G9 versus EOS40?

[MASS-Diver]

Hi Everyone,

I read this thread and a few like it, but wanted to apply it a bit more to the choice I'm making: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/canon-corner/211873-g9-xti.html

Basically, I'm trying to decide between P&S versus an SLR. Here's my story, I like photography and I am hoping at some point that I will have the time to take a class and really learn how to shoot, but that's not in the immediate future.

So, my question (for both UW and land): is it a total waste to buy an SLR and shoot it 90% of the time in manual mode? For example, if buy a nice macro lens for the EOS40 will the results be better than shooting in the G9's macro mode? I plan on shooting macro, wide-angle, and some long distance stuff. For a non-pro, will the ability to buy different lenes translate into better pics?

Thank you very much for any feedback!

 

[txdano]

Did you really mean to say "shoot it 90% of the time in automatic mode"? In my experience manual mode is the only way to go underwater. The ability to use different lenses with a DSLR vastly increases the flexibility of the types of shots you can take, and with some practice and attention to the basics will eventually translate to better pictures IMHO. There are some really good books out there that can help you get started right away.

 

[seductiveconcepts]

I just moved up to a DSLR and LOVE IT.... I don't yet have an U/W housing because I still getting over the sticker shock of the SLR but I have been shooting around the house for like 4 days now and am having a blast. I am getting great pictures but at the same time shooting in manual mode I can create images that are shaped the way I like. Plus shooting in RAW mode is great because it allows you to correct your photors. I tried to upload some pics, but I think my file sizes must be too large because it kept failing.. happy shooting...

 

[MASS-Diver]

Did you really mean to say "shoot it 90% of the time in automatic mode"? In my experience manual mode is the only way to go underwater. The ability to use different lenses with a DSLR vastly increases the flexibility of the types of shots you can take, and with some practice and attention to the basics will eventually translate to better pictures IMHO. There are some really good books out there that can help you get started right away.

Thanks, could you suggest a few good beginner books?

 

[pakman]

I had a hands-on look at the G9 last nite as my brother just picked one up recently. That is one capable P&S with plenty of features to play with. Had fun taking pics of my 3 mos old niece. Didn't have a chance to view them on a computer.

It's pretty hefty for a P&S but still compact vs a XTi + lens. Only shortcoming is that it's not very wide at its widest lens setting. A DSLR and separate lenses will give you more creative freedom, but the trade-off is in size and of course $$'s... And if you're planning on housing the camera, the price gap gets wider trying to house a DSLR (housing, separate ports, strobes, etc...)

 

[txdano]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tips-techniques/186359-book-recommendation.html