Canon Powershot G10, A Final Review
From October 24 until November 9, 2008, I traveled to Slovenia and Scotland for a long photographic holiday. During my travels I worked with colleagues whom I have met through the Internet and who share my love of light. A detailed story of the entire trip will be presented at Photo Travel Review, a site that myself and two other photographers have created which explores photography throughout the world and offers advice and detailed information about specific locations, photo seminars, reviews of equipment, and travel planning.
My interest in the Canon Powershot G10 is simple. I was looking for a small camera that would produce high quality images. Small, because the whole business of carrying around 25 pounds of DSLR equipment is a pain both from the standpoint of long walks through airports, finding a place to store the gear onboard, packing the gear in ground transportation, and lugging the stuff across sometimes very difficult terrain under extreme weather conditions. A camera that weighs less than one pound, including its battery charger, is something that I have yearned for over the years.
The Canon G-series of cameras have been known to me since 2003 when I acquired the Canon Powershot G7, and my experience with the Canon Powershot G9 that I acquired last year. It was the G9 that made me realize just how good compact cameras have become. One can read my review of the G9 here.
So, with along with my Canon 1Ds Mark II, and three L series lenses, I found room for the little G10 in my camera bag as I boarded my aircraft in Tampa, Florida. From Tampa I flew to Washington, D. C., then to Frankfurt, Germany, then to Ljubljana, Slovenia. A flight delay meant that I had to wait in the Frankfurt airport for 10 hours, along with all my camera gear. Another reason I detest traveling with heavy stuff.
Well, I finally got to Bled, Slovenia, on October 25 and the next morning my colleagues and I were out doing photography. And, after hiking up a long trail to capture light a sunrise, I soon found myself leaving all that DSLR stuff in the car. Yep, I’m a wimp, I hate heavy stuff on my back. I gave that up years ago when I retired from the US Army!
The light was good on the first day, and the little G10 did not disappoint me.
I cannot describe how wonderfully beautiful the Julian Alps are. The incredible stark peaks are awesome to behold.
So, repeatedly throughout the visit to Slovenia, I opted more and more to use the G10, it seemed more natural to me, its design made to fit my hand well, its solid construction, and being able to use it inconspicuously. Sometimes that matters. Particularly when doing street photography.
Not that the cat cared. 
But, it did come in handy when doing a long exposure in a dark area along Bled Lake at night.
And this 15-second exposure showed me that I could do some interesting stuff even with a compact camera.
And, as I walked along the lake shore it seemed natural for me to use the camera handheld. After all, I was just another tourist taking snapshots on my journey.
One thing I learned quickly is not to underexpose my shots with the G10. The G9 tended to blow out whites and I always had my camera set to 2/3 under. Not with the G10, it is spot on. What does matter is to watch the histogram. I would move the camera up and down in the scene until the histogram was correct, then I would lock the exposure and reframe the image. It worked 95% if the time!
Course, one of my serious nits about the G10 is that the viewfinder is considerably off. What you see is not what you get. I soon learned to move the camera up about 20% and about 5% right. After a while I got into the groove of using the viewfinder constantly. It is my preferred way of shooting. What Canon engineers can’t make a viewfinder that is correct is beyond me. It is elementary.
As the days wore on, opportunities for getting colorful shots abounded. What a fantastic country Slovenia is. I shall return for sure. Wonderful people, outstanding opportunities for photography, and so many places to stop for coffee or dinner. And it is a travel bargain. But, I digress.
So, it was with regret that I left Slovenia for Scotland, I had a wonderful time there, although I did get soaking wet several times, fought very high winds, endured extremely cold weather, and in so doing loved every minute of my time there.
And it was always good to return to my quarters, enjoy a fine glass of Slovenian wine and relax with my friends.
On November 1, 2008, I flew from Ljubljana to Frankfurt to Edinburgh, Scotland. Again, lugging 25 pounds of DSLR equipment on my back, most of which I had not used during my week in Slovenia.
And, as I drove across the width of Scotland, just at sunset I was greeted by wonderful light at Rannoch Moor.
