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Canon G10 vs Canon EOS XS??

Posted December 12, 2008 in Thoughts

I am going to get more into photography and I’m getting a good beginner camera for Christmas, but… I’m not sure which one to get!! I’ve check a million sites and reviews. It’s come down to Portability vs Functionality. The Canon G10 I would be able to take with me everywhere in a coat/sweatshirt pocket, for when I head into the city with friends or go to parties, and attempt to take quality photography rather than the usual people-hanging-out photos. It’s one of the best cameras just underneath DSLR quality. I would use it probably 5x more than the EOS because of this, what I would call, feature - size. 14mp on a great sensor that isn’t quite DSLR once again, but from the reviews I hear it takes real quality photos in bright light. It is quite grainy at low-ISOs and not the best for low-light however. Also the depth-of-field in point-n-shoot cameras is too large for a nice bokeh effect, and I’m a fan of portrait photography.

Now the Canon EOS XT(i) Digital Rebel will give me much more functionality, being an entry level DSLR and having an actual lens. The quality of the photos will be better and I’d be able to use it in low-light and high ISOs, and have a nice bokeh effect if thats what I want. However, like all DSLRs, it’s not even jacket-pocketable, so taking it with me is a bigger hassle. I can’t just have it when going to hang with friends in the city, or bring it to a concert where I’m in the crowd. It would mainly be used when I took the time of day to go out and shoot, or bring it with me to hang with friends and try not to annoy them as I take pictures all night long. However the quality would most likely be far superior to that of the G10.

So…is the amount I would use the G10 out-weigh the quality of the EOS XT? I’m not sure, and I need to figure it out by Saturday! (camera sales end)

Update: So I decided to go with the DSLR. If I really want to get into photography I should get a decent beginners camera that can only make me better and allow me to upgrade. Store deal also got me an extra telephoto lens! Unfortunately I must wait till Christmas day to have it, but expect a new Flickr to emerge when I do have it. Also a photo section on my site here.

Cheers,
Matthew Lettini

  1. So what did you end up getting?? I’m going thru the exact same dilemma right now.
    Thanks.

    Gary Taylor Feb 16, 2009

  2. Gary, I ended up getting the Rebel XS, and it’s exactly as I predicted. I don’t use it as often as I would like…its too big just bring with me everywhere I go. However, the picture quality is vastly superior, and I believe I am getting to be a better photography for using it. I am already looking into better lenses. I would suggest going DSLR and getting more into photography, then later getting a good walk-around camera.

    ML Feb 16, 2009

  3. I lean in a different direction by the hour.
    On the one hand, I can get a DSLR for not much more than the G10. However, I even complained about the size of my Canon S3 IS at times, so the gadget factor would need to be high for me to usually want to take the Rebel.
    I’ve learned about the G10’s limitations vs. the Rebel - like difficulty achieving a bokeh effect, high ISO noise, etc., but I also have to consider that much of what I like photographing now are daytime landscapes, for which these issues are not a factor.
    We already have a Canon SD1100 IS in the house that I can use for video and pocket use, so there’s some redundancy with the G10 there.
    I’m going to be mulling this over for a few more days.

    Gary Taylor Feb 18, 2009

  4. Well there ya go, you understand your situation. I, on the other hand, mostly need high ISO shooting indoor portrait. And we have no other DSLR in the house. And I’m looking to advance my skillset.

    I do wish I used it more, so maybe the G10 is better for you if you have those other options to use a DSLR at ur disposal.

    ML Feb 18, 2009

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