Canon PowerShot G2 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
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Editorial Review

Quite simply, the Canon PowerShot G2 is an elegant, easy-to-use joy of a digital camera that boasts impressive 4-megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom, a bright LCD monitor that swivels off to the side of the camera and tilts up and down as needed, and maximum overall creative control in addition to a fully automatic mode. Of course, none of this comes as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with its popular predecessor, the PowerShot G1. Both of these cameras have features and picture-taking modes similar to Canon's EOS cameras, which means they have what Canon calls a "very camera-like feel." Some of the G2's more obvious improvements over the G1 (besides higher resolution) include a champagne gold finish, larger grip for easier handling, improved image and color quality, new photo-effect shooting mode for various effects, including black-and-white and sepia, and a new high-speed selectable three-point autofocus.

The G2's 4-megapixel CCD captures images at user-selectable resolutions of 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,024 x 768, and 640 x 480. This range allows for detail-rich 8-by-10-inch prints that match the results of film cameras as well as easy-to-upload images for the Web and e-mail. Choose between three varying degrees of JPEG compression or store images in the 10-bit RAW data file format for faster transfer without any image quality loss. Your computer easily translates the RAW files into TIFF files using Canon's included software.

The telescoping, 3x optical zoom lens (34-102mm equivalent on a 35mm camera) with 3.6x digital zoom, offers both automatic and manual focus control. The improved, high-speed, selectable three-point autofocus system allows flexibility in composition over the single focus point of the G1. A distance scale has been added on the LCD monitor for precision focus adjustment that works best for extreme close-ups. Improved circuitry allows the G2 to perform these advanced functions with faster image capture times and longer battery life than the G1.

Like the G1, the G2 has point-and-shoot settings that take the guesswork out of almost all situations, but the manual controls and creative options are where this camera stands out from the competition. Twelve EOS-style shooting modes allow for a wide range of creative possibilities, with manual focus zoom, adjustable aperture priority at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO, selectable shutter speed, and six preset white balances--sunny, cloudy, tungsten, etc. Canon has provided four presets for professional results when shooting for maximum depth of field, portraits, landscapes, and night scenes. Other creative controls include the photo-effect mode that allows four possible variations of the normal color saturation: vivid color, standard color, sepia tones, and standard black-and-white.

Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. Autoexposure bracketing allows you to intentionally over- and underexpose two extra shots to help capture the best picture possible. Five different flash modes, including red-eye reduction, handle after-dark challenges. The TTL hot shoe is fully compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes. The included software package goes beyond standard image processing with a remote capture function that allows complete control and manipulation of the camera functions from your computer keyboard. Canon's Stitch Assist program allows you to combine up to four images into one, seamless, panoramic view.

Exterior design features include the highly versatile LCD monitor from the G1 that needs no improvement; its 270-degree rotation allows all angles of image composition from around corners to self-portraits. Changes in ergonomics, as requested by the users of the G1, include a contoured grip for better one-handed shooting and a more streamlined look. Photographers new to the digital market will find the G2 as easy to use as previous PowerShot models, while professionals will be pleased with the improved selection of creative options for capturing the best possible images.

The G2 comes complete with USB port and cable for connection to PC or Macintosh computers; Canon's digital camera software package for downloading, processing, and organizing your images; a NTSC cable for connecting to a television set; a rechargeable BP-511 lithium-ion battery pack and AC adapter for charging the battery in the camera; a generous 32 MB CompactFlash card; infrared remote control; lens cap; and neck strap. The camera weighs about 14.8 ounces, and its dimensions are 4.8(W) by 3.0(H) by 2.5(D) inches. ... Read more

Features

• 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds 24 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
• Movie mode captures variable amount of video depending upon memory card size
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• 4.1 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond

Reviews (153)

Great all around camera
This was our first digital camera.Very easy to use, useful features, and high quality photos.Definitely a good deal.

great camera, even today
I bought this camera in early 2003 when the camera was to be discontinued and sold around $400. I am mostly a happy user of this camera.

Pros:

1. Excellent lens, very bright (F2.0) which make shooting indoor without flash a possiblity.

2. Good resolution. 4MP is enough even today.

3. Great photography control, more F stops, great range of shutter speed which you won't see in most consumer level digital cameras. This means you can shoot a wide range of objects under many different environment, without compromised quality.

