Canon G9 - anyone have one? What do you think?

[got2lb]

I've been looking at getting a new camera and would really like to get a nice one that will last me a long time. I've really debated between the DSLR's and the Prosumer line of cameras. At this time I don't think I want the hassle with all the extra lenses and everything that comes along with the DSLR's.

Just curious if anyone has one and what they think of it? Or if you think that there's something comparable I'd love to hear that as well.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[gregr]

Tagging along on this thread because I'm thinking of getting one myself. I've had a G2 since it first came out- great camera but it's time for a new point and shoot. I'm going to a camera store soon to play with one- will let you know what I think. There's a full review of the camera here.

 

[got2lb]

Yep already read that!

This will basically be an all around point and shoot camera. Basically for kids school programs, xmas, birthdays, etc...

I was going to buy a G7 when they came out but it didn't have the raw format on it and I'm glad t see that they implemented that back into the G9!

 

[gregr]

The G7 was a real flop. One of the biggest things I liked about the G2 was the flip/twist lcd and it looks like the G9 doesn't have that

 

[got2lb]

The one thing I do wish the G9 had was a longer optical zoom like the S5 IS does. That would come in handy when the kids are clear across the field during a football game or something.

 

[superjohnny]

My mom has a Canon pro-sumer camera and I used to have a G3 and they were fine for taking outdoor shots of still subjects, but I never really consistently got great photo's using mine and I hear my mom complain hers all the time. The best thing I ever did in photography was take the jump to DSLR. I use a Nikon D50 and it is just so much nicer because of its flexibility with lenses and lack of shutter lag. Look at the Nikon D40 or Canon XTi with their 18-55mm kit lens. The kit lenses that come with these are reasonable and easy to upgrade. That said, most of my best shots are with a $100 50mm prime lens (prime = no zoom). It's super fast and tack sharp. DSLR's are the only way to go. They will take you much further than a pro-sumer.

 

[got2lb]

The money really isn't the issue. I can get the Canon XT rebel with the 18-55 lense for roughly the same price as the G9. I like the fact that the G9 is pocketable (not sure if that's a word ) I tend to grab the camera more when I can just throw it in a pocket instead of having to carry a bag or something around.

Do you happen to know what camera she has?

 

[got2lb]

Hey gregr found this while doing some reading up on the topic. Thought you might find it interesting. I don't really know what all the numbers and all that stuff mean but I'm sure you do.

http://www.thecleverest.com/blog/281

 

[Echidna09]

I'm looking for a camera for my tank as well. The G9 is the one that looks the best for me so far. I would be using it primarily for my tank shots, and it seems to have a good macro mode. It does kinda suck though that it doesn't blur the background very well though. It has an aquarium feature...

Edit: Here's a page that may be useful: http://mycanong9.com/483501.html . I think those were taken with the G7, which is fairly identical to the G9, except the G9 has a higher resolution and a better image processor than the G7. Those were taken underwater, but I doubt it would be much different than taking shots in our tanks. I haven't had much time to browse the site, but it looks like it would be helpful in deciding whether to get one or not as well.

 

[MikePowell]

I haev just recently purchased this camera and LOVE it. It rocks! got2lb - They have extra add on lenses to increase the zoom on the camera. You can also add on filters with a kit. for the money this camera was a great purchase. Plus my wife likes the camera and the camera is soooooooooo user freindly.

superjohnny - The thing with DSLR is the cost for most ppl. That is why I went with the G9. Also I take my camera everywhere and it is much easier to take the G9 than an DSLR. I still use a regular film SLR for the pictures i want with supreme quality. IMO nothing beats film.

 

[Belafonte]

I've had the G9 for a month now and I really love it, I use it more than my D-SLR now because of it's portability. Image file size is huge at 12 MP you get a lot of pixels to play with. Recently I took this camera along with the underwater housing canon makes for it and it does great. You can program 2 custom functions for underwater photography, one for open water settings and one for macro settings so all you need to do is turn the control dial and things are ready. Taking the camera in the waves to photograph some body surfing took some getting used to, due to the slight delay in the shutter, but it still is the the shortest for PS cameras. Sitting on the beach and using the digital zoom to catch surfers did well too, pixilation is just noticeable.

This little camera is for any photographer that likes to have a useful camera wherever they are. 1600 ISO and 3200 program mode allows for taking photos in any lighting situation. At the higher pixel count the pixels look more like film grain at higher ISO. RAW image files are huge and you can make custom adjustments to your images easily. 2 custom white balance settings make it convenient to do a white balance setting for your particular light for your tank and save that setting so you can always use it to see the progression of color intensity of corals as the grow over a length of time. Than use the other custom WB for other things.

Handling is a little bigger than most PS cameras, but it's just big enough to be considered a real camera, has a Leica feel to it. Solid camera my wife dropped it about four feet, and with a thud it landed on a corner. The corner was bent up a little, but not broken so I guess the magnesium body did it's job. It's just big enough to put an external flash on it. Bouncing the flash indoors yields excellent photos.

There are also nice auto features too, underwater, fish tank, 2 fluorescent light settings, sport mode, portrait, pet mode, haven't tried that but sounds interesting. So far I've used this camera for trips to the beach, a family funeral, a nephews birthday, shots of the aquarium and random photos around town. Just about the perfect point and shoot as you can get.

 

[gregr]

Welcome! And thanks for the detailed review- it's greatly appreciated.