The Canon G11 review is over. As is standard with point-and-shoots on this website, less time is spent with them than higher end cameras. However, that doesn’t mean that the G11 is terrible. Not at all. In fact, it’s really quite a lovely camera that I may be picking up for myself.

Testing

Day 1: Got a feeling for the camera.

Day 2: Used the camera at a party. Without flash, it floored me with its performance for a point-and-shoot. When the on-camera flash went on, it was a bit disappointing. Using the 430 EX II disappointed me as well because of the fact that it should be able to meter with the camera.

Day 3: Used the camera at a museum with a new form of composition that I’m currently studying. The screen helped me to do this as it is maneuverable.

Day 4: Comparison against the LX-3, D-LUX 4 and EPL-1.

Autofocus

The G11′s autofocus is one of the best I’ve seen and used on a point-and-shoot. I haven’t regularly used a point-and-shoot since the Canon S5 IS and this system trumps the older one by far. While it isn’t as snappy as the GF-1, it will still satisfy the needs of most users. The reason for this is because the focusing system is still very intelligent and can guess what the user wants to take an image of. Like the Nikon D3s, it’s correct most of the time (despite them being two totally different beasts). Most users will be happy with it, but will be thrown off by when the camera says that it hasn’t focused correctly but still focuses on what the user wants it to.

The autofocus was tested with both moving objects (persons, rather) and still people. It worked without flaw most of the time.

For absolute best results, always manually focus. Doing that brings up a magnified version of the focusing point on the screen.

Ergonomics

After using the G11 for a while, it is still big and clunky for a point-and-shoot. If you’re the type that wants sex appeal, it isn’t here. However, the button layout and dials make for easy access to the most important parameters of taking an image. That’s where it really saves itself. Add onto that the rotating screen and you’ve got yourself a nice winner there.

And what’s with the viewfinder? As a constructive criticism, I hope that Canon will make it more useful in the future.

In contrast, one can tell from the image quality that sex appeal wasn’t the main selling point on this camera and that consumers know that when they purchase it.

Image Quality

Very, very good—for a point-and-shoot. In that case, its good enough for most people then. The best results come in steady hands and with the flash off for the CCD to show off all the wonderful colors that are capable of being produced. To be fair though, the best results come out in RAW. At high ISOs and in JPEG mode, you probably won’t be as satisfied.

The on-camera flash makes it look like any other point-and-shoot with the exception of warmer colors in my tests.

When shooting without the flash, keep as still as you can to ensure that you do not capture a blurry photo caused by camera shake.

High ISO Use

For a point-and-shoot it still is very good. It can’t keep up with Micro Four Thirds models but the camera is still capable of doing very great things at high ISOs.

In truth, this is almost negligible now as most software can remove noise very effectively. However, this is true of shooting in RAW. Otherwise, the camera will present problems with noise.

Metering

The metering on this camera is accurate and reliable. Users will appreciate looking at the LCD to get a preview of what their image will look like when they manipulate the aperture and shutter speed. What’s better is that the LCD still works very well in bright light and is still very viewable. Coupled with the back dial and selection button, changing the metering is also fairly simple.

As a point of comparison, I like the dials on the Olympus EP-1 and GF-1 more. Both companies take a slightly different approach that works very well for the tiny cameras.

Conclusions

The Canon G11 is an excellent point-and-shoot. Canon is close to creating the almost perfect small-sensor compact targeted towards higher end users. While the camera has some flaws it still is a good product. However, consumers have been rightfully asking for things like HD video in the camera.

For still images though, you won’t really get much better in the higher-end compact line of cameras. As a tip, try to constantly shoot at the widest aperture, which means not zooming in at all. Therefore, use it as if it has a prime lens.

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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The Field Review of the Canon 7D is now over, and the camera has my personal recommendation for best APS-C sensor camera. As a compliment to the 5D Mk II, it works well due to the cropped sensor, faster frame rates, video options, wireless flash controls, etc. More on all this as well as the compilation and thoughts after the jump.

Night 1- The camera and two prime lenses documented a Jewish Seder during the week of Passover. It performed very well and users of this camera may be asked to actually join a family at dinner and document the happenings as they progress throughout the night.

Day 2- The 7D and 24-105mm F4 L IS went to the giant pillow fight in Union Square. While the FPS kept up, the autofocus couldn’t quite capture the quickly moving combatants at varying distances and at such as fast speed too. But it did withstand the punishment of elbows, heads, shoulders and pillows knocking it about. When the autofocus did work correctly, it captured some wonderful images. If you’re getting into a warzone like this, perhaps you’re better off with a 1D Mk IV.

