Canon Powershot G9 12 Megapixel Digital Camera
Canon
- 2082B001
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I really looked around before deciding on this camera, because for just a little more I could have gotten a pretty decent DSLR kit. But when I thought about what I use a camera to do, I came back to the G9. I want to be able to take it with me places and have it when a photo op appears, I want to be able to shoot a lot of pictures of people and not scare them off when I'm shooting, I want to be able to stick the camera on a tripod and play around with some macro shots, I want to shoot a short movie clip here and there when babies are suddenly making noises or learning to roll over, and I want to really have full control over the camera and be able to make quick adjustments to all exposure controls. The G9 does all of these things, and it's interesting to note that a DSLR cannot do some of those things. Bottom line for me was that I can carry the G9 almost all the time - it even slips into my back pocket. I can pull it out to snap a shot, and probably have time to recompose a second
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The Canon G9 is a great camera with terrific features - it is just so unreliable you shouldn't buy it. I have been told that I now need to send the camera back for the 2nd time to get it repaired. Since I now have owned the camera for a year they say it may cost up to $380. I bought the camera to take pictures on trips, the latest problem though occured just in the middle of shooting at home. Not sure I want to even keep the camera even if I get it fixed (and I just bought a dive case for it that I haven't used it yet) because if you can't trust your camera it doesn't matter how many features it has.
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Best Buy outlets have Canon G9 on clearance for $350, which is about the max I believe you should be paying for it nowadays. The model is quickly becoming obsolete. The next generation of prosumer cameras has already entered the the market (Canon G10, Panasonic LX3, Nikon P6000, etc). So unless you get a really good deal, there are few compelling reasons to buy G9 any more. One caveat, however: if portrait taking is of importance to you, this is the area where G9 still delivers the goods (more on it later).
Other people have already discussed nearly every aspect of the camera in great detail. So I just have a couple of additional comments and observations to share with those who are still considering G9. Hope that some folks will find these useful.
1. A number of Canon G9 users have complained of dust getting into the lens barrel. Apparently this stuff coats the inside of the lens elements and essentially turns the camera into a useless piece of junk. It is a known manufacturing
Other people have already discussed nearly every aspect of the camera in great detail. So I just have a couple of additional comments and observations to share with those who are still considering G9. Hope that some folks will find these useful.
1. A number of Canon G9 users have complained of dust getting into the lens barrel. Apparently this stuff coats the inside of the lens elements and essentially turns the camera into a useless piece of junk. It is a known manufacturing
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I have only had this camera a few months and have not used it very much. There is already so much dust INSIDE the lens that it severely degrades image quality. I take great care of my equipment, so this is not the result of harsh conditions. If you are counting on the built-in lens cover to protect the lens, think again. Any time I shoot slightly into sunlight now, the photos are basically worthless. With only 3 major uses of this camera, that's a crime.
Also, the noise level above ISO 200 is terrible. I would rather have fewer megapixels and less noise. So, my summary is this is a camera you have to "baby". It is severely limited and not worth the money. Read the reviews and find something that keeps dust out better and has less noise above ISO 200. If you only shoot on sunny days with the sun at your back in a very clean environment, this camera might work. But so would something $200 less expensive. I feel totally cheated.
Also, the noise level above ISO 200 is terrible. I would rather have fewer megapixels and less noise. So, my summary is this is a camera you have to "baby". It is severely limited and not worth the money. Read the reviews and find something that keeps dust out better and has less noise above ISO 200. If you only shoot on sunny days with the sun at your back in a very clean environment, this camera might work. But so would something $200 less expensive. I feel totally cheated.
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i really do love this camera; it's great for flexibility and creativity. there's no doubt about that. but there are fair amount of cons:
1) can be VERY noisy since they cram so many megapixels on that smaller sensor
2) had to have it fixed when it first arrived because there were hot pixels in every picture
3) there is a design flaw in the lens. even though it is airtight, if there is ANY dust inside the camera to begin with, the movement of the lens creates a static charge that pulls the dust right into view and has become evident in several of my pictures
i bought it for $430 brand new several months ago, but i think it's probably appropriately worth about $350. now that it's selling around $600 i would just get a lower megapixel DSLR that takes clearer pictures.
