Number 2 is the Canon Powershot G10.
Canon G fans protested loudly, but with the exception of reintroducing RAW with the G9, Canon has stuck to its path. The days of the chunkier G are gone, and Canon has continued to refine the model it brought forth with the G7. With the G10, it seems as though they have come very close to perfecting the formula.
Here's a quick look at some of what the G10 offers:
- 28-140mm (equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 lens with excellent sharpness across the frame
- Relatively low distortion
- Best in class resolution
- Excellent noise performance
- Best lens speed amongst current compact telephoto offerings
- Amongst the best available controls in a compact with easy to use menus and dials for ISO and exposure compensation
- Responsive performance
- RAW
- Best in class image stabilization (based on my subjective impression)
- Best in class LCD quality
- Useful optical viewfinder
- Hot shoe
- Great build quality and ergonomics
- Good battery life
- Large feature set
Overall, I believe that the Canon G10 is perhaps the single best choice for the majority of photographers seeking an advanced compact camera for general use.
The Canon G10 currently sells for $440 at Amazon
Number 1 tomorrow. Preview: There is a tie for #1.
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MatthewM 2p · 833 weeks ago
After shooting almost exclusively with a Canon 5D and several lenses (most used are the 24-70L, 50/1.4) and using all of my old film cameras for my 'street shooting,' I decided it was time that I own a point and shoot camera for those times when the 5D wasn't practical (like riding my bike at night, or at all; or lunch with a friend). I went through two Sony cameras, three PowerShot SD series, two Panasonics (TZ and FX series) and an Olympus. Luckily for me, I work at Ritz and could get my hands on all of the cameras I wanted to try and give 'em a shot before I committed to buying. Unluckily for me, I was used to using that 5D and a plethora of film SLR's and Rangefinders.
I had read about the G10 extensively. I knew enough about it, that I sold three people on them and we didn't even have them in the store, but my knowledge of the camera's pros and cons led the people to believe it would do for them and they all ordered one, sight unseen. But I hadn't convinced myself.
When we finally got them in at the Ritz where I work (a miracle to say the least), I bought one. But not from Ritz, I got it used from FM because Ritz's price was a pinch high for me. Especially if I wasn't going to keep it. Sure, I could return it, but that's no fair to the next guy for me to go and use a camera for two weeks and then box it up and sell it new. So I bought one used figuring I could turn the money back out of it should I hate it.
At first, I loved it. It was rugged. Solid. It felt like a "real camera." And the looks reminded me of a modern Rangefinder (similar to a Bessa). It had knurled knobs and dials and was easy to use. Then came the image tests. I hated them. They were noisy and lacked the dynamic range of the 5D. Then I kicked myself and questioned my sanity for even beginning to expect the kind of image quality and dynamic range I get from a 5D out of a camera like the G10. So, one month and some change after buying it and having taken some 300 photos with it just goofing around, I love it. I love it for what it does right and I even love it for what it does wrong. Shooting at ISO 800 just means that I have to kick it into black and white in Lightroom, boost the contrast and remove some noise and viola! a great B&W photograph.
And who am I kidding. I haven't printed a single image from it. Thus far, the web has been my G10 outlet and for that, the G10 is PERFECT.
Now, off to find myself a Ricoh camera and a DP-1. I know. It sounds crazy. But it's a sickness. I admit I have a problem and no, I don't need help. I can quit anytime...I think. Oh boy...
Great review Amin! And I'm still loving the CameraWork Forums. I love the tidyness and small town feel it still has. And I love how it ISN'T brand-specific. Great stuff.
Regards,
Matthew
edasque 20p · 833 weeks ago
Oliver 0p · 833 weeks ago
Probably right, but after a little looking around that Ricoh GX200 is looking kinda nice as an overall package also....
Tariq Gibran · 833 weeks ago