With the Sun Sniper Camera Strap- This strap has replaced the Canon strap on my 7D as it typically holds my longer lenses during events and it’s also the camera I go to when I need to quickly capture something. Along with the 5D Mk II, I’ve run into nothing that the combined two can’t tackle.

Day 3- Testing at a get-together of NYC gaming journalists at a bar. Autofocus was fine in the dim light and mostly stagnant people. As was the high ISO ability shooting at ISO 3200 and above. All photos were shot in JPEG for truly showing the noise levels.

On the Set of a Podcast- The 7D performed much better in terms of manipulation vs the T2i. Noise levels in movie mode seemed to be the same.

So is the 7D worth buying? Heck yes. Canon realized that the Nikon D300s is a threat to them and though it took them a while to step up to the plate, they were able to get the 7D out. Compared to the Nikon D300s (full review here), it is a faster shooting camera with a less complicated autofocus system but more complicated video system. Adding to the still side of things is that the 7D also now has wireless flash control: a feature that Canon users have been asking for for quite a while.

A personal problem of mine with the camera: like many of you out there I wanted a Full Frame or APS-H sized sensor camera. Many photographers also thought that the APS-C sized sensor combined with 18MP would deliver terrible high ISO results. To be fair, Canon is due for a faster FPS Full Frame or APS-H sized sensor camera in a 5D body.

In truth, we all have different standards. The noise levels, like that of the D300s, are nothing that can’t be corrected with some Photoshopping or Lightroom processing or a straight conversion to Black a white if your clients want that look. Photographers that say that their 7D’s noise is too high perhaps received a faulty unit or have very high standards of how little noise they want in their images.

Coupled with Canon L lenses, the 7D can deliver some very lovely images. However, it baffles me as to why they didn’t couple the camera with the 24-105mm F4 L IS. It just seems like such a perfect combination.

The 7D’s body feels much tougher than the 5D Mk II, but it doesn’t feel as comfortable. Additionally, the button layout takes a bit of getting used to as there are new buttons and switches in different places. For the most part, Canon users will be fine and the muscle memory will come in time as long as you remember which camera you’re using and notice the subtle differences in feel.

The 7D also has an electronic level that is wonderful in Live View mode. It can help in the composition of photos to really ensure that they are straight. This can be a big help to Real Estate photographers using an APS-C camera.

Users of the 40D and 50D are encouraged to upgrade to the 7D due to the above mentioned upgrades. However, it is also recommended that you keep your old body as a back-up or second camera of some sort as they are still very good.

Event photographers, wedding photographers, photojournalists, sports photographers, concert photographers and celebrity photographers will all find a great package in the 7D. On top of all this, cinematographers will be floored by the image quality and selection of lenses that you probably haven’t had access to previously.

Studio photographers will really appreciate the wireless flash functionality with this camera. It will save them loads of money vs spending on other wireless items for headshots, portraits or photoshoots.

Once again, I wish that the mode dial wasn’t so easily turned as when you’re in rough environments the dial can turn as throw all your settings off. Therefore, screwing up your chances of nailing a great shot.

The lock mechanism on the back wheel dial seems not very useful, at least I couldn’t find a great use for it.

For those that want full frame cameras, you’re recommended to go with a 5D Mk II or wait until the 1Ds Mk IV comes out. It’s bound to be released sometime this year.

The 7D receives ThePhoblographer’s camera of choice in the APS-C sensor class.

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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Now that we’ve talked about great cameras for summer travel, consider the fact that you may also be taking short trips of some sort. In a case like that, you will probably want something light, compact but won’t skimp on image quality. Here’s the run down of some of the best choices currently available.

Sigma DP2

The Sigma DP2 is a camera that recently received a firmware update to speed up the main problem with an otherwise stellar camera—autofocus. According to new reviews, the camera’s autofocus is now noticeably faster. For those of you in the dark about this camera or are wondering why it is potentially so legendary: the Sigma DP2 takes a Foveon image sensor and puts it into a point-and-shoot body complete with a 41mm F2.8 lens.

