Canon G6 vs. A620 (or DSLR)?

[sarcasmgirl]

Difference between A620 and G6? (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14617&highlight=canon+a620)
PowerShot A610/A620 vs. G5/G6 (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13788&highlight=canon+a620)
Canon G7 (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9422)

I already read the above three threads and I started doubting whether I truly wanted to purchase a Canon G6 or not.

Originally, I had the Canon G3 from March '03 to July '05 (lost it in a river), so I'd have no problem using the G6. After I lost the camera, I felt I wanted to upgrade to a DSLR, but decided not to because of the money and size issue.

After reading several threads on the forums though, I started wondering if I should reconsider the Rebel XT or Nikon D70.

I like the manual features of the G series, so I don't want to step down to a compact point-and-shoot camera (though I do like the novelty of the ultra-compact cameras). So, I guess I really need advice as to which camera I should get:

Budget: $400-$550 (I'm a cheapskate, I'll look on EBay--I'm looking at G6 cameras on EBay; they're around $450 right now)

Size: DSLR seems big, I had the Canon G3 before (also rather big, but quality of photo>size of camera), don't want a P&S

Features: Manual controls are a must (at least for aperture, shutter speed, ISO).

Uses: No specific purposes. For lack of a better description, I'm going to call it pretentious, artsy crap :) Mostly landscapes, scenery, travel.

Brands: I'm not sure if this is a major concern, but I'm only familiar with the major brands like Canon, Sony and Nikon.

Other: I really like the swivel LCD screens that the Canon G6/A620 have; maybe I just need a few people to talk me into getting the G6.

[coldrain]

The G6 is a great camera, you will hardly be disappointed by it. The A610/620 are very good cameras too, but smaller and the lens of course is smaller too, making the G6 more light sensitive.

The one thing the A620 has over the G6 is that you can more easily put it in a pocket.

[Risky Business]

The G6 takes great stills. It sure would be nice if a G7 came to market with the new Digic II processor. A faster G6 would be just what the doctor ordered for many potential buyers...

[sarcasmgirl]

coldrain, when I had the G3, it annoyed me how bulky it was, so it was strange taking it anywhere. I guess I got used to it though, I just didn't like the annoying lens cover. The only solution I could find was the put tape around the rim to make it a tight fit. I spent a few hours last night looking for a replacement lens cap for the G6, but nil. :(

Risky Business, I noticed that the only reason people didn't recommend the G6 was that it was "slow"--at least for parents. I'm not really anywhere near the age of being a parent and taking pictures of children running around, so it's not a big problem for me. I'm just want to be able to justify the purchase and not regret it when a better (the G7) camera comes out.

And if it's the case that I should wait for the G7, should I just down/ugrade to the A620/DSLR?

[coldrain]

I would get the A610 or A620 now, and not wait till whatever happens... you will be able to enjoy your camera right now, and even if you would get a DSLR later, you still would find use for the relativily compact A6X0 when a DSLR is just too bulky.