After a while, I simply stopped taking photographs and just stood there looking at the moor in awe of nature’s incredible beauty. Yes, I was again in Scotland, land of my ancestors, and I knew I was home. The next morning my friends and I hiked to this castle and got there just at sunrise. Suddenly the light turned almost red on the castle and I got the shot because the G10 was readily available.
I was blessed during my nine days in Scotland with wonderful weather. By that I mean the light was good, despite driving rain, snow, sleet, hail, and very high winds towards the end of my trip. At one point my G10 got good and wet. I had to sit it down near a gas heater for a while until the moisture cleared from the LCD panel. The G10 is not weather proof, another nit I have about the camera.
Course, it worked fine in the mist that fell upon Glenborrodale.
And despite rain, I managed to get this shot from my car window. A shot taken in JPEG wide format.
I was blessed with good light too at this castle.
And again and again, as I explored the Ardnamurchan area.
And when I met Mr. Duncan Sinclair at Glenurig, while photographing one of his boats.
And again when I visited a Ferry Store at Kilchoan and photographed this cottage in heavy wind.
So, it was heavy heart as I left the area, but along the way I stopped at Glencoe and caught the best shot of my trip. Yes, indeed, even the little G10 can do well when one is blessed with the light that dances!
A Larger Version of this Photograph May be Viewed By Clicking on the Image
Summary of Findings and Conclusion
The Canon Powershot G10 is exactly what it is represented to be, a compact camera. It is not a professional DSLR and it will not produce images of comparable quality. An expert who has reviewed the signal noise from the camera says, “The G10 at ISO 80 seems to have roughly the same S/N as the 1D3 at ISO 1600 (a little better in highlights, a little worse in shadows).” He goes on to say: “The G10 sensor is about the best in the business. Its problem of course is that it doesn’t have enough of those square microns — sensor dimensions 7.6mm x 5.7mm, instead of FF 36×24, 20 times smaller in area.” In sum, one cannot expect a camera with such a small sensor to record images equivalent to sensors 20 times larger!
Course the foregoing paragraph flies in the face of what Michael Reichmann has said about prints he has made from the G10 which compare favorably with images done with a Hasselblad medium format camera! Michael is highly respected for his reviews and opinions. I have not yet made prints from images done with the G10 but I will be doing so during the next few days. I hope what Michael has said works for me as well.
Noise
The camera, in my opinion, is useless at ISOs above 400. I would not use the camera at anything other than ISO 80-200 unless I were prepared to deal with significant amounts of noise and the detrimental results of using noise reduction software. That is not to say that it is impossible to take a photograph with the camera at ISO 800, for example. And, depending upon the circumstances, it is an option. Here is a shot done at ISO 800. Some might say it’s fine. The original, however, is filled with noise. But then, if I did find myself in a situation and had no other choice, I might use ISO 800. After all, getting the shot is sometimes the imperative!
Construction
The G10 construction is superb, it feels and looks like a solid, well made camera.
The camera is not weather sealed; and while my G10 performed well at temperatures below zero, it did show moisture behind the LCD panel after a morning walk in heavy rain. While most users won’t be out shooting in conditions that I find myself in on some of my journeys, it is prone to environmental conditions. I highly recommend that one carry it in a good weather-proof case when not in use.
Lens
The new 28-140mm instead of the 35mm-210mm on the G9 is a substantial improvement. I found the 35mm limit of the G9 very restrictive when doing landscape photography. And, I have very much enjoyed the “Wide” setting, although I am disappointed that Canon won’t allow me to shoot in RAW when using the setting.
The camera is prone to barrel distortion. However, I think what has been reported by some users as a major issue has more to do with the fact that the photographers are not keeping the camera level and square with the film plane when making images.
LCD Panel
The new LCD panel is a substantial improvement over the one on the G9, it is simply stunning and allows one to examine details in shots with ease.
Ergonomics
In my opinion the ergonomics of the G10 are superior to the G9. It is much easier to hold and use. Moving some dials helped me immensely and adding others makes a great deal of sense to me.
One cannot use with camera while wearing gloves. Not an issue unless you are in freezing conditions and the wind is blowing 45 MPH! Then it is an issue.
Buttons are easily pressed, meaning that at times one is trying to make an adjustment but winds up with the wrong selection showing. This occurred to me repeatedly while using the camera. Folks with big hands will find the selection wheels to be an issue.
