S95 or G12 - Which one? - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

01/19/2011 11:27:06 PM · #1

My husband recently returned from a trip to Mexico with my sons.
The P&S he took with him was lost/stolen (a canon a620 with flip screen and manual modes). Have just received the insurance money so looking for a new camera.

I didnâ��t use the previous camera much as I wasnâ��t happy with the picture quality after getting my hands on a DSLR. But, the S95 and G12 have really stepped up in this area (I know they arenâ��t the same as a DSLR but waaaaay better than my 5 year old camera which didnâ��t have IS).

Having trouble deciding on which one of these to get.

I currently have a canon 7d and 400d with a number of lenses.
Looking for something to have with me all the time.
Wonâ��t be carrying it in a pocket so bag size is fine.

Anybody else have trouble deciding between these two cameras when making a new purchase?
Which did you decide to get and why?

Anyone with either - what are your thoughts?

Thanks to all.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

01/19/2011 11:38:50 PM · #2

I just bought a nearly new G11 this past weekend and love it. I was looking at both, however, and I think the deciding factor was simply which one I found for a price I liked first. My intended usage is to have this in my laptop bag going to work and back, so I always have a good camera with me. Also to have it when cycling. It should fit nicely in a jersey pocket or my Camelbak.

The swivel screen is IMO, a weak area that adds bulk. I have a Powershot S5 IS with a similar swivel screen and it has problems with the screen being intermittent. It is awfully convenient, however. I like the substantial feel and the mechanical dials on the G11.

From my initial round of photos, I feel the image quality is similar to a Rebel XT or XTI. Pretty darn good for a small sensor camera. High ISO is quite usable.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/19/2011 11:47:47 PM · #3

If you're used to the flip screen and not worried about bulk, go for the G12. It's more capable overall and has a longer zoom range. You might look at the new Lumix LX5, too. It's practically equivalent to the S95, but reaches 24mm at the wide end.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

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

01/20/2011 02:02:58 AM · #4

The G12 will win out if you're strictly looking at features. The S95 will if you're looking for ease of transport and simplicity. They are fundamentally different applications, in my opinion. I second Shannon's suggestion of the LX5. It sits between those two, not as hyper portable as the S95, and less feature filled than the G12. If I want something as feature filled as the G12, I would use my D300. I didn't like the S95 for it's super diminutive size, which was sorta difficult for me to operate as I have larger hands. The pop up flash also made me quickly realize it would make me batty.

cmcphee

Fujifilm X-T3

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR

01/20/2011 12:18:42 PM · #5

Depends what you want to do with it.

I'm a convinced DSLR user, but wanted to buy a compact over Christmas so I have something that I can carry round with me at all times. I looked briefly at the S95 - I'd bought my daughter an S90 and she loves it - but I wanted RAW, I wanted all the DSLR-type controls (A/S/M, exposure comp etc)to give me the most flexibility in my shots. I went for the G12 and have had no regrets. On the other hand, my daughter didn't intend to shoot RAW or use anything other than scene modes, but still wanted excellent IQ, so we saved a few bucks & bought her the S90. And we're both happy.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/20/2011 12:47:39 PM · #6

Originally posted by cmcphee:

I looked briefly at the S95 - I'd bought my daughter an S90 and she loves it - but I wanted RAW...

RAW format and full manual controls are available in the S95, G12 and Lumix LX5.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/20/2011 01:00:07 PM · #7

I bought a Canon G7 as my travel camera and I haven't regretted it. Sure, there have been times when I wished that I had my 5D and 12mm lens for an ultra wide angle shot, but there's no way I would have carried a huge bag full of gear on those trips either.

I'm considering the S95 for to replace it, but...I'm not there yet.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/20/2011 01:26:39 PM · #8

One notable advantage of the smaller cameras is that they have faster lenses. The S95 and Lumix LX5 are both f/2.0 at the wide end vs. f/2.8 on the G12. On the other hand, the G12 reaches 140mm â�� considerably more zoom than the 105mm and 90mm of the other two.

Message edited by author 2011-01-20 13:27:00.

MistyMucky

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

01/20/2011 02:39:25 PM · #9

I went for the S95 because of the size, it fits in every pocket. The low light performances are simply AMAZING, that's really practical for movies. And it's the sweetest little thing :)

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

01/20/2011 03:43:07 PM · #10

Thanks for the input guys.

Hate it when I can't decide.
Will let you know which way I go.

Any more input welcome.

jdannels

Nikon D300s

01/20/2011 04:40:15 PM · #11

My thread on point and shoots. I was looking between the LX5 and G12 initially. I ended up with the Samsung TL500. This has the same sensor as the s95/G12 a swivel screen and wider angle 24-72 mm f1.8-2.4 lens. It shoots raw and allows for full manual adjustments. I enjoy it quite a bit, the 3 inch swivel screen is big and bright. The button lay out could have been better. In manual you adjust shutter on the front dial and aperture on the back dial. The back dial is located on the bottom right corner below whre your thumb rests, so it is a little cumbersome to adjusts. If the would have put it in the top right it would have been nicer. I have not really played with the raw yet since I hav to upgrade to Lightroom 3 to get the proper raw converter. Overall though it take great images and I would definitely check it out. This camera is a little big for a pants pocket, but fits in a a jacket pocet and you would not no it is there. The only other nitpick is that it requires a lens cap, which I attached to the camera. It is annoying to take on and off. the camera starts up quickly too. if you are interested in video, I would skip this camera though, it is not good.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

01/20/2011 05:53:43 PM · #12

Originally posted by jdannels:

OH, that looks interesting. (Darn, another one to think about)
Really fast lens. Might need to see if there is one in the shops.

I see you own it. How have you found it.
Do the top dials stay in place (not easily bumped out of position, etc)
Exposure good, etc.

Thanks

spiritualspatula

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

01/20/2011 08:30:55 PM · #13

Since it was noted about the Samsung, the LX5 does have a lens cap, as well. In practice, with the LX3, I didn't find it frustrating or cumbersome... It takes a brief moment to start up anyway. If anything, the fact that it dangles frustrates me more than taking it off, but not having it tethered would be more annoying. I'm already used to taking my lens cap off my D300 repeatedly, so maybe I'm just accustomed to the action.

Message edited by author 2011-01-20 20:31:21.

Zeissman

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

01/21/2011 03:04:02 PM · #14

If you husband used to use film cameras and knows what he is doing the G12 will be great. I have a G11 and love the ISO dial and exposure comp dials. For something slimmer he S95 will be great and has a faster lens.

One thing I like about the G11 that it takes a flash so I can share my 270 between it and the Rebel.

//www.kenrockwell.com/canon/s95.htm