Canon G16: I am considering buying the Canon G16 for my daughter, does anyone own the G15 or the new G16. I would appreciate comments. Would it be a good camera that a beginner could...

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

I am considering buying the Canon G16 for my daughter, does anyone own the G15 or the new G16. I would appreciate comments. Would it be a good camera that a beginner could use and stay with for awhile. She wants something better then a point and shoot but not as heavy as a SLR. Thanks for responses.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I hate to keep sounding like a broken record here, but did you look at the Nikon Coolpix P7800?

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

G16 is a good pick, smaller than a dslr and bigger than a compact point & shoot.

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

It seems that there are a lot of cameras in that $375-used to $500-new range.

Why not try used, seeing she's a beginner? If she doesn't like it, sell it and keep investment down to a minimum.

This isn't what you asked, but just a thought.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

ottopj wrote:

Why not try used, seeing she's a beginner? If she doesn't like it, sell it and keep investment down to a minimum.

My Nikon P7800 refurb cost me under $420 and used models are lower still.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Millismote wrote:

I am considering buying the Canon G16 for my daughter, does anyone own the G15 or the new G16. I would appreciate comments. Would it be a good camera that a beginner could use and stay with for awhile. She wants something better then a point and shoot but not as heavy as a SLR. Thanks for responses.

Is she familiar with DSLR settings? These advanced point & shoot cameras have the same settings as a DSLR and like the poster mentioned, it would be a good idea to look at used and refurbished ones.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Millismote wrote:

I am considering buying the Canon G16 for my daughter, does anyone own the G15 or the new G16. I would appreciate comments. Would it be a good camera that a beginner could use and stay with for awhile. She wants something better then a point and shoot but not as heavy as a SLR. Thanks for responses.

Refurbished G15 for $230, but no RAW (G12 has RAW):

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-powershot-digital-cameras/powershot-g15-refurbished?utm_source=google&utm_medium=Product_Search&utm_campaign=Google_Product_Feed&cm_mmc=GA-_-_-_-G_Canon_Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-33248

achesley Loc: SW Louisiana

My G15 has RAW ,and , I only shoot in RAW
. My old G12 did also. Any camera I buy for me, has to have a view finder for those bright son days. What I like about the G15 I've been on the road with for the last 3 years is the low light pics and fast focus. Another plus, a camera you can get operating and take a pic with just one hand in a matter of seconds to get that sudden appearing shot.
Only neg is the easily scratched lens if you leave it lens down ( even though it has an auto lens shutter that closes when camera is turned off ) and it gets bounced around a lot. Both my G12 and G15 did this in my tank bags on my bikes when roaming cross country on the roads less traveled ( ruff roads ) .
But, it may be more camera than she wants to deal with. LOL! No one in my family wanted to deal with my G12 when wanting to give it to them. Cell phones got them.

achesley Loc: SW Louisiana

I forgot to mention that I had a Sony A57 with a Sonysal 18/250 lens that spent most of it's time on the shelf in my room due to it's size. The G15 did pretty much anything ( except size of zoom ) that I wanted to do with the Sony. I finally trade the sony for a go pro and cash for something I would use more. The G12 and the now G15 have always been my go to camera for contest , street, parades and pretty much anytime.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

Millismote wrote:

I am considering buying the Canon G16 for my daughter, does anyone own the G15 or the new G16. I would appreciate comments. Would it be a good camera that a beginner could use and stay with for awhile. She wants something better then a point and shoot but not as heavy as a SLR. Thanks for responses.

It's actually an excellent image-maker. It has a great little lens on it and good sensor and processor. The camera is also fun to use and very well built. If she is a quick learner and would want a little more of everything in a compact, then look at the G1X Mk2. It's also a real winner, but the G16 will serve her well for a long time, no question.
To be fair and more inclusive, check some of the Lumix offerings in this price range, as well. Excellent image-makers too. :thumbup: :D

billgran

I've had the G15 for about a year now and it is a great camera for the beginner and semi-pro. I have used it for my magazine article images as it can do RAW images when needed and can be used manually or on full-automatic.

It is not exactly a pocket camera which I need now so I am thinking of selling it if you are interested. Looks like new and not used that much.

Redron Loc: Fairfield. California

the G16 is an excellent camera, photos are beautifully sharp with a pretty good zoom also Single lens is good so she wont be spending a lot on lenses For me my 5d MkII with a lens is no longer fun to carry around The G 16 would fit in my front pocket snugly, better in a small case on the belt
hav nice built in filters and shoots RAW CR 2 Good Macro
Great Camera $500 And has a viewfinder and a hot shoe You cant go wrong
go to Flickr and look at the images it produces
nice and black friday you may find a deal since Canon just introduced the G7 X for $700 which is more advanced

Trentc Loc: Denver, CO

I have a G15 and absolutely love it. Fantastic camera that a person can grow into. It pretty much has all the functionality of a DSLR, and is highly portable. A couple of my personal issues with it: Viewfinder is lousy, so I never use it; Small sensor leads to noisy images, if one is interested in making enlargements larger than about 8X10; occasionally frustrated by the short-ish focal length of the lens. If she can live with those issues, go for it.

berasner

I have had the "G" series since the 9. I now use the 15 as a quick grab and shoot, bye have used it as a back up as well. It is essentially "full feature" with manual and raw. wonderfully light and a very good beginning+ camera to enjoy and learn on.
Bruce

mmeador

The viewfinder on the G16 isn't as good as most DSLR's. I don't like the feel of this camera but it is the first one I pick up because it has most of the controls of a DSLR, and the quality of pics that come out of this camera are fantastic. It is built like a tank and can take a lot of abuse. I think it would make a great camera to learn on. I learned on a Pentax K1000 forty years ago and I still use it from time to time.
I think you should look at some of the other brands before you decide, most of the upper end P & S cameras are very good.