Viewfinder, WYSINWYG
The viewfinder is not accurate. In other words, what you see is not what you get. I don’t understand why Canon engineers can’t fix this issue or provide me with a viewfinder that fits in the flash slot that is correct. Many of us prefer to shoot with the viewfinder, that is my preference and I find it difficult to do. As well, when extending the lens to 140mm the barrel of the lens appears in the viewfinder making it even more troublesome to use.
Exposures
With the help of the live histogram it is nearly impossible to overexpose a shot using the G10. I note an improvement using the G10 versus the G9 which often required that I keep the exposure to -2/3 to avoid overexposure. The G10 may require a -1/3 exposure in high contrast situations, but the live histogram is a great aid in compensating as it was with the G9. With some practice using the histogram, one is able to take shots without underexposing.
Image Quality
Image quality is superb in both RAW and JPEG modes for a compact camera. Converting RAW files is only possible using the DPP software provided by Canon. Currently Adobe does not support a RAW plugin for the G10, but I am told that Adobe will offer a DNG converter soon that will enable one to convert RAW files and use them in CS2 and CS3. Note: Adobe has just released its latest DNG converter and it does support the G10. It is free and can be downloaded from Adobe.
Shutter Release
The G10 has an instant shutter release, a significant improvement over the shutter lag on the G9.
Colors
Colors appear natural and vivid using the G10. One issue that does affect colors is that one does not have a choice when shooting, one must use sRGB. I wish Adobe 98 were available.
Conclusion
The Canon Powershot G10 is an outstanding compact camera that offers beginning and advanced photographers an excellent tool for capturing light in limited circumstances. It is not a professional DSLR and is not represented by Canon to be so. It is a significant improvement over the Canon Powershot G9 with it’s better ergonomics, it’s much improved LCD panel, instant shutter release, the wider 28mm lens, and its outstanding exposure metering system.
It is a delight to use.
In sum, Canon has produced a winning camera that will appeal to many, but in my opinion, Canon could have done far better. I await what the market will provide in the next two years. This is not to say that I don’t recommend the camera, it is simply that I know Canon has the capacity to produce the best of the best cameras in the world and with some thought the G10 could have been a benchmark for small cameras. Other manufacturers are offering some good alternatives presently. I am especially interested in the new Panasonic LX3 and the Leica version that will be out by the end of the year. But, in all fairness to Canon, after looking at photos done with the LX3, the G10 images are superior.
My personal wish list for the next G-series camera include:
1. A better quality lens, f/2 and at least 24mm. 20mm would be better.
2. Weather sealing.
3. Either a larger sensor or less pixels. Engineer a noise proof camera even if it means a whole new design. I do want to shoot at higher ISOs in some circumstances but the answer is not to cram too many pixels on such a small sensor.
4. Give me a viewfinder that is correct.
5. Buttons should be larger so that people with big hands or guys like me who shoot in freezing conditions can use gloves while operating the camera; and put them further apart. BTW, this is also an issue for me when using the Canon 1Ds Mark II as well.
6. HD Movies instead of 640X480.
If you do decide to purchase the Canon Powershot G10, I highly recommend that you make your purchase through B&H Photo Video. It is an outstanding company that I have used for years.
Larger Photographs
I will be posting larger shots taken with the Canon Powershot G10 on my website. One may view shots done with the camera by clicking here.
Another article with images not shown here and with commentary about where I went on this photographic journey will be published at Photo Travel Review. Please stop by there to read my article and those of others like yourself. In fact, take the time to write an article about your own photographic adventure and submit the article to PTR for publication. Information about this can be found here.
Post Script: I received an email from a reader of this blog who has produced some outstanding high ISO images with the G10. One should have have a look at what he was able to do by clicking here. I guess I have to eat my words about saying that the camera is useless at ISOs higher than 400. Bob has proved me wrong!
Superb photos, Bill. You set a very high standard. Thanks for sharing them.
Nice one Bill, great shots as expected
hearing too many good things about this camera…but damn, 8mm wide sensor? Certainly looking for something portable once Madame comes along and the Vertex is filled with Nappies 
Bill I am really impressed by your photos. Thank you so much!
