Reviews of the Canon G10?

I'm looking at getting a digital camera that will take really good quality (not-professional needs) pictures, that's smaller than lugging my slr. I have heard many good reviews of the G10, and saw that Lee Lau shoots with it. I wondered if anyone has it, how do they like it, anything they don't like about it? I'm also comparing the Panasonic Lx3, which is about the same price and is smaller and has a wider lens that's faster(better low light performance?).

i find that while my slr is in my pack I don't swing my pack around, open the lid, and take the camera out as much as i'd like to. it would be nice to have this thing in a side pocket on the waist belt of my pack and to whip it out in steep couloirs, while tied in on a rope, and the like without too much trouble.

I know I could go to a smaller camera but I really like having the adjustability at my finger tips, and the fear of dropping something when my hands are cold, I also fear. Thanks.

I just bought the Canon SD880 for the same reason. My SLR is not the easiest thing to "holster."

While researching the SD880, I also considered the G10. I ultimately went with the SD880, mostly for the reasons mentioned in the comparison here --

www.kenrockwell.com/canon/compacts/sd880.htm

I've only had the SD880 for a week now, so I can't offer much of a review other than it seems cool so far. I was a little bummed to learn that it uses a new-style battery, so the batteries from my old ELPHs can no longer be used for backup.

I still use my SLR on most trips. I came up with a nice system for holstering the camera on my chest in a pack that clips to my pack shoulder straps using lightweight plastic carabiners.

I've read that also. I don't like a whole bunch of stuff in front me when hiking, so I can still see my feet. So i kind of ruled out a chest mounted pack for my slr.

have many pictures taken with the 880?

If you like the ability to control the camera, go with the G10, as the 880, like all S series Canon's, offers no manual controls. (The new 14.7mp Ixus980 offers manual, apparantly.)


My first digicam was the G2, with the swivel LCD. Now I have a Pro 1, and A650, both with the swivel. I don't think the G10 has a swivel.

I also shoot with a 1D Mkll, and think that if you have an SLR, you'll want the G10, as it's the top of the heap among pro-sumer mini cameras. But Rockwell's review speaks highly of the 880. I could use a small pocketable camera like that.

I have a G9 (bought before the G10 came out) and I have to say the G9 is the hands down best P&S camera on the market. The ability to attach filters and adapter lenses makes it pretty much as versatile as an SLR, and the increased depth and sensor size provides near-SLR quality images, noticably better than other P&S. The size is perfect; large enough to hold a good sensor and get steady handheld shots, but small enough to fit inside my ski pants pocket. For ski photography, where you wouldn't want to change lenses in the snow or lug too much equipment, it's ideal for all but true professionals.

As far as the G9 vs. G10, the differences are pretty minor and I'd look closely at both. The G10 isn't as much an improvement as a change. Here's a summary of the differences (anything not mentioned is the same for both):

Size:
G9 is a little smaller and lighter, but not much. Some people prefer the grip of the G10. Winner: ?

Cost:
List price is the same, but G10 is significantly cheaper on Amazon. You may find the the G9 cheaper used or in some stores as people drop it for the "newer" G10. Winner: ?

Resolution:
G10 is 14.7, while G9 is 12.1. With most P&S cameras, anything above 7MP is generally a waste as the image sensor is so small the extra pixels are fairly blurred anyway. I've seen studies that have shown the G9's extra pixels are far better quality than other P&S's and close to dSLR quality. I have yet to see similar studies for the G10, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out the 14.7MP produces a noticeable difference in quality. The G10 didn't increase the sensor size, though, which implies low-light shots might be noisier than the G9. Haven't tested that, can't say for sure. Winner: G10

Lens:
The G10 doesn't zoom nearly as far as the G9, but has a better wide-angle lens. If you do landscape, the G10 will be better, but if you're shooting moving skiers, the G9 will be better. Winner: ?

Processor:
The G10 has the new DIGIC IV, which Canon claims is better and faster. What that means is beyond me. Winner: G10, I guess.

Movies:
The G10 still takes video, but lost some features like HD video. I've think they also took out time-lapse video, but I can't remember for sure. Winner: G9

I'm keeping my G9. I think the G9 vs G10 debate depends on what you plan to photograph. I think they're both great cameras that gives you 90% of the power of an SLR with a fraction of the cost/hassle.

I'm also considering the panasonic lx3 with it's smaller size and equal or better(24-60mm f/2.0) lens it seems to be a better option for going light and fast.