Digital Cameras : Canon PowerShot G9

The G9 is a very good small camera. I was one of the holdouts for RAW and once this was added it seemed the camera to buy. I have used a Canon DSLR for about two years and wanted a smaller camera. This camera has a full feature set and more options than you can digest overnight. The image quality is good but if you are accustomed to a DSLR with its larger sensor, you may be a little disappointed with the jpeg output and its noise at higher ISO's.(over 400). However, the RAW conversions are very good. If you are strictly a point and shoot person, you may be overbuying with the G9. If you never shoot a RAW image you may consider the Nikon P5100. If you are a person who likes spot metering, RAW files, manual, Tv, Av, the ability to pick ISO, etc. it may be for you. Note that RAW for whatever reason is not available in the scene modes. By and large I am very pleased with this camera. I have not used the movie mode so I can't comment on that feature. I will not be selling my DSLR any time soon as I have had very good service from that camera and its image creation is excellent. That being said, this camera is a lot easier to take to those places where the DSLR is too conspicuous and perhaps overkill. To sum up, this is a very good camera that you can have a lot of fun with if your expectations are reasonable for the camera you are buying. Best regards. Hide Full Review

HUGE list of features.
Takes great photos (I am not a pro)
My other camera is an SD700IS which I love but this G9 truly takes better pictures by a easy bto see margin.

It is small enough to take on outdoor outings which is why I wanted it vs an SLR.

The screen is very bright and easy to use when not wearing polarized sunglasses.

The polarization problem is nothing less than amazing.. I literally thought that the camera screen died (broke) when I put on my polarized sunglasses. I had to go out and buy a new pair of *unpolarized* sunglasses so I could use this camera with some eye protection (here in Arizona sunglasses are generally not an option).

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I have had the G9 for @ 1 week now and still playing with the functions. This is my 8th digital having owned all types from point & shoot to DSLR's. Put in the auto function this camera overall takes excellent pictures-sharp and properly color balanced. One disappointing feature in the auto mode is the inability of the user to use the flash in slow sync or to +/- the output. Can do in "P" mode. The camera in the "P" mode has a manual focus feature but overall not practical. When "M" is pressed a 5/8ths inch magnefied screen appears in the viewfinder and you put that image in focus by turning the dial wheel with your thumb. May sound good but hard to see small image plus wheel is awkward to rotate with thumb. To me, the most INTOLERABLE feature is the ergonomics-it is a small brick and there is no way to hold where you feel that it really fits-compare for example to the Nikon P5100 where holding the camera feels as though you were born with it. Overall I am satisfied as the pictures are very sharp, nicely color balanced and the auto focus is fast as well as the write time. Quality seems very good. Like all digital cameras if you want to explore their depths, you need to read the manual and this camera is no exception. Buy it, but hold it first. Hide Full Review

I recently purchased when i got guy to get it out of warehouse rather than display. The camera is extraudinary. On manual setting 10PM at night take phot 3km away from big wheel at Narra resort. When zoomed photo in review complete clear picture. The auto and manual controls work the best i come across. Very easy to use and professionally. The wideangle and telephoto really add to. The manual shutter controls and ease of use really adds to into darker areas. More than impressed and purchased over SLR cameras. Hide Full Review

I bought the Canon G9 just 2 weeks ago. It's my first digital camera. Let's say I'm a bit negative orientated when it comes to photography.

The Canon G9 is on the top end of what's on the market today. Not only regarding instrumentation, functionality and output, but also price-wise. It can be value for money if you have special needs.
I was looking for a worthy companion for my Contax T3 and several SLR's. With high quality compact camera’s you can travel light and they don’t hassle you with changing lenses and more. Just press “on” and your off!

The G9 offers the same range functions as a SLR does, but it’s not really one. It has the buttons, the top wheels, the functions, a wonderful LCD display, 12.1 Mega pixel (effective pixels), RAW mode for maximum image control, good(!) night “vision”, a hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flash apparatus and optional lens accessories (not again!). But it gives in on (high) speed operation, the aperture (f2.8-f8.0), noise at the 400+ ISO’s, a very small viewfinder (50-60% occupation) and has a sensor which also can be found on several other (much) cheaper camera’s.

So, if you are planning to buy a camera, but still don’t know if it’s going to be an SLR or compact, please keep in mind that the G9 is a good substitution for an SLR, but will not relief you from the urge of wanting to have/use an SLR in some situations.
I still want to by a Canon SLR. However, this camera made the choice between Canon (40D) and Nikon (D200) much easier for me and lets me learn a lot about digital photography. I love it and made over 400 photo's already. I only don't seem to get them uploaded on to flickr for viewing by others. Hide Full Review