Which one...Canon G9 or XTI?????

[JPS35]

I am looking to get a decent camera for my wife for Christmas as she enjoys photography. I personally like the look and feel of the XTI, but my wife is concerned that it might be too complicated for her to use, too bulky, and not easily transported. So, we have also looked at the G9, which of course, is more of a point and shoot with fewer features, smaller package, and easier to transport. In addition, there is a price difference between the two of about $150.

She would be using it for travelling, family gatherings, various events, and "everyday" type uses.

I would love to have anyone's thoughts on the subject. and recommendations.

Update 12/22/07

WOO! HOO! Okay, gotta share this! I decided to go with the G9 and did some online looking at various places including the big stores (not usually the best place to go for this). So, in looking online, Circuit City had the G9 on sale for $436. But, if you did the in store pick up, they took off another 5% bringing it down to $415. So, I took the printout of this to our local Shutterbug, who said they would match it, but didn't once we got down there. So, drove to Circuit City, used one of their display laptops to enter the order, and VOILA! it was ready to go. So, wandered up to customer service, gave them the order number, she checked in the back to see if it was ready to go (which it wasn't because I had just placed the order), and she said she would have to get it from the shelves about 10 feet away). When she returned, she said that because it wasn't ready to be picked up, I got a $24 gift card (even though they have 24 minutes to get it ready, she wasn't paying attention to the order time). So, final price $391! Used the extra savings to get a 2gb SD card and a case that were also both on sale.

Feelin' pretty good!!!!

 

[Brainonska511]

If she enjoys photography, I would push towards the XTi as it does have automatic, partial automatic, and full manual modes, but in the end, it is really up to the end user. In this case, I'd just go with what she wants; hopefully she doesn't start using the G9 and start finding it limiting in terms of what she can do.

 

[magomago]

I say go G9. Nice, small, and still many awesome controls. If after the G9 she continues to pursue photography even more, then she'll stop seeing the a dSLR as too "bulky" and will be ready for it. That is not to say people can't jump into them - I jumped into it after using a A70 over 3 years ago, but at the same time I know people who have it on "Auto" for the longest time I think the G9 is a good compromise at this stage

 

[dug777]

To be honest, from what you've described, either camera seems like overkill.

Just my 2c

Of the two, it sounds like she'd prefer the G9.

 

[JDub02]

Canon SD870?

I just bought one of these for my mother for Christmas.


Just figure I'd muddy up the waters.

IMO, the Nikon D40 is more of a "beginner" dSLR than the Canon. My wife just got one and I've been impressed by the ease of use.

 

[ElFenix]

both can be used in fully automatic mode (not really sure where people get the idea that SLRs are complicated, just about every single one of them made in the last ~20 years can do everything for you). both have lots of scene modes so you can tell the camera what you're pointing it at and what sort of results you'd like. the G9 has an ISO dial, something i'd like to see on SLRs again (then you'd have very quick no-look access to the 3 exposure controls). both have one control dial. the lens on the G9 is actually nicer than the one that comes with the XTi.

the Nikon D40 is more of a "beginner" dSLR than the Canon.

what do you mean by that?

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: dug777
To be honest, from what you've described, either camera seems like overkill.

I disagree entirely. I'm a photojournalism student and a hold job as a photographer for a local mag. I think DSLRs are incredible for "everyday shots". No kind of camera captures a moment like a rangefinder or an SLR can.

 

[alfa147x]

I would say buy an XT and a small point and shoot

 

[bigpow]

She would be using it for travelling, family gatherings, various events, and "everyday" type uses.

- stick with SD8xx IS if you're a Canon dude
- I've been hearing Fuji f50's awesome low ISO performance (perfect for indoor)

my personal weapon of choice is Panasonic FX9K (almost 3yrs old now)

I had a powershot G2 before the panasonic and I found it to be extremely limited (even with all the lenses and filters I bought).
Biggest trip buster was, it was too freaking big to fit into my pocket!

EDIT: However, if you're still going for G9 - maybe you'd like to buy my mint Hoya Filters and lenses (ex G2) LOL

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: angry hampster

Originally posted by: dug777
To be honest, from what you've described, either camera seems like overkill.

I disagree entirely. I'm a photojournalism student and a hold job as a photographer for a local mag. I think DSLRs are incredible for "everyday shots". No kind of camera captures a moment like a rangefinder or an SLR can.

Yeah, rangefinders or SLRs are incredible for everyday shots.

