Any comments on the new PS S5 IS

[jgredline]

Unfortunately the fellow behind the counter didn't know much about the camera, so it was frustrating.

Is this not the truth!!!..I hate this..I have found the best place to get real answers are by regular folks like you find here in these forums..

[chas berlin]

And here's the kicker Javier, it was a dedicated camera shop!
Not just some shop selling cameras. Now given the G9's only been out a month or so, but even the manager suggested reading the manual. I must be missing something here. He told ME to read the manual?
He's also the same one who told me there was basically no difference in the actual output of most of these cameras. The pics look the same. All the reviews online I've been reading sure indicate otherwise.
Bottom line, it's really disappointing to go into a shop like this for such a lack of info. This is the type of service and knowledge I'd expect at Longs (drug store).
Cheers mate!

Oh, And I'm considering the Pan FZ8, Sony - Cyber-shot 8.1MP Digital, amongst several others. I keep reading a good review then one that says the IQ is not the greatest. I expect you'd vote for the G9 (since you just got one/or are about to), but after this last time in the camera shop I was literally more confused about the G9, and because my time is so limited I don't want something that will have a large learning curve. The guys in the shop were joking that this would be of benefit, since the camera wouldn't get old fast, as a result. Oh my!!!

[chas berlin]

And here's the kicker Javier, it was a dedicated camera shop!
Not just some shop selling cameras. Now given the G9's only been out a month or so, but even the manager suggested reading the manual. I must be missing something here. He told ME to read the manual?
He's also the same one who told me there was basically no difference in the actual output of most of these cameras. The pics look the same. All the reviews online I've been reading sure indicate otherwise.
Bottom line, it's really disappointing to go into a shop like this for such a lack of info. This is the type of service and knowledge I'd expect at Longs (drug store).
Cheers mate!

Oh, And I'm considering the Pan FZ8, Sony - Cyber-shot 8.1MP Digital, amongst several others. I keep reading a good review then one that says the IQ is not the greatest. I expect you'd vote for the G9 (since you just got one/or are about to), but after this last time in the camera shop I was literally more confused about the G9, and because my time is so limited I don't want something that will have a large learning curve. The guys in the shop were joking that this would be of benefit, since the camera wouldn't get old fast, as a result. Oh my!!!

[chas berlin]

Oh, And I'm considering the Pan FZ8, Sony - Cyber-shot 8.1MP Digital, amongst several others. I keep reading a good review then one that says the IQ is not the greatest. I expect you'd vote for the G9 (since you just got one/or are about to), but after this last time in the camera shop I was literally more confused about the G9, and because my time is so limited I don't want something that will have a large learning curve.

Too many reviewers say the FZ8 isn't sharp enough for the enthusiast, so that's probably out. The Sony got some dreadful reviews -IQ, and interestingly enough I just dug through some filters and found I have just what I need in 58mm (the size of the adapter for the G9). How funny!
Considering waiting to see if anything new comes out at the beginning of the yr.
I hate looking for cameras. At least when it's a huge change, as this is. Another SLR would be easy. But digi?
Liz, any thoughts/comments?

[Liz]

Too many reviewers say the FZ8 isn't sharp enough for the enthusiast, so that's probably out. The Sony got some dreadful reviews -IQ, and interestingly enough I just dug through some filters and found I have just what I need in 58mm (the size of the adapter for the G9). How funny!
Considering waiting to see if anything new comes out at the beginning of the yr.
I hate looking for cameras. At least when it's a huge change, as this is. Another SLR would be easy. But digi?
Liz, any thoughts/comments?

Well, since I have the G9, my comments are probably subjective at this point. Having said that, you might consider purchasing the G9 from a place that has a fair (no-restocking-fee) return policy and try it out. Just don't open the manual, etc. and be sure the camera and everything in the box is the same as when you purchased it. Amazon has a 30 day return policy - and it's less expensive there although I think it's about $460 now - free shipping and no tax......great deal IMO.