On top of Sigma’s years of being a lens maker, the Foveon sensor is something really quite spectacular. For starters, it is larger than the Four Thirds sensor of Olympus and Panasonic but slightly smaller than the APS-C sensor in Canon DSLR cameras. It works like this: there are actually three sensors in the camera—one that processes blue, one for red and one for green. When an image is taken, the sensors work together to create the image. The result is perhaps some of the most spectacular images to ever come from a camera in its price range. The colors, vividness, saturation, and level of depth allowed in editing will provide users with some images that will simply floor you.

If you want a nice point-and-shoot to last you a long time, this is the one.

Canon S90

As perhaps the only small sensor camera I’d ever use, the S90 delivers spectacular image quality for the size and also offers a bagful of great features. Though the sensor is just a bit larger than other point-and-shoots, it is large enough to really matter. Complete with an F2.0 lens at its widest focal length (unzoomed) it will let users take great photos in low-light. Coupled with RAW image output and great high ISO output, it can deliver some great images for almost any occasion and is pocketable.

Outstanding features include the wheel ring around the lens as well as the dial on the back of the camera that allows for ease and quick access to settings.

If you’re looking to get a gift for someone, this could be the camera.

Panasonic GF-1

This is the camera that I’ve seen/tested and quite honestly consider to be the pinnacle of the Micro Four Thirds category. Pick this camera up with a 20mm F1.7 lens and you’ll have the ultimate compact package with great quality. The GF-1 records 720p HD video, has 12MP, a pop-up flash and also offers users the option of a viewfinder if they so want it.

Considered by many reviewers to be second to none in the Micro Four Thirds line of cameras, it is really a camera loved by its users because of the discreteness coupled with excellent image quality.

Olympus EP-1

At 12MP and with all those art filters, the EP-1 rocked the photo world when it came out by being able to offer DSLR image quality in a camera the size of a point-and-shoot. To date, it is still one of my favorite Micro Four Thirds bodies. With the ability to shoot HD video as well, everyone will have fun with this camera and the sleek, sexy, retro look to it.

For the best lenses for your Micro Four Thirds camera, check out my posting on CCTV lenses.

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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If you’re shopping for a new lens of some sort, you’ve come to just the right place. As per the results of my recent reader polls, here is a list of the best lenses you can get your hands on without breaking the bank too much.

Canon

Canon 50mm F1.8/F1.4- When I first moved to Canon, I started out with the 50mm F1.8. Though it has some slight quirks to it (autofocus is a bit hard to do at time and can be slow) it is still a wonderful general purpose lens and an excellent lens for when videos need to be shot at something like a concert. Stopped down to F4, it is wonderfully sharp.

If you can afford it, the F1.4 is much better and is one of Canon’s best buys.

Canon 100mm Macro 2.8- Known as one of Canon’s sharpest lenses, users will appreciate the versatility available with using a lens like this. One can go from shooting portraits, to macro products, to the fine details at a wedding, and to even sports shooting when put in a cropped sensor body like a 7D or a 50D (available at a rebate at the time of writing this article.) One really can’t go wrong with a lens like this.

Canon 85mm F1.8- This is my second favorite lens in my camera bag. The 85mm F1.8 allows for super sharp portraits, headshots, and even candid moments when shooting events or a wedding. What’s great is that you have a telephoto reach without having a really large lens that tends to attract attention: therefore making the photographer more discrete and also allowing them not to disturb their subjects.

Canon 35mm F2.0- The 35mm F2.0 is a great lens for events or photojournalism type shooting. This lens is great for capturing environmental portraits, and also for giving a real feel for what the vibe is like at an event. Combined with a flash, it can be great on the dance floor of a party and delivers sharp results with wonderful color.

Nikon

Nikon 50mm F1.8/F1.4- Nikon’s 50mm F1.8 is sharper than Canon’s. In fact, it’s quite a bit sharper and comes with a slightly higher price as well. Nikon’s F1.4 is used widely at concerts and weddings in addition to photographers who capture portraits with cameras like a D300s. Many wedding photographers actually do this and deliver some fantastic and lovely results. I’ve seen some prints from photographers in Brooklyn shooting by the Brooklyn Bridge, and combined with their SB-900 flashes, it does some great work on quite the budget.

Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8- I’ve tried this lens on the Nikon D3x before. For the price, Nikon photographers get a lens that will stick with them in their bags forever. A lens like this is sharp, focuses surprisingly fast, and can be used for photo shoots, shooting couples, portraits, weddings, etc.

Nikkor 28mm F2.8D- Nikon’s wide angle primes are becoming legendary, and the 28mm F2.8 is quite worth its weight in dollars. A lens like this is great for getting up close and personal with your subjects, like children, dogs, etc. Otherwise, it is great for shooting landscapes and some street photography.