4. Better looking than successors like G3, G5.

Cons:

1. Relatively lousy battery life using the bundled battery

2. Slow startup time. This sometimes becomes intolerable when you want a fast shot.

3. Hard to get CF card out of the camera.

4. ISO 400 speed gives noisy image quality. However this is the issue with most consumer digital cameras.

What we all NEED! Better than it's descendant the G3
I have had this camera for more than a year and I am just now getting to write a review. Which means I have had much time and practice to test this camera.
This camera is very much in the middle and by that I don't mean just ok. It is not to hot and it is not too cold, it is "just right!" It has features and manual controls for those who like to manipulate their shots, but in the same respect if you are used to just snapping a picture with one button and letting the camera do the work, then this camera is for you too! The image quality is great! You can buy accessories and extra lenses for it just like those hot shots with expensive film cameras! I have 3 lenses and two filtering lenses(polarizing and UV filter.) One of my extra lenses is a macro lens which really is wonderful. Which brings me to the point that the camera's macro capabilities are wonderful as is! If you don't know what macro means, I can take a picture of those unsightly pores it gets so close. I have taken some wonderful nature photographs with the macro. I love up-close, detailed pics. This camera has a little bit of everything but not too much it is overwhelming. If you want to use it, it is there and if you don't keep it on automatic! The best part is that there have been two cameras in the "G" line that have been introduced since the G2 but they aren't as good as this one(in my opinion.) So the price has dropped dramatically you can get one for less than 300 if you know where to look.

I just cannot stress enough how much this camera has been in service to me. I never even used a regular film camera before I got this camera because I never had the money to get a really good one. Sure I took the occasional pic with my aunt's point and shoot film camera at Christmas, but that wasn't much fun. When I got this camera I just experimented and took soooooooo many pictures. I am really enjoying photography. I guess the reason I never got interested in photography before was the expense of film and then developing, as well as not being sure the pictures were even any good until you got them back from the drug store. With this camera you just look at the shots and if they stink you delete them and take another shot. No wasted film! IF you don't have a printer at home then you can easily take them to Walgreens or upload them to Walmart's site and get prints from your digi pics. So simple.

I have experimented with many consumer valued digital cameras when I took my photography class last year( which was the reason I bought this camera) and let me tell you, it was the best in the class. We had Kodak and Olympus and so many other brands and they all stunk compared to mine. Olympus C something was pretty comparable but still not as good as my G2. I would recommend this camera to the new aspiring photographer as well as to the family photographer who wants to capture all the good things. I am sure once we become professional photographers we will have a SLR digital camera but for anyone less than a professional who is actually getting paid for their pictures, this is the best quality at the best price. When printed on photo quality paper my digital pictures are as good as if not better than other film photographer's pictures. I have been told my shots are good enough to be in National Geographic! Have fun with this joyful contraption. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Q5U5
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

SanDisk 256 MB CompactFlash Card
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $89.99
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Editorial Review

The SanDisk 256 MB CompactFlash memory card runs on many popular digital cameras, handheld PCs, and other memory-driven products. Thorough testing in SanDisk's assurance lab ensures that its CompactFlash cards are compatible with a wide range of devices. Because the cards are so small, you can keep one in your pocket and never get caught short of memory. ... Read more

Features

• 256 MB CompactFlash
• Removable data storage system
• High transfer rate for fast copy/download
• Industry-standard compatibility
• For use in digital cameras, PDAs, HPCs, personal communicators, and MP3 players

Reviews (21)

How many pictures will it store?
How many pictures will it store?It is the most commonly asked question from digital camera enthusiast but usually the question that is the most difficult to get a straight answer about.Well, considering I worked in the memory industry for over 7 years I can help clarify this perplexing question and do so unbiased as I have since changed industries.

The SanDisk 256MB CompactFlash Card, like most 256MB cards, will store on average 284 pictures when used with a 2 megapixel camera, 213 images when used with a 3 megapixel camera,128 pictures when used with a 4 megapixel camera, 102 images when used with a 5 megapixel camera, and 80 pictures when used with a 6 megapixel camera.These numbers are based off the assumption that you are going to shoot your images at the highest quality JPEG setting available for the camera and understand that they are estimates and may be off by as much as 10 percent due to numerous factors including the complexity of the scene being shot and the compression algorithm used by your specific camera.

I truly hope this review was helpful to you in determining whether this card is the right capacity for your specific needs.

