G7 or A710is?

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jbb

jbb

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I am upgrading which is the wiser choice for macro photos G7 (with is) or A710is? Are the extra mg and flash connection worth the extra cost? Too bad the G7 doesn't have RAW. Upcoming trip and I don't think Ikelite has a case for the G7 yet.
Thanks for any advise or input.
 
I'm no expert (I'm looking for my first camera) but I'm in a similar boat. I think I've decided on the a710, but the G7 keeps causing me some doubt.

What I like about the a710 is that it is a bit smaller & lighter since I want something to also carry around when I'm out of the water. CNET rated the a710 with a 7.6 and the G7 with a 7.5 (so I interpret that to mean they are about equal).

The new sensor (DIGIC III) in the G7 is supposed do better in lower light than the one in the A710IS (the DIGIC II), but I haven't seen any pics for it yet.

There is also (or will be?) a UW case for it from canon that I'm guessing would be avalable sooner than the ike (if you're in a rush) and will cost less. Also it does have a hotshoe and TTL which will allow for better/more strobe options.

If the G7 had raw, it would be a done deal (at least for me since I want a camera that I can grow into). But until I see some pics in low light I can't justify spending about $200 more for a camera if it's only marginally better (if at all!). But it's looking like it might be.
 
randini:
There is also (or will be?) a UW case for it from canon that I'm guessing would be avalable sooner than the ike (if you're in a rush) and will cost less. Also it does have a hotshoe and TTL which will allow for better/more strobe options.

If the G7 had raw, it would be a done deal (at least for me since I want a camera that I can grow into). But until I see some pics in low light I can't justify spending about $200 more for a camera if it's only marginally better (if at all!). But it's looking like it might be.
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Thanks, I didn't know the canon case had a hotshoe. That was one of the reason's to hope for an Ikelite case but I don't think Inon has an adapter to fit the oval lense port on the Canon case either. I down't think it would be hard to do and wished they would now that Canon has the oval in the A and G series UW case. The advantage I think of the Canon case is that it is smaller than the Ikelite and I think it would work better with the built-in camera flash as well.
 
From what I've seen, the Canon case for the G7 won't have a hotshoe conection, and the oval lense on it will mean you most likely won't be able to add external lenses. Also read a review that the manual controls aren't accessable in the canon housing. Could be wrong though, haven't actually had a chance to play with it yet.

My personal opinion is that if you're paying the extra for the G7, then get it with the Ike housing, which will have eTTL. Otherwise, go for the A710.
 
Sorry, I meant that the camera has the hotshoe, not the canon UW case.

I didn't realize that the canon cases lack acces to the controls. Just looking at the pic of the canon case for the g7, I can see right away that there's no access to the ISO wheel. I haven't found a picture of the back yet though to see what else is missing. I agree about the cases though (this goes for botht he a710 and the g7). The canon would be great if you want to take a camera on a dive for an occasional snapshot, but not necessarly spend the entire dive dedicated to photography. The Ike would be more versatile (once it's out) giving you al the addons for more serious photgraphy.

I did come across some studio tests yesterday from a site in the netherlands. The shots from the g7 did look better than the exact same shots taken with an a710. I'll see if I can find it again and post a link to it.
 
For my 2c i would categorically say get the G7. The ability to use full TTL flash with an Ikelite case is (for me) well worth the extra $175.

I purchased the A710is/canon case as i needed it for a trip to Bonaire and was pleasantly surprised at how good the canon case was. You have access to all controls, but at the end of the day, I had TTL flash on my Olympus OM2 in 1980 and really dont wish to go back to manual control of flash when i end up buying an external strobe.

And yes, I know i can do manual control of flash, ...but for the sake of analogy, ask yourself..would you drive a pre-1980 family sedan or a 2005 camry?.. :)

My larger issue is the lack of contrast/brightness in the LCD display when viewed u/w in bright conditions..but thats a different story.
 
randini:
Sorry, I meant that the camera has the hotshoe, not the canon UW case.QUOTE]

Thanks for the clarification. I have been checking with Ikelite and Inon. Ikelite is working on a case but will not be released until later - i'm sure they will have the flash connections. Inon does not presently have an adapter for the Canon cases for their lenses but may in the future - they mentioned DEMA. Canon is making these oval shapes on their cases so I hope so.

I decided to buy the camera - G7. I will order the Canon case because of my vacation in Nov. I'll just have to upgrade to the Ikelite case if the camera is good enough and I get an external flash.
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I found the link to the site that lets you compare studio test shots and has the G7 up. Turns out it's in france not the netherlands, but I guess I wasn't too far off. Anyways, HERE IS THE LINK. Oh and by selecting from the "Etape 3" drop down menu you can select other shots and different resolutions.

jbb: Enjoy the camera & please post pics when you get back from your vacation. I can't wait to see how it does. I'm pretty much decided ont he a710 (I'm a poor grad student and novice at photography, so I think it'll be fine for me for a while), but I'still get called back to the G7.
 
randini:
I'm pretty much decided ont he a710 (I'm a poor grad student and novice at photography, so I think it'll be fine for me for a while), but I'still get called back to the G7.
Click to expand...

I think the A710 will be a great first camera. I have a S400 (4 mp) which I have enjoyed and have even gotten some nice photos with it. Otherwise it is mostly for easy carry and handy to have in a pocket for those last minute snap shots. I actually will probably still carry it along as the G7 will not be as portable. I would really love to get a SLR but that means another piece of luggage and very photo dedicated dives besides the big $. I'm not ready to do that right now - maybe for local diving but not for travel.

By they time you are tired of the A710 or it breaks I'm sure the manufacturers will have something much better than the G7 to choose from.
 
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