However, they're not particularly small or convenient to cart around and use (Undoing the snap buckle, unzipping the bag, pulling my D80 out of the bag, sticking the strap around my neck, taking the lens cap off and reversing the hood isn't exactly instantaneous ).

She's concerned that the 400D might be too complicated for her to use, too bulky, and not easily transported, and the G9 is hardly a compact either, but it's a lot better.

Sure, they've both got auto, but neither are cameras I'd be buying just to leave in auto, there are plenty of cheaper compacts that will do a very reasonable job on auto...

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the G9 has an ISO dial, something i'd like to see on SLRs again

I have no idea about Canons, but with my D80 I press the ISO button and rotate the rear control wheel, which is probably even easier (no need to fiddle with a dial, and your thumb is already on the rear control wheel)

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the G9 has an ISO dial, something i'd like to see on SLRs again

I have no idea about Canons, but with my D80 I press the ISO button and rotate the rear control wheel, which is probably even easier (no need to fiddle with a dial, and your thumb is already on the rear control wheel)

yeah, canon has the same, and i still think it's harder to do without looking.

 

[JDub02]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

the Nikon D40 is more of a "beginner" dSLR than the Canon.

what do you mean by that?

It has help features that make it pretty easy to figure out what the settings do. The "?" button will display help information on whatever feature you're on. I didn't see anything that simplistic on the XTI. I'm not saying one is a better camera than the other. In fact, I would say the Canon is better overall than the D40. Just my $.02

 

[alfa147x]

Damn the G9 is a bad ass camera though...

 

[JPS35]

Well, I still haven't made a decision, but am leaning towards the G9. If she enjoys it, then maybe look at upgrading to a DSLR down the road. What are some good places to order from? I have Adorama, Abe's of Maine, Newegg, ZipZoomFly. Others?

 

[alfa147x]

b h photo

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...G9_Digital_Camera.html

 

[Rottie]

G9 is good for all females...dSLR is mainly for male only....I guess I could be wrong?

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: bigpow
- I've been hearing Fuji f50's awesome low ISO performance (perfect for indoor)

just to clarify, the Fujifilm f50 has been disappointing in its high-ISO noise levels, coming on the heels of the f31. the noise levels are the same as the competition. while they aren't any worse, it's not like the f31, which had noise levels miles ahead of the competition. it's going to take several years before we get acceptable noise performance out of a 12mp sensor of that size.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: Rottie
G9 is good for all females...dSLR is mainly for male only....I guess I could be wrong?

careful with the stereotypes...I'm a guy, but I know a lot of gals that love to handle a beefy 1DmkIIn+300/2.8

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: JPS35
Well, I still haven't made a decision, but am leaning towards the G9. If she enjoys it, then maybe look at upgrading to a DSLR down the road. What are some good places to order from? I have Adorama, Abe's of Maine, Newegg, ZipZoomFly. Others?

apparently abe's of maine is not so good.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Rottie
G9 is good for all females...dSLR is mainly for male only....I guess I could be wrong?

uhh... riiight.

 

[Jawo]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: angry hampster

Originally posted by: dug777
To be honest, from what you've described, either camera seems like overkill.

I disagree entirely. I'm a photojournalism student and a hold job as a photographer for a local mag. I think DSLRs are incredible for "everyday shots". No kind of camera captures a moment like a rangefinder or an SLR can.

Yeah, rangefinders or SLRs are incredible for everyday shots.

However, they're not particularly small or convenient to cart around and use (Undoing the snap buckle, unzipping the bag, pulling my D80 out of the bag, sticking the strap around my neck, taking the lens cap off and reversing the hood isn't exactly instantaneous ).

She's concerned that the 400D might be too complicated for her to use, too bulky, and not easily transported, and the G9 is hardly a compact either, but it's a lot better.

Sure, they've both got auto, but neither are cameras I'd be buying just to leave in auto, there are plenty of cheaper compacts that will do a very reasonable job on auto...

Get the Lowepro Slingshot bag! I can get my camera out rather quickly and even change lenses without having to set my bag down!

I love my XTi but it is definately large and always a concern at a bar/nightclub. A friend just got a G9 and it is very portable...the biggest limiting facor is that its afixed lens; other than that it has nearly all the controls that the XTi has.

 

[JPS35]

See Update

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Jawo
I love my XTi but it is definately large and always a concern at a bar/nightclub. A friend just got a G9 and it is very portable...the biggest limiting facor is that its afixed lens; other than that it has nearly all the controls that the XTi has.

I'd have to argue the sensor is another big factor the XTi has