Nice new toys on the market

[Pavel]

Canon G10 (starts at focal point equivalent of 28 mm, has RAW, has an optical viewfinder. Low noise claimed (beleivable from Canon). I am trying to convince my wife that she needs it/wants it to replace our (4 megapixel, 28 mm equiv, viewfinder raw, impossible to read even menus in sunlight very slow but good lens) Canon S40? - no success so far.

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 - a fantasy not likely to turn into reality, although I lust after an excellent prime in that focal length to serve as my "standard" lens when quality matters. The lens has a great reputation but is roughly the cost of my (expensive) camera and manual everything and a huge filter size (and thus cost).

[Zig]

........and the 5D2..........

[enviroguy]

Dreamingpixels now Dreamingtoys. Hmmmm.....

I know how this goes. Soon you'll find a way to get one of those in your camera bag.

[slejhamer]

Re: the G10, imho this potentially is the most important new factor:

Quote:DIGIC 4 also powers several intelligent onboard features. Canon’s new i-Contrast feature increases the dynamic range in images to bring out previously unnoticed detail in dark areas, like shadows – without blowing out lighter areas.

But is it just an ISO bump in the shadows (software-driven), or an actual improvement in chip technology? My guess is it's the former ...

[matthew]

Pavel, nothing says "I love you" like the gift of a brand new camera.

I see that the iContrast feature has been incorporated into the little SD990 and SD880 P&S cameras, too, along with the Digic4 processor. But these cute little cameras remain jpeg-only, so they may get more benefit from it than the G10 will. I don't see it being anything that can't be done in post with decent raw-processing software.

I'm glad that Canon has moved to a 28mm-e lens for the G10. That gets my vote for the biggest improvement, and may make it harder for the Nikon P6000 to get established.

[Zig]

Good points Matt; 'tis surely the dark horseman of marketing. It must get quite a headache for these guys, sitting on extant technology so as to release at the right price-point and still keep the market-share as to keep the R+D going. Am not being one jot cynical here; it must be one heck of a competitive in-fight. Punters gain in one respect and lose in others, it seems.

[slejhamer]

matthew Wrote:I don't see it being anything that can't be done in post with decent raw-processing software.

Well, that's why I said "potentially" ... Truly higher dynamic range in a small chip would be a real technological breakthrough. As it is, though, it's basically auto-ISO applied to the shadows in-camera. I'd rather have the control of doing it myself in software, but for those who either have no workflow (print from camera) or who want to minimize theirs, it can be a positive.

Agree that the wider angle lense is great from a competitive standpoint. I also like what appears to be an exposure comp dial .... ?

[Pavel]

If all comes out as expected (awaiting reviews), G10 would be the only fixed lens camera I would consider to purchase. I am not aware of any competition that I would consider, unless the new electronic viewfinder on Lumix is really spectacularly improved. (I know - interchangeable lenses, bigger sensor - I am just thinking small form factor). However, pricewise, G10 is close to low cost SLRs. I expect that if a dramatic improvement comes in dynamic range, it is going to be introduced on an expensive camera. Until than, it is expose for highlights and hope for the best or use HDR. Pavel

[Pavel]

Anybody knows anything about how the theiss 21mm f/2.8 performed on Contax?