The first thing I noticed when I held the Canon PowerShot G9 was how compact it truly was. I hadn't owned a "G" series camera since the G2, and my, how things have changed.
I was drawn back to Canon's top of the line compact series for a few reasons. First, the G9 supports Raw (.CR2) format. This is a deal breaker for me. No Raw, no dice. In my opinion, every shot I take has potential to end up in a magazine or book, and I have to be able to squeeze every ounce of quality from the image. So even my point and shoot needs to support Raw. The G9 wisely does so.
Next, I very much like the control layout of the G9. The mode dial is on the top right and has all the usual options (P, AV, M, etc.), plus C1, and C2. These are custom configurations that I can set, and they are a godsend. I have C1 set to Raw+Jpeg and C2 set to 16:9 Jpeg. I can switch entire configurations with just a twist of the dial. Wonderful.
On the left top is the ISO dial, that's right, you get a knobby wheel for your ISO, and in the middle is a hotshoe with dedicated contacts. As the saying goes, you had me at C1. This is an amazing top deck.
Best of Current Technology
Inside the camera there is Face Technology, Optical Image Stabilization, FlexiZone AF focusing, customizable self-timer, and independent audio recording saving to .wav format. It's true, you can use the built-in sound recorder to capture at 44.100 kHz, 22.050 kHz, or 11.025 kHz. Quality is still limited by the microphone positioned on top of the camera, but this is a very handy addition to the camera that I've already used a number of times.
And just a note about Face Technology, it really works. It's perfect for a compact camera that's often used for candids. Just compose the scene, and the technology finds the faces in it, sets the focus, and even adjusts the exposure, including flash. You have to try it to believe how well it works. I'm missing fewer shots as a result of this technology.
On the Back
On the back of the G9, you have an amazing LCD screen. At first I was disappointed that it didn't swivel like the one on my G2. But I discovered that it doesn't have to. You can hold it over your head or beneath your knees, and still see the picture. This is a serious LCD. Plus, it's a gigantic 3" in size. I added a transparent protection sheet to mine because it's so big I have a hard time not brushing it up against the abrasive world.
Another notable feature on the back is the silver "image review" button positioned at the top right of the LCD. Any time you want to peek at the pictures on your memory card, just push the button. It doesn't matter if the camera is powered up or not, the review button works. This is a great convenience that I wish all cameras had.
And What About Those Pictures?
If you have the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom, you can process Canon's G9 .CR2 Raw files. My guess is that Apple will follow with support for Aperture, iPhoto, and Preview soon. Below is a full frame image shot at ISO 100 in Raw, and then a 100 percent detail section from that image so you can examine noise and sharpness.
The first thing you'll notice is that image noise is more apparent at ISO 100 that you're used to seeing from DSLR images. My feeling is that the 12 megapixel sensor that is smaller (1/1.7) than an APS sensor (found on Digital Rebels, 40Ds, etc.) is responsible for the noise (along with the accompanying electronics). At ISO 400, the noise increases more, and at 800 and 1600 it's too obtrusive for my tastes. Prints made from files captured between 80 and 400 look terrific. Detail, color balance, and dynamic range are excellent.
I would have preferred less resolution, maybe 8 megapixels or 10, as a tradeoff for less noise, if that equation even applies. Either way, as long as I keep the ISO at 400 or less, I've been happy with the prints. Beyond 400, you're taking your chances.
Final Thoughts
Each day I use the PowerShot G9, I like it more. I wish it had better noise control and 16:9 movies at high definition. But that's about it for the wish list. This camera is a joy to shoot with, is very customizable, renders both good movies and stills, and is beautiful to look at.
The PowerShot G9 is not a substitute for a DSLR. But, in my opinion, it is a capable complement. When I walk out the door with the G9 in my pocket, I feel prepared to capture what the world throws my way.
The PowerShot G9 is available for $476 US. And don't forget to spring for the LA-DC58H adapter that allows you to add conversion lenses and 58mm filters. It's only another $22. If you want more detail about the camera itself, here are the full specifications.
Technorati Tags: digital photography, product review, The Digital Story
What about a real wide angle (28 mm equivalent). Isn't the 35 mm equivalent a bit narrow?
Yes, please, a wide lens! I'm on my third C5060 and am still waiting for a wide lens with proper controls (Av and Tv are non-negotiable)... :-(
Yes, the 35mm is narrow, but you can use the wide angle lens with the adapter. I tried using my older wide angle lens for the PowerShot G2, and it really made a positive difference. That lens isn't perfectly fitted for the G9, so there was a bit of vignetting in two of the corners. I got around it by switching to 16:9 :)
I guess I could buy the new wide angle that is fitted for the G9, but I think this set up will work fine most of the time, and I get to repurpose a lens that had been buried in my old camera bin...
If I have to start carrying around lens adapters for my regular shooting, then I may as well start carrying around an SLR. :-(
This is more of a general question, but for shots that you take where you have face recognition turned on, does the G9 (or any camera you know of) write the locations of those found-faces rectangles to the EXIF data?
