Any comments on the new PS S5 IS

[chas berlin]

Come on Liz, get in here and defend the G9!

[Liz]

Chas,

I haven't commented on your last couple of posts because I don't change the WB so can't give you an intelligent response!

However, I'm glad there seems to be an improvement in your results. I will say that the G9 is packed full of options not unlike the dslr, so it's definitely a learning curve. I will defend the G9 default settings at ISO 80/100 in daylight situations - only from my own experience (you have seen the images from the Jersey Shore which IMO show what the camera is capable of "on it's own" (default-auto settings). Your situation is different due to what you're looking to do and the various lighting situations. For your situation, you've mentioned that involves changing the WB which so far I haven't encountered any problem with in my situations.

One other fact. There are no p&s cameras out there that give good results in low light situations due to the small sensor. The G9 will give you acceptable results up to ISO200 - and for small prints up to 400. Having said that, there are some cameras that do a little better in low light - like the Panasonic TZ3 - however, they have other problems. With compacts, it's a toss up as to what is most important to you. Since I don't do much low light and I have the XTi for those situations, and the IQ is one of the best at ISO 80/100, I am very happy.

From what you've shared thus far, it sounds to me (just my opinion) that you will do well with this camera once you've gotten over the learning curve hurdle. As far as dpreview goes, I've gone on there at times without the "proper email" address and couldn't post - but you CAN read.....and search.

Keep us updated......but I personally, I think you will be pleased with the G9 as you've already accomplished quite a bit with the WB. Also, if you think your camera is off you can always exchange it for another copy.

Liz

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!

[chas berlin]

Good advise Liz. I may be one of those who is expecting too much out of this little puppy. I'm only used to SLR's so that's probably a handicap going in.
I think what you said about daylight shooting is probably the biggie here. I like shooting at dusk, and this might not be the camera for that. But it is a nice little pkg for daylight shooting, I certainly won't deny that.
I'll see how it goes this wk, and try more daylight shots.
BTW, I'm envious of your Jersey Shore shots. Dang that's good for a P&S!
I have hovered at DP Review, but wanted to start a thread. I expect they'll send a password tomorrow.

[Liz]

Chas,

Thanks for the comments about the Jersey Shore shots. Yes, I was pleasantly surprised to see these results straight out of the camera.

It is a well known fact that it's hard to get good low light shots with any p&s. Panasonic has a few cameras that are a bit better at low light - and maybe Sony. I don't know that much about other brands; however doing my research on the G9 and S5 I read enough to know that with any p&s there is a compromise. Like you said, coming from a dslr - it's a "handicap" and I agree. Initially I was looking at the p&s images through "L" colored lenses and was unhappy with all of them. I settled on the G9 due to the IQ. I don't do much low light, so you have more of a challenge.

Good luck
Liz

[chas berlin]

What you say is very true Liz.

So here's some additional thoughts...
I REALLY like that I can use filters w/ the G9, though I believe there are others like the FZ8 that will also do this. (Whether or not I have the right size filters is another issue. My 28mm Canon lens is 58mm so I have a stack of lenses wanting to attach themselves to something, and the G9 seems to fit the bill.)
I'm really enjoying both the size and feel of the G9, and so far (I'll know more in a day or so) the color issue is at least w/in tolerance, and that's a huge issue for me. I couldn't live w/ blues that were really greens, and from what I've read in other forums (and from my experience) the G9 has a difficult time w/ reds (it likes to turn them more of an orangy red, but setting the custom WB (described in earlier post) has got the reds w/in tolerance also. Therefore my complaints are rapidly fading. A good thing!
Right now my biggest beef is that little sensor. I noticed on the DP Review site that many others are voicing the same complaint (I can't wait to post there), saying, "larger sensor, less MP's, and also a better viewfinder". Yes, I'd have to say the viewfinder is usable, but a bit of a joke. If you put a filter adapter on you'll know just what I mean. The adapter takes up almost half of the field of view. It's laughable, but dang I'm try to shoot here.
(He says w/ a smile.)
So, the jury is still out. I'm rapidly getting that the G9 is the best P&S there is at this point in time, and whether or not I hold out for the next batch (or even the G10?), not sure. I dread the thought of keeping the G9 only to find the G10 has addressed these three issues. Oooh that would hurt!