1) can be VERY noisy since they cram so many megapixels on that smaller sensor
2) had to have it fixed when it first arrived because there were hot pixels in every picture
3) there is a design flaw in the lens. even though it is airtight, if there is ANY dust inside the camera to begin with, the movement of the lens creates a static charge that pulls the dust right into view and has become evident in several of my pictures
i bought it for $430 brand new several months ago, but i think it's probably appropriately worth about $350. now that it's selling around $600 i would just get a lower megapixel DSLR that takes clearer pictures.
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The Canon USA web site lists the suggested retail at $499.99 and one of the most popular online camera shops (B&H) is pricing it at about that. Why is it so much more than that from Amazon vendors?
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I think that Canon may have created its own monster with the G series cameras. Far too many people think that they are going to get DSLR performance from what is essentially a point and shoot camera.
Sorry, but there is no free lunch. You can build a camera to high standards. You can have it save in RAW. You can do all sorts of things to improve it. The bottom line is that the G9 is a small-sensor camera and suffers the same fate as every other camera with a small sensor.
Given current technology, nobody can make a small sensor perform like a larger one. Going much beyond native ISO is going to substantially lower image quality by introducing digital "noise". That's just the way that it is and neither Canon nor anyone else has solved the problem. In fact, it may not even have a solution.
That said, the G9 may just be the best small-sensor, high-end p&s on the market. Granted, it doesn't have much competition, but Canon has itself a winner. You'll hear gripes from older G series owners
Sorry, but there is no free lunch. You can build a camera to high standards. You can have it save in RAW. You can do all sorts of things to improve it. The bottom line is that the G9 is a small-sensor camera and suffers the same fate as every other camera with a small sensor.
Given current technology, nobody can make a small sensor perform like a larger one. Going much beyond native ISO is going to substantially lower image quality by introducing digital "noise". That's just the way that it is and neither Canon nor anyone else has solved the problem. In fact, it may not even have a solution.
That said, the G9 may just be the best small-sensor, high-end p&s on the market. Granted, it doesn't have much competition, but Canon has itself a winner. You'll hear gripes from older G series owners
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The G9 is an amazing little camera, but it does have two very significant drawbacks:
1. it is not that air-tight, and is highly prone to dust contamination. You'll find many instances of people reporting this on the web. Mine has a large fiber, or perhaps insect hair, stuck to the sensor, as well as some other minor dust, and is presently on it's way to Canon service where they "may or may not" clean it under warranty. Once the warranty expires there is a $120 fee for this.
2. using the larger file sizes, the G9 is SLOW. Most of the time I use a smaller file size setting to speed things up, which pretty much negates it's supposed hi-res capabilities, and makes it no more useful than my wife's SD750 elph, which takes similar quality pictures, much faster at these file sizes and at half the price (not to mention lighter, and more compact).
And like all cameras at this size, the optics are quite mediocre, so I find it to be only marginally better than many other smaller, lighter, and cheaper
1. it is not that air-tight, and is highly prone to dust contamination. You'll find many instances of people reporting this on the web. Mine has a large fiber, or perhaps insect hair, stuck to the sensor, as well as some other minor dust, and is presently on it's way to Canon service where they "may or may not" clean it under warranty. Once the warranty expires there is a $120 fee for this.
2. using the larger file sizes, the G9 is SLOW. Most of the time I use a smaller file size setting to speed things up, which pretty much negates it's supposed hi-res capabilities, and makes it no more useful than my wife's SD750 elph, which takes similar quality pictures, much faster at these file sizes and at half the price (not to mention lighter, and more compact).
And like all cameras at this size, the optics are quite mediocre, so I find it to be only marginally better than many other smaller, lighter, and cheaper
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The camera is great if you can use it without a problem. you can use manual mode to adjust the the shutter speed/exposure. I bought mine 3 months ago and now regret. after just 1 month of the purchase, I noticed some dust inside the lens that made my focus very slow and even not accurate sometimes. then the dust found the way to the sensor. the dust in the sensor will be shown in the LCD. I sent it to Canon for cleaning the dust under the warranty and after 3 weeks of waiting, it was clean. now I have dust again in the sensor but not in the lens yet after 1 week of receiving it from canon. I didn't use it except for testing. I already bought E-510 and using it for everything. the G9 was in a tight new case canon brand.
