The Most Lusted After Soon to Be Released Point and Shoot Camera is….
Earlier in the week on Twitter I asked those following the DPS twitter account what point and shoot digital camera they’d buy if they had to buy one today as a secondary camera to their DSLR.
Quite a few people responded but one camera was mentioned again and again (by over 25% of those who responded) – the Canon Powershot G11.
Interestingly the camera is yet to be released (it’s due to ship any day now from Amazon) and so the responses are soley based upon specifications and the reputation of its predecessor the G10.
You can see the full list of suggested point and shoot cameras here.
What point and shoot camera would you buy if you had to get one today?
41 Responses to “The Most Lusted After Soon to Be Released Point and Shoot Camera is….” - Add Yours
October 1st, 2009 at 7:27 am
quick n simple “G10″
October 1st, 2009 at 8:27 am
Does the Leica X-1 count as a point & shoot?
If not, the Lumix LX-3 most certainly. The Canon G11 does sound good on paper but then so did the G10 which ended up being rather a disappointment.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:34 am
Personally, I’m more interested in the PowerShot S90 which will have the same sensor, a faster lens (on the wide end) and be a little easier to carry.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:52 am
Why exactly does the G11 qualify as a “Point & Shoot”? Its anything but!
October 1st, 2009 at 8:53 am
Canon Powershot S90
Panasonic DMC-GF1
Canon Powershot SD780
October 1st, 2009 at 9:02 am
I second that if I end up getting a p&s its gotta be the canon s90
October 1st, 2009 at 9:40 am
Canon S90…definitely the S90. All the features (almost) of the G11 but slightly smaller and another stop on the lens? My heart just went pitter-pat
October 1st, 2009 at 10:12 am
Have to disagree Darren: I’m waiting for the S90 more. G11 is a fine camera, Im sure, but the S90 fills the “Point&Shoot” role better.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:18 am
Wow…No E-P1? That’s odd.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:39 am
In the G11’s favor the 1/500th flash sync speed is nice with the spot for my cybersyncs and skyports
October 1st, 2009 at 11:21 am
s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90s90
Sorry–short circuit or something
October 1st, 2009 at 1:01 pm
definately the LX3 or S90. Panasonic recently released a major firmware update for the LX3 that added new features. Not bad for a camera more than a year old.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Its simply too big for its purpose…… if I leave my DSLR at home, it would be because of size and weight…… I don’t want another hulk as a replacement……. it has to be hung from the neck and needs another bag to carry it……
October 1st, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I am with Ahmed. If I don´t take my DSLR with me, I want something that will fit on my pocket. No bags, less weight as possible. Just a point and shoot. That´s what it is for.
October 1st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I’d buy a g11 too!
My current backup camera is a g7, and I am very satisfied with it.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Leica M9 with a 50mm Noctilux
October 1st, 2009 at 9:05 pm
well, that’s interesting – there’s so many out there now
October 1st, 2009 at 9:58 pm
I want three tiers. DSLR when bulk is OK. G11 for when I go to a museum or somewhere where I need a light camera but still want RAW capture. Some version of powershot for pocket camera to take any and everywhere.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I’ve got the G10, but if I didn’t, the G11 would be tops on my list. Point and Shoot may be the wrong classification for this camera. Possibly something like “non-DSLR” or “Pocket” camera – although it would take a big pocket. It goes nicely in my coat pocket in the winter and in the pockets of cargo pants. Usually, this is the camera that I leave in my car so that I always have a camera handy. It’s paid off in a few great shots.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Hello,
Can you tell me why though? I have compared the G11 with the G10 and I do not see any reason to buy the new model over the previous one. The updates are just not significant enough to make the change. I am waiting for the G11 to release, but only because I hope it comes with a large drop in the price of the G10. Either way, I am looking forward to getting a G10 now that my G9 has stopped functioning (possible from a screw loose shorting out the camera … a possible known, but not covered issue that probably should warrant a recall).
Anthony
October 1st, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I have the G10 and love it … my husband gave it to me for Christmas not even a year ago when I saw the write-up for it on DPS and in a photography mag and couldn’t stop drooling. I’m a hobbiest – love photography, but no professional, and so I can’t justify purchasing the “latest, greatest” every time one comes out. The G10 is just fine for me, when I don’t want to lug around my Canon Rebel XT. (And I need to buy some film and use the old Rebel 2000 every once in a while, just so he doesn’t feel abandoned.)