As a street shooter, shutter lag is the key variable for me. How is the shutter lag on the G9?
Thanks for an informative review.
As for shutter lag, I think the G9 performs well for a compact. Start up time is very fast, as well as the time between shutter tip and capture. I would recommend that you try it before buying though. Everyone's expectations are a little different in this area.
As for EXIF data on Face Detection, I don't know of anything special being captured here...
First the camera takes excellent photos. But there are several things I don't like about it. Canon has made the camera too small. There is almost no way to hold onto the G9 without inadvertently hitting some button or dial. The G2 - G6 models had a more ergonomically designed body that felt comfortable in your hand, the G9 does NOT. Also I disagree with Derrik's assessment of the LCD screen. Although the screen quality is gorgeous, it's not as functional as the swivel screens on the G2 - G6 models. It doesn't matter that the viewing angle is better than previous models - it's impossible to see what's on ANY screen when viewing it a 0 or 180 degree angle. So trying to take a picture at a parade for example with the camera directly over your head is no longer possible. There are a dozen examples I could cite where the swivel screen allowed me to take photos where this fixed screen will not. Also the swivel screen allowed you to see the screen from in FRONT of the camera which was great for taking pictures with the self-timer or a photo of you and a friend at arms length. I love Canon, all 12 cameras I've owned have been Canons. Any cameras I'll buy in the future will be Canons. But the G9 could benefit from the swivel screen and better ergonomics.
Pluses: IS, RAW, lens quality, size, size of monitor, recycle speed, cost/value.
Minus: Significant parallax shift when using optical finder.
Just used the G9 on a two week trip. Felt good not carrying the 20D and three lenses.
G9 drawbacks are:
screen is fine until the sun shines on it. (Sony T-50 screen does not fade out); switching to the optical finder is an option but there is a lot of error in the coverage.
Neat plus: with 12.1 mp, using the digital zoom gets usable shots in a pinch. Just be sure to use the screen and not the optical finder.
Disappointed that they changed the RAW format so using the latest editions of Aperture; iPhoto and Preview (Apple Macs) will not work. The Canon RAW files made using a Canon 20D and Rebel XT can be opened in those Apple programs. Does anyone know if and when Apple will update to accomodate the G9 RAW format?
Just used the G9 on a two week trip. Felt good not carrying the 20D and three lenses.
G9 drawbacks are:
screen is fine until the sun shines on it. (Sony T-50 screen does not fade out); switching to the optical finder is an option but there is a lot of error in the coverage.
Neat plus: with 12.1 mp, using the digital zoom gets usable shots in a pinch. Just be sure to use the screen and not the optical finder.
Disappointed that they changed the RAW format so using the latest editions of Aperture; iPhoto and Preview (Apple Macs) will not work. The Canon RAW files made using a Canon 20D and Rebel XT can be opened in those Apple programs. Does anyone know if and when Apple will update to accomodate the G9 RAW format?
Just used the G9 on a two week trip. Felt good not carrying the 20D and three lenses.
G9 drawbacks are:
screen is fine until the sun shines on it. (Sony T-50 screen does not fade out); switching to the optical finder is an option but there is a lot of error in the coverage.
Neat plus: with 12.1 mp, using the digital zoom gets usable shots in a pinch. Just be sure to use the screen and not the optical finder.
Disappointed that they changed the RAW format so using the latest editions of Aperture; iPhoto and Preview (Apple Macs) will not work. The Canon RAW files made using a Canon 20D and Rebel XT can be opened in those Apple programs. Does anyone know if and when Apple will update to accomodate the G9 RAW format?
I wisely waited until i completed the necessary add ons to make this camera useable. i ordered the lensmate glue on grip and thumb rest.they seemed overpriced but they are well made and worth the money. those two items made it easy to hold but still not maneuverable. i wandered into an old fashioned camera shop in portland in search of a retro screw on side /flash holder and found it. my standard side grips dwarf the camera and make it look like a cigarette lighter. the old fashioned one, has a bright stainless screw plate,, a fake plastic wood handle and a god awful plastic wrist strap...but..it folds and it works perfectly. i can drop the camera into my brief case and the attached grip makes it snap to pull out for use. That was worth the $7.00. Now it is easy to hold the camera out in front of me; the neck strap makes a good steadying/restraint system. of course i am still mad that i have to add the large wide angle lens just to make it do what the new nikon p6000 says it can do. But what completely sold me is what it does with faces when shot close using its flash...amazing..it actually seemed to add color to the face and hair!! drop me an e-mail if you want a picture of what the side grip looks like.
iPhoto '09 now allows you to import .cr2
all the updates in the world did not
I went to a camera shop to buy a wide , macro,and telephoto lens for my G9, the sales man who sounded like he knew what he was talking about told me that they would not make any difference and talked me out of buying the lenses. He said that the G9 takes great pix the way it is, I agree with him, but still wondering if the extra lenses will make a difference.
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I just used the sound recorder and now cannot get it into my computer. i move, i photo, and final cut pro 5 don't work.
any suggestions to get the sound off my camera and into my mac g5?
Do I need a card reader?
thanks!