G11, the A650IS replacement?

[alkemyst]

I don't know why Canon always kills the best cameras quick.

My A650IS was stolen. Replacing it looks like $699 from some retailers or wait for the G11 which seems to be less in features (except high ISO) and larger.

Anyone got any pre-release info on the G11 and an opinion?

 

[PurdueRy]

http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canong11_preview2/

Here are the sample images from the G11 if you haven't seen them already. The G11 specs are all available currently.

 

[randomlinh]

Less features? how so? They kept the same size sensor and reduced the number of MP.. I'd argue that as a huge plus instead of trying to cram 15+MP into a tiny sensor. But yeah, it's not small/light, but it has a host of dials and controls (of course, this is subjective to whether or not you prefer it). Not to mention it goes wider to 28mm vs 35mm (but of course, loses on the long end)

what is it you find that is worse off w/ the G11, aside from size?

 

[alkemyst]

I will just start at the zoom since you must have missed that obvious one. There are some others as well.

 

[Fardringle]

For a "snapshot" type camera, I would consider a move from 35-210mm (AS650) to 28-140mm (G11) as a pretty important upgrade. Yes, you do lose some reach on the long end, but you gain a LOT on the wide angle for close range and "party" shots which is what this type of camera is typically used for. It also gives you a significantly wider angle of view for landscape and panoramic photos. Take a look at the first two photos in this link to see an example of the difference you will get between the two. Now, if most of your pictures are taken at the long end of the zoom, then the G11 may not be for you...


Since you didn't specify, I'll have to guess at what might be the other important changed features that you are looking at:


The continuous shot speed on the G11 is significantly improved. The actual burst speed is almost identical at 1.16 FPS for the A650 and 1.11 FPS for the G11, but the the A650 can only take four shots at a time while the G11 is only limited by the size of the memory card.

As randomlinh said, the lowered resolution on the same sensor is a very good thing since it should equate to improved picture quality, particularly in lower light situations.

The LCD on the G11 is .3 inch larger (not a big deal) but has 2.66 times as many pixels (a HUGE deal).

The G11 uses a rechargeable LiION battery which is a bonus for some people. I personally prefer cameras that use AA batteries so I can swap any time I want to, but not everyone agrees. This is the ONLY "downgrade" that I can find between the two cameras, and it's a matter of opinion rather than camera capability.

The G11 has an optical viewfinder that shows you what the camera is seeing (including zoom/framing). The A650 has a "tunnel" viewfinder which is truly optical but doesn't show the actual framing of the shot so you need to use the LCD to frame zoomed shots properly. Definite win for the G11 if you like to use a viewfinder.

The G11 weighs a whopping 55 grams more with its battery than the A650 does without batteries (the A650 weighs more with batteries - actual weight depends on the batteries), and the G11 is the same length, 10 mm taller, and 8 mm thinner (so it will actually fit better in a pocket).

edit: fixed a typo

 

[alkemyst]

Lack of AA's is a definite negative, that 1x zoom loss is going to stink as I was finding myself a bit short on lens with the A650IS at times. I am debating going D40 actually...i don't really pocket my camera, but I don't want a gear bag either. I carried my A650IS in a LowePro DRES 10AW...small.

With my wife always having a decent camera around I have more flexibility with mine. Plus my phone does decent 3.2MP for snapshots and video.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
I will just start at the zoom since you must have missed that obvious one. There are some others as well.

well, I mentioned gaining wide, losing long. And it seems you want more on the long end, so yes, you might have to look at an alternative.

Since looking at a D40, what about the panasonic G1? tho, d40 would have a better single lens option right now.

 

[Fardringle]

If a compact form factor and long zoom are priorities for you, take a look at this list.

Obviously, some like the Panasonic DMC-FZ35, Soncy DSC-HX1, and Casio EX-FH20 aren't exactly compact so they may not fit your needs, but there are several small cameras on that list with long zooms and good picture quality.

 

[mooncancook]

How about the new Canon S90, a tiny camera with the same sensor as the G11, and a F2.0-4.9 28-105mm lens? It makes me drool. I'm deciding between the Panny LX3 or the Canon S90. I hope the S90 doesn't get sold out quickly.

 

[alkemyst]

Don't have much use for a S90 with also having a SD780 now.

 

[Imported]

Originally posted by: mooncancook
How about the new Canon S90, a tiny camera with the same sensor as the G11, and a F2.0-4.9 28-105mm lens? It makes me drool. I'm deciding between the Panny LX3 or the Canon S90. I hope the S90 doesn't get sold out quickly.

I bought the S90.. and the Sony WX1.. Not sure which to keep yet. I love that the WX1 has HD video and a wider focal length.. but the photos out of the S90 are more vivid. Both have excellent low-light capabilities too.

 

[jpeyton]

I'd rather get an EP1 or GF1 with a 20/1.7.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
I'd rather get an EP1 or GF1 with a 20/1.7.

different price point...

 

[extra]

Geesh hehe I wouldn't say the G11 would be in the same league even!!!

However, if you are willing to spend that much check out the S90!!!

If you don't need that much low light capability etc, and value video, check out the panasonic tz7 (err ls3 here right? lol).

 

[alkemyst]

The camera selections are really between a fuller manual camera. It's more than likely going to be a dSLR like the D40 or XTi...the more I look at the G series over the last few generations the more I see how they are simply packaging the SD/A series in a better chassis. Nothing more.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Is the SX10 too big for your bag?

When I first got my S3, I compared it against the A640... and the S3 was a much better camera, IMHO... although it was bulkier.

 

[alkemyst]

At that size point I am better off going full dSLR. I am probably doing D40, but maybe a XSi...

 

[coldpower27]

Just a hanker is a G11 Upgrade good from the A650 IS, I have the XSI for my dSLR, and a older but cheap SD700 IS as my compact...

I kinda want to wait for SDXC support now though before I make any upgrades though, might as well get support for the latest memory card technology.