much light my 285 puts out.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
>>161273
http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2008/04/14/TopStories/An.understan
ding-3322434.shtml
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>161176
>Thanks /p/, you've convinced me that I'm not a man unless I own an SLR
It's not that you're not a man unless you own an SLR, it's just that a newer point & shoot won't really give you any real advantages over your current P&S. And you'd be paying the same price for the G9 as you would for a camera that *would* give you real advantages over your current P&S.

So keep your PowerShot for the little holiday snaps and get into the habit of dragging your SLR around everywhere if you want better holiday snaps.
>> Anonymous
>>161275

Damn, that's a really well-lit image.
WTF are you using?
>> Anonymous
>>161648
looks like he used vivitar 285 bounced.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>161648
The answers you seek are already in this thread.
>> Anonymous
>>161650

How hard would it have been to say Vivitar 285, bounced off the ceiling?

Tripfags are fucking useless.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>161655
>How hard would it have been to say Vivitar 285, bounced off the ceiling?
How hard would it have been to have read the very post to which you replied, which included the following:
>fortunately, I remembered how much light my 285 puts out.

Given how frequently I help out people on here, I think I've earned the right to fuck with you when you ask a question as stupid as that.
>> Anonymous
>>161660
Why would you expect an Newfag to know that 285 was a flash and not a camera model?
>> Anonymous
>>161668

If you are that clueless then there is no point discussing it as it is beyond you.
>> Anonymous
>>161685

ITT: Tripfag "ac" posts as anonymous to back himself up in his elitism.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>161668
Why should I assume you're a newfag?

Additionally: If you're such a newfag that you suspect a camera would be "putting out light" to an amount that would surprise Heavyweather, then there are a lot of photographic basics that you should brush up before coming even to a board as amateurish as this one.

(Pro tip: in general, light goes *into* cameras, it doesn't come out of it)

(On-camera flash doesn't count, since reading it as "I remembered how much light my [model 285 camera's on-board flash] puts out." would make the how-did-you-light-it question just as stupid)
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>161694
Because it's *totally unthinkable* that someone else on 4chan might think you're a moron, right? Because most people on 4chan are so open and forgiving of mistakes?

Right?

Right?
>> Anonymous
>>161704

Anonymous is loving and caring.

Anonymous forgives.

Anonymous forgets.

:)
>> Anonymous
>>161758

NEXT YOU'LL BE SAYING ANONYMOUS AREN'T HACKERS ON STEROIDS.
>> Anonymous
>>161762
brb, buying dog, moving exploding van
>> Anonymous
>>161874
you forgot curtains
>> Anonymous
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/04/on-assignment-par-for-course.html