dom

PowerShot G7 or Rebel XTi?

I know an SLR is far more versitile but I'm trying to figure out which one is better for me. So lets hear why the XTi is the better buy or why the G7 will be enough to meet my needs.

I'm a photography NooB if that helps.

Dan Martin

The G7 is step backwards from the G6, IMO. Lack of wide angle, no RAW, no swivel screen, etc. I'd go with an A710IS if I was looking for a high-end P&S these days.

But what you really want is the XTi.

danny25

it's hard to recommend something without knowing your needs. But if you're already set on getting a camera with as many features as those 2 you mentioned, then you might as well get the XTi.

dom

Hmmm, I was wondering about RAW, I was searching for it in the specs but couldn't find it.

The thing with the XTi, I seriously doubt I'll ever use a 1/4 of the features it has available. I doubt I'll buy lenses and doubt I'll do any post processing. This section has actually pushed me away from SLR's because I now realize the time involved in properly using one.
Getting the XTi will be buying an SLR just for the sake of having an SLR. Unless you can tell me its still worth the investment.

Maybe an S3 IS.

Dan Martin

Even if your XTi never leaves "green box" mode, it will out perform any point and shoot by a substantial margin in every category. They made it just as easy to use as any P&S.

If you can live without LCD preview and the ability to record video, then the XTi is the better choice. If you're going to go with a P&S, don't waste money on a G7. The A710IS is every bit as good, but quite a bit cheaper.

dom

My needs are pretty simple. Get far better pics than what my SD300 has been able to produce. I'm not the type to go somehwere just to take pictures. I'd need a reason for being there. This camera would get alot of use, but nowhere near Dan Martin type use. But I have no issues with carrying something SLR sized around.

soopa

As someone who owns a high-end non-SLR............ I gotta say................. get the SLR.

danny25

Both the G6 and G7 have a 35mm wide angle.

Dan Martin

Oops, right you are. I was thinking of the Pro1...

dom

How diifferent are the options on the G7 vs XTi? How much more control do you have?

I definently want to start learning how to take a better pic. I just don't want a bunch of features I'll hardly ever use.

Dan Martin

They both have full manual controls, but the XTi's interface is much easier to use to change settings.
Other than that, there are some limitations on the G7 from a controls standpoint:
- a maximum exposure time of 15 seconds and a minimum of 1/2500. That's fine for most shots, but it's somewhat limiting for night exposures at low ISO settings.
- smallest possibile aperture is only f8. I imagine this is the diffraction limit of the lens.
- realistically limited to ISO 200. You can use higher modes, but at the cost of smudged details and added noise. The XTi produces very sharp and clean pics up to ISO 1600.
- slow focusing and not nearly as accurate as the XTi

The list can get very long, but those are some of the major differences. Basically, if you want the best image quality, and think you might use the manual modes, don't even consider a G7.

I can see someone getting a G7 if they already have an SLR and just want something small for snapshots, but don't want to be confined to the automatic modes of lesser P&S cameras.

dom

I guess that sums it up. Unless I can find something else altogether that my wife can buy for my 30th.

Dan Martin

S2000 FTW

dom

Maybe for my 50th

I think I need to start another thread for B-Day gift ideas. I can't think of anything but a camera.

fdl

wow, even my old ghetto S30 can do 30 seconds.

wndrlst

...begs the question: Where is the "Dan Martin" smiley with a big-ass camera strapped to it??

Street Spirit

Believe it or not, there actually IS a Dan Martin smiley! Here it is:

wndrlst

How did he become radioactive?

derrick

^ He worked for OntarioHydro (or a spin-off) ... worked in one of the nuclear power plants. (I hope he left sperm samples in a donation bank before he went to work at Bruce ...)

Mizouse

yea that auto mode is great, takes nice pictures.

although im still keeping my SD400 cause its small and i can take it much easier to clubs or parties etc and not look like a stalker or paparazzi

danny25

Having an SLR and an ultra-compact P&S is a great combo. I still use my SD500 a lot.

dom

I currently have two P&S's. An SD300 and S500. The S500 never sees any action.

klepto

I picked up an XTI recently, upgrading from a s200 haha. get the SLR, you wont regret it.

soopa

Then why in the world would you want ANOTHER P&S?

dom

I guess I didn't consider the G7 a P&S. I mean I know it is, but its still far more camera than what I have.

CCColtsicehockey

just get the SLR you know you want it. then you can start buying glass for it.

dom

Well, I went ahead and ordered an XTi wih the 18-55 and 75-300III USM lens kit. I know the 75-300 lens isn't the greatest but it was only an additional $150 or so extra and I figure it should be a good starter lens.

Now I just have to wait about a month to get it.

Dan Martin

Suite. Just in time for Christmas!

Street Spirit

gsrblack

dom, where did you order the camera and lens from?

i'm looking at picking up an xti (for myself) and an sd800is for my wife....we have a baby on the way, due here dec 31, so we need a camera soon. i figure the xti would take pics faster while the sd800 is just more portable to take everywhere.

dom

I work at Canon, thats why I have to wait a month. These things are selling like hotcakes.

Check out this thread for great US pricing. Those prices are almost as good as I what I pay up here.

https://acurazine.com/forums/cameras-photography-44/recomended-placed-buy-351591/