I love this camera. It's beginning to get the reputation of the best p&s out there. I found this website - all these shots were done with the G9 at a (lowlight) concert - on manual.
You have to be an experienced photographer to get these results from the G9 - but the point is, it shows what the camera can do. The images aren't perfect, but no p&s will give you great shots in low light (almost dark) situations.

http://www.martymoffatt.com/Rush2007Wembley01/

Liz

[chas berlin]

Liz, I like your suggestion, as that would give me some of the answers I'm looking for.
And thx for the link, the pics of Rush are fantastic. Especially for a G9. The dude's obviously a pro. And I expect there was quite of bit of time spent in Photoshop.

I was w/ a guy tonight who let me try out his Pentax (older body), and it's tempting me to look at dSLR's - though I keep saying I want to get away from all that. I have a few nice lenses that I could use (28-200, 28 fixed, 105 fixed), so if I bought a Minolta body I could probably be up and running for the same $500 or so.
Now do I really want to do this? But dang I was shooting in poor light at 800 ISO tonight and the pics looked better than any of the P&S's I've tried (G9 included). And I'm not knocking the G9, as it appears to be the best of the P&S's out there. What a problem!
He says somewhat tongue in check.

Javier, if you want to chime in about dSLR's I'm listening.

[jgredline]

And here's the kicker Javier, it was a dedicated camera shop!
Not just some shop selling cameras. Now given the G9's only been out a month or so, but even the manager suggested reading the manual. I must be missing something here. He told ME to read the manual?
He's also the same one who told me there was basically no difference in the actual output of most of these cameras. The pics look the same. All the reviews online I've been reading sure indicate otherwise.
Bottom line, it's really disappointing to go into a shop like this for such a lack of info. This is the type of service and knowledge I'd expect at Longs (drug store).
Cheers mate!

Oh, And I'm considering the Pan FZ8, Sony - Cyber-shot 8.1MP Digital, amongst several others. I keep reading a good review then one that says the IQ is not the greatest. I expect you'd vote for the G9 (since you just got one/or are about to), but after this last time in the camera shop I was literally more confused about the G9, and because my time is so limited I don't want something that will have a large learning curve. The guys in the shop were joking that this would be of benefit, since the camera wouldn't get old fast, as a result. Oh my!!!

Chas
Actually, I did not end up getting the G9..I took it and I decided to get a K100D super body...My though was that I already have 10 lenses, and I know I would have been disappointed because I am so used to my DSLR's...
So for a little more money, I now have three bodies...
K110D, K10D and now thw K100D super...
I also have a FUJI S9100 point and shoot and it is an excellent camera that takes great shots...
Since you test drove a DSLR, I suspect you will be disappointed with a P&S.. I believe that Liz would agree...So in my opinion a p&s shoot atleast for me, would be more of an accessory...Perhaps when the price goes down, I will consider one again...

[mwfanelli2]

Too many reviewers say the FZ8 isn't sharp enough for the enthusiast, so that's probably out.

A lot of reviewers who don't have a clue. I have an FZ8 chosen instead of the Canon S5. No problem with sharpness at all. FWIW, the extensive tech review on DP Review rated the FZ8 better than the Canon S5 while still being about $100 cheaper!

[Liz]

DSLR vs G9

For quality sake the DSLR blows the p&s out of the water IMO. I have an XTi and love it...could never give it up. However, due to back problems (might have said this before) I had to finally sell my heavier lenses including the 24-105L IS and just yesterday I sold the 17-40L which was my favorite. Some of the images I got from those lenses were breath-taking - I couldn't believe the results.

I decided to get a p&s to compliment the XTi - longer zoom than my primes, etc. It was hard to decide on a specific p&s because I kept looking at the images "through L colored glasses!" I still have the 50mm/f1.4 and 28mm/f1.8 and may get another prime one of these days, but these lenses are great.

In the meantime I'm quite happy with the results I get from the G9 for what I use it for. I take it with me almost everywhere and it does give me some excellent results. The shore photos are very pleasing to me. However, when I want "class" I go with the XTi. There is nothing like the images I get with that camera and a nice lens.

If I didn't have a back/neck problem I would have kept the lenses and forgot about a p&s - except maybe to have a cheap one to keep in my car for those photo ops you always run into when you don't have a camera.

