Walkabout camera - G7 vs A640 vs ???

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

06/29/2007 01:59:01 PM · #1

Hi all, I've been doing so much research my head is spinning!
I'm looking for a second camera that I can toss in my backpack, carry anywhere, etc., with a minimum of compromises compared to my D80.

Image quality is of primary importance to me.

I'm giving strong consideration to the G7 but have concerns about image quality (strong noise reduction / image smearing?). I like the S3 IS but it seems like it would be a bit large, approaching SLR size?

Here are my requirements:
6MP minimum
Image quality comparable to DSLR with good lens
Excellent quality up to ISO 100
Good quality up to ISO 400
Shutter/Aperture priority
Manual exposure
6x zoom or better
Size similar to G7 or A640

Good to have but not deal-breakers:
RAW format
28mm on the wide end
SD card preferred over CF

I'd really appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thanks!

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

06/29/2007 02:07:28 PM · #2

I have an A630, the A620, A630, A640 and G7 all have issue blowing highlights and with contrast. Its not the cameras fault its the sensor is to small with too many photosites.

A630 does 1.9 FPS A640 does 1.5fps
A640 will tethered shoot the A630 will not.

The G7 has a hotshoe, but the G6 does raw the G7 does not.

Message edited by author 2007-06-29 14:07:50.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

06/29/2007 02:18:07 PM · #3

I have the G7. For me it's the closest thing to a DSLR without spending a fortune or having an actual DSLR.

For what I shoot with it, I don't miss RAW one bit.

All cameras will "blow" the highlights if the exposure is off.

It's solidly built too, feels more like an old style RF camera as opposed to a high tech digicam.

The NR may be a bit aggressive, but honestly, I can only tell if I'm pixelpeeping.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/29/2007 02:25:28 PM · #4

I don't think you will get all of that.... certainly not the IQ the same as an SLR with good lens part.

I hear the Fuji tend to be better noise control. I have used a Canon A510 & still own an old S230 and would certainly have no issue with one of the Canon's - I think you need the G6 to get RAW, seem to remember they took it off the G7 but not sure.

I have been looking off and on and thin IS of some sort is a must. One I looked at took 16:8 ratio which was nice and I know a couple of the Oly's are water-proof (well resistant to 10Meters or so), so if you want something extra have a look at them.

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

06/29/2007 02:26:28 PM · #5

Addin some A630 shots:

Handheld macro vs not

some gtg shots

I have shot straight against the sun and not blown out highlights and then ive shot in situations with no problems and it did... its a bit weird. My only complaint other then that i love it.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

06/29/2007 04:12:42 PM · #6

Bump for more replies... So far this is useful but I'm hoping for more input. I wonder if a G6 would make more sense than a G7, for example.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

06/29/2007 04:42:02 PM · #7

I assume you know to look at dpreview.com to compare cameras. I'm in a similar boat as you. I'll tell you my favorites so far. Also, for history, I had a G2 (great, F2.0 lens, RAW, but no wide angle and limited zoom), and I currently have an Canon S1, good but not great (and only 3 MP).

1) The S70 has wide and raw, and is smaller than the G series. Expensive, even used though. Not the zoom you wanted either.

2) The Panasonic Lumix TZ3 is an interesting all around compromise. Has lots of features, but definitely an outdoor camera because of ISO noise. Has a very sharp Leica lens. No RAW.

3) The Oly 550 has a nice feel to it and lots of features. It didn't quite meet the expectations given the marketing hype, but it might be good enough (though a bit bigger). Again, ignore high ISO claims, but if you stay 400 and below, you might be good. Supports RAW.

4) Panasonic Lumix LX2. RAW, plus wide angle. Small. Wonderful Leica lens. Panasonic noise at >200 ISO. Gets good reviews as a pocket camera for SLR owners.

5) The Canon S5 is a good all around camera too which has a nice zoom, no wide angle (but you can put on an adapter, which isn't bad). Not huge, but mini SLR size (not different in size than the Oly 550). But a middle performer, not bad, not great.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

06/29/2007 04:54:16 PM · #8

motherlee has the A630 and it really annoys me! She can take a shot and it requires minimal editing before uploading here. Now, she knows as much about cameras as I know about childbirth! But, damn it, she gets great photos.

Before she bought it, we thought about the A640, but all reviews stated the A630 was as good and cheaper.

I want to take better photos than her, but she wins hands down!!

06/29/2007 09:31:26 PM · #9

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and advice. I'm really attracted to the G7 for its size and specs. Any compelling reasons not to go with this?

I think what I'd really like is the G6 in a G7 body!