Droolin'....

[W3MIV]

...if there is no desire for the 35x zoom...

That is the selling point. The only reason that I would consider such a camera is that feature, alone. I have come to trust Canon's Digic processors, and the 14.1mp density is a benefit to me. The only concern that I would have is that of the wide-angle end of the zoom. A lot of the agricultural stuff that I have been called on to shoot demands a pretty wide angle. The flash is also important, since most of these zooms are often grim reapers in anything but the brightest light. The inside of a tobacco barn is not conducive to success with a lens with a widest aperture of f4.5 or so. Bounce flash with slaved units is sometimes the only way the shot can be had.

I still love the idea of using a fixed-lens camera and not having to lug all that shit across fields just because you can't be sure what lens you're going to need. Sometimes feel like the proverbial Arab's camel. Then there is the advantage of a camera that is sealed. You can't safely change lenses in a chicken house that is being mucked out by a couple of Chicanos running Bobcats with front-end loaders -- can't fit it with goggles and mask.

I like it. As to whether or not I would buy it, that must wait 'til I have chance to play with one.

[W1GUH]

Currently my imaging tool of choice is a Canon G-10. (Note: It's hard to call these things just a "camera." To me, a Canon A-1 is a "camera." These digital thingies are more of a "personal image system." YMMV.)

When I read how high the ASA (Well...ISO for you newbies!) is on a good DSLR, and how they shoot video in which each frame is still-photo quality...well...that's very attractive. But, for me, the ability to stick my camera in a shirt pocket is a far greater utility, so I've yet to take the DSLR plunge, and don't think I ever will. I, too, am tired of carrying more than will fit in my shirt-pocket. Even just an A1 on a strap seems like way to much these days.

As for the G10/11/whatever the latest number is, what it has that I don't think even high-end DSLR's have are two top knurled KNOBS for ISO and exposure compensation...something that , AFAIK, are STILL stupid menu items on a DSLR. That is a tremendous convenience feature, especailly with the monitor screen. Makes "before taking photo-shopping" very easy. The G10 also has an effective spot-metering mode. The RAW images are a great thing, too...that is, if I actually was seriously into digital imaging enough to really need them. Well, it's nice for them to be there!!!

Finally, in the frivolous vein, I haven't like the aesthetics of how Canon (D)SLR's have looked since the Rebel. I'm enough of an iconoclass to think the design of the A1 (and others...AE-1, AT-1), was beautiful. That stylized prism on the lates Canons make me think they're wearking a bad Buck Rogers helmet...or worse!!! OTOH....I can fantasize that my G10 approximates a Leica! ;)

[kf0rt]

That is the selling point. The only reason that I would consider such a camera is that feature, alone. I have come to trust Canon's Digic processors, and the 14.1mp density is a benefit to me. The only concern that I would have is that of the wide-angle end of the zoom. A lot of the agricultural stuff that I have been called on to shoot demands a pretty wide angle. The flash is also important, since most of these zooms are often grim reapers in anything but the brightest light. The inside of a tobacco barn is not conducive to success with a lens with a widest aperture of f4.5 or so. Bounce flash with slaved units is sometimes the only way the shot can be had.

I still love the idea of using a fixed-lens camera and not having to lug all that shit across fields just because you can't be sure what lens you're going to need. Sometimes feel like the proverbial Arab's camel. Then there is the advantage of a camera that is sealed. You can't safely change lenses in a chicken house that is being mucked out by a couple of Chicanos running Bobcats with front-end loaders -- can't fit it with goggles and mask.

I like it. As to whether or not I would buy it, that must wait 'til I have chance to play with one.

I think it could work for you, given the external flash capabilities. Built-in flash units being what they are (not much, even on DSLRs), external lighting would likely be a requirement no matter the camera. The SX30 does seem to be a capable shooter and I'll be interested in your comments should you get the chance to play with one.

I'm watching for the CHDK (hacked firmware) version that supports this camera. This will no doubt give it RAW capabilities as well as some other features that might be useful.

[kf0rt]

Currently my imaging tool of choice is a Canon G-10. (Note: It's hard to call these things just a "camera." To me, a Canon A-1 is a "camera." These digital thingies are more of a "personal image system." YMMV.)

When I read how high the ASA (Well...ISO for you newbies!) is on a good DSLR, and how they shoot video in which each frame is still-photo quality...well...that's very attractive. But, for me, the ability to stick my camera in a shirt pocket is a far greater utility, so I've yet to take the DSLR plunge, and don't think I ever will. I, too, am tired of carrying more than will fit in my shirt-pocket. Even just an A1 on a strap seems like way to much these days.

As for the G10/11/whatever the latest number is, what it has that I don't think even high-end DSLR's have are two top knurled KNOBS for ISO and exposure compensation...something that , AFAIK, are STILL stupid menu items on a DSLR. That is a tremendous convenience feature, especailly with the monitor screen. Makes "before taking photo-shopping" very easy. The G10 also has an effective spot-metering mode. The RAW images are a great thing, too...that is, if I actually was seriously into digital imaging enough to really need them. Well, it's nice for them to be there!!!

Finally, in the frivolous vein, I haven't like the aesthetics of how Canon (D)SLR's have looked since the Rebel. I'm enough of an iconoclass to think the design of the A1 (and others...AE-1, AT-1), was beautiful. That stylized prism on the lates Canons make me think they're wearking a bad Buck Rogers helmet...or worse!!! OTOH....I can fantasize that my G10 approximates a Leica! ;)

Shirt pocket? You really want the S95 then...