I have one question: do you mind posting couple original ones? I mean not processed, just straight from a camera? I am new to photography and I have no idea, I can not imagine how much does camera and how what is done by computer.
Let’s say some of these:
http://www.bill.lockharts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/012.jpg
http://www.bill.lockharts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/010.jpg
http://www.bill.lockharts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/006.jpg
http://www.bill.lockharts.com/index.php/photo/421
http://www.bill.lockharts.com/index.php/photo/420
Thanks again for the wonderful shares. I love the first shot of the trees in particular…great great quality!
P.S. I ordered my G10 yesterday!
Hi Jimmy,
Sorry, I cannot put up original shots, the bandwidth will kill me! My website provider has already informed me that I have used more bandwidth than all other sites supported by him in the last month. And yes, I will be getting a large bill for the 27Gbs of stream I used last month, mostly because of the overwhelming number of folks who read this blog.
I do make a little from Google Ads shown here but not enough to cover the costs I incur each year. Perhaps someday I will be able to do that as the traffic to my site grows. Although, I am amazed at how large it is presently. Nearly 200,000 unique visitors so far this year.
I hope you understand.
Best regards,
Bill
I get it, thank you for the honest answer.
And congratulations, high traffic is telling you something
Bill, I have just discovered your blog and it is my best find for some while - exactly the kind of review I want to read in making up my mind about the G10.
You say “The new 28-140mm instead of the 35mm-210mm on the G9 is a substantial improvement. I found the 35mm limit of the G9 very restrictive when doing landscape photography. And, I have very much enjoyed the “Wide” setting, although I am disappointed that Canon won’t allow me to shoot in RAW when using the setting.” Does this “wide” setting refer to the G9, or is this a quirk of the G10 that I’m not aware of?
Regards,
David C
David,
I can’t recall if the G9 had a wide setting, the G10 has it, it is 4416X2480 pixels versus the RAW 4416X3312 pixels. It does help with framing the shot since the aspect ratio is different. Course, it really does not matter since the RAW format is essentially the same width and one can crop in final processing.
Best regards,
Bill
Thanks Bill, I’ve got it. Thanks also for your insights, images and the link to Photo Travel Review, another good find!
David
Bill,
Breathtaking photos: rich with emotion,soul and quiet beauty. Really moved me to tears!! I would say YOU did Canon G10 “Proud”, not the other way around. Appreciated your comments on camera also. Your photos inspire me on many levels. Perhaps, if I work hard, I may some day come close to you as a photographer.
Thanks
Carolyn
Bill,
Amazing photos!
I’m going to buy a G10 right now and your shots cleaned off every doubt.
Just a little question, by your experience what is the best “measure” of SD card for the G10: 2 or 4 or 8 gb?
Thanks
Luke
Carolyn,
Thank you, I am blushing!
Bill
Luke,
Any SD card will work. I look for bargains. I have used both 4GB and 8GB cards with the camera with no difficulty. The SDHC cards are compatible.
I prefer the 8GB because I can shoot all day without changing cards.
Best regards,
Bill
Bill,
Great Shots!
where did you see that clock? I have one that was given to me and is really old, that is almost exactly like it. I always wondered where it came from.
Walter L.
Hi Walter,
The clock has a story. My grandmother borrowed the clock from a neighbor sometime around 1915. There was someone ill in the household and the clock was needed to time medications. For whatever reason the clock was never returned to the neighbor and my mother acquired it sometime later. It has been in my family for nearly one hundred years.
I call it “Borrowed Time.”
Bill
Hi Bill, love the kitty :)..since you no longer carry all those heavy lenses and such..are you about ready to give up tht 300mm?
a girl can dream!
love the blog btw..stay well
C
Great review, Bill. I am about to take a trip to Argentina and am reluctant carry around my Canon Digital Rebel 300d. I’m thinking just getting a g10 instead.
One concern is that some of the shots I’ve seen on the Internet seem a little overprocessed or plasticky. Do you notice that? Would you say the G10 images are film-like?
Thanks, David
Hi David,
I have seen similar results in my shots done with the G10, a plastic appearance in some of the details. The G10 is certainly not film-like.