Nikkor 85mm F1.8D- Although it’s not the absolutely gorgeous F1.4, the 85mm F1.8 is a lens that is seen on many Nikon photographers’ cameras. This lens is the essential lens for portrait photographers and those looking to do in studio work. Stopped down to around F2.8 it becomes super sharp. The feel and construction of this lens will also not disappoint.

Panasonic and Olympus Four Thirds/Micro Four Thirds

Panasonic 20mm F1.7- As perhaps the most favorite lens amongst Micro Four Thirds photographers, this lens delivers wonderful results in all types of lighting and also does this in a small pancake type body. Zach Honig over at Tech, Travel Tuna and PCMagazine uses this on his GF-1, which he really loves. Some of the results I’ve seen deliver things I never thought possible on Micro Four Thirds.

Olympus M. Zukio 17mm F2.8- An alternative to the 20mm for those that want a wider field of view, the 17mm is still a great lens for the Micro Four Thirds system due to sharp image quality and wide aperture.

Olympus 25mm F2.8-The Olympus pancake lens for Four Thirds is one of the most beloved lenses in the system. Vincent Pastore uses one (he wrote for this blog previously.) Additionally, most Olympus photographers carry it around when shooting for fun.

Sigma 24mm F1.8- This is a lens that anyone seriously committed to the Four Thirds standard needs to get if they are also on a budget. Though it isn’t the Panasonic 25mm F1.4 that one would sell their soul for, the Sigma will still deliver very pleasing results to users.

Olympus 50mm F2 Macro- A 100mm on Four Thirds, this lens is great for events, macro work, products and portraits. The sharpness offered by this lens is really something to consider when you need a compact telephoto.

What other lenses do you recommend?

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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Now that the review of the Canon T2i is over and it has been shipped back to Canon, a complete round-up of postings done in the review diary and further thoughts can be given here. Overall, it is the best Rebel yet.

Day 1: Spent trying to get accustomed and used to the camera as well as citing observations.

Day 2: Tested out while at a party and get-together. All photos shot in RAW mode.

Day 3: Used while exploring Long Island, New York. People that use this camera will surely use it for sightseeing purposes.

On the set of a Podcast: The T2i performed wonderfully on the set of a video podcast for NerdBlerp.com

Recommended Items for the Camera: Those of you that are looking to purchase the camera may perhaps want to take a look at my essential items guide.

Used to shoot photos for the reviews I did over at 2D-x.com here and here.

Conclusions

Autofocus

One of the thorns in Canon’s side has been its autofocus system. However, in the latest generation of DSLRs like the 7D and 1D Mk IV, this has been corrected. It was a major flaw found in the 5D Mk II—but if you understand how it works then it is very manageable.

To be fair, autofocusing was greatly improved when the camera was coupled with a 430 EX II. Because of this, it is highly recommended that it be purchased with this camera. Otherwise, users may be plagued by some of the problems that previous Rebel users have suffered from.

The Canon T2i is essentially a 7D with lower end specifications and technical standards. Judging from this, one can possibly conclude that Canon will perhaps revamp the autofocus system in the successor to the T2i as it will be a huge drive for sales and could possibly really dig into its Micro Four Thirds competitors. According to sales statistics at the time of writing this posting, the T2i and other Rebels really do lead the charts.

Image Quality

Out of camera RAW image quality was stellar. Canon’s new files for the T2i require that users purchase the latest version of Photoshop, Photoshop Elements or Lightroom to edit. Otherwise, the packaged DPP program will convert to JPEG for you. Because of the large image files, write speeds can also slow down and it is recommended that users get a UDMA card with this camera or something like an Eye-Fi Pro card.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for out of camera JPEGs. The quality here is lacking for higher end or professional use. Those just casually taking the photos may be happy with them for their own personal uses. Part of the reason may perhaps be the single DIGIC IV processor coupled with the 18MP APS-C sensor. As the sensor is smaller, image quality can degrade when higher ISO settings are used.

As for movie mode, the image quality is on par with the 7D. If you want to purchase a 7D solely for videography purposes, perhaps you should consider looking at the T2i as it is much more economical.

Ergonomics

On a personal level, I’ve never been too much of a fan of the ergonomics of Canon’s Rebel line. For starters, there isn’t very much room at all between the grip and the lens. Additionally, the button layout at times can be awkward. The T2i was easier to use than previous Rebels though as some of the buttons are bigger and it is easier to manage your settings when shooting in video mode.