October 1st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
I’d have to go with the S90 as well.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 am
the best point and shoot is the sigma dp1. for the same price as the g10 or g11 it has a image sensor size comparable to a dslr.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:17 am
Very tough, but I have to agree with most, the S90 wins out over the G11. f/2.0 + RAW in a compact P&S is extremely tempting (too bad it wasn’t a constant f/2.0!). You may lose a bit on the telephoto end, but if I really needed it I’d drag out my 70-200 glass + DSLR.
I’m curious though how the DOF with f/2 @ 28mm (well really 6mm) compares to the same on a SLR. I know it will be a big difference compared to other P&S’s at the same focal length but what about a SLR (1.6 crop sensor let’s say)
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:56 am
I want an s90
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:18 am
I would definitely go for the G11 to replace the PowerShot A620 that I had donated to my younger brother. The G11 will nicely complement my EOS 450D (Rebel XSi) very well when I don’t feel like lugging the dSLR and its lenses and accessories.
I already have an ultra-compact Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 as my everyday P&S fun camera, it’s lighter than the IXUS models, has a longer battery life between charges and more importantly a backup optical viewfinder. Forgot to mention that it also has 5x wide angle zoom (28-150mm equivalent) which none of the IXUS range could match.
My other camera is a PowerShot S3is (I’m a Canon fan since 1982) and it fills the gap where I need a smaller, discreet travel camera with a long zoom range. Too bad it doesn’t have a hot shoe like the S5is onwards.
I miss the swivel-out LCD in my PowerShot A620 – a feature that Canon deleted since the G7. I had considered the G10, but I sensed that 14.5 MP in a small CCD sensor means noise in the higher ISO settings (I was proven right when I read several reviews).
I’ve already bought the Speedlite 270EX II as a travel strobe unit for my EOS 450D, complementing my 430EX II and it would be a perfect match for my forthcoming G11. :-)
As for the f/2 maximum aperture in the S90, I’ve read that DOF in compact cameras with tiny sensors will yield a much deeper DOF compared to any dSLR, even in an APS-C camera. It wouldn’t make sense for me to buy the S90, despite its fast lens as it would make my existing Cyber-shot W150 redundant.
Can’t wait for the G11 to reach Malaysia! :-)
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 am
As said above S90 is where it’s at… it’s almost like someone at Canon decided to listen to it’s users for a change. Hey Nikon…where’s your answer???? Do it and do it better (say an actual DSLR chip w/ the same type of lens as is on the S90) and you’ll finally get people to take you seriouly in the P&S space again.
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:11 am
I’d also go with the S90 after reading Ken Rockwells review.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Sony DSC-W series. small, simple, inconspicuous, and very capable.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Perhaps I will buy Canon PS SX1. Its rolling LCD and long zoom with menu setting as many as pro camera, would be in more than enough for an amateur and poor guy like me who cannot afford to buy DSLR cameras
October 4th, 2009 at 2:15 am
With the advent of the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic GF1 – its got to be micro 4/3. The price of the new Canon G11 puts it right up against an E-P1 with 14-42mm zoom. Weight-wise the Olympus and Canon are pretty much identical albeit when the Olympus is kitted out with the 17mm Zuiko pancake. The zoom would add only a further 70g over the fixed lens.
Lens kit aside the dimensions look very similar too.
I just don’t see where the advantages are anymore with the G11 over its rivals. Its been a polished performer but its not like the G11 is breaking new ground. Its taken something completely new to shake-up this sector of the market. Well done micro 4/3.
The good thing is the G11 has pushed down the prices of G10s – so there are quite possibly some bargains to be had on those.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:31 am
Ricoh GX200. Excellent all rounder. Compact and very capable. A hidden gem.
October 6th, 2009 at 1:54 am
That may be a bit bulky for a point and shoot. One of the essential elements of a point and shoot for me is small size. I want it to be portable and small enough to fit in my pocket so I can take it out, point and shoot. Otherwise I simply lug my canon rebel xti around.
I’ve written about taking pictures of book pages at the library whilst doing research: http://technologyinclass.com/blog/?p=14
I would need something light and compact for such a purpose.
October 6th, 2009 at 2:39 am
@ Joan – I have been looking for a deal on a G9 or G10 for quite some time and have not located one. These cameras are selling for within $100.00 or so of their original purchase price. I am hoping to find a G10 for about $400.00 new or I’ll wait for the price on the G11 to come down.
Also – I think the E-P1 will go down as the most over hyped camera of 2009. This is a fashion camera and it’s price is in no way connected with it’s capabilities or build quality.
October 7th, 2009 at 2:50 am
My question is why would anyone trade up to this model from say a G9 or G10. The new model offers very little in the performance or innovation to make my heart desire one.
It’s just another Canon attempt to sell cameras.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Also – I think the E-P1 will go down as the most over hyped camera of 2009. This is a fashion camera and it’s price is in no way connected with it’s capabilities or build quality.
A camera gets good reviews and its over-hyped? Apply a little retro styling and it becomes a fashion camera?
Whatever next? Innovate and make smaller – then you’ll claim it’s gimmick!
Canon haven’t broken the mold with the G11 and as previouslyy pointed out the current crop of micro 4/3s cameras look to be on par with the new G11 in terms of price and dimension with the caveat a pancake lens is mounted. In terms of performance these cameras will out-perform the G11 in every area.
October 12th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Bought the S90 this weekend. This camera rocks. Very very nice.
Kevin
October 18th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
My pint and shoot is a Samsung NV3…and I still use it! it takes wonderful vibrant pics and video. Not only that, it is also an MP3 player! My sons gave it to me as a christmas gift 4 years ago and it is small enough to always be with me in the car or in my purse. It’s 7.20 megapixels. I took video of my baby granddaughter a few weeks ago with it and it’s really pretty good. I’m happy to have my Rebel XSI….I LOVE that camera but my Samsung will always be a trusted sidekick :)
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:09 am
I fell in love with the G10 some time ago – in the shop. Initially I thought the G10 was too bulky and was looking for something smaller (some would say a “real” compact) but I saw the beast played with it, and said “I’m getting this one !”. No regret, though I like the S90 now.
October 30th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Samsung 24mm to 24mm point & shoot ?
http://www.samsungcamera.com/press/press_news_view.asp?ynews_uid=202
November 12th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
For me, my most lusted after P&S compact would be the Canon G11.
I just got my Canon G11 late last month and would like to comment on this camera in a form of a user’s review. :-)
It’s now my primary travel camera whenever I decide not to take along my EOS 450D or PowerShot S3 IS ultrazoom. I think that many people who purchased the G11 and vented their disappointment at the G11’s less-than-spectacular high ISO performance were probably anticipating Rebel XTi-like image quality.
Let’s face it, folks. There’s only so much a small 1/1.7″ CCD sensor in the G11 can deliver despite Canon’s marketing claims. We’re not talking about a micro 4/3rd sized sensor here, let alone APS-C format sensor.
I had this limitation clearly in mind when I bought the G11 and I knew I wasn’t going to expect miracles. The first shots I took with my G11 were night scenes at ISO 1600 and compared them to the same shots taken with my EOS 450D, also at ISO 1600 (I used the Program mode).
Not surprisingly, the images taken with the EOS 450D yielded less noise than ones snapped with the G11 – but the latter’s images were STILL far superior than the compacts and ultrazooms I’ve owned, at ISO 400 or ISO 800. The G11’s low light performance blew my old PowerShot A620 and S3 IS away hands down. So how you look at it depends whether you’re comparing the G11 to a budget dSLR or a consumer grade compact.
Is the G11 bulky? I would agree, if it’s pitted against my Cyber-shot DSC-W150 ultracompact. Compared to the EOS 450D and PowerShot S3is the G11’s size is reasonably small and handy although not exactly pocket-able.
Is the G11 heavy? Not really. If anyone’s handled the discontinued PowerShot A650 IS with a full complement of 4 AA Energizer 2500mAH NiMH batteries, the G11 is still comparatively lighter (both with batteries installed).
For a compact digicam, the A650 IS was the heaviest and the bulkiest of the A-series PowerShots. It didn’t sell very well and lived a short market life. Incidentally, the A650 IS was also Canon’s last A-series PowerShot with a swivel-out LCD. Since then Canon designed subsequent models only with fixed LCD screens, except for the SX-series ultrazooms.
Is the G11 complicated to use? YES, if you’re moving up from basic P&S cameras, especially from other makes. NO, if you’re well versed with recent A, G or S/SX-series PowerShots or Canon dSLRs. You don’t have to shoot RAW if you don’t want to (I seldom shoot RAW anyway). JPGs are fine.
I was amazed by the G11’s Smart Auto mode even though I never use fully Auto mode (I prefer Program AE) when taking pics. The G11’s Smart Auto accounts for the subject and camera movement in addition to selecting the proper Scene Mode depending on the situation. In the old PowerShots, full Auto mode attempts to force the use of built-in flash when necessary and tend hover around low ISO speeds.
The G11 also dispenses with the separate Auto ISO/Hi Auto ISO modes in the G10. There’s only one Auto ISO setting and it automatically expands the ISO speed from 80 all the way to 3,200. Takes out the guesswork whether you need normal Auto ISO or HI Auto ISO.
Is the G11 expensive? Compared to the new PowerShot S90, a Digital Elph ultracompact or current A-series PowerShots, yes it is more expensive. But it’s still cheaper than the PowerShot SX1 IS ultrazoom and let alone any Rebel-series dSLR model. I was thrilled that the G11 debut price was cheaper compared to the G10 was the latter was first introduced. The G11 is also cheaper than the old G6 (the last G-series PowerShot with a flip-out LCD and a f/2 lens) which I once lusted after but couldn’t afford back in 2004.
No f/2.0 lens like in the PowerShot S90? That would’ve been great if the G11 had it, but it would also mean the camera would be bigger and heavier than it already is. Not to mention a price increase. Inevitably people would start complaining that the G11’s price tag is unjustified! Then again, the G11 shouldn’t be directly compared to the PowerShot S90 despite sharing the same high sensitivity sensor. The S90 is a pocket camera (the G11 is not) and is aimed for the enthusiast who wants a better performing compact than any of the A-series PowerShots or Digital Elph series.
Is the G11’s viewfinder useless? That depends on what you’re comparing to. Its viewfinder is indeed inferior to any dSLR’s optical viewfinder in terms of framing accuracy or any electronic viewfinder-equipped digicam with 100% coverage.
Anyone familiar with rangefinder film cameras know that these viewfinders yield inaccurate framing at macro and long focal lengths compared to film SLR cameras. There’s (obviously) no live view LCD with film cameras and your only means of composing shots is via the optical viewfinder.
Because of the positioning of an optical viewfinder in a compact digicam, I think it’s unfair to say that the G11’s viewfinder is “useless”. If you think the G11’s viewfinder is small, try peering through the optical viewfinders of ultracompacts for size! Still, I find optical viewfinders indispensable in very bright sunny days, when details on the LCD are completely washed out by sunlight. For this reason I would never buy a compact without an optical viewfinder as a backup framing method.
Like all compact digicams with optical viewfinders, the G11’s optical viewfinder is zoom-coupled. At long focal ranges, using the viewfinder in bright situations can spell the difference between an acceptably framed shot and a completely useless one. Let’s also not forget that turning off the LCD and resorting to the optical viewfinder alone extends the battery up to 1,000 shots.
By no means the G11 is a perfect prosumer compact (there’s no such thing as a perfect digicam).
I was disappointed that its continuous shooting speed is a mere 1.1 fps, slightly slower than the G10 despite the reduction to 10.1 MP in the G11. Action sports photography is out of the G11’s league and I found its slow continuous FPS, hand-held AE bracketing for HDR images proves to be a difficult task.
AF focusing with the G11 is reasonably quick (not as fast as I would’ve liked) but it processes JPG shots slower than I had expected, even at low picture resolutions. Battery life dropped from 400 shots to 390 shots compared to the G10. The G11 is designed to work perfectly with Canon’s Speedlite strobes, but for some reason it lacks the modern E-TTL II flash exposure system found in Canon’s dSLRS. Instead the camera uses only the E-TTL flash mode.
Despite the G11’s minor annoyances, I have no remorse buying it.
G10 owners may not find any compelling reason to upgrade to the G11 (except for the articulating LCD and improved high ISO performance) but as for me, it’s leaps and bounds compared to the A80, A620, S2 IS and S3IS PowerShots I’ve ever used. I’m glad I waited for this as I almost bought the G10 sometime ago.
I really like my G11. I can use my powerful Speedlite 430EX II or the compact 270EX flash depending on my needs. It can also be triggered by the wired remote that I use with my EOS 450D for tripod shoots.
If it’s one thing I hate about my G11, it makes me want to use this camera more than my dSLR. :-)
And lastly, thanks for reading, hope you’ve enjoyed this writeup.
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