As I said in the review, the G10 is not a DSLR and one cannot expect to get DSLR quality with the camera. It is a great travel camera, but one must trade off high quality for reasonable quality when using it.
Best regards,
Bill
Bill, Thanks for sharing your beautiful shots, and for the fantastic review (also for the earlier post).
I have a few sample photos from my G10 to share with everyone, in case you are interested: http://pix.kwanghuiseto.com/gallery/6619774_PbK9b/1/422003485_C8hgo
HI Bill,
WOW WOW WOW amazing images with this camera, I have been using the G9 after getting rid of my Nikon D300’s and the boat load of lenses..no more back problems for me!!!!
I have after reading your review just upgraded to the G10 and because they are so good bought 2 from amazon this afternoon (anyone want to buy a G9) he he.
Can I ask you a few questions in no particular order:-
Battery life in cold conditions!!! your view!!
Accessories for the G10 are there any!!! and if so what would you recommend!!!
Finally I hope you do not mind I have used the following image “Dancing Light at Loch Leven” as my desktop background….
It is my Fav would love to hear how it prints out.
Regards Take care and be safe
Sam
Hi Sam,
Battery life is all day even in very cold weather, like zero and below.
So far there are few accessories. I will order a Lensmate as soon as there is one available so I can mount filters. An extra battery would be in order but I can’t find them yet. Get a screen protector as the LCD panel will scratch.
And something to carry the little beast in while it is raining, a zip lock bag will do. It is not weather sealed.
An external shutter release, about $21 on the net.
A good travel tripod.
That’s all I can think of.
Best regards and thanks,
Bill Lockhart
Linked through to your blog and am a first time visitor. Great shots!
As for IQ, can’t believe they’re from a non-DSLR. Guess the G10 will be my camera of choice when I don’t want to lug my D80 and 2.8 lenses (more and more often these days).
Perhaps I missed this, but…were all your pix (say, “Dancing Light”) shot at ISO80 or were some at 200? Also, what’s the reduction in IQ from ISO200 - 400?
Got you bookmarked and will return often!
Ed
Bill,
Thanks for all your work and the G10 review, which I now have. Have not used much yet, but so far a very nice camera, in some ways it has the feel of my first Slr the Pentax ME, love the exposure knob! Will be perfect when I don’t want to lug my 40D and lens. The Picture of the gentelman is wonderful. The shot you call your best is great, looks like it was a composite made in Photoshop, and I mean that in a GOOD way, almost seems surreal!
Dave
Bill,
Just read your story on Duncan.
Makes me both smile and feel a bit sad.
As you say to offten we judge by appearence, most times the lost is ares! Not been to Scotland YET.
Did spend 3 weeks 2 of them biking the west coast of Irenland was a wonderful time!
Dave
HI again,
You include a “screen protector” in your accessories list. I use a Delkin flip opne/close for my DSLR, however, I suspect that would make shooting awkward on a G10. Any recommendations?
Ed
Hi Ed,
The “Dancing Light” shot was done at ISO 80. I have done some shots at ISO 200-400, ISO 400 shots are good enough for web posting but they lack the wonderful clarity of the ISO 80 shots obviously. If one wants the best the camera can do, stay at ISO 80 to 100. Under certain circumstances, when you must get the shot, then go ahead and shoot at ISO 800 - I have seen some shots done at that extreme that look pretty good on the web.
I recommend the Invisible Shield. My friends at Essential Photo Gear stock shields but one may not be out yet for the G10. You can check out what is available by clicking here. If the item is not in stock, write them, they are most cordial and do all they can to respond to inquiries.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Dave,
Thanks for you kind comments.
The story about Duncan was something I just had to post, simply because I think we sometimes get too wrapped up in camera gear and lose sight of what is around us. Meeting interesting people is certainly one thing I work at doing. And, I have found that the people I have met in South Africa, Ecuador, Scotland, Slovenia, Panama, Hondurus, and Tanzania all share the same wants, needs, and hopes. The wonderful thing about travel is that we soon learn that our world is one place.