P.O.S.
Okay, I just bought one of these. Then I proceeded to go on a 6 mile walking tour all over San Francisco taking shots all along
the way with my new Digital Rebel...everything seemed fine...
until I got home and tried to view them on my computer...
CF Card Error...then I put the same card back in the camera...
Err CF...it's unbelievable the effort I put into getting those
shots and they're ALL LOST...

I'd give it ZERO stars if that were an option.

DISASTER!!!!
I've owned my Sandisk 256 MB for only 5 months when it went dead on me. After spending our honeymoon in Club Paradise, Palawan, Philippines, and taking so many totally great pictures, it just stopped working. It was working when I was taking pictures in Palawan, but when we were going to take our last picture on the plane, the digital camera just said CF Error. Damn! I tried reading it on my card reader when I got home and it wouldn't work. Even tried it on 4 different digicams and all reported error. Man, it's not the card I'm really pissed about, it's the pictures!!!! MAAAAAN!!! I couldn't even have it replaced, Circuit City says I need the receipt for them to replace it. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ICE1
Subjects:  1. Computer Memory    2. Memory Cards    3. Smart Media    4. Flash Memory (Flashcard, Flashcards)    5. Compactflash (Compact Flash)   

Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $299.99 -- our price: $186.94
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Though TTL compatible with all Canon EOS cameras and the manual-focus T90 SLR, the Canon Speedlite 420EX flash is also E-TTL compatible with all A-type bodies: EOS-1v, EOS-3, Elan 7 / 7E, Elan II/IIE, Rebel 2000, Rebel G, and EOS IX and IX Lite. The E-TTL function gives you features like high-speed FP sync mode and FE lock (spot/partial flash metering). The swivel head of the 420EX lets you bounce the light off the surrounding surfaces, giving your images soft, professional-quality lighting.

This flash also works as a wireless "slave" flash with EOS-1v, EOS-3, Elan 7 / 7E, and D30 bodies. The remote flash firing is controlled entirely by a master unit--such as the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite 550EX, or Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX--connected to the camera, making it fast and simple to set up. When used with the EOS-1V, EOS-3, or EOS D30 cameras, additional features such as lighting ratio control and modeling flash are also supported by the 420EX. ... Read more

Features

• TTL compatible with all Canon EOS bodies
• E-TTL features with some Canon EOS bodies
• Uses 4 AA batteries
• Works with all Canon EOS bodies
• Swivel head for bounce flash photography

Reviews (23)

420 with G3
I've used a 420 with my G3 for about 2 years:
the two things that have most improved the quality of my photos are (1) external flash and (2) tripod...... mostly take the usual home photos (proms, birthday parties and so on) and some garden pics...... use rechargeable batteries with the 420 and have taken more than 100 pics on a full charge (have never used them up but carry a spare set of alkalines anyway)..... also have a diffuser for the 420 but have not found it to be useful..... now looking into getting a 20D or digital rebel and the 420 will work with either

Can never have enough light!
The greatest shortcoming of the Canon Digital Rebel Camera is its built in, pop-up flash. The pop-up flash is too weak for many situations - and often is not spaced high enough from the camera body to avoid red-eye, lens hoods or telephoto lens bodies shadow. I purchased the 420EX to improve on these situations.

After a year of use - I LIKE my purchase of the 420EX.

Things I enjoy with my 420 EX:

1. More powerful than the built in flash of the Digital Rebel
2. Swivel/Bounce head offers great flexability for many different situations.
3. Synchs perfectly to the Digital Rebel's exposure computer through the hot-shoe or hot shoe extender cord. Measures zoom level of standard zoom camera lens - and gives a good overall automatic exposure.
4. Light enough to mount on an L/U aluminum bracket without throwing the camera out of balance. Use of a BGE-1 battery grip is highly recommended with a portrait photographers U bracket.
5. Not a power hog. Can get up to 150-200 photos out of a set of four 2300 amp/hr Ni-Mh AA rechargables. (Always have a second set ready to go if on assignment - with a charger for the expended batteries.)
6. Works well in slave mode. This is where it earns its money for me!
7. Works well with a bounce light diffuser hood for portrait work.
8. Height above lens eliminates most red-eye situations.
9. GREAT VALUE for the money!
10. Hot shoe mount eliminates all but the longest telephoto lens shadows.

