It took three years for my late Canon S3 IS to break. It died in an accident during a journey to Jordan. My Canon S3 IS has taken tens of thousands of photographs during two long journeys to the far east, and as mentioned, her latest one to Jordan.
So now it’s time to look for a new camera. Using a Super-Zoom camera for three years, quite extensively if I may add, has taught me a few lessons about the advantages as well as disadvantages of this specific camera. I’ve adpated a certain style during that time. For example, I avoided high ISO settings above 200 due to noisy results. I tried to avoid using the zoom feature when possible to keep image quality higher. I always used the top image quality settings (which in this camera was 5 mega-pixels).
Traveling with a Super-Zoom Camera
The Canon S3 IS was a real gem for traveling. The convenience of AA batteries, never to worry about losing / destroying a proprietary charger. The S3’s dedicated Video button has become something as natural as the shutter-release button for me. It is so convenient to take video clips when you travel, and I wouldn’t want to carry an extra camcorder along for so many reasons. The swivel LCD screen was used for certain tasks, but for general tasks I fell in love with the viewfinder, thus used it as often as possible. The digital viewfinder, that although was of low quality, gave me the benefits of shooting pictures when the sun was too bright to look at the screen, which happens on a day to day basis. Moreover, it showed all parameters, live histogram and other features that the S3 offers. The SD card as a globally accepted file storage, easily purchased all over the world when needed. The super-zoom that got me closer to far objects. This feature was not used much as I initially planned, but proved so useful when you walk in the jungle, tracking a small animal or a rare bird singing on one of the far away trees.
Of course, it was far from perfect. Higher ISO levels than 200 were noisy and not usable for me. Night shots were a project of stabilization and consideration. Numerous times I had given up on taking the shot because of the disastrous result. I took fabulous pictures when the skies were blue and the sun was out. I acquired a few techniques to take the shot when the surrounding was not so ideal, but I always wondered what the result would be like if I had a DSLR camera with me at that moment. What a waste it is to be at this beautiful national park, once in a lifetime, with a sub-par equipment.
Well, it’s all a matter of compromise. A DSLR would be an overkill to carry back then, and I wouldn’t even have had the chance to take video clips. Moreover, I know for sure that I wouldn’t take some risks that I could afford to take with the Canon S3, just so I can keep the safety of the expensive equipment. So here’s a dilemma for you – what’s more important, the adventure to experience or a more beautifully documented memory?
So I’m taking a break from long journeys for the next year. I plan to go on another short journey to Egypt in a few months, not such a big deal for carrying a DSLR.
The Big Decision – To DSLR or not to DSLR
I will make it short so you can have an idea what is my path in choosing. After an exhaustive research I’ve ruled out the Canon 500D DSLR camera (also known as Canon EOS Rebel T1i)
Why?
For years I have been waiting that video gets into DSLRs. Even before I purchased my Canon S3. I had a gut feeling that it’s going to get there, but didn’t know when. Well, time has come. Lately Nikon and Canon released their D5000 and 500D (respectively). Both models have a video feature, but looking closely, these are like the beta models of video-DSLR cameras. The Nikon only has a 24fps for HD video was completely ruled out. A good video should have 30fps. The canon does not have 1080p HD video, but 720p HD video @ 30fps. This is enough for me. However, it doesn’t have stereo sound, only mono. This is a downgrade from the Canon S3 and its entire Super-Zoom series. Moreover, a quick research shows that the microphone gets the lens’ noises.
The thing that completely ruled out the 500D was the swivel LCD screen. This one is another feature that came to the DSLR world lately. Nikon D5000 has it, so Canon would not fall behind. I guess we can see it when time comes and the Canon 550D or 600D gets released.
As you can see, image quality was not the cause for ruling out DSLR cameras. I can say that I’m spoiled by a Super-Zoom camera. I would gladly invest more money in a quality DSLR. I’m also willing to learn to use the complicated features, but I’m not going to carry the extra weight while I’m traveling and give up the convenience of taking photographs as I’m used to. When you travel, every gram counts, let alone kilograms of lenses and a heavy DSLR body. This one will have to wait for the next generation that has better video features and a swivel screen as basic requirement.
Later I checked out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 with the brand new micro four thirds system. It looks nice, smaller than a DSLR with many benefits. Panasonic even put a swivel LCD inside, but unfortunately no video.
Back to Point & Shoot Cameras
So after putting aside the heavy canons, I’ve researched some of the advanced Point & Shoot cameras.
The main candidates were Canon G11 and Canon SX20. Both were released just recently to the market. Some may say these are completely different cameras, so how can I compare them at all? Well truth is, both of them have something I’m looking for. I had to decide which one has the more important features. Before comparing the two, I want to add that I’ve not neglected another new model – the Canon S90.
I ruled out the Canon S90. Although it is considered a good camera with image quality that is very close to the Canon G11. Some say a little better, some say a little worse. Its main advantage is its compact size. It is a very small camera that can be a great partner for DSLR owners. For me it’s too small to hold. There’s no viewfinder, no swivel screen and the controls are less convenient.
Canon SX20 vs Canon G11
It was not easy to choose between the two. I had to compromise on several key factors such as AA batteries which I like so much, x20 Super-Zoom which is nice, the latest edition of 720p 32fps High Definition video. I really wanted this feature. Strangely enough, the G11 does not have it.
Although there are many excellent features missing in the G11, my craving for better image quality after three years with a Super-Zoom camera was too strong.
The Canon SX10 (predecessor to SX20) got excellent reviews regarding day-time image quality. It was a remarkable step-up from my Canon S3 IS. However, as it comes to night-shots, it was still not as good as the G11.
What helped me make the final decision was disappointments of SX10 owners who upgraded to Canon SX20. As Canon raised the Megapixel rate from 10MP to 12MP, keeping the same small sensor, the image quality has degraded. The SX10 which was considered a success looks as if it casts shadows over its younger sister, the SX20. So I could have considered buying the SX10, but lacking the desired HD video, suddenly it seemed less attractive than the G11.
So I compromised as far as it goes to AA batteries and x20 Zoom (which I rarely used), and HD video in favor of higher image quality and quality night shots.
That doesn’t mean the other competitors are not as good, but this is the best camera for my current needs.
I will be looking forward to the next generation of Canon cameras – Canon SX30, Canon G12 and Canon 550D. I hope to see better IQ, swivel LCD and quality HD video in them all, especially the entry-level DSLR, which will hopefully be my next purchase after the Canon G11.
Useful Links
Canon G11 (Amazon.com) ~ $500 USD (Price dropped to $450 for a limited time)
Canon SX20 IS (Amazon.com) ~ $360 USD
Canon EOS Rebel T1i / Canon 500D (Amazon.com) ~ $750 USD
Canon S90 (Amazon.com) – ~$430 USD
