Topic: Canon G11

[desertsky]

I picked up the new Canon G11 P&S camera a couple days ago at Best Buy.  This is my first Canon G-series camera.  I have to say to far I'm very impressed with this camera.  Solid build quality.  I love the flip-out screen (should come in handy shooting at concerts).  I'm especially stoked about the G11's high ISO capabilities.  Very clean at ISO 800.  You start to notice the noise at 1600 and above, but even at ISO 3200 it's still less noisy than the photos my 4 year old Canon SD700IS takes at ISO 800.  I have a Canon 40D dslr for shooting sports and other situations requiring longer zoom reach and faster lens. For everyday shooting, family events and vacations, I plan on using the G11.

I've uploaded two sets of G11 photos to my Smugmug gallery, one set of photos taken at night at high-ISO, and other set of daylight low-ISO photos that I just shot today in Tempe and downtown Phoenix.  You can view up to original full-size.

G11 high-ISO night test shots:
http://desertsky.smugmug.com/Other/Canon-G11-Low-Light-Photos/

G11 daylight low-ISO photos:
http://desertsky.smugmug.com/Arizona/Tempe-Downtown-Phoenix-G11/
 
One thing I really enjoy, aside from taping them, is taking photos at concerts.  Unfortunately most big-name acts like U2 won't allow you to bring a dslr with detachable lens, like my 40D, into their shows without a press pass.  Even then, it's 2-3 songs max from the press pit (unless your name is Otto Kitsinger).  Now with the G11, I should be able to take some kick-ass clean concert photos with hopefully less blur and grain.  I'll be taking my G11 to the U2 shows in Glendale and Vegas the week after next.  In the meantime, I'll practice with it at local club shows this coming week to get used to the camera settings.  Chris Daughtry is playing a small venue this Tuesday.  Not really a fan of his, but I'll go just for the photo op.  I'll post the link here once I have those photos up later this week.  A friend of mine borrowed the camera tonight to take photos at a club show he's going to, so I might have some concert-setting type shots to post by tomorrow.

[desertsky]

My first concert photos using the Canon G11. Chris Daughtry (yeah, the American Idol dude) at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, AZ.

full gallery here:
http://desertsky.smugmug.com/Music/Daughtry-2009-10-13

I have to say I'm VERY impressed with the quality of photos this camera takes in concert settings. I shot most of the concert at ISO 800 and 1/125 & 1/80 shutter speed.  A few at ISO 400.  I love how fast the camera obtains focus, even at concerts with all the lighting changes.  I can't wait to use this camera at the two U2 shows I'm attending next week in Glendale and Vegas.  I'll be in GA and should be on the rail both nights, close enough to the band to get some nice shots.

[Gordon]

very nice!  I was considering the g10 but the low light reviews swayed me.  thinking hard about this one.

[notsofast]

I had a G9 and loved it very much, given the size and quality of the pictures. I passed on the G10 due to the loss of zoom and lack of low light performance.

Now with the G11 and your pics I am convinced to get myself a G11 before the holidays. Nice shots and thanks for sharing.

Tim

[ashevillain]

I found this thread on dpreview.com which also links to this flickr gallery of the original poster's 10-20-09 U2 photos taken with the G11.

Amazing.

[Gordon]

I'm sold!  now to work a no interest plan on my best buy card so kelly doesn't kill me!

[phanophish]

I had my eye on these a bit.  Looks pretty impressive, just wish it cost a bit less....

[kcmule]

I can't bring myself to blow $500+ on a point and shoot.  If I'm
spening that much I'll save a few more and get a DLSR.

[Gordon]

I can't bring myself to blow $500+ on a point and shoot.  If I'm
spening that much I'll save a few more and get a DLSR.

that's kind of how I feel but for me it comes down to size and ease of carrying it around.  to not have a separate bag for the dslr for shows would be great!  and most of my use would be hiking/outdoor stuff so again to not have a good size camera bag to lug around is a selling point for me.  ymmv

[ashevillain]

I can't bring myself to blow $500+ on a point and shoot.  If I'm
spening that much I'll save a few more and get a DLSR.

I understand your point but in the interest of saving a little more $$, there is a 10% off Best Buy coupon floating around out there somewhere. This would bring the G11 down to $450.

[OOK]

Another thing to consider is the fact that you can't get an DSLR in most shows because it is considered pro gear....a G11 is a larger almost pro point and shoot that will fit in your gear bag or be easy enough to carry into a show you aren't recording....

I struggle with the same decision....I really want a DSLR.....but can I justify it....and my Panasonic TZ5 takes great shots.......and is way smaller than a DSLR or G11.  It doesn't have the features the G11 has....its decent in low light and photo shop fixes most of the problems I encounter......  But the G11 is a super nice camera....

OOK

[phanophish]

I can't bring myself to blow $500+ on a point and shoot.  If I'm
spening that much I'll save a few more and get a DLSR.

I have 2 DLSRs and some very HQ glass.  I want this for shows I can't get the DSLR in to and for carrying around on a daily basis without having to haul my D300 and heavy lenses. 

[kcmule]

I can understand the need (alternate circumstances) where this would
be nice to have.  I still can't justify the 500 bones in the few cases I
would use it.  Buy one Brian, and let me play with it 

[Myco]

My first concert photos using the Canon G11. Chris Daughtry (yeah, the American Idol dude) at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, AZ.

full gallery here:
http://desertsky.smugmug.com/Music/Daughtry-2009-10-13

I have to say I'm VERY impressed with the quality of photos this camera takes in concert settings. I shot most of the concert at ISO 800 and 1/125 & 1/80 shutter speed.  A few at ISO 400.  I love how fast the camera obtains focus, even at concerts with all the lighting changes.  I can't wait to use this camera at the two U2 shows I'm attending next week in Glendale and Vegas.  I'll be in GA and should be on the rail both nights, close enough to the band to get some nice shots.

What distance were you from the subjects? Was there any zoom involved?

[ashevillain]

As of yesterday I am a member of Team G11! Very impressed with this camera so far.

[Gordon]

As of yesterday I am a member of Team G11! Very impressed with this camera so far.

nice!  I'm gonna have to hold out for a while.  just bought a squeezebox so that's xmas.

[ashevillain]

see my signature for a link to my Flickr gallery. This camera is awesome. It's definitely already teaching me alot about photography...especially coming from using the A95.