If you are just carrying camera stuff, you may want to consider one of the Lowepro Inverse waist packs. That would keep the weight off your shoulders completely. Either model is <$60 at Amazon.

I've had a G% since 2004 and a G11 since 2010. I second the earlier ideas about newer Canons, G15 or 16, SX-50 or 60, but would add another option - G7X. It has a much larger sensor and focuses quickly (Grandkids are fast!!!). I have never even looked at one, but it is getting good reviews.

Just a note - when I got the G11 I was able to set the camera and take excellent pictures immediately - then later learn some of the new features. The learning curve was non-existent.

Glenn

I don't think so.

We lived in China from 2003-2012. In 2004 I bought a Canon Powershot G5 in Xi'an that was manufactured in China. I took almost 17,000 shots. The only time it was repaired was after I dropped it on the sidewalk after about 10K shots and broke the little clip that holds the battery in place - I had it repaired by Canon China for about US$60. I have since replaced it with a G11 (2010) and an SL1 (2013), but it still works fine.

To view Raw files in Android you need a raw viewer app - there are several on Google Play. I use RAWDroid demo. The price is right (free) and it handles CR2 files very well well, but the free version has a watermark.

If you look closely at the inside of the right side of the hot shoe under the spring you will see a small black pin. This is the switch that registers if something is in the hotshoe.

If you still want to use a hot shoe cover you can trim the right side such that spring does not compress and engage the switch. I did this on my Powershot G5 because I had a lot of trouble with the hot shoe being dirty which kept the external flash from firing.

Also, if the internal flash doesn't fire with nothing in the hot shoe, this switch is the first thing to check- sometimes it gets stuck. A toothpick or similar small object will loosen the pin.

DPP is non-destructive, the RAW files will still be untouched. The earlier poster is correct, this is the only way to get SOOC jpeg's - which seemed to be the OP's goal. Just start and go to bed or work or wherever and a few hours later it is done.

This is a long shot, but it is something to check before you call Canon.

Make sure that the "auto power off" is not set to "disable" in the menu. It is on the second "wrench" page in menu. I have a tendency to sometimes put my camera in the bag with it still on - if you are dong that, it surely will drain your battery if this is set to "disable".

If you turn the switch off, this setting will obviously not matter.

Since RAW files are only 12 or 14 bit what is gained by using 32 bit TIFF?

If you are talking about DPP 4 above, it only supports about 4 full frame models so it would not support older RAW files anyway. DPP 3, which has a new update as of today, supports CRW files from my G5 and CR2 from my G11 and SL1 among many other models. But you are correct, future support for all current RAW formats is in question.

BTW, from your avatar and user name I think we share an alma mater. I "got out" in 1971 with a BEE.

Glenn

10 MP in 3:2 format is approximately 3873x2582. At 300 ppi or dpi or whatever is technically correct (I've seen arguments for both), you should easily get a good 12x8 inch print if the scan quality is good.

I bought one of these last December. Like then, right now it is $450 + tax with free shipping. Has a one year warranty (same as as a new camera).

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-sl1-18-55-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished.

Use the rest of the budget for David Busch's book on the SL1 (another $25 or so). Even thought I had a film SLR for years and had used a Canon G5 and G11 a lot, there are a lot of features that I didn't know what they really did. The book really helped.

Excellent image quality, easy to use, has a touch screen (which I love).
Does 1920x1080 video very well (great for grandkids)

After that be careful that you don't catch GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome. See other posts for a discussion of this dread disease.

You definitely want the Kindle or Nook edition.

If you go to Newegg and search for this model: N82E16822236626 you will see that one of the reviewers opened his drive and installed the HDD as a bare drive. He states that his was a "Green" drive.

Greens are named that for their 'energy efficiency', they stop rotating after some minutes of inactivity. The first time you access it in the morning there is a delay as it starts. MY 2TB drive takes maybe 10 or so seconds.

In response to one of your other comments, as I have gotten older I have definitely become a "FAT32" or in my case a FAT66. :-)

If you have a smartphone or tablet put it on that. It is searchable. I don't use paper manuals anymore.

Glenn

I have a Nook HD+ 32GB model with a 32GB microSD card running N2A android (4.2.2) . After I clean some things off I'll have almost 50GB free. In addition, I'll have a 32GB microSD in my phone. I use a wi-fi card reader to backup images from the camera SD card. I plan to back up each day's files and leave them on the card (I have 2x32GB cards and 3x4 GB cards - 76 GB total). I plan to make an additional copy on a couple of large USB sticks. I have the backup method worked out and tested. If I can shoot RAW only and can view them, I'll have more room. (my camera is a Canon SL1/100D)

There are several apps on Google Play- I was hoping someone had used one and could relate experiences. I'll probably just download them and test them myself.

We are going to the UK this summer and I don't want to take my laptop. I want to use my tablet for backing up files from the SDHC cards. I also want to view the images. I could shoot RAW+JPG and view the JPG's easily, but if I only shoot RAW I have room for 25% more shots.

Does anyone have experience with a good Android app for viewing CR2 files? There are several on Google Play, but the reviews are mixed. I just want to view, not process or edit.

Thanks.

Glenn