Downgrade, or Upgrade to a G9?

[JD]

Evening photographyheads

Ive been back into my digital photography, for around 3 years now andhave been slowly upgrading my kit with lenses and flashes and whatnot

so I have a 350D, 3 off camera flashes, 24-105F4L, nifty fifty, and a 70-300IS, next step would of been a 40D body


BUT... With my bag now heavy, and even just the body with walkabout lens (24-105) its heavy, and big, I now find myself finding no time to go and use it, and as a burden when I want to take snaps

I am also a bit strapped for Cash at the moment,

So, I have been thinking about selling all the SLR bits (save the flashes) and getting a G9, as I think maybe it could be an upgrade for my photos, as I would get to use it more, as it will fit in a bag and can live in the car

What is the general consensus on them regarding image quality, against my 350D with an L lens on?
and are the manual functions enough after having full control on my 350D?

any thoughts?

[Simpo Two]

I have a DSLR kit for the serious stuff, and a compact for snaps when I want something that fits in a pocket. It's a good combination.

In short, 'both'!

[VxDuncan]

Without wanting to sound like too much of an ass, the best camera's the one you take your best pictures with. If you aint using the current kit then a change is afoot.

Have you considered flogging a few of the flashes and the 24-105? Should raise a bit?

A possible compromise would be a a super zoom, ie a 18-200. Flog everything else?

oh my god I can't believe I just recommended a superzoom to someone...

[zax]

I've had a G9 for a year or so, bought because I'm just taking snaps and can't be bothered carrying lots of kit around. I've been very pleased with it and it's taken some nice pictures but I don't think I would sell a "proper" camera & associated kit to get one. They're quite a bit cheaper now that the G10 is around, do you really have to sell?

[Wyvern971]

I've got a 5D with a 24-70 F2.8L and carry it around a fair bit.

When I can't be bothered I've also got a G9 which is lightweight and fairly compact (in comparrison).

The G9 and 5D are about a 50/50 split on usage, but for convenience the G9 is definitely easier to carry about.

The 24-105 F4L IS is a fairly expensive (and large) Lens, if you sold that off you could get a cheaper wide angle and a high end compact.

If you do this you may find you use the compact more, and also use the 350D more due to the versatility, which would be a win win in my opinion.

However the downside is the 24-105 is a cracking lens which you would probably miss sorely.

Best of luck whatever you decide to do, but you are correct in your assertion that the best camera you could get is one you use HTH

[matt neil]

I never find i get what i want for used equipment and found myself in this situation so i too bought a G10 [i like the 'wide'] and carry that around. it also stops me having cards full of RAW family pics which are just snaps and ideal for the G10 [or similar]

[sjg]

I got rid of a D50, and bought a G9. No regrets, but then I didn't have more than a couple of cheap lenses for the D50. The smaller size means it's had far more use as it's no effort to carry, fits fine in any kind of bag, and is so well built I rarely bother with a case.

[JD]

Cheers for the insights

G9s seem to cost less than i first thoought, a good deal under £300 now

In my browse on ebay, I have a good £1000 worth of stuff to shed, which would free me up about £700

I think, it's what I need to do

I cant seem to understand the difference between a G9 and a G10 though?

less zoom, but more megapixels, but with the same size sensor?

[zax]

This review covers all of the differences quite nicely:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong10/

Had a play with the G10 in the shop, it's a nicer shape to hold than the G9 but very slightly more bulky. Wouldn't put me off though if I was buying again.

[sidaorb]

G10 is supposed to have alot less noise at the higher ISO's