Canon Powershot G9 Mini Review
Photo (taken with Canon G9) and Article by Scott Bourne
I’ve bought more cameras in my lifetime than almost anyone I know. I’ve enjoyed using most of them. But several of the cameras I’ve used are special. I call them my “camera loves.”
I’ve had several camera loves. My first Olympus 35mm body, my Nikon N1, my Hassey Xpan…
Add to that list one more – my Canon Powershot G9.
This is simply a remarkable camera. The Canon Powershot G9 is one of Canon’s flagship point & shoot digital cameras. It’s elegant, relatively compact, and completely self-contained. More importantly, it produces professional caliber images.
I won’t go into a detailed list of the camera’s features. There are plenty of websites that provide that information. I’ll summarize for those who are not familiar with the G9.
If offers (up to) 12 megapixel resolution, the beautiful Canon DIGIC III processor, a very bright 3.0 inch LCD screen (and an optical viewfinder – YEA!), an excellent 6X optical zoom, optical image stabilization, Face Detection AF, a dedicated hot shoe for Canon Speedlites, and superb ergonomics.
Oh yeah – did I mention it shoots in RAW format! Yes it does. Few of the compacts offer this feature and it’s been a deal-breaker for me on many occasions. But the G9 delivers great RAW images, full of detail so no worries there.
It has a few old-fashioned dials that make using the camera a breeze. (NOTE: I hate nested menus!) It also feels good in my hands. Some of the compacts are TOO compact. This one has enough heft to it that I don’t worry about dropping it.
Where the rubber meets the road is the camera’s ability to produce images. And here, the Canon G9 excels.
Every image I’ve shot so far has good color, contrast and tone. The autofocus works very well. The lens is sharp and produces very sharp results. While the images won’t stand up to comparrison with those from my Canon 40D, they are still very good.
Up to ISO 400, the G9 provides virtually noiseless images. Above 400, the images are acceptable – especially given the ability to post-process them using any number of very reliable noise-reduction software programs.
In all but very low – light situations – the Canon G9 will offer an acceptable image when compared with most low-end DSLRs. The small sensor size dictated by the camera’s form-factor is the only limitation here, and Canon’s engineers have done a good job of working around that with the addition of the excellent Digic III processor.
At under $500, this is the compact to own. Spend much more and you might as well get a DSLR. Spend less and you’ll miss some of the high-end features of the G9.
What do you think? If you actually own or use a G9, leave your comments.
See additional photos on Flickr tagged TWIPG9.
Comments are closed.
I picked up a G9 a couple of days ago after hearing a bunch of good things about (mostly from the gang at TWIP) and I have to say that I love it. In fact I’ll probably end up using it more often than my DSLR. It takes great photos in almost all conditions. The only possible weakness I have found would be slightly noisier than expected images at ISO 400. Anything above that it gets tougher but it can usually be cleaned up.
Overall, I love this camera.
Great review, Scott. I have the G9 and a Nikon D80. Because of the G9′s easy manual controls and lack of nested menus, I have begun to understand the benefits of using manual on my D80 and now use manual almost exclusively. It’s one thing knowing the theory behind manual shooting and another to be able to do it.
I purchased my G9 because of you Scott!
Because of the readily accessible and versatile manual control features of this camera, I think it is a great “transition camera” that can encourage p&S users to jump into the waters of DSLR. It has for me.
Hi Scott! Thanks for your review. Me too, I bought a G9 a couple of days ago and I am also an owner of 40D. Yes, G9 can not reach the quality of 40D images, but I also think that it is an excellent every-day, always-with-you camera.
You wrote that up to ISO 400 it produces virtually noiseless images. Does your really do? Here I would have to disagree. Yes, the images are really very clean (considering the fact that it is a compact camera), but, to be honest, I can see some noise already at ISO 80.
I wonder what are the impression of other TWIP listeners.
Best greetings to all you!!!
Thanks Tomasz – I probably very inarticulately made my point – I mean to say UP TO 400 it’s virtually noiseless COMPARED with other compact digital cameras.
And if you’re the kind of person who spends a bunch of time looking for noise in a picture – you’ll always find it – un ANY camera.
I stand by my claim that it’s acceptable even at 400. Thanks for forcing me to say it more clearly.
Hi Scott,
Nice mini review. I have been eyeing this camera for a while. I have a D200 and bag of lenses and am looking for a all the time in your pocket RAW shooter. There are very few options out there. I also considered the