Canon G7 worth buying?

[iScubaDiver]

I'm thinking of buying my FIRST camera and housing. I've read about the A570 IS and G9, however I have a budget that can buy me a A570 IS but less than getting a G9. So, I came across a USED G7 for $250 and seriously thinking about getting it.
The reason that I wanted to get a G7 is because its a good TOPSIDE camera and within my budget where as I read someone on the board mentioning A570 is not so good for TOPSIDE.
SO, please help me out here....is the USED G7 worth getting for that price and good for UW photography?

 

[Maarten_NL]

IMHO the G7 is an excellent camera to start with, if you apply the CHDK hack so you can shoot in RAW it does not differ much from a G9.

If you have some $ to spare, get a good book about UW photography or take a course to get the max out of the camera

 

[iScubaDiver]

I think I will not jump straight into UW photography with this G7 camera(if i do buy it). I will play around with it and when I'm familiar with the camera features and feels then I'll use it underwater.
Thanks

 

[gert7to3]

The G7 is a superb camera. Here's a link to review of it at Digital Cameras, Digital Camera Reviews - The Imaging Resource!

Canon PowerShot G7 Digital Camera Samples - Full Review - The Imaging Resource!

The only deficiency this camera had was the inability to shoot in RAW mode. However, there is a hack, downloadable to an SD memory card, which is where the hack operates from.

Since this an out of production camera, you may want to check on availability of the housing.

 

[bejeweled]

I have had quite a bit of experience using both the G7 & G9 topside and have been happy with both of them. They are MUCH better than any point and shoots I've used, but don't expect them to be like DSLRS. I'd say go for it with the G7, especially if you can figure our the hack to shoot in RAW file format. Have fun with your new toys!

 

[iScubaDiver]

Thanks for the inputs.
I know the the G series are P&S and dont expect them to perform like DSLR which is too complicated for me and too bulky for me carry around .

 

[Rynomar]

Another vote for picking up the G7. I have one and have enjoyed using it topside and underwater. My only complaint about the G7 underwater is the built in flash. Due to the size of the port on the Canon housing, the built in flash only lights up about 3/4 of the frame. You can get around that in several ways but the most effective way is to use an external strobe.

Also, with the manual white balance setting you can get good natural light pictures when starting out as well.

Good luck.