I don't use the XTi as much now, but I do use it because I just love those breath-taking photos you can get from a dslr.

Just my personal experience - it works for me.

Liz

[chas berlin]

Thx guys,
After some more talk w/ a friend I realise I really don't want to pick the lenses back up, though I love the results, so I'm turning again to the P&S types.
I just read the DP Review of the FZ8 and I'll probably go check it out when I can at the local shop. I did see a gal using one at a concert last wk, and she seemed to think it was really the ticket. If nothing else it's weight is fantastic! When I 1st felt her's I wondered how it could be so light?
Michael, I see the lens barrel is threaded, so I assume it accepts filters directly (w/out adapter), and what is the lens diameter?
I have a bunch of 58mm filters.
Is it USB 2?
Do you typically shoot RAW, and what size mem card do you use w/ it?
And lastly, would you post a link w/ some of your shots?
The review is quite impressive, and the camera appears to be loaded.

And so the journey continues...

[mwfanelli2]

Thx guys,
After some more talk w/ a friend I realise I really don't want to pick the lenses back up, though I love the results, so I'm turning again to the P&S types.

I just read the DP Review of the FZ8 and I'll probably go check it out when I can at the local shop. I did see a gal using one at a concert last wk, and she seemed to think it was really the ticket. If nothing else it's weight is fantastic! When I 1st felt her's I wondered how it could be so light?

Yes, the low weight and all-in-one design is why I have been spending more time with the P&S than I have with my DSLR. I'm getting weird in my old age. I was unsure about trusting Panasonic, almost went for the S5 just because it was Canon. But I am extremely happy now.

The long zoom lens, Leica designed (not built!) is the best I've seen on any P&S.

There is one feature I really love that I forgot to mention in my review. The viefinder (and LCD) has the option to display a grid of lines. This allows you to make sure that image elements are not crooked, simple but very effective.

Michael, I see the lens barrel is threaded, so I assume it accepts filters directly (w/out adapter), and what is the lens diameter?

Nope, you still need an adapter. Why the threads? Beats me.

Is it USB 2?

I think so. Personally, I always use a card reader for both CF and SD/SDHC cards.

Do you typically shoot RAW, and what size mem card do you use w/ it?

As I mentioned in my review (and also stated in the DP Review report), the RAW write speed is very slow, 3-4 seconds each. Weirdly enough, Phil mentioned however that is was the top speed of P&S cameras he measured! I use RAW for the tough stuff but JPEG most of the time. The supplied converter, Silkypix, is excellent as a RAW converted.

I have two 2G SD cards. Actually, I never use the second one. The 2G card holds 544 JPEG images that I've never reached in one day.

And lastly, would you post a link w/ some of your shots?
The review is quite impressive, and the camera appears to be loaded.

I have posted Panny images on the Photo Critiques site. When I have some time (its been very busy around here), I'll take some more and post them. Also, read the review I wrote for this site. I tried to give the camera a balanced user report.

[chas berlin]

Thx for the info Michael. This is very helpful.
Not sure where the Photo Critiques site is, but I'll look for it.

[chas berlin]

Michael, found the site, but how do I find your shots?

[chas berlin]

Liz,
Now leaning back towards the G9. I think the FZ8 would be a bit bulky for me. At least the G9 can be pocketed (somewhat).

[Liz]

Liz,
Now leaning back towards the G9. I think the FZ8 would be a bit bulky for me. At least the G9 can be pocketed (somewhat).

That's interesting - and IMO a good decision. It took me long enough to decide between the S5 and G9! I'm still very pleased with mine - and the good results. Keep us updated!

Liz

[chas berlin]

Liz, Took your advise and picked up a G9 locally - what a manual!
Any tips for operation?
Thx

[Liz]

Liz, Took your advise and picked up a G9 locally - what a manual!
Any tips for operation?
Thx

Congratulations! Take it slow. First off - you can get excellent results using the camera in auto - right out of the box. So, you can start with that, and little by little begin playing with the settings.