[Liz]

Chas,
There are problems with the G9 - the ones that you indicated. However, some of them can be resolved by changing the settings, but you're right, you have to know what to change them to and this takes time and a lot of playing around and practive.

Reviews - FYI - when the G7 came out none of the reviews were good - and concentrated on the flaws. However, it became the biggest p&s seller on the market. Today the G7 is more expensive than the G9. People do tend to come out of the woodwork when it comes to the "cons" of a new camera. I'm not trying to sell the G9....but just want to point out some facts.

Buying a camera is a very subjective decision. And you're right about another camera coming out after you buy the G9 (if you do). That may happen; however, it's doubtful it will be a "G" series since the G9 is too recent. Maybe next year. Then again, another brand may top the G9. However, the p&s industry and the public has made the compact cameras disposable and that's the way it is. The problem with every p&s camera is the sensor and until they change the sensor, the problem will not be resolved.

Good luck.

Liz

[chas berlin]

Agreed. (I'm short of 10 characters)

[Liz]

Chas,
I sent you an email - I forgot to apologize - the cheatsheet is late in the mail....you should get it soon. I'm sorry as I plain old forgot. '

Here is the link on histograms......it's also in your email.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tu...stograms.shtml

Liz

[chas berlin]

Thx Liz. This is greatly appreciated. And though I have little time, I can see the learning curve is a bit steep, at least from where I'm standing.

Chas

[chas berlin]

Correction:
The G9 filter/lens adapter does not cause vignetting in itself. It is when filters are stacked that this becomes a problem. A single filter works fine. The barrel does however fill 1/2 of the field of view in the viewfinder.

[chas berlin]

This just in...
Buydig now prices the G9 at $429 no tax, no shipping (fee).
What a deal!

[Liz]

This just in...
Buydig now prices the G9 at $429 no tax, no shipping (fee).
What a deal!

So Chas..........what is your final decision on the G9?????

Liz

[Liz]

Chas,

There was a problem with the mailing of the G9 cheatsheet - that's why you didn't get it. I have to take it to the post office - may need more postage. Sorry to have to keep you waiting.

However! please let me know what you've decided about keeping/returning the G9. If you are going to return it, I'll give/send the cheatsheet to someone else.

Thanks.
Liz

[chas berlin]

Hi Liz,
Almost lost this.
My computer crashed and I lost all my links!
I'm pretty much hooked.
Go ahead and send it.
Thx Liz,
Chas

[Liz]

Hi Liz,
Almost lost this.
My computer crashed and I lost all my links!
I'm pretty much hooked.
Go ahead and send it.
Thx Liz,
Chas

Wow! That's a bummer.......glad you're back on the forum. The envelope is ready and waiting to go to the p.o. in the morning.

Glad you're keeping the G9 - still my favorite p&s.

Liz

[chas berlin]

Hey Liz,
Here's something I thought you'd get a kick out of...
I was at my daughters the other night, and we had a G9, 800IS, and 850IS, so I did some comparison shots (all indoors). I was shocked to find the 850 was so much cleaner than the G9. Really clear pics w/ accurate color. A shot of the coffee table showed the grain so clearly on the 850 I couldn't believe it. Amazing!
Oh, and BTW don't believe any of this, as I'm just kidding.
The G9 wiped the floor w/ the other two cameras.
The color was so much crisper from the G9 and the clarity was clearly evident. After reading that the 800 and 850, along w/ others in that line, were yielding similar results as the G9 I was pleasantly surprised to see a very large difference between them.
I just wish I could have seen your face while you were reading this.
Chas - smiling widely

[Liz]

I just wish I could have seen your face while you were reading this.
Chas - smiling widely

My facial expressions - first part:

2nd part:

Thanks for the fun!

Liz

[chas berlin]

My facial expressions - first part:

2nd part:

Thanks for the fun!

Liz

MY PLEASURE! :thumbsup: