Last year's best, equals this year's bargain

The Canon PowerShot G3 is my third digital camera. As many others (48 as I write this) have reviewed the G3 and gone into intimate detail with its features and modes, I will concentrate more on actually using the camera, my experience moving to the G3 from a simple point and shoot, and compare its use to a traditional high-end film SLR.

My first digital camera was a Toshiba PDR-M21 with a cheap lens that was fixed in both focal length and focus, though strangely took even more time to prepare each shot than the two autofocus cameras I've had since. The Toshiba is a 2 megapixel camera that is actually quite decent for snap shots for email and even 4X6 prints. The lens is an absolutely tiny thing, however it is deeply recessed into the body creating a sort of lens hood. It is also coated, and thus used within its limitations produces decent images. Of course, the only way to "zoom" is either to use the 2X digital zoom in the camera or to crop on the computer, and with only 2MP resolution, quality deteriorates VERY quickly. It is also slow to use (6 seconds to boot up), slow to fire, and uses the now outmoded Smartmedia cards. I gave this to my almost 9-year-old daughter and she really enjoys using it.

My next digital camera was a Canon PowerShot S200 digital elph. While still a 2 megapixel camera, the image quality was MUCH better than the Toshiba. The S200 is tiny, small enough for me to carry with me everywhere, however like the Toshiba, it is an automatic camera with few creative settings. This was fine when I bought it almost two-years-ago, as my photographic hobby days were long behind me.

Then, about four months ago, something happened. I was looking at some of my digital photographs and started thinking about how I used to take pictures. I used to be a rather serious photographer, lugging my pair of Minolta SLR cameras, a tripod and four or five lenses with me almost everywhere I went. The more I shot with the little S200, the more I wanted a "real" camera again, and so I bought not one, but two film SLRs, a Nikon F3 and a Nikon FM2, both reviewed elsewhere. These were easy purchases as used Nikon gear tends to stay fairly constant in price, and if I dicided that creative photography really wasn't for me, I could sell them for close to what I paid. Needless to say, those Nikons quickly brought me back to where I used to be, and my walls quickly filled up with black and white photographs.

The incredible results achieved with the film SLRs made me want a better digital camera, as digital really does have advantages over film (and of course, vice-versa). My search started with numerous trips to Epinions, Steve's Digicams and Digital Camera Review, where I quickly found reviews on everything in my desired price/feature range. Essentially, I limited myself to $700 for the camera, and a minimum of 4 megapixels. I print a lot of 8X10s, and on occasion 11X14s, but figure that for the larger prints, I'll stick to film. 4 or 5 megapixel wil print a decent 11X14, but the 8X10s are simply stunning from a quality 4 or 5MP camera.

Of course, I wanted the ability to use manual controls, and while I really did like the compact size of the S200, I wanted something big enough to really get my hands on. Also important was a simple user interface so that all of the advanced modes and features would be easy to access (otherwise I'd probably just leave it on auto), and finally it had to use Compact flash memory as I already have a lot invested in that format (3 256MB cards and 1 128MB card).

My choices narrowed down to the Nikon Coolpix 4300, Canon S45/S50 twins and the Canon G3/G5 twins. A quick email (more accurately a string of emails) to master Epinionator Howard Creech and another camera was added to my list, the Canon A80. Nothing sells for MSRP, and with the discounts currently on offer, I had settled on the Canon S50 which was available for $439.

If all digital cameras sold at MSRP, I would definitely have bought the A80, but while looking at the S50 at Samy's Camera in Los Angeles, the salesman told me that they just took back a G3 (their only one) and were selling it as an open box item. After much haggling (and insisting that I really wanted a $399 A80), they sold me the G3 for $400 even. It was brand-new, still with the tape seals on the battery and everything in the little plastic bags, sealed from the factory.

I went to that store to buy an S50 and came home with a G3, and for this I am truly delighted. Actually I also came home with a Speedlight 420EX, so I spent the same total as I would for a G5, but with all of the information both here and in the professional reviews, I honestly feel that I got the best equipment for my needs currently available.

So how does the G3 compare? Set to auto, it is about the same in terms of speed as the S200, at least subjectively. I don't use the continuous autofocus and prefer to focus off the center spot, then press the shutter release halfway and recompose. After prefocusing there is absolutely no shutter lag, which for me is a revelation in a digital camera. For tricky lighting conditions I will also set the camera to sppot metering, tied to the same central square as the focusing, but usually just leave the meter set to evaluative mode which does a terrific job.

One thing that this camera does that fully justifies the price is custom white balance. I carry a little 3X5 white card with me and before shooting I lock in white balance off that card. Sure, the automatic mode does a great job, and sometimes there isn't time, but in a challenging environment, such as some shots I took inside a church with a mixture of ambient window (stained glass), flourescent (bleeding in from the lobby), incandescent (from above) and candle light, a test shot on auto white balance returned skin tones with a hint of green, while a quick reading from my white card and the G3 delivered perfectly balanced and well-saturated colors. Even with the 420EX attacked, everything remained perfectly balanced. I set used the mode dial to night portrait mode and the camera delivered perfect fill flash, with even lighting (bounced off my handy-dandy white card) of nearbye people while still providing proper exposure of the church itself.

Around the house I tried some more tests, taking close up shots of a pastel green ceramic vase with a vibrant red rose in it. My other digital cameras would either oversaturate the rose, or turn the pastel green into muck, but the G3, set to full automatic, rendered both accurately.

When actually using the camera, I found the design to be almost intuitive. I'm an old SLR shooter, but I gave it up about the time that autofocus was coming out. While the G3 handles much like a modern autofocus SLR, it does not handle like an old manual focus one. That said, it was easy to adapt to the little knob on the grip for setting aperture and shutter speed. I am used to the old-fashioned method of rotating an aperture ring at the base of the lens and a seperate shutter speed dial on the body, but the G3's arrangement was simple enough. Turn the knob with the index finger to adjust shutter speed, then press it down to switch its function to aperture. At first it took a bit of thought, but now it is second-nature.

Most of the time, I use the custom mode (C1) setting on the mode dial with my preference being aperture priority (AV), focus and spot meter to the center spot, and no flash. For indoor photography with the flash mounted I use (C2), which is also aperture priority, but set to evaluative metering and automatic flash exposure with -1/3 EV flash exposure compensation. Sometimes though, I just switch it to auto and still get very good results. Having those custom settings as easy selections on the mode dial is simply genius, as if they were burried in the menus, they would probably not be used.

Other great design touches are the 4-way rocker switch and the very convenient Func button. The Func button opens the menus which arevnavigated by the rocker. The menus are simply arranged and easily understood, though I will admit I had to check the manual a few times. The rocker itself is also useful, as pressing down gives control over white balance (including custom) and pressing up enables exposure compensation. I wish that functions were also assigned to pressing left and right, such as ISO and/or JPEG compression, two functions I use frequently but have to access through the Func button.

In terms of its physical aspects, the G3 is superb. The 4X optical zoom (I haven't tried the digital zoom as such features are useless, in my opinion) is outstanding, with a very fast f2.0~f3.0 maximum aperture, and while minimum aperture is only f8, there is a built-in neutral density filter that reduces an additional 3 stops (f22 equivalent). Since the sensor is very small and the lens is actually only a 7.2~28.8mm, rather than the "35mm equivalent 35-140mm", there is abundant depth of field even at f4 or f5.6 to put entire landscapes in sharp focus. The ND filter allows the lens to be opened wide to f3 at the maximum telephoto and produce very pleasing bokeh (out of focus effects) on the background while the subject is in sharp focus. I couldn't do this with my other digital cameras, and as I shoot mostly portraits, this is another feature that was worth the price.

The tilt/swivel LCD is another great feature, allowing the camera to be held overhead, at waist (or ground) level, to the side, or even to let the photographer compose the picture while manipulating the subject (LCD facing forward). With the camera on a tripod and using the remote control, even self-portraits and group shots with the photographer in the group are easy. Also important for remote control use, the shutter can be set to a 10, 2 or 0 second delay. With the LCD facing sideways and the camera on a tripod, I can stand off away from the camera where I want the subject to look (which is rarely directly at the camera) and snap the shutter instantaneously. Likewise, for self and group portraits, I can set the shutter to a 2 second delay and not have the remote control in the picture. The LCD at 1.8 inches, is even big enough to give a decent post exposure check, and with the playback magnification function, I can check for redeye or worse, closed eyes.

I haven't tried the accessory lenses yet, and while the wideangle would be nice, I'm still exploring the capabilities of the standard zoom range. The built-in flash, however, is almost useless. Sure it is powerful (for its size) and fully automatic, it is just too close to the lens to really avoid red eye, and direct lighting is often harsh. I'm glad its there for when I only have the camera with me, but when possible, the external flash is a vast improvement.

Finally I'd like to mention the optical viewfinder. Differing sources claim anywhere from 80 to 83% frame coverage (about average for this class) and many users complain about the lens intruding into the field of view at wide angle focal lengths. Well, it does intrude, but not annoyingly so. It is a very good optical finder, by the way, with a diopter adjustment (great for eyeglass wearers like me) and decent eyepoint. Anyone who's ever used an old mechanical rangefinder camera will be right at home here and quickly get used to the effect. At longer focal lengths the lens isn’t visible at all, and anyone thinking of using the viewfinder with auxiliary lenses shouldn't even bother, not because the lens intrudes, but because the viewfinder will not zoom to auxiliary focal lengths. A better option is to use the LCD with auxiliary lenses, or find an auxiliary finder like old rangefinders used. Personally, I use the LCD for about 80% of my shots, usually flush against the camera, though for grab shots on auto mode, I use the optical viewfinder. Both are, in my opinion, excellent.

In conclusion, the G3 is quite a revelation for me. I used the G3 exclusively this weekend and left the film cameras at home. I actually felt that I had more creative options with the G3 than I do with my Nikon film cameras, though in actuality they are simply different mediums with which to express myself. Perhaps the most important thing about using the G3, aside from the stellar image quality, is how it really made photography fun again. It is much easier to be creative and try new things with a digital camera as the results are visible immediately. I find that I am also much more willing to try new things as bad pictures cost nothing more than a press of the delete button. In fact, I even used the G3' burst mode when photographing my daughter. I said something funny and as she laughed, I held down the shutter release and took 5 pictures in perhaps 1.5 or 2 seconds. Yes, a motordriven SLR can do better than 2 or 3 fps, but I just can' see burning that much film.

I recommend the G3 without reservation.


***Update 12/08/03***
Well I've had the G3 for a few months now and thought I'd come back and relate on how well its measured up.

First off, I bought the wide and tele extensions lenses (Canon brand) and attach them using Lensmate 58mm aluminum adapters. The plastic Canon adapter would do the same thing, but the price was about the same and I like the feel of metal. These adapters come with rear caps, and I just leave then attached to the lenses and store them in a small Tamrac gadget bag, with the G3sitting above and pointed down between them. I bought a 52mm Lensmate as well, which I just keep on the camera when I'm not using accessory lenses, with a UV filter and a proper lens cap.

What I like about the adapters is that I have the same type of quick-change lenses as an SLR, press the little button and then a quick 1/3 turn to remove and replace. I also like the ability to use filters and the protection afforded to the built-in lens, which is a fairly delicate mechanism. I've read reports on some digital camera forums that G3 and G5 lenses can get stuck if the camera is hit too hard with the lens extended. I use my camera in the real world, so the protection is nice.

Another benefit of using a lens adapter all the time (the 52mm adapter is that you can hold the G3 like an SLR, cradling the camera from the bottom and gripping the metal adapter with the left hand while holding the grip and manipulating the controls with the right hand. My hand held pictures at questionable shutter speeds are sharper than before.

There are downsides to using these lens adapters full time. At wide angle settings, the built-in flash is blocked, resulting in a dark lower right corner of your photographs. Once zoomed a bit there is no problem. Also, the standard lens without the accessory blocks some of the optical viewfinder's field of view, and this gets worse with even the 52mm adapter, though it is still not bad. I've used rangefinder cameras before, so to me it isn't that annoying, but I can see how it would really bother SLR shooters used to an unobstructed view. I only use the optical viewfinder in very poor lighting anyway, so shifting the camera around to see the blocked corner isn't that big of a deal as low-light shooting tends to already be a bit slow. Unlike the 58mm adapters, the focus-assist beam still works perfectly and is unobstructed.

The 58mm adapters and accessory lenses render the built-in flash, the optical viewfinder and the focus-assist beam useless, as they are almost completely obstructed. This is dissappointing to say the least, especially with the wideangle lens, which is likely to be used indoors.

I have the 420EX flash which also doesn't mate well with the wideangle lens, as the camera has no means of telling the flash that the lens is in place. This is really too bad, as the 420EX can accomodate a 24mm lens (35mm equiv.), and the wideangle on the G3 is effectively a 24.5mm, within the capabilities of the flash. Even if there was a manual menu function to adjust the flash head, I could excuse the inconvenience, but as it is, the wideangle is only useful in ambient light or with bounce flash, which covers a sufficient area to light the entire frame (and is my preferred flash mode anyway).

After two months I remain delight by my G3. I also have an S50 that I carry around with me everywhere (when my wife isn't using it) and while that camera has higher resolution, the G3 is by far the better tool for capturing images. The difference is the speed of the lens and the hot shoe, not to mention the ability to use filters on the G3. I shoot a lot of black and white photos, and with the G3 set to black and white mode, I can see right on the LCD how the red, orange and yellow filters affect contrast. Likewise, in black and white and color, I can watch the effect just as I rotate my polarizer, just like with my Nikon film SLR. No, an LCD isn't as precise as through the lens optical viewing, but it is close enough, and to actually see in black and white is a major bonus of shooting digital vs. film.

As for the camera features and functions themselves, I've settled into a routine of how I use the G3 and S50 as a pair. The G3's custom modes are used most of the time, with C1 set to black and white, AV, no flash, ISO 50, while C2 is identical only in color with neutral sharpening and auto white balance. Auto white balance? This is simply my default, as Auto works well enough that if I don't have time to adjust, I can get a decent picture more often than not. Usually, I hit the WB button (rocker) and custom set my white off of my index card, or just use the quick settings for flash, tungsten, daylight, etc.

I always shoot on large, superfine, regardless of mode, though I do frequently hit the "Set" button and save a picture as RAW if I think its a keeper. Even the JPEGs are good enough that if I don't save as RAW I can still make excellent 11X14s, RAW just gives that much more room to play with it. RAW black and white, converted to a TIFF in the computer is simply amazing.

Owning the S50 actually makes me enjoy the G3 that much more. The two cameras share the same operating modes and menu layout, which makes it very easy to switch between them. The lens quality is similar (a little better and a lot faster on G3), as is the final image quality. This is a tremendous boost to speed, as when I'm very serious about taking pictures, I use both. I can set the G3 on a tripod with the 420EX and still react quickly with the S50, or just set them to different modes, such as flash with the G3 and 420EX and no flash with the S50. They make a terrific pair.

G3 prices are hovering at around $500, about $50 to $100 cheaper than the G5. At $50, I'd probably spring for the 5MP G5 just for commonality with my S50, but at $100 I'd still buy the G3. At the $400 I paid, the G3 is an absolute steal, and is easily worth much more than I paid.

I am delighted.

In conclusion, at 2 months I remain absolutely delighted with my purchase. The G3 and S50 pair