G7 vs. S3

[lyonfille]

Hello, how does the g7 compare to the s3? (Image quality, ect.) Is it hard to grip? Thanks!

[griptape]

The S3 has the digic II processor and is 6 megapixels, no hot shoe 37-432mm zoom. The G7 is digic III and 10 megapixels with a hot shoe and 35-210mm zoom, and the option to shoot in RAW mode. Picture quality... is pretty much a toss up. The 10mp would give you a lot more room to crop, which would make up for the zoom, and it's smaller, and a little more portable, and the digic III processor will probably give you a little more consistency, but printing at 8x10, you could probably get equal results from both cameras.

Oh, and the swivel screen is worth mentioning. I can't imagine why more super zooms don't have swivel screens, I use mine constantly when shooting my daughter.

[lantern]

The G7 does not have a RAW mode advantage over the S3. Canon seems to be pulling RAW from all its compacts.

Other than that you're pretty much on the money.:D

[griptape]

^I'm not sure why I thought it had raw. Maybe the fact that it should if you're paying $400 plus for a camera.

[ale_g]

I have gone across the same question for a friend. I actually recommended the G7. I personally think on the profile of the person who is going to use the camera. One of the main drawbacks for the S2/S3 I think is the focus problem. Where you might need to turn the camera in vertical or switch to manual focus in order to get the focus lock.
For some people (depending on the people's skills to deal with these bugs) it might be very frustrating. This was the main reason I recommended the G7, which I think as having a DIGIC III will have a much better focus performance.


B. regards
Ale_g
Powershot :)S2is

[griptape]

^I'll agree with the focus. The S3 honestly does have some occasionally frustrating problems with accurate auto focus, especially in low light. If money is no object, I'd probably recommend the G7 because of the Digic III and smaller size (if you're willing to lose some zoom), but at their current prices, it isn't worth the price difference to me personally.

[lyonfille]

Is the zoom difference a significant loss? Is the G7 comfortable to handle? Thanks for your feedback!

[griptape]

It's only a huge loss if you consider it a huge loss. Obviously the more zoom the better, you just have to decide how much is enough, and how much is too little for you to be satisfied with.

As for comfort, again, that's not an absolute. I'm sure you'll find people on both sides, but there's nothing particularly uncomfortable about it.

[Dafer]

About the focus issue? I've noticed that occasionally it has a great deal of difficulty locking in, sometimes it just won't lock in at all. Whats the deal? is this a defect in the S3?

[danielg]

I have the chance to own both camera. IQ seems to be pretty much even with a very very slight advantage going to the G7 because of its slightly larger sensor.

The G7 has a better built, real solid feel to it. It has a hot shoe which is useful if you want to use an external flash. I love the thumbwheel at the back which makes adjusting settings a real joy. The down side is that is has a shorter focal length and a less than ideal ergometrics. I placed egrips on mine and it made a world of difference when holding /gripping the camera.

The S3is has a better grip/ergometrics, longer and faster lens and a superb movie mode along with that ever useful swivel LCD. I sold my S3is when I got my 30D but bought the G7 because I want something "relatively pocketable" to bring along with manual control so far I like the G7 very much!! So I guess it all boils down to your needs and the type of shots you like to take. If you need a longer zoom and a better movie mode along with the swivel screen then go for the S3is on the otherhand if you dont need that long a zoom and want something really solid and relatively smaller with a better LCD and a hotshoe and a built in ND filter then the G7 is your choice. either way you win :)

[danielg]

If you wish to see what the S3is is capable of producing then look no further than the awesome S3is shots thread, It is one of the most popular and artistic thread here. I am proud to be part of it.

As I don't seem to see much if any shots from a G7 here. Please allow me to share some G7 images for you to compare with. :)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/492307908_aa5985b4ef.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/500402412_5e5a927c96.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/500553173_7e8b4ab225.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/501800297_f4006fa403.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/502225009_7c1ddae25f.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/502223599_ffc98376b3.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/509359747_950665fce0.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/510614953_41e6b1fcc8.jpg