Canon Powershot G10

Thinking about purchasing a Canon Powershot G10. Has anyone had personal experience with one? I have read many reviews but would like some first hand information. Would be using it mostly for scenic travel photography backing up the 5D when the occasion presents itself. Would appreciate your comments.

Ken Rockwell really likes it but he seems to like the SD880 better partly for quality but mostly for size reasons. My wife has the SD790, it is one of the best digital cameras I have ever used. I would even go as far to say that I prefer it over several DSLR's I have tried.

I am an owner and user of the G10. I was previously the owner of a G9. They changed the
lens from one model to another. The G10 tends more toward the wide angle end.
If you like the wide angle end, you would probably like the G10 better. I personally wish
that I had the G9 back. My son also has a G9. He carries it with him climbing. He loves
the G9. A G10 will cost $450-$500. A G9 can be had for about $325-350.

Art, I'll trade you my G9 (with extra battery and filter adapter) for your G10.

I'm using the G10 in exactly the same capacity as you are considering (as a carry everywhere backup to my 5D). It's suited well for nicely lit landscape work. The image quality is stellar in that regards for a p&s. I've also been using it a little bit for slower moving action stuff (like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, mountain biking, etc.) and it works pretty good there as well. Just don't go above iso 200 or you'll be disappointed (at least I don't care for images shot at that iso or higher). Even iso 200 is touchy if you like to post process a bit.

The build quality of the camera is tremendous and I've found first hand that it can get pretty wet with no ill effects (it was snowing like mad during my shooting today).

I've had the G10 since October, replacing my Olympus C-8080 for a travel camera and casual photography. I haven't printed large prints yet, but the image quality is excellent. Certainly on par with the C-8080. Pixel-peeping images shot at the extreme apertures hasn't revealed any noticeable issues - they look very good. I haven't tested for noise at higher ISO, but since I almost always have a tripod, it's not a big deal to me. Plus, for all the things I love about the C-8080, it was terrible with noise.

I love the small size, great battery life, excellent display. I have the conversion lens adapter for mounting filters if needed; without the adapter, it fits in my back pocket (not that I would recommend carrying it that way). The viewfinder is actually usable (unlike the oly), so when battery is low, you can use that instead of the live-view on the LCD.

The menu system takes a little getting used to having come from a different brand. I wouldn't call it intuitive, but it's easy to learn. I like that important functions - like exposure adjustment and ISO - are done via a single knob whereas in the Oly they were in the menu system or required pressing a button and turning a knob.

Nothing notable as far as cons yet. My little gripes are: I would've been happier if it used CF cards so that I didn't have to buy several SDHC cards, but that's minor. I wish it had a wireless remote instead of the plug-in style. If you put a tripod QR plate on it, you'll have to remove it to change the battery.

Limited use so far, but I'm liking it a lot and plan to sell the C-8080 soon.

Hope that helps.

I also bought a G10 for my carry everywhere camera. I'll echo what Guy and Rick said. BTW, Kirk and RRS both make L brackets that I believe don't require removal to access the battery. Not cheap though. Lensmate is also now producing the filter adapter. I'm pretty pleased with the G10.

Thanks for the information. Gives me some additional insight and options.

Don, I was in the same position about a month ago and could not find the kind of hands-on real world review you're looking for, so I decided to write one myself. I got the camera, made a few trips with it and overall like it very much (certainly it has its shortcomings but it's still capable of impressive results). The review will be in the January edition of NPN.

I also cut my own custom Arca plate for it, from an older spare I had. It wasn't too difficult (reciprocating saw and metal file did the job).

Here's a small gallery of my G10 images:

http://guytal.com/sw/gallery/showgallery.jsp?gid=1010

Guy

Interesting comparison pictures from Hasselblad vs. Canon G10


http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/kidding.shtml

Guy, Thanks for the information looks like the timing was right on the question. I never thought of modifying a plate I have several old plates hanging around hopefully one will fit.
I'll probably purchase the camera today. B&H has one for $419. with free shipping. Looking forward to your review.

Happy Holidays,
Don

Arthur,,,,,,Thanks for directing me to the test. Always wondered how a small and high end camera would compare. Great stuff!

Happy Holidays,
Don

Just so you know, Amazon has the G10 now for $409 and until Jan 3 you can get a 4GB SD card for free. Right now I am debating on upgrading the G9 I have to the G10 or the LX3.

Free 4GB SD Card Offer