Debating between the Canon G10 and Canon SX1 IS

[bsk997]

Hi everybody,
I've done quite a bit of reading on this forum and there's a ton of good information here.
I have an old SD750 and it's been great and all but it just can't seem to take good macro shots with my aquarium.
I'm looking at getting a better camera with a little more manual options.
My two main goals with getting a new camera is to be able to take pictures of corals in my aquarium and take pics of my two babies.
I see that most people here tend to like the G10 for its macro and manual capabilities. How well does it shoot videos and take portrait/kid pics?
The reason I'm looking at the SX1 IS is because it has 1920x1080 HD video capabilities. But how well does this do at taking macro pics of the aquarium.
Ideally, I'd like to be able to take pics and video in one device so I don't get lazy and always just bring one.
They are both in the same price range with the SX1 being about $100 more.

Ideally, I'd get a T1i which has the HD video recording capabilities as well as the 100mm marcro lens as well but it's a little beyond my price range and my camera abilities. lol

Any advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Reef Bass]

Ah, so you'd like a camera that takes great macro pics, great portraits, shoots video and doesn't cost much? Wouldn't we all!

The G10 has "standard definition" video (640x480), which is not as detailed as 1920x1080 true high def from the T1i. So the T1i wins there.

The G10 is not a dSLR, so one cannot change lenses. The T1i is a dSLR, thus one can change lenses depending on what one is trying to shoot. To some, this is a critical decision making point. For others, carrying around extra gear and lenses is a pain.

The G10 is a self contained solution. One need not add on tons of expensive accessories. The T1i is a dSLR, so expensive accessories are the norm. If budget is a concern, then this could be your primary decision point right here. The kit lens it comes with probably won't be great for macros, so you'll probably want to spend another $500 on the 100mm macro lens. Fortunately, that macro lens also does well as a portrait lens, so you're covered there, but you've also spent between double and triple the price of the G10 for the T1i and macro lens.

Besides price, another advantage of the G10 is its relative portability. It's much easier to carry around than a large dSLR with large lens and probably multiple accessories.

While I can point out relative advantages and disadvantages, balancing your intent / stated goals against issues of convenience and price is something you need to decide for yourself.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Resolution:
4416 x 3312 - G10
3648 x 2736 - SX1
I don't usually get into mega pixels, but a 3 to 2 ratio is significant if you want to crop or print large.

They both start out with a 35mm film equivalent of a 28mm focal length on the wide end. The G10 goes out to 140mm equivalent and stops. The SX1 goes all the way to 540mm. At first glance this extra zoom may seem like a blessing, but the quantity over quality approach, especially for a fish tank and baby, may hold you back more than it helps.

Everyone wants baby videos and the SX1 takes the video lead with 1080 HD. The G-10 has video but, its best is equivalent to the SX1's 2nd lowest setting.

Both of these cameras have full manual controls, and they both shoot RAW format. Those are the two primary reef tank camera functions IMO, but its a moot point since you will get it with either one. Now of course I didn't list all of the differences, but I deem the ones above as the most influential in my opinion.

The G-10 should preform better with still photography, but the SX1 really shines in the video department. They both have my blessing for a reef tank, and either camera would do an acceptable job in the weaker still/video arena. If I was you I would get the SX1 IS for the superior video. Kids grow up fast and it will be nice to have relatively high quality clips of your children growing up to look back on. It is still an excellent still camera with a looooooooooooooooong lens. Keep in mind just how ridiculously long the lens is, and rarely use it. If you can walk closer and zoom in less, that is often a better route to take. If you are at a soccer field, and not actually on the field naked, that might be hard to do...and your super-long zoom range will be helpful.

Good luck with whatever you choose. They are both winners.