BTW, if you are interested in a "cheatsheet" I have an extra one. Take a look at what it is - it's like a mini-manual on both sides of a 8 1/2 x 11 information sheet on laminated paper with how-to use the settings, features, etc. Take a look at the link below to see what it looks like. If you're interested, I'll send you the extra one I have. Send me a pm as to where I should send it. I'd be happy to give it to you - I only need one. BTW, it covers a lot of territory - you can take it with you - and it's very helpful.

http://www.photocheatsheets.com/cs.aspx?n=86

Liz

[chas berlin]

Thx Liz!
That's very kind.

[chas berlin]

Liz,
I'm perplexed, as I've never experienced a camera that took the same setting (say a garden shot) in so many different ways. IE, if I change the WB from AWB to Sunny (in daylight) or go from auto to program. The colors vary widely on this camera. Has this been your experience? Have you just worked around it (choosing the most accurate "camera" setting), or what? I'm used to being able to pull the camera out and shoot, but there seems to be so many variables w/ the G9. ????
Help!

[Liz]

Liz,
I'm perplexed, as I've never experienced a camera that took the same setting (say a garden shot) in so many different ways. IE, if I change the WB from AWB to Sunny (in daylight) or go from auto to program. The colors vary widely on this camera. Has this been your experience? Have you just worked around it (choosing the most accurate "camera" setting), or what? I'm used to being able to pull the camera out and shoot, but there seems to be so many variables w/ the G9. ????
Help!

Actually I don't use most of the specific "sunny" etc. settings for the most part. If I want to change a setting I usually use the "P" mode. I find the AWB does well in most settings especially outside. On a bright day instead of sunny I prefer to change the EC to - 1/3 - to - 1. This works much better. There are variables, but the good thing about the G9 is the default settings are better than many if not most p&s cameras for getting good results. I was amazed how well the Jersey Shore images came out using auto - and using P with the ND filter on. The G9 has a lot of possible settings - but the bottom line is that Canon has set up the defaults to get the best results for the most part IMO.

Liz

[chas berlin]

Liz,
Can't get on DP Review as I do not have the proper email for them. I'm on Yahoo.
Chas

[jgredline]

Hey Chas
Do you a G mail? That is what I used for D Review?
I am also back to pondering that G9..Had a chance to take some pictures of some folks with one yesterday and it felt so right in my hands..

[chas berlin]

Javier, I don't know what G mail is but I'll do a search.
I've not been happy w/ what the G9 will do. Colors are often way off. It likes to see green fabric as blue. (It's fine w/ green grass.) I find the best color accuracy (indoors w/ incandescent light, or outdoors at dusk) to be WB - cloudy. Very strange!
I'm going to try setting the custom WB today w/ some white paper. It has 2 custom WB settings that are both adaptive, and the shop suggested using white paper (they didn't have a gray card) to set these. One for sunny and the other for dusk, as that's when I like to shoot. At dusk the G9 turns everything light (in Auto mode). I haven't really gotten an accurate dusk shot yet, and haven't heard any solid solutions for this problem.
The G9 does have a great feel, but certainly some serious limitations. I think it would have been a better camera at about 8 MP, as it does have some serious noise issues. But then again it will also do some very nice things.
At this point (w/ my very limited use of it), I will likely return it and probably wait for the next batch of cameras to be released. The shop said they expect something around Christmas or so. The G9 is a really nice camera, though I don't see it as something I will be happy w/ long term (at least not w/ the exposoure I have to it at this point).

[chas berlin]

Set up the custom WB settings today, which has helped w/ color accuracy. Set one for direct sun, and the other for daylight shade. The daylight shade setting worked quite well this evening when shooting the sunset. Also tried the lens adapter w/ some filters. Worked well, though unfortunately the barrel adapter can be seen (forget the term) when shooting at 35mm, so you must zoom in a bit to avoid this. It's certainly nice to be able to use filters w/ a P&S. A strong plus IMO.

PS - Javier, I got a G mail account and am now waiting to hear back from DP Review so I can log on. Thx bro!

[jgredline]

Chas
You got me thinking about the P&S again..The noise will bother me...The biggest problem with the p&s does seem to be noise because they pack all of those MP into a very small sensor..It seems to me that a 6MP sensor would be about right...but I am no expert.