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01/19/2003 02:52:45 AM · #1 |
Now, there is nothing wrong with my G2 (except the standard autofocus complaints), but I really like what I read about the Sony 717, and I know a lot of the more serious digital photographers that dont have DSLRs love them. I've been thinking about selling my G2 and accessories and buying a 717, but had a few questions. I have read through the review at www.dpreview.com
I know the AF assist on the 717 is supposed to work really well, but how does the autofocus work in brighter light, especially on things that the G2 has trouble with, like faces?
How is the macro mode on the 717 as compared to my G2 with the Hoya macro lenses? As a comparison, with all three Hoya lenses (+4, +2, +1) stacked, at full zoom a quarter will almost fill the FOV, though not quite. It might be closer to the size of a half dollar coin.
One of the complaints Phil Askey had was there was no tone or saturation controls. How big of a deal is this in general use?
How are the noise levels at higher ISOs? I rarely use anything above 50 on my G2 (I've only used 100 once where I actually printed some 4x6 pictures), since there is too much noise for my taste. The examples at dpreview seem fine to me for direct comparison, but I have a hard time visualizing what those results look like in an actual photo you might print.
I dont know if price info is allowed to be given out here, but who has the best price on this camera that is reputable? If you can't answer this, just pretend I didnt ask ;)
What would a fair price be for a used G2 in great condition, with a 128 meg flash card, lensmate, hoya macro lenses, and a UV and cic-polarizing filter?
Are there any other issues I should be aware of for the 717? I saw another thread about some autofocus problems, but it sounds like these have been fixed?
My G2 makes some great looking 8x10's... I need to try going larger sometime... how big are the prints have those of you with the 7x7 made?
And most importantly, is Sony going to be introducing a new model in the next 3-4 months?
Brian
Message edited by author 2003-01-19 02:55:36. |
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01/19/2003 03:04:56 AM · #2 |
| i would consider waiting until sony releases the next update of the 717 series type camera. just like when they went from 505v to the 707. you may want to consider waiting to see if they are going to come out with a 909 or sometyhing similar soon. the noise is somewhat above normal, which i am not sure if you would like. the 717 can get 2cm close to subject. in bright light, the AF is OK to pretty good, pretty accurate, but not the fastest. you can set spot focusing or center weighted, so that helps. i would consider just putting your G2 up on ebay if you want to sell it. there is white balance controls that are REALY easy to use and effective. you can even set your own in like 3 seconds. there is no saturation control though, but the saturation is usually pretty close to on that you dont need to touch it at all. if you realy wanted a noise free camera, you could search for a Canon EOS-D30 or D60 on ebay, ($1000-2000?) and get some lenses. the eos-d series have VERY VERY low noise levels. i am being pretty critical though, and i wouldnt trade my 707 for anything near its price (besides 717 ;) ) if you go to www.DPREVEIW.com i think it is, they have a side by side comparison of the 707 and G2 |
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01/19/2003 04:18:17 PM · #3 |
I've never used any of the sony cameras, I'm just not so sure how much of an upgrade this would really be - it'll probably cost you quite a bit, make you need to buy new memory cards etc to get to a camera that has pretty similar capabilities.
I got offered $150 when I tried to sell my G2 - though that was a trade-in price. They still seem to be selling in the bizzaro world of ebay, second hand, for more than paid for it over a year ago, new - so if you are quick you might find someone with more money than common sense to give you about $600 for it. |
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01/19/2003 04:45:25 PM · #4 |
Also the local BestBuy (//www.bestbuy.com) here has about 30 G2s for sale in the camera dept, they never carried those before (when I bought mine mail order 3 months ago). Same price as I paid. Not sure if I can post the price here also. They seem popular tho. I have few complaints about mine, and would never buy Sony with their memory sticks.
Just my double penny opinion.
-tog
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01/19/2003 05:16:49 PM · #5 |
Gordon: Yes, with the accessories I have, I figured I'd be able to get around $600 for my G2. I wouldnt sell it for any less than $500.
Just from reading reviews of the 717, it would get me 5x zoom over 3x, an extra megapixel of resolution, and better autofocus. I also like the fact it has a manual focus/zoom ring, and very good default macro capability. It's just something I'm thinking about at the moment... Originally I was planning on just using my G2 for a couple of more years, until I can afford the DSLR I want. I'd like to see how the Foveon chip develops before I step into that arena though.
Brian |
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01/19/2003 05:53:14 PM · #6 |
I work for a really large optical retailer here in Aus, and I've used the G2 a great deal. I have a 717 as my personal camera. In regards to print size, you'll get a nice A3 size from your G2, and A2 size from a 717.