I recall meeting a guy in Alaska. The first impression of him was that he was not someone I would want to meet on a street! But, after a few minutes I soon learned that he was into building solar panels to generate electricity. And, that he was exceedingly well read, often quoting obscure philosophers, and from literature that most educated people have not read.
Best regards,
Bill
Hello Bill, excellent review and wonderful photos
I would like to hear your thoughts on using the G10 with a teleconverter (once the Lensmate adapter comes out) and/or impressions if you ever used one with a G-series camera.
Hi Surge,
Yes, I have used both a telephoto and a wide angle adapter with a G series camera. I mounted a teleconverter I owned from my G7 days onto the G9 with the lensmate adapter. The shots I got were good when done at close range. But I did note that the images were not as good as those shot without the converter lens.
I got totally different results with the wide angle adapter made by Canon. The images were unusable. The distortion was terrible.
In my opinion, using converters will diminish image quality.
On the other hand, using the lensmate adapter with filters is a whole different story. Filters can enhance and improve the quality of the image, at least that is my experience.
Best regards,
Bill
Bill
Thanks for an honedst review with excellent example shots
Guys like me spend cash on gear and wonder if it was well spent that i why we need to check out other’s veiws in order to feel we made right decision
Great little tool,enjoy your travels.
one day there will bea larger sensor in acamera like the G10,we just need to wait.But keep taking pictures in the meantime
Bill,
I agree, about travel and meeting people as you do, thats easly half the fun, perhaps more.
I recall the sights of a trip very well, but it’s the interaction with locals that are fondly remembered. I simply don’t get people who only want to say in there countrys holtel and eat only the same old food they are used too. Traveling is in part a way to exspand your horizons.
[...] User review by Bill Lockhart [...]
Bill,
JUst took a look at Photo Travel, did not know about it. have to go back when it’s not so late and I have more time!
Saw the last of you pictures the one with the white Church or so I think with the dark storm clouds and golden light very nice and dramitic!
To quote you {The G10 sensor is about the best in the business} Id like to read that artical if you can direct me?
Dave
Hi Dave,
The reference you are looking for can be found in this discussion at Nature Scapes Net:
http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=141021
Best regards,
Bill
Hello Bill,
thank you very much for sharing this great review of the Powershot G10. And your comment to the dpreview-review is worth to read every word! You said - or better to say wrote - what I am thinking about this review.
I have some years of experience with canon D-SLRs and now I have the G10 since 2 weeks. It is a great compact camera. Sure with it’s ‘failures’ but it is good… no it is fantastic for what it’s made.
After I took some pictures now I am trying to get some bigger prints and see how the results will look like.
By the way. The available teleconverter for the G10 is worth every dollar (or euro in my case)!
Best wishes
Sven
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the link, I fear the tech talk is beyond me. I had the plessure of meeting Norman Koen a couple times. The last over Pizza and Beer. I kinda made the error of asking about the software he was working on at the time Imatest
as he started explaing to me my eyes glazed over as he says it’s Geek speak!
Not that it would make a difference as I have the G10, still Im not sure if in fact Panasonic is fudging with the Iso’s and it’s rated Iso 400 is really closer to Iso 200? DxO indecated the difference between stated and tested dose not automaticly mean cheating/fudgling.
What is your take on it?
Regardless given the choice on where to have the best IQ I would take the low end iso 80 for my landscapes, still Id agree to bad Canon did not leave the G10 at 12Mp with the improve process Id imagen that the higher Iso would have clearly been the best in the bussiness!
Dave
Hi Sven,
Let me know how your prints turn out. And thanks for the info on the teleconverter. I must get the right adapter, I still own an old teleconverter and want to try it out.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Dave,
I have been to DxO and reviewed the data for the LX3 and the G10. It was a shock to see that the LX3 set to ISO 400 is more like ISO 200, but interesting were the comparative charts dealing with noise! Looks like the G10 is actually better.
On the other hand, some really smart guys at NSN are continuing a dialog about the noise issues between the cameras and one of them, who is a professor at Chicago, says that the DxO data appear to be errors. Who knows then.
All I know is that I have lots of respect for DxO and for the folks at NSN, so it is difficult to formulate a conclusion.
Besides, I need to be out shooting. I know that what I have exceeds all my expectations.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi…
today I was out with the cam and was playing arround with the TC I bought for my G10.
