Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I bought this to take with me when a D300 would be impractical - biking, playground with kids, etc. For this purpose, its compact form factor is certainly better than a DSLR, however, with all its adjustments, it is still basically a point and shoot with all the disadvantages - slow handling (zoom, focus, shutter) and awkward composition via the LCD. It has an optical viewfinder that is all but worthless.

The controls allow for fairly quick access to key exposure adjustments, but the sensor size limits the DOF range (not much difference between max f/2.8 and min f/8) so Aperture priority mode is not that useful over Program. I avoid using direct flash, and other reviews have covered the usability of ISO over 400, thus this is basically an outdoor use camera, which serves my purposes fine. The G9 has allowed me to get some shots while biking that would never have been possible with an SLR, and shooting RAW is critical to bringing out the best image quality in post processing.

The built in neutral density "filter" is useful in shooting longer exposures during bright daylight, and the size allows for easy placement for bracketing exposures for HDR without needing a tripod. Image quality at ISO 80 is excellent.

In summary, if you are looking for a point & shoot, there are better values than the G9. If you are looking to learn photography, you'd be better served with an entry level SLR - it will be quicker and more satisfying to use. If you are an advanced photographer looking for convenience, the handling of the G9 will be disappointing - but there are times when this is probably the only option vs not carrying a camera at all and missing a shot.

Pros: capable of shooting RAW, Image Stablization, clear video, panorama mode (keep wb/shutter/aperture the same), battery life is good, nice shot mode (flash, but keep the shutter slow to capture the background)

Cons: I don't like the LCD screen, too grainy. Price. Neck strap.

I was gonna use it as my DSLR backup, but it really is just a good point&shoot. Not ready for a backup for DSLR.

Overall, I have no regret, it's a nice camera.

Like alot of reviewers here, I bought the G9 as a sophisticated point and shoot upgrade, not wanting to lug around a heavy DSLR, yet wanting more sophisticated pictures than most point and shoots can handle. I have found that I use a camera alot more if it is easy to carry around, and the G9 fits that bill very well. It's not like my little Elph, which almost goes unnoticed in a shirt pocket; but it will fit into a jacket pocket quite easily and takes vastly superior pictures to the Elph.

Do not be under the impression that the G9 will shoot the "same as" a DSLR, however, because it won't. But in most circumstances (other than low light, as others have mentioned) the large majority of people will be fairly awed by the pictures this beautiful little camera can take. It IS that good. Start to get over 400 ISO, however, and, well, then it gets a little grainy and noisy.

The camera can be set on full auto and take "very good" pictures, but I would not waste my money on the G9 if that is all you are going to do with it. This camera is definitely for the more creative types. I think it works best in aperture priority or shutter priority modes, although there are so many different settings on this camera it can take days to wade through the instruction manual to cover them all. I've had mine for about a month and I'm still not through it yet, it's been easy to "use" but difficult to "master", but I happen to think that's a good thing.

I would highly recommend the Lensmate brand adapter for the G9. It solves two problems inherent in the G9's design - first, it protects the zoom lens when it is extended, second, it makes the camera much easier to hold and manipulate. It is also made out of aluminum and is of much higher quality than the cheap Canon plastic adapter. Also, the Lensmate adapter is threaded so you can use filters, which I do, a UV and a polarized, when required. I keep my Lensmate adapter on all the time, even though it adds slightly to the G9's bulk.

Also, do yourself a favor and spend the $6 on an G9 LCD screen protector. Peel it off and stick it on, poof, no worries about scratching the beautiful and bright screen (and it is really beautiful at 3"). 'Nuff said.

A few other options for the G9 I found extremely worthwhile: the high quality metal grip and thumb rest by Richard Franiec. Again, they make the G9 so much easier to handle and shoot. I also bought the G9 leather case (these are only sold by Canon in Japan for some reason, but you can find them on ebay). I especially like how "60's retro" the already retro G9 looks with this case. It is a two piece design and with only the bottom part of the case attached (screws into the tripod mount), the camera is still functional and it does a good job of protecting most of the camera body.

I also bought a Sandisk 4GB Extreme III HDSC card for the camera, with a card reader. It'll hold plenty of pix and vid for my needs. A 2GB card is probably sufficient, and if you tend to lose cards you might want to stick with that instead since it's cheaper than replacing a 4GB card. The card the camera comes with is so small it's really basically useless.

Lastly, I considered getting some Raynox lenses for the G9, but decided against it as the effective lens on the G9 is already 35mm-210mm equivalent. Adding a supplemental/larger lens to the G9 (unless I was doing macro work or just had it set up on a tripod and didn't care) would just make the camera bulkier, meaning I would use it less. Again, the point of this camera is to take it with me wherever I go. So I'm happy with the camera set up the way it is.

I have not had the chance to use the video on this camera yet, and I've heard people complain about the inability to use the digital zoom function with it... Oh well, that is not the primary reason I bought the camera and it is not that important to me.

As far as the pictures I've taken so far, I'm extremely pleased with them. I took the G9 with me on vacation to a New England beach destination this summer right after I got it. Again, I was not expecting DSLR quality, jaw-dropping photos, but the G9 really delivered nonetheless. If you are a decent photographer, "non-professionals" will be very, very impressed with your pictures.

I hope this review helps you decide if the G9 is the right camera for you, and if it is, what other options you might want to consider getting along with it. Good luck and happy shooting.

The Canon PS G9 is a perfect camera for someone who is beginning in photography and is looking to learn. The manual settings are easy to use and the pictures come out great. The ability to shoot both JPG and RAW is an incredible feature that is mostly found in professional series cameras, I love that you can add lens and filters to give your shots a more artistic feel. Overall a great camera, if you wish to see some examples please view my porfolio at www.jpgmag.com/people/sliknick . All of my shots where taken with the G9

I upgraded from a Canon PowerShot G2 to the G9 and am not disappointed. There are many selections to take the pictures in all kinds of lighting. Today I visited Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, MO, and, using the Night Snapshot, I was able to capture some amazing photos (in both low light and total darkness). The photos are crisp and clear. After using this camera for 3 weeks, I still have so much more to learn and am excited to do so!