Canon SX30IS or Canon G12 for my wife?

<p>Hi All, I wasn't sure which forum to post this question in, but I figured a lot of the EOS shooters may have or want a smaller camera to use from time to time.</p>

<p>I know this type of question has been asked before, but i couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.</p>

<p>My wife wants a camera for Christmas. She doesn't want to lug around one of my camera's all the time and to be honest, neither do I. We need something smaller, lighter and with just one lens.</p>

<p>I have narrowed down my choices to either the Canon SX30IS or the Canon G12.</p>

<p>I think that I now have to choose between the super zoom of the SX30IS and the image quality of the G12. I'm sure some people will know other pro's and con's about these two.</p>

<p>It will be used for... all sorts of things.</p>

<p>I think I'm leaning towards the G12, but a zoom to the equivalent of 840mm sounds like fun.</p>

<p>If you know anything about these camera's, please let me know your thoughts. If you don't... feel free to comment anyway.</p>

<p>Thanks for your time.</p>

<p>Scott.</p>

<p>Scott,</p>

<p>The SX30IS is capable of pretty high image quality. Unless you really enlarge the image, it will hold its own with the G12 in that area. The SX30 actually has a higher Mpixel count, but a slightly smaller sensor size. My mother has an SX10IS and I was very impressed with the images it will record.</p>

<p>I think there are a couple of other questions you should try to answer. Does she want a larger camera that handles more like a mini-dSLR or a smaller camera that's easier to pack and conceal. The SX30 doesn't fit in your pocket even if it's a big pocket, and probably won't fit very easily even in a moderate sized purse. Also, I don't believe the SX30 offers as much exposure control as the G12 does (not positive, but I know the SX10 does not) so if she's looking for more control to experiment with exposure, then the G12 will be your choice.</p>

<p>Scott, You already know a lot about the cameras, I just want to remind you that</p>

<blockquote>

<p>We need something smaller, lighter</p>

</blockquote>

<p>and the G12 is smaller, lighter</p>

<p>I have the SX30 and love it, but it is fairly big, about the size of a smaller DSLR. If your wife can live with that, then it might be an idea. I don't know what the other poster was talking about re exposure control, but my SX30 seems to have about the same capabilities of my XSi DSLR, and probably more. But it is big!</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Thanks guys.</p>

<p>The common thread is clearly that I'm looking for a smaller, lighter camera and if that's my main criteria, then the choice is clear.</p>

<p>I suppose I was just thinking that, to me, the SX30IS is smaller and lighter. My wife on the other hand would probably like something that she can put in her handbag.</p>

<p>I really appreciate everyone's input. I'm going to go with the G12... I think! (that damn zoom range is so tempting!)</p>

<p>Scott.</p>

<p>Women usually hate the G12 series: too big and heavy and too many knobs and options. Get her an S95 if wanna go fancy or one of ELF series. Small enough to fit in jeans or purse and easy to use.</p>

<p>I believe the S95 has the same sensor as the G12 but is less than half the size.</p>

<p>I've owned a G3 and a G9. I am mostly a semipro dSLR user but like to have a small camera also, yet want high quality images. The G series does just that. I am so tempted to buy a small megazoom yet haven't due to my fear of poor image quality. I've taken some fabulous photos with my G9 and always carry it with me as a second camera or when I want to travel very light.</p>

<p>Thanks PF, I don't think my wife will mind the size of the G12. There are plenty of options on it, but I can show her what to do as I have with my DSLR's. I have heard many good things about the s95, but I like the option to use a flash on the G12/SX30 if needed. I'm sure I'll be stealing "her" camera at times.</p>

<p>Susan, it's good to hear that you've been happy enough with the G series to keep buying them. That's always a good sign.</p>

<p>Scott.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>What ever the choice, make sure you choose one with an optical viewfinder. Many P&S cameras are missing those nowadays.</p>

<p>I'd lay the cards on the table. Tell her that you want to buy her a camera, and take her to the camera store, where she can see and feel the different cameras. Wifes are different. My wife loves my Canon G10, so I had to buy myself another P&S. (LeicaDLUX5/Panasonic LX5) It is much smaller, but she does not like that. (HeHe)</p>

<p>Go with S95! it is the same itnernals as G12 but much smaller package.</p>

<p>Having used an S90 for the better part of a year, I can't imagine anyone not being satisfied with that camera or it's replacement the S95. However, there are some limitations which are real if you happen to need to do what they limit. No accessory shoe for an external flash is a big deal if you want to use one, and there is no provision for filters or even a lens hood (not that some kludges aren't available on the market). Also, while very similar in overall features and operation, they are definitely not in the same league as the G series when it comes to durability.</p>

<p>Almost any of them will do. I think non-photographers like small cameras. The only criteria I would add is that it have a hot shoe or at least take a PC cord. Without that, there's no chance that it can be used after dark. That search led me to looking at micro four thirds, and then Sony's APS series, which becomes madness because they don't complement your gear. Now if Canon were to make a mirrorless APS-C box...</p>

 

<p>Thank you all for your input. It is appreciated.</p>

<p>I think I will be going with the G12. I really like the sound of the S95, but am sure I'd end up wishing I'd gone with the G12.</p>

<p>I may have to convince someone i know that THEY need the SX30, just so that i can borrow it.</p>

<p>I'm sure my wife will be happy with the G12. The ability to set the camera so that you can be in the shot and wink at it to activate the self timer will be more than enough to impress her!</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Scott.</p>

<p>S95...<br>

It has the same sensor and internals as the G12, but its smaller, lighter and has a faster lens.</p>