You're right though, Paul. I tend to use three cameras these days; a DSLR for trips mostly, the higher end P&S for most things and a little SD780 I carry everywhere. Even the SD780 will shoot HD video. I always liked the Canon P&S's and the Nikon DSLRs. In the film days, most of what I used was Pentax. Cameras being what they are these days (more computer than optical device), the user interface is all-important and I think Nikon does a better job of this in the DSLR category. Which really says nothing more than "it works better for ME."

They do need more knobs, though, don't they?

[W1GUH]

Shirt pocket? You really want the S95 then...

You're right though, Paul. I tend to use three cameras these days; a DSLR for trips mostly, the higher end P&S for most things and a little SD780 I carry everywhere. Even the SD780 will shoot HD video. I always liked the Canon P&S's and the Nikon DSLRs. In the film days, most of what I used was Pentax. Cameras being what they are these days (more computer than optical device), the user interface is all-important and I think Nikon does a better job of this in the DSLR category. Which really says nothing more than "it works better for ME."

They do need more knobs, though, don't they?

"Shirt pocket? You really want the S95 then... "

I've had the tiny ones...SD400, SD700...and yea, they're much smaller. But, to me, even if it's a big, tight fit, like the G10, that's all I need. The extra capabilities of the G series makes it worth the extra bulk. Plus...it's true that long, tight telephoto shots, especially of people, are consistently much better with the G10. Yea, I know they all have Image Stabilization, and the shutter speed has been equivalent, but the fact is that feature seems to work significantly better on the G's.

"They do need more knobs, though, don't they?"

YES!!!!! Those two extra knobs on the G really, really set it apart. Why the hell those aren't on the DSLR's is a mystery to me. At that kind of money, it seems pros would demand them!!!

[K7SGJ]

I just bought a Canon SX210is PS, and so far I really like it for an applications I am planning. Has a really nice macro and is a 14mp. I still like and use the SD1000, Pro 1, and Rebel for different applications and environments. We have tons of lens and specialty systems from our old Pentex SLRs. I can't believe how fast they fell from favor as I use to get all my film at the broadcast station for free, and did my own developing there as well. Days long gone. I guess it's the old vinyl vs cd argument, but I find each may be suited to different applications.

[W3MIV]

This will no doubt give it RAW capabilities as well as some other features that might be useful.

Though I have not been out on an assignment this year (the stairs fiasco put a real crimp in my ability to climb fences and run from angry cattle), I have found RAW to be a very useful format. Permits a great deal of manipulation that is often a bit more straightforward than working jpegs in PS -- plus there is no loss factor as there is with jpeg. It also preserves the original -- so you really CAN go home again, at least somewhere. Bery Big files, though, that the camera takes a while to swallow.

[W3MIV]

We have tons of lens and specialty systems from our old Pentex SLRs.

Check them for fungus often.

[kf0rt]

"Shirt pocket? You really want the S95 then... "

I've had the tiny ones...SD400, SD700...and yea, they're much smaller. But, to me, even if it's a big, tight fit, like the G10, that's all I need. The extra capabilities of the G series makes it worth the extra bulk. Plus...it's true that long, tight telephoto shots, especially of people, are consistently much better with the G10. Yea, I know they all have Image Stabilization, and the shutter speed has been equivalent, but the fact is that feature seems to work significantly better on the G's.

"They do need more knobs, though, don't they?"

YES!!!!! Those two extra knobs on the G really, really set it apart. Why the hell those aren't on the DSLR's is a mystery to me. At that kind of money, it seems pros would demand them!!!

The G series really is nice. I'd have one if it wasn't for my love of long lenses. Have a buddy who got a G11 about a year ago -- pretty serious landscape / birding dude and for landscapes, he's now using the G11 more than his DSLR. It really is that good, but the Canon G's have always set the standard for the high-end P&S's.

I guess I can't say I've had much of an issue with adjusting ISO or exposure comp on the newer Canons. On the SX30, push a button, spin the dial and push again (the button and dial are parts of the same control). It's pretty fast -- ISO, exposure comp, flash mode and self-timer all work the same way and there's an extra button that you can assign to any function you want. I've got that set to take me to the white balance adjustment. Still like knobs better.

[kf0rt]

Though I have not been out on an assignment this year (the stairs fiasco put a real crimp in my ability to climb fences and run from angry cattle), I have found RAW to be a very useful format. Permits a great deal of manipulation that is often a bit more straightforward than working jpegs in PS -- plus there is no loss factor as there is with jpeg. It also preserves the original -- so you really CAN go home again, at least somewhere. Bery Big files, though, that the camera takes a while to swallow.

Indeed... I rarely use RAW because I'm mostly a "snapshooter" and not much of what I do demands it. Weddings and such, yes -- you'd be a fool to shoot any other way on anything done as a pro or "once in a lifetime" stuff. My objection to a lot of the RAW religion belongs to those who use it just because Unca Frank told 'em to. In fact, I'm pretty much of the same mind with the whole megapixel thing. These camera manufacturers have found a real marketing bonanza in megapixels. Quite often, the better picture comes from a sensor with less density and thus, fewer pixels -- beyond the glass, this is why DSLR's often outshine their smaller siblings. With the SX30, I'd rather have a 10MP sensor that's the same size as the 14MP sensor they used. The results would likely be superior.

Still, it all continues to improve at a fast pace. Better optics, better sensors and better processors all the time. It's a good time to be in the photo game.

BTW, and for anyone who cares... Just got an email ad from newegg.com today. $60 off on the SX30 plus free shipping. Linky. Promo code is EMCZZYN65 for the other half of the $60. Standard disclaimer -- I gotz no financial interest in Canon or Newegg outside of handing over the cash. Paid list + shipping from KEH, but didn't expect the holiday sales to start so soon.