SOLINA DAVE

Hi everbody,

I've purchased a Canon Powershot G16 compact, potentially the best compact that I could afford. So far,aside from the settings and imaging possibilities of this camera, and the inevitable learning curve associated with this technology, I think that I'm satisfied with the upgrade from my 2006 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 compact,an excellent companion over those few years.
My questions are,what features in a camera are critical in the quest to approach visual perfection in a photogragh,aside from the obvious necessity in having shutter and aperture control, and a natural talent for taking pictures? I'm interested,specifically in features which would determine colour accuracy,and image detail.
Are there significant differences in lens construction,in regards to glass quality,and grinding techniques,and who makes the lenses that perform at the top end? Also,does the sensor quality and sensor size play a role in, again,image detail and colour accuracy?
Up here in the "Great White North" my camera seems to be frozen in the "Snow Scene" mode.

Thanks in advance for any comments..........Dave

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I assume your camera offers to save your picture in a RAW format.

This is where you will find the 'real deal', if you have not found it already.

SOLINA DAVE

Your comment is good to hear. I've heard that before. My camers does have that capability,although being up in years and somewhat "old school" by nature, I haven't explored this high tech feature yet. Like some guy said, "the only fear is fear itself", so I better get on with it.
Thankyou for your advice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Raw is nothing to fear. Keep in mind that raw files must be processed, whereas JPEGS are basically ready to go. Raw allows more leeway for processing, so you can get better results, but JEPGS can give you excellent results, as well. It depends a lot on the image you're starting with.

emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

Processing RAW files aren't that difficult:
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2013/03/19/how-to-process-raw-images-the-right-way/

Poison Ivey Loc: Mtn Brook, AL

Snow? Be sure to crank in a +1 or +2 exposure on your nice G-16...very easy to do on that camera. When finished shooting, do not forget to put it back on 0. In bright sun, this will make white Snow White!

thephotoman Loc: Rochester, NY

I like to compare raw as the negatives in the film days, and jpegs as the prints from the negatives. With a negative (raw) one can make many improvements to the final image. When we have a print (jpeg) the corrections are more limited. What ms ny people are not aware of is that when printing from a negative the automachines made many corrections as it prints. So making corrections in a raw digital process is the same concept. I realize this is a simplified comparison but it makes it easy to understand.

SOLINA DAVE

Many thanks everyone for your valuable opinions. It would appear that the RAW formatting technology is a very positive step in allowing one the opportunity to enhance artistic impression. I guess I should get on board.
And thanks Ben,for reminding me to restore my exposure compensation dial to zero, although I really can't remember,the last time I forgot anything! Why can't they put an adjustable timer on it?

Dave