Canon PowerShot G7 10.0 MP Digital Camera - Black

I've used countless cameras in my lifetime, and my primary photography setup is with a Canon 50D DSLR. I needed something smaller as a casual carry-around camera to be paired with my existing beast. After researching extensively for about a month, I finally decided to purchase the Canon PowerShot G7, as it seemed to fit my needs perfectly in terms of price vs performance vs feature set.

For the casual shooter, this camera may be a little bit too much for them, but for those accustomed to working with DSLRs, then this camera will be the perfect match, at least it was for me.

CONS:
* Lack of ability to shoot RAW images by default (even though other G series cameras have this feature)
* Spot Focus selection is tedious, and resets itself back to center
* The use of SD cards instead of CF cards if you're trying to pair this with a DSLR (such as the 350D which uses the same batteries as the G7)
* 4-way cross pad is hard to press with larger fingers
* No tethered capturing support via Adobe Lightroom
* Have to unmount from tripod to open the door to access battery and SD card compartments


PROS:
* ISO is an actual dial instead of a button or menu option
* C1/C2 programmable custom modes, like on the Canon 40D/50D and 5D Mark II
* Body is metal instead of plastic (heavier, but much stronger feeling)
* The hot shoe! This enables mounted flashes or external flashes with a wireless trigger
* Uses the same rechargeable batteries as the Canon 350D (Digital Rebel XT)
* Probably the best image quality of any P&S camera from its era


Other Thoughts:
The camera can be upgraded with the open-source firmware add-on called CHDK. This add-on extends the camera's default abilities to have features such as saving 10-bit RAW images, shooting longer videos, full-color live histogram, better battery meter displays, and much much more. Using the custom CHDK firmware add-on is not a replacement firmware, so there is none of this worry of "doing it wrong" and breaking your camera when using it.

If you need a small side camera to go along with your professional gear like I did, then the Canon G series is perfect for you! All of your existing lighting equipment will be supported on the Canon G7 due to its hot shoe, which was one of my greatest loves of this camera. The need to make an investment into SD cards on top of my existing investment in CF cards was a bit of a turn off, however.

I was looking for a less expensive alternative to a DSLR. This camera definitely exceeded all of my criteria! Amazing features allow me to control exactly how I want to take the picture/video. It is lens adapter compatible allowing you to add filters and lenses to make your photos/videos even better! definitely a great buy and i highly recommend it!
The only thing i dislike about this camera is that when you put the lens adapter on (which I have on 24/7) you cannot use the viewfinder because it blocks it at about 60%. Of course, the live view is available, but I would prefer the viewfinder. Oh well! i guess its a small trade-off considering everything else. I still recommend it! :)

This is a very good point and shoot camera if one doesn't want to carry around the bigger bulkier dslr's. It takes very good pictures and the price is still good for what you get.

Good - weight, TONS of buttons everywhere put customization at your fingertips at any time, adaptable to aftermarket lenses, hotshoe. Dislike - no RAW support, doesn't remember your preset settings when it shuts off automatically. All in all, I love it, and would quickly buy again.

I like just about everything this camera does. It takes very good pictures. I love how I can add different types of filters to this.