Things I 'd like to see improve:

1. Not powerful enough. You can NEVER have enough light. The 580EX gains a full F-stop (or more) over the 420 EX - though you pay a price almost double in cost.
2. Battery door is flimsy - and sometimes fails to latch securely. (This is embarassing when you're shooting for a client and batteries are rolling all over the place - I know... I need to be more careful!!!)
3. Tends toward underexposure in large or high ceilinged rooms. (You can never have enough light!)
4. Lacks strobe, LCD display functions of the more expensive EX580.

A good solid product for most occasions. A great value for the money. Improves on the Digital Rebel's anemic pop-up flash. Eliminates most red-eye situations. Still not powerful enough for the discriminating photographer.

Got a Canon SLR? Shoot Inside? Get a 420EX.
It doesn't matter if you shoot film or digital. It doesn't matter if you have an old Rebel XS film SLR or even a PowerShot Pro1 digicam (Not even an slr)!, if your canon camera has a hotshoe, This will work on it. And not just "yeah, it works", it'll be a "HOLY COW, look at that shot!" Bounce Flash is so easy it made me want to cry. And I use a 1986 manual focus T90 side by side with an Elan 7n. All you do is point the the flash head at SOMETHING white, and shoot. You'll never go back to direct flash. Care for wireless flash? the 420EX is the PERFECT slave, and with a 550/580EX or a ST-E2, you can control the light output without even leaving your camera.
Stop using the built in flash. Treat yourself to something nice. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YZLX
Subjects:  1. Electronic Flash (Flashes)   

A Short Course in Canon PowerShot G2 Photography Book/eBook
by Dennis P. Curtin
Average Customer Review:
Spiral-bound (15 September, 2001)
list price: $34.95 -- our price: $29.71
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (5)

Simply, not worth the cost.
This is a very expensive book for something that looks like it was put together in someone's basement. The interior pages look like they were photocopied using a mediocre black and white copier. This obviously doesn't work well when you are trying to show people what their camera can do. I'm used to paying good money for a full color, hardcover book and this book is the complete opposite.

Secondly, the book doesn't really go beyond describing and re-describing the camera's functions (all of which are explained in the camera's manual & available on Canon's website). I was hoping it would go into more detail. For example, instead of telling me that I need to turn this lever to this mode to take such a picture, I thought the book would explain why I would want to set the camera in this mode versus this one for a particular kind of picture.What are the advantages and disadvantages of this mode? What other modes might work just as well? Et cetera. The book does not answer these questions.

I find the book to be a rehash of the Canon manual with lots of repetition probably used to beef the book up physically versus filling it with quality content.

I've had my G2 for about a year now and I think the best way to learn using it is to experiment. Learn about the different settings in the camera's manual and then try them out with flash, without flash, selecting different white balance, manual vs. auto focus. That's the only way you are really going to find out what the amazing G2 can do. And, if you still feel like you need a book to hold your hand through the process try getting a general, less expensive digital camera guide that will go into more detail.

Very good overview, combined with techniques
A very helpful and usable manual. Even tho it's produced rather cheaply (spiral-bound, B&W), it really gives an excellent short course in photography as it relates to the feature-packed PowerShot G2. The manual that comes with the G2 is very well written, but doesn't really go into detail about how to get the pictures you really want, especially under difficult situations. This book definitely fills the gap.

The camera was a bit intimidating to me, at first. Now it's not.

I probably will print the PDF out in color, however. That's my major gripe.

Very Good Companion to Canon G2 Manual, Wish It Were Smaller
This spiral-bound 108 page book is a great complement to the documentation that one receives with his/her Canon G2 digital camera.It doesn't go into a step-by-step how-to-use the camera approach, but fills in the blanks as to when you want to use certain functions.It is very thorough in its review of the primary functions of the G2, with many pictures setting out every step (a CD-Rom is also included which provides a color version of the manual - the printed copy is in black and white to keep the costs down).The chapter on exposure was one of the best I have ever seen in any photography book.I think that this is the best equipment specific camera book I have read (way better than the Magic Lantern books which cancontain a lot of fluff).

My only complaint is that the book is 8.5" x 11" in size, which makes it unwieldy for tossing in the camera bag.I'd like to see a book similar to the size to the Magic Lantern books, although I'm sure that the photographs included would suffer from the reduced size.This is somewhat remedied by the fact that the CD contains a pocket-sized book that you can print out which summarizes the main points of the primary book (no pictures included).

This book is a very good accessory to go with your Canon G2.I'd say it's the next thing you want to get after you get your memory cards and extra battery. ... Read more

Isbn: 1928873251
Sales Rank: 449966