This is a common problem most of the G9 suffer from. search the internet about "g9 lens dust". you will find many many people have the same problem with their G7 & G9.
I don't want to send it again to Canon at the current time. I already ordered and waiting for Canon WP-DC21
This is a common problem most of the G9 suffer from. search the internet about "g9 lens dust". you will find many many people have the same problem with their G7 & G9.
I don't want to send it again to Canon at the current time. I already ordered and waiting for Canon WP-DC21
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First off, I don't want to be a party pooper, so rated the camera a 4 star. With regard to my points below, it should have been a 2-3 star, but that would spoil the G9 overall rating, which should be very good. My review is tailored for those wanting high quality editable RAW images using the Canon G9. For that, I give it a 2-3 star compared to Rebel XTI. So on with the review...
Here is my warning to many of you thinking of purchasing the Canon G9 camera and using it for shooting RAW mode images. If you didn't know, RAW is the best way to obtain nicely composed pictures; i.e., since many of us are amateurs and cannot compose nicely in the field, RAW allows you to tweak the image in the "LAB" on your PC to produce a very good to excellent shot from a bad to average one. If you are into nature and sports photography, you often don't have time to nicely compose (even as an expert), so RAW helps in that scenario too.
I own a Rebel XTI, and use DPP (Digital Photo Professional 3.4.1.1 as of
Here is my warning to many of you thinking of purchasing the Canon G9 camera and using it for shooting RAW mode images. If you didn't know, RAW is the best way to obtain nicely composed pictures; i.e., since many of us are amateurs and cannot compose nicely in the field, RAW allows you to tweak the image in the "LAB" on your PC to produce a very good to excellent shot from a bad to average one. If you are into nature and sports photography, you often don't have time to nicely compose (even as an expert), so RAW helps in that scenario too.
I own a Rebel XTI, and use DPP (Digital Photo Professional 3.4.1.1 as of
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Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
This camera has restored the fun in photography for me. Let me explain: I am 80 years old, started out with a Speed Graphic using the Ansel Adams Zone System, graduated to a Linhof Technica V with all the extras, downsized to an Olympus OM-1, then a Canon EOS 35mm with most of the extras, got older and grew tired of toting all that gear and, in 2000, gave it all up for snapshots with a Canon Digital Power Shot 100. Shot lots of 2.1 MP stuff and quickly lost all interest in photography. But the spark was still smouldering so this year (2008)I bought a Canon G9 and started shooting again. Wow! It's like my Linhof days with 2 pounds of equipment (including the tripod) instead of fifty pounds.
There's an abundance of technical reviews on the G9 so I'll skip that and move on to the REAL reason I give it 5 stars: When I put this little digital tank on a tripod and set it on M (manual) it reminds me of my 4x5
This camera has restored the fun in photography for me. Let me explain: I am 80 years old, started out with a Speed Graphic using the Ansel Adams Zone System, graduated to a Linhof Technica V with all the extras, downsized to an Olympus OM-1, then a Canon EOS 35mm with most of the extras, got older and grew tired of toting all that gear and, in 2000, gave it all up for snapshots with a Canon Digital Power Shot 100. Shot lots of 2.1 MP stuff and quickly lost all interest in photography. But the spark was still smouldering so this year (2008)I bought a Canon G9 and started shooting again. Wow! It's like my Linhof days with 2 pounds of equipment (including the tripod) instead of fifty pounds.
There's an abundance of technical reviews on the G9 so I'll skip that and move on to the REAL reason I give it 5 stars: When I put this little digital tank on a tripod and set it on M (manual) it reminds me of my 4x5
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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
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
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I bought this camera while traveling on assignment overseas for several internationally known guidebook publishers. In short, I'm very disappointed with the model. I've always used cameras from the Cannon G series but this is a big step backwards. Because there is no cover for the view screen, it scratches quickly. The automatic lens shutters sticks and does not close correctly. Thus the lens itself becomes quickly scratched and flaws show up in photos. In an unrelated manner, block blotched also begin to appear in photos after only a couple of months of use. Stay away from the G9. Buy and earlier model or another brand altogether.
