Looking for a good manual mode compact.

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_Gissa_

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I am seeking an alternative compact camera to my Fuji F300EXR. So far I am most impressed by the Canon G12. The ideal functions I am interested in are:

1. Full manual control including focusing.
2. Dial control for shutter, aperture, ISO etc without going into menus to find them.
3. 24 or 28mm wide angle lens capability.
4. Variangle LCD.
5. Optical viewfinder.

I am open to other camera model suggestions apart from the G12. I would also like to know G12 owners opinions of this camera particularly on how good the manual mode is.

Thanks.
 
IMHO the G12 only counts as a compact when compared to a DSLR, I'd go for an S95 (and indeed got an S90 last year).
 
Difficult... the S90 doesn't have a viewfinder, neither does the LX5 although there is an optional EVF, but no variangle screen, and the G12 is hardly compact.

I'm stuck :)
 
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If you want an optical viewfinder, and I don't blame you, then I'm not sure you've got much choice. But the the G12 is also about as good as it gets with a compact.
 
I have a Canon compact with an OVF and it's... awful. It might be worth checking a G12 to see if it's worth buying over something else just for the OVF.
 
Yes, the G12's viewfinder is pretty crude. I had a G7 which is identical I think, more of an aiming device really. But it zooms and at least it means that you can use the camera at eye level, discretely, instead of that ridiculous arms-outstretched LCD style of shooting.

Thinking about it, I'd forgotten about the Nikon P7000 is very similar. But just doesn't perform as well.

I was on the brink of getting a G12 myself - until I saw the new Fuji X100. That's a bit different - fixed 35mm equiv lens in particular, and much bigger APS-C sensor - but would do the same sort of job for me. It's also more than twice the price, but that's now top of my 'walkabout pocket camera' list.
 
EMA747 said:
How much better is a G12 than an LX5?
Click to expand...

Not better as such, but a different style of camera. The other 'quality compacts' include the Canon S95, Nikon P7000 and also the new Olympus XZ-1. They've all been recently tested and compared on www.dpreview.com
 
G12 is very good indeed. It's as large as an old Canon A80, and although it's not svelte or microfiche, it's small enough to take places. If I truly want credit-card-esque thinness for a pocket, I use the iPhone.

Optical viewfinder is poor, but as said - you can hold it to your eye and use it to frame a shot, use it to steady your aim, etc. And, even though it's poor, it's optical - I just couldn't get on 100% with the EVF of the G1. Sometimes there's no substitute for looking at something with your own eye.

Add to the fact that it has more control dials than many SLR's - shutter, aperture, ISO and Exposure compensation right there as dials on the outside - and it's still the compact for me.
 
Another G12 vote here :thumbs:

I've had a G7 and now a G12 and although the reviews say the viewfinder is rubbish, I find it very useful for tracking/panning fast(ish) moving subjects. I just wish Canon would've given it better burst rate and not just that stupid high ISO low res nonsense, but then I might not have bought my 7D......:thinking:
 
Paul as you have a 7D and G12 you might be able to answer a question I have. How much difference is there between the 7D and the G12 once the images have had a bit of going over in PS and then uploaded to flickr or here at something like 1024px res?

I now have an iPhone and I have to say I've used it a LOT more than I ever did my 1DmkIV! I know a 7D would be better than a G12 but in reality is it that much? For example I am off to Majorca (the nice part) in three weeks with friends and want to take some photos as it looks stunning. I am wary of taking "just" a compact rather than a DSLR in case I miss a shot or get low quality shots, but on the other hand I might be more likely to take more shots with a smaller camera.
Sorry if this is a bit off-topic but I have been wanting to ask this question for a while.

Andy S
 
Thank you all for your input. I pick up my G12 on Friday : )
 
Martin can you post a quick reply of what you make of the G12 once you have had a play with it? I am very interested to know.
Hope you enjoy it.
 
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