So far so good. Good quality and worth the buy.
But one thing made me really angry - really!!
After some shots I put off the teleconverter but left lens adapter on the camera.
I did some shots and then I checked them via review on the display.
What I saw is what I dont want to believe!
All four corners have black shadows from the lens adapter when using 28mm.
HEY, Canon Engineers! WHAT are you doing???!!!
With that I am not able to use the camera with the lens adapter and a pol filter at 28mm.
What’s that… Ohhh - I am so angry at the moment!
Regards
Sven
Sven,
Did you set converter in the menu? If not, it will do that. See page 263 of the manual.
As to shooting with the adapter attached, I recall having similar issues when using the G9.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi…
No, this will not solve the problem!
To be clear:
Just used the cam with the LA-DC58K on it (no converter).
I have black corners at 28mm. Doesn’t matter if converter use in the menue set or not…
Regards
Sven
Sven,
My G9 lensmate adapter won’t fit the G10 so I have no experience. I simply can’t recall if I had similar issues or not. Most of the time I was using the adapter with my 1.4x.
Check the lensmate site, sometimes they provide good information about stuff like this. I need to go there too and order the adapter.
Best regards,
Bill
Sven,
Just checked the Lensmate site, they say the adapter by Canon, the TCDC58D is intended only for use with the 1.4X lens. Lensmate says its adapter will take into account the need for 28mm shooting with the adapter in place and no lens installed, as with the need for filters. You might contact them. They have a link for inquiries and for requests from shooters like you and me. It’s a great company and they make outstanding products.
Bill
Take a look here:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=29800222
Sven,
As I said, the adapter made by Canon is only for use with the 1.4x teleconverter lens, it is not made for use with filters. Lensmate is considering two options, an adapter like Canon’s, or one for use with filters and no lens attached that will not vignette at any focal length including 28mm. If lensmate offers the non-vignette one I will buy it simply because my use of it is primarily for filters.
I guess what it means is that one will have to buy specific adapters depending upon what application is to be used. I bet you have to buy a different adapter for the wide-angle lens as well.
Best regards,
Bill
I to am awaiting LensMate adapter for my G10.
Hard to understand why Canon puts out a product for the kind of market that would want to use filters on the G10 and then give no way for us to do so!
I would simply not buy a $500.00 that could NOT be used with filters!
Dave
I to am awaiting the Lensmate adaptor for my G10.
Canon does some strange things, they put out a top end P/S Camera, that thry know or sured know would appeal to advance amatures and people also having Dslrs. Most people coming from thet background, use and would want to use filters on the G10, yet Canon appears to give no way for us to do so, if not for a company like Lensmate, I do not belive I would have purchased a G10. At a price of a small Dslr , it’s insulting that Canon make sno effert to offer a proper adaptor, even at the infalted prices they try and sell other add on’s like Lens shades. Think canon sure thank companys like Lensmate who fill the gap, as I simply don’t see people spending this kind of money on a claimed full feature camera that can’t use filters.
Dave
Been a long day did not mean to post twice on the same subject. Also excuse all the typos, would correct if I could edit.
Dave
Hi Bill,
I did some testing yesterday and I played arround with ISO 1600!
The result? Take a look here:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3082967321_50600fe075_o.jpg
As said, ISO 1600 -2/3 EV and handheld(!).
Captured in RAW then processed to Neat Image.
Sharpened via hipass in Photoshop and resized. Thats it.
For me the result is not bad at all. What do you think?
Best Regards
Sven
Hi, Bill,
Thanks for sharing your experience with G10. What settings did you use to take the photo sinclair.jpg?
Tks.
Danlis
Sven,
Very impressive results!
About all I can think of is that the white balance might be adjusted a tad, but otherwise the image is exceedingly clear. Amazing.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Danlis,
Shot settings: ISO 80, f/4.5, 1/13, at 31mm. I used a small tripod set up on a stone wall for the shot.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Bill:
Does the G-10 collect dust on its sensor, like the G-9 did?
Thanks,
Ram Vasudev
Altadena, CA
Hi Ram,
I have not encountered dust on the sensor in either the G9 or the G10. So, I am unable to comment one way or another.