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If you're looking for a Point and Shoot with SLR-like qualities, this is it, but you'll have to know the camera and you'll have to know what you're doing in order to get a great shot. I only bought this camera for times where I could not lug around the larger DSLR.
I don't recommend this for people who just want to take family/friend pictures: (1) It's too expensive for just that (2) You'll be disappointed when you just put it on Program or Auto and the shot comes out crappy and (3) You'll be missing out on the other manual features.
The camera has a solid, hefty build so it feels like it can take on the normal wear and tear of regular use.
The LCD screen is large and you can pretty much gauge how the shot will look prior to pressing the shutter button---I would recommend putting a screen protector to prevent scratches and cracks.
I mainly put the camera on Manual, Aperture or Shutter priority. For the most part, I get the shot I need based on my surroundings---I hardly use the other
I don't recommend this for people who just want to take family/friend pictures: (1) It's too expensive for just that (2) You'll be disappointed when you just put it on Program or Auto and the shot comes out crappy and (3) You'll be missing out on the other manual features.
The camera has a solid, hefty build so it feels like it can take on the normal wear and tear of regular use.
The LCD screen is large and you can pretty much gauge how the shot will look prior to pressing the shutter button---I would recommend putting a screen protector to prevent scratches and cracks.
I mainly put the camera on Manual, Aperture or Shutter priority. For the most part, I get the shot I need based on my surroundings---I hardly use the other
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I read tons of reviews, and checked out all the online forums, so I thought I knew what to expect. And yet I am still impressed. I couldn't find this camera at my local electronic or camera store in order to get a "hands on" impression before buying (one of the reasons why I bought from Amazon with their excellent return policy), but I have to say that I really love the way it feels in my hand. Now I know what everyone is talking about. It's substantial. Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Yes, you can read zillions of reviews about the technical abilities of this little camera, how it's no DSLR, how noise can become a problem, how everyone wishes it were faster, smaller, with a wider zoom lens, etc. But once you get it in your hands, and start taking pictures with it, you realize how the balance of size, picture quality (with image stabilization and RAW shooting too), and ease of use, all come together to help you capture great shots in a spontaneous
Yes, you can read zillions of reviews about the technical abilities of this little camera, how it's no DSLR, how noise can become a problem, how everyone wishes it were faster, smaller, with a wider zoom lens, etc. But once you get it in your hands, and start taking pictures with it, you realize how the balance of size, picture quality (with image stabilization and RAW shooting too), and ease of use, all come together to help you capture great shots in a spontaneous
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I purchased the G9 looking to replace my aging Powershot S60. I decided to get the G9 based on my experiences with previously owned Powershots A20, S50, and S60. I liked the ability of all of the former cameras of being able to take usable photos in low light.
The G9 fails to deliver on image quality. All images display an incredible amount of noise. Even in broad daylight, noise is rife throughout a G9 image.
Pros:
-Great form factor. I really love the build and physical quality of the G9. Its great to hold, and carry. Very portable.
-Great LCD. I have people walk up to me when they see it and they comment on how nice it is.
Cons:
-Useless optical view finder. The lens often intrudes into its view.
-Noise! Noise! Noise! you can't escape it. Not sure if you can fix in post-processing (which I don't want to do in the first place-it should come out of the camera ready to go)
I must admit, I have not yet tried shooting RAW to see if the noise is any better. At some point, I may update
The G9 fails to deliver on image quality. All images display an incredible amount of noise. Even in broad daylight, noise is rife throughout a G9 image.
Pros:
-Great form factor. I really love the build and physical quality of the G9. Its great to hold, and carry. Very portable.
-Great LCD. I have people walk up to me when they see it and they comment on how nice it is.
Cons:
-Useless optical view finder. The lens often intrudes into its view.
-Noise! Noise! Noise! you can't escape it. Not sure if you can fix in post-processing (which I don't want to do in the first place-it should come out of the camera ready to go)
I must admit, I have not yet tried shooting RAW to see if the noise is any better. At some point, I may update
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I put off buying the Canon G9 because it lacked both the fast lens and the swivel LCD screen of my Canon G1. But photos on the web persuaded me to buy the camera. Now I love it. For a point-and-shoot, it turns on quickly and is soon ready for an additional shot. The Manual mode controls are easy to use. I am pleased with the photos that I have taken with it.
