The Canon G11

TanyaJ · Feb 1, 2010

Hello forum!

To be brief, I have never owned a digital camera before, but I have done a lot of research and reading attempting to make the best decision possible on the first try.

I think I've made the decision on the Canon G11, but I have a few noob questions, if I may, and please oh please excuse my ignorance:

1) I understand that P&S are just not going to be as good at low light shooting as SLR..due to the sensor size I think? I read that the G11 makes an improvement in that department though. Is this camera at least 'okay' at taking indoor pictures, night pictures, etc? Maybe not as good as an SLR, and not looking for selling quality, but good pictures?

2) Action pictures. I understand again no P&S will match an SLR in this department, but as far as P&S's go, is it possible to get decent "moving subject" pictures at all? i.e. kids, animals?

3) Software - what does the software that comes with the Canon enable you to do, just organize photos? I do not need professional style software, can anyone recommend something cheap that will suffice for some editing, converting?

I am liking the G11 because it seems like the cream of the crop of Canon P&S (cannot afford SLR), may take great pictures on auto mode but also allows for lots of manual controls after learning more. I do not ever intend to be professional, I'm just interested in learning for myself and having a 'take-everywhere' camera.

Thanks so much in advance, sorry this is sort of long!

Big Mike · Feb 1, 2010

Welcome to the forum.

From everything I've heard, the Canon G series is the cream of the crop for cameras in the 'P&S' category. Although, the G cameras should have the same modes etc as many SLR cameras, so it can be more than just point & shoot.

If you are going to choose the G11 over a DSLR camera, I think the most important factor should be the size of the camera. As in, the G11 will fit into a pocket/purse where a DSLR camera probably won't.
Price shouldn't really be too much of a factor because while the G11 is listed (B&H) at $459, the cheapest Canon DSLR, the Rebel XS is only $499 with 18-55mm IS lens.
While the XS is the most basic of the Canon DSLR cameras, it does have the same advantages over the G11 that most DSLR cameras have; bigger sensor and an interchangeable lens system.
So with an XS, you could use the best quality Canon lenses, if you choose to purchase (or rent) them. With the G11, you are stuck with the built-in lens, even if it is a good one.

wiredhernandez · Feb 1, 2010

The Canon G series is a really fun camera.. I use a G7 .. You are able to make many tweaks on camera which can be performed on a SLR.. The model I have has really poor High ISO performance and I hope its better in the G11.. My wife uses this camera and loves it so I dont think you can do better with P&S... Canon software bundle is pretty good but you can also use picasa for picture management which is awesome.. It is heavy for P&S type but great overall..If you hadn't looked might also check their SX products which are more SLR style.. Have fun.

TanyaJ · Feb 1, 2010

Thank you for the very quick reply!

I had only briefly peeked at the SLRs on dpreview and thought they were all far more expensive, I overlooked the XS though and it does look like an excellent starting SLR! I just figured that an SLR would require more accessories - more lenses, flash things (?), and I am on a budget. $450 for the G11 is pushing it as is (taking in to account memory cards).

Big Mike · Feb 1, 2010

I just figured that an SLR would require more accessories - more lenses, flash things (?)

There are certainly more accessories available, but they're not required to just go out and start taking photos.
If you are never going to need those accessories, then maybe you don't need a DSLR camera. But it sure is nice to know that they are available and compatible with the camera you have.

TanyaJ · Feb 1, 2010

wiredhernandez said:
The Canon G series is a really fun camera.. I use a G7 .. You are able to make many tweaks on camera which can be performed on a SLR.. The model I have has really poor High ISO performance and I hope its better in the G11.. My wife uses this camera and loves it so I dont think you can do better with P&S... Canon software bundle is pretty good but you can also use picasa for picture management which is awesome.. It is heavy for P&S type but great overall..If you hadn't looked might also check their SX products which are more SLR style.. Have fun.

Thanks for your opinion.

I did look at the SX ones too. If I understand correctly it looks like the G11 has a larger sensor (unless I missed something) and I like that about it.

I will check out Picasa!

TanyaJ · Feb 1, 2010

Big Mike said:
I just figured that an SLR would require more accessories - more lenses, flash things (?)

Click to expand...

There are certainly more accessories available, but they're not required to just go out and start taking photos.
If you are never going to need those accessories, then maybe you don't need a DSLR camera. But it sure is nice to know that they are available and compatible with the camera you have.

Good point! But I would so want the accessories, especially a bit more zoom and wouldn't I need something to be able to do macros? I just couldn't get them right away. I guess a good question would be, is that particular Canon XS better out of the box then the G11? (I can just see a bunch of SLR users laughing at that question hehe)

And are SLRs easy to learn?

Big Mike · Feb 1, 2010

wouldn't I need something to be able to do macros?

Probably yes. Macro/close up is one thing that most P&S cameras do better than an out-of-the-box DSLR camera. Although, there are several options for close-up photography with an SLR camera....not all of them include buying a $700 macro lens.

is that particular Canon XS better out of the box then the G11?

Good question....I don't know. I'm sure there are some things that the G11 does very well, maybe even better than the XS. But my initial feeling is that the the XS would be at least as good as the G11 at most things...and it has the potential for so much more.

And are SLRs easy to learn?

Shouldn't be any harder than learning to use a G11. They will pretty much have the same set of shooting modes to choose from. You can use either one in fully auto or fully manual...and several modes in-between.

If you want to broaden your photographic horizons...then I think a DSLR is the better choice. It may well lead to you spending more money than you plan on, but who ever said that hobbies are cheap?

If however, you want a camera that can give you great results but is small enough to take with you everywhere, then I think the G11 would be a great choice.

TanyaJ · Feb 1, 2010

Thank you so much again for your answers, I do appreciate your time! Certainly given me another option to think about. I am going back to dpreview and doing more investigating on SLRs now, in particular that XS. If I can afford it, I'd love to have something that will let me broaden my horizons indeed.

I wish I could have one of each, I can see that happening later.

If anyone has handled a G11, I'd still like to hear how it does with moving subjects and in low light too!