Surely it is possible. The key is to keep the camera free of dust by using a simple zip lock bag when in really dusty conditions. It works when in wet conditions as well.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Bill,
finaly got the 20*30 cm (thats 8*12 inch?) prints.
They look really good and full of detail!
I ordered them online at cewecolor, a big german online print service.
Next I am trying some larger prints e.g. 30*45 cm (12*18 inch). So far the camera has not disappointed me!
Best regards
Sven
Hi Bill
Thanks for sharing. I am a novice and I bought G10 after reading your review. I was told that it’s not possible to use G10 for the crose-ups of people, and I would like to prove him wrong
Danlis
Hi Danlis,
Show him this photo: http://www.bill.lockharts.com/index.php/photo/435
Best regards,
Bill
Bill–thanks for so much info on the G10. Most people compare its virtues against a DSLR. I was wondering whether we would see any disadvantages compared to our Canon SD400. We lose a lot of shots as there is huge delay. My only SLR experience is film (Canon Eos630, and I have no complaints) , but I am nervous about the 15MP and sensor issues raised on your blog. We don’t need this, as 95% viewing is going to be on a computer or at largest 5X7. In my film days I was nervous enlarging ISO400 to 8X10. So in short, do you think we will see any loss, beside size and cost with the G10 vs a 5MP canon SD400? Our alternative is the Leica C lux 3, same price with a coupon. Thx
Hi John,
Each person must decide what they want from a camera, I never recommend one over another unless there is an overwhelming reason to do so.
I have never shot with the SD400 and have no way of comparing that camera with the G10. I suspect, however, that the G10 would be an improvement given the difference in MPs.
What you might want to do is to go to a local vendor that has a demonstration camera available, take along a SD card and shoot some test shots in the store, then do the same for the other camera you are considering, then look at the images taken from both when you get home. And, this will also give you a feel for how responsive the shutter releases are on both.
It is best to test what you want to do with a camera and find out for yourself. Never rely on what others have to say, the camera is for YOUR use.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Bill,
You may want to review your comments on sensor size. My G10 manual specifies a sensor size of 1×1.7 inches. That’s about 25 mm by 43 mm or so - much larger than the 7.6 x 5.7 mm you specify.
Hi Frank,
Will look again. Sometimes I screw up! Thanks for pointing out the error.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Bill,
I was particularly struck by the color rendition in some of your photos (2008/11/0013.jpg, 2008/11/0021.jpg, 2008/11/0041.jpg, 2008/11/0052.jpg). Could you please comment on your color adjustment workflow and any actions you might use?
Many thanks, John
Hi John,
I normally work with RAW images and open them with Adobe ACR. G10 files must be converted first using Adobe DNG.
I use ACR primarily to adjust the exposure, either using recovery or brightness or exposure sliders to get the bell curve a tad under exposed. Just a tad.
Depending upon the photo I might add a touch of vibrance, usually about 15%.
Once the photo is opened in photoshop, again depending on the image, I might create a new layer and then blend using multiply. In the new layer I will adjust shadow/highlight, mostly shadows. I do the same for the background layer but only slightly, about 5% or less. Then I flatten the layers.
The effect of using multiply is to enhance color. The process though will always darken an image and one must adjust accordingly.
Another process I use is an action set I found at Ephotozine. Here is the link: http://www.ephotozine.com/download/33
The problem is that you have to create a Ephotozine account in order to download the action. But it is well worth the trouble. The author refers to himself as “lobsterboy” but he is a hero to me. It is a super action set with lots of options. The set creates colors that rival velvia film.
My whole objective in my workflow is to try to render the image as I remember it best, especially colors.
Image 21:
Here I used the Velvia action and added color.
Image 41:
Straight out of the camera colors, no adjustments.
Image 13:
Used the multiply technique, blurred the new layer with gaussian at 30%, adjusted new layer to about 30% before flattening the image. Then sharpened twice with smart sharpen at 150 .3 0.
Image 52:
Used the Velvia action.
Best regards,
Bill
Bill,
Many thanks for the generous sharing of your knowledge. I will pursue these methods with appreciation.
Regards,
John