Thinking about getting a smaller camera.

[OdiN]

I'm thinking of picking up a smaller more compact camera.

I'm trying to keep cost low. I just would like something I can toss in a bag for hiking or when I go 4-wheeling or other stuff where carrying my 40D becomes a bit annoying and I don't need it for that type of stuff.

I'm looking at the SX100, S5 IS and the G9.

The G9 is a bit more than I would like to spend ideally, but it does look like it does RAW and is closer to a DSLR in functions.

The SX100 is cheap, but doesn't look like it has as many options.

The S5 IS is in the middle....no RAW. I guess with lightroom I don't really need RAW but it would be nice to have in a pinch.

Anyone have any experience with any of these?

I like the fact that on the S5 IS it has a rotating screen.

I like that the G9 has a rechargable LiIon, can do RAW. I wish it had a rotating screen as the nice thing about the G5 is it can close with the LCD faced in to protect it from scratches.

Anyone know any good deals on a G9?

 

[jpeyton]

Suggested by someone in another thread:

Used Canon G7 + CHDK

You'll get RAW support, plus lots of features not found in the G9, for about half the price.

 

[OdiN]

Finding a used one would be the hard thing.

The morons on ebay have some listed for $399 and crap.

 

[Jawo]

A friend just got the G9 and really likes it, it uses the same battery as the XTi. One minor thing to note, you can only shoot raw in manual mode. The S5IS is quite chunky, but is a great camera, and cheaper. I have really liked the A series (had three successive models before my XTi), except for the shutter delay.

 

[IeraseU]

The G9 would be my choice.

 

[Aharami]

The G9 is a more pocketable camera than the S5. You already have a DSLR for the creative shots, so the S5 might be a redundant camera here.

 

[punchkin]

Originally posted by: Jawo
One minor thing to note, you can only shoot raw in manual mode.

AFAIK this isn't true. I shot some RAW + JPEG just the other day in Av mode.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: punchkin

Originally posted by: Jawo
One minor thing to note, you can only shoot raw in manual mode.

AFAIK this isn't true. I shot some RAW + JPEG just the other day in Av mode.

yeah it wouldn't surprise me if raw isn't enabled in hand-hold mode, but i'd be shocked if it wasn't available in P, Av, Tv, and M.

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: Aharami
The G9 is a more pocketable camera than the S5. You already have a DSLR for the creative shots, so the S5 might be a redundant camera here.

The G9 is also more expensive. If it was cheaper I'd jump right on it.

 

[punchkin]

Originally posted by: OdiN

Originally posted by: Aharami
The G9 is a more pocketable camera than the S5. You already have a DSLR for the creative shots, so the S5 might be a redundant camera here.

The G9 is also more expensive. If it was cheaper I'd jump right on it.

The A650IS has the same lens and sensor as the G9, and with CHDK you should be able to shoot RAW with it. It's around $300 now.