The 717 is a strange camera in my experience. Its very easy to use but sometimes i think Sony overlooked some really simple issues that could've made the camera much better. Tone/Saturation control (or lack there of) isnt really a problem if you've got photoshop. Some times (very rarely) in poor/reasonable lighting conditions my 717 seems to suffer cronically from noise. But it is very seldom encountered.
The 717s autofocus on structures and other man-made objects is very sharp and incredibly quick. The camera also has a very quick start up time of less than 1.5 seconds. One problem i've found recently is that the flash is too bright for its own good. Even when set to a low level, standing 2 metres from someone inside a room or at night will lead to the dreaded over exposure. That is very annoying.
But really, that is the biggest grievance i have with my new baby. The lens is awesome, the quality of the CCD is better than the one used in all the Canon DSLRs (including the D60 and 1D), and i love the swivel chassis.
But honestly, if you are only going to print A4 (8x10) think very long and hard about ditching your G2. At that print size its probably not worth it. The G3 might be a good option.
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01/19/2003 08:35:25 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by bdshort:
Gordon: Yes, with the accessories I have, I figured I'd be able to get around $600 for my G2. I wouldnt sell it for any less than $500.
Just from reading reviews of the 717, it would get me 5x zoom over 3x, an extra megapixel of resolution, and better autofocus. I also like the fact it has a manual focus/zoom ring, and very good default macro capability. It's just something I'm thinking about at the moment... Originally I was planning on just using my G2 for a couple of more years, until I can afford the DSLR I want. I'd like to see how the Foveon chip develops before I step into that arena though.
Brian |
oh then in that case i would go for it possibly. i am satisfied with my 707. |
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01/19/2003 09:36:29 PM · #8 |
I just upgraded from my Minolta Dimage 5 to the 717 and I am THRILLED with it!
The macro capability is fantastic. The low light sharpness is so much better than the Dimage. I have taken over 1000 pics already (yes I DO have a problem) and I am definitely glad I bought it. I am real lucky too, because I bought a floor model, then found out it was one of the models with the recall, so the store exchanged it for a brand new one for the same price!
If you want to check out the macro capabilities look here. I did quite a few flower pics. that I think came out pretty good.
The controls are pretty easy also. I use it on manual setting with no problems.
Anyone thinking about it should definitely get it if they are into macro and still life photography.
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01/20/2003 05:45:24 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by bdshort:
Now, there is nothing wrong with my G2 (except the standard autofocus complaints), but I really like what I read about the Sony 717 |
Don't do it.
Save some more money and buy a second hand Canon D30, or save even more money, and get a new D-SLR of some kind. You will love yourself for it for ever. Promise.
HJ
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01/20/2003 06:33:22 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by SharQ:
Originally posted by bdshort:
Now, there is nothing wrong with my G2 (except the standard autofocus complaints), but I really like what I read about the Sony 717 |
Don't do it.
Save some more money and buy a second hand Canon D30, or save even more money, and get a new D-SLR of some kind. You will love yourself for it for ever. Promise.
HJ |
I'd tend to agree - but you have to realise that the cost of the SLR body is the start price, not the end - you need to spend the real money to get lenses/ accessories etc.
I don't doubt that the 717 is better than the G2, I just think it is such an incremental increase that it can't possibly be worth the money. Mind you I keep seeing posts on some web sites about people who upgraded from G1s to G2s to G3s which just blows my mind in how small an improvement that is and how much they are prepared to pay for it.
G2 to SLR is night and day. A totally different experience. |
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01/20/2003 09:27:23 PM · #11 |
I went to the local camera store, which has a 707 in stock, just to hold it. I like the feel of it... unfortunately the girl at the counter, although cute, didnt know anything about the camera. The memory stick in the cam was full, so I couldnt really look through it. But it felt nice.
Gordon: Yeah, I can't understand the people that went from the G1 to 2 to 3... Other than 4x zoom, and a nicer looking body, there really isnt a lot of difference that I've seen. If I sold my G2 for $600 or so, it would be another $400 for the 717 and a 128 meg memory stick... I dont think I'd mind spending that, given the 5x zoom, and the EVF, and the focus ring, and the nice feel of the camera... I may just see what Canon announces in March re: their D60 replacements. I'm really not ready to buy one of those just yet though... latest rumor I've heard is a D90 or something, 9 megapixels... and a cheaper Rebel based model, that I guess is meant to compete with the 717, 5700 type cameras, or fall between them and the D60/D100 line.
Brian |
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