It works well with the Speedlite 430EX. I use the neck strap with the PSC-5000 case.
I like the feel of it; it makes me want to use it.
It works well with the Speedlite 430EX. I use the neck strap with the PSC-5000 case.
I like the feel of it; it makes me want to use it.
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Versatility and picture quality are fantastic for a camera in this price range. The motion stabilizer is awesome. Tested on the famous Safari Cruise at Disney World. The fish and aquarium photos also were quite amazing. Low light levels and gymnasium pictures have been more than I would have guessed. Digital zoom does have pixilation, but changing to the superfine setting will help. Sports mode performed far and above the Canon's Powershot A71 on all levels. Don't waste your $$'s on any lower models!!
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I've owned and used several canon S and G series cameras in this range. Before the advent of affordable DSLR cameras my assessment would be different than it is now. I find this camera fills a distinct niche for me, and in that it truly stands alone. I think you have to go up to the Leica M8 to approach some sort of ideal for one of these, but that's way upscale from here and cost prohibitive for most, including myself. This is not a do all, end all camera and i don't think Canon means it to be. It is not a beginner's camera, unless that person wishes to learn about the fine points of photography. Back when Canon produced the G2, it (and others like it) sat in a unique place as DSLRs were crazy expensive, but the world has changed. A DSLR is quite simply a better deal and can be had for about the same money as the G9, but the price you pay is bulk. This is an advanced piece and it fills some very specific purposes, but it is not for everyone. I get the impression from many that
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This is the best compact digital camera that I've ever used. I carefully compared this with images from my 8MP DSLR, and confirmed that the G9 produces images with significantly greater resolution. 12MP really means 12MP. I was quite shocked. My last compact digital camera had a noticeably softer lens than the DSLR. I can now leave the DSLR home with no regrets that I'm giving anything up.
Like all compact digital cameras, at higher ISOs it doesn't match DSLR performance, you need to use this camera at low ISOs.
The "image stabilization" really works. I have been able to get sharp photos at full telephoto at 1/8 sec while handholding the camera. (Of course you must concentrate carefully for that to work.)
This camera is bigger and chunkier than the typical compact camera. This is because it has a larger sensor (1/1.7" while most compact cameras have smaller 1/2.33" or 1/2.5" sensors) and a 6X lens. It's worth the extra size and weight if you are serious about image quality. It fits fine
Like all compact digital cameras, at higher ISOs it doesn't match DSLR performance, you need to use this camera at low ISOs.
The "image stabilization" really works. I have been able to get sharp photos at full telephoto at 1/8 sec while handholding the camera. (Of course you must concentrate carefully for that to work.)
This camera is bigger and chunkier than the typical compact camera. This is because it has a larger sensor (1/1.7" while most compact cameras have smaller 1/2.33" or 1/2.5" sensors) and a 6X lens. It's worth the extra size and weight if you are serious about image quality. It fits fine
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Background - I used to own a 7.1 mega pixel Sony Point & Shoot for around an year, back in India. When I came to US i decided to buy a new camera. I wanted a high end Point & Shoot, as they are easy to carry and I thought SLRs would be tough to use. I had multiple choices at hand Sony T200, Canon 850, Canon Powershot S3 or Canon G9. Well I read a lot of reviews, went and checked out all these cameras at B&H Photo Video and finally i decided to buy G9. It was a little pricy when compared to all the other choices I had, but it offered tons of other features which none of them had.
Usage - I have been using G9 for over 3 months now and believe me its worth every bit of money and more. First of all the colors that I get from Canon G9, i could not get such beautiful colors from my Sony Camera. The features provided by G9 gave a lot of control and creativity to my pictures. I always shoot my pictures in the Manual Mode now, and G9 makes it so easy to use. The wheel at the back controls a lot
Usage - I have been using G9 for over 3 months now and believe me its worth every bit of money and more. First of all the colors that I get from Canon G9, i could not get such beautiful colors from my Sony Camera. The features provided by G9 gave a lot of control and creativity to my pictures. I always shoot my pictures in the Manual Mode now, and G9 makes it so easy to use. The wheel at the back controls a lot
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