Something that I don’t like much is the placement of the mode dial. It should perhaps be on the left side of the camera. As a suggestion to Canon: Look at the Olympus EP-1. Their mode dial doesn’t come out from the camera very much and also allows for ease of use. Copying this standard for the next Rebel could work very well for Canon and will also help to eliminate accidental mode switches due to finger placement.

High ISO ability

Users of the T2i will be very, very pleased with the High ISO abilities in this camera. Able to shoot up to ISO 6400, the files are still very usable and post-processing will take care of most of the image noise problems. If not, editors can always get creative in their editing to use the image noise to their advantage as the files still do retain a lot of detail.

If coupled with the 430 EX II and shooting in extremely dimly lit conditions, one can shoot with ease at ISO 800 and still get very crispy shots while shooting handheld. This will come in handy if users happen to be shooting a party.

As a side note, this is all best done while shooting in RAW mode. Otherwise, the image noise will be harder to eliminate in JPEG mode.

Further, get rid of your kit lens. Shoot with something like a 50mm F1.8 II, 85mm F1.8 II or 24-105mm F4 L IS. And if shooting video, get a Rode Videomic if you need better sound.

Ease of Use

The learning curve for a camera like this is not very long. Users may either shoot in full auto or go for the more manual settings allowed from this class of camera. When importing the images to your computer, it is recommended that you use an SD card reader or the supplied Canon software. Otherwise, Lightrooom’s import feature is very handy in a situation like this.

Who Should Buy It

Party Photographers: as a backup and coupled with the 430 EX II. It could be used as a primary but requires better lenses like those listed above.

Wedding Photographers: I’ve seen lots of weddings shot with Rebels that have delivered fascinating results. Though it isn’t recommended, your 2nd shooter or assistants can probably make good use of it providing that good lenses are in front of the sensor.

Travelers: By all means, this is the camera for you. Just shoot in RAW.

Videographers: If you’re trying to justify the purchase of the costly 7D, look to this instead.

Hobbyists: The Rebel line was meant for you.

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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Note: This article is for photographers that have difficulty with achieving perfect focus while looking through a viewfinder and that adjusting the diopter doesn’t necessarily work. These camera, when focusing, zoom into your subject so that you achieve perfect and sharp focusing.

For more tip and camera gear news, you can check out ThePhoblographer.com, where I blog on a normal basis.

Olympus EP-2

If many of you have the EP-1, there is most likely a chance that you’ve already fallen in love with the camera. The reason why this one is being recommended is that it comes with an optional electronic viewfinder that allows you to focus better and shoot the way you would with a DSLR. For those of you that also love to take videos, you’ll be very confident in the fact that the audio delivered by this camera is some of the best in the industry. Additionally, the image quality is less noisy than that of it’s brother/competitor in the Micro Four Thirds category, the GF-1. If you prefer on-board image stabilization, you may prefer this model over the Panasonic.

Panasonic GF-1

Similar to the Olympus EP-2, this camera also has an optional electronic viewfinder. This and the EP-2 are very similar. The Panasonic takes better video and the electronic viewfinder for this isn’t as high resolution as the Olympus’s. Further, if you’ve already got a stock of Olympus lenses they won’t be able to auto-focus with the adapter on this camera.

Panasonic GH1

I still consider this camera to be the flagship of the Micro Four Thirds format. The reason why is because it takes stellar images and the video quality is phenomenal. Further, you can attach an external microphone to it and it has multiple video frame rates. To be fair though, the EP-2 also allows for an external microphone to be attached. If you want that DSLR feel, go for this.

Leica M9/X1

I tried both the M9 and the X1 at Photo Plus, and loved them both despite the high cost. The reason why these are here are because of the way that a rangefinder focuses. It’s much different than a DSLR and in some ways it’s actually easier. I can shoot with one without using my glasses. If you’re a film users, try to get your hands on an old Leica CL or a Canonet of some sort. You won’t want to put them down and in truth, I’d buy one if I could use it profitably as a photographer. However, film and the cost of a Leica don’t exactly allow me to do this. Nonetheless, shooting with a rangefinder is something that should be experienced by all photographers.

Canon S90

If you want something really compact and that still delivers nice photos, go for the Canon S90. While it’s not the highly-raved about Canon G11, it has the same sized sensor in a more compact form. The wheel dial around the lens will provide a wonderful feel as your hands begin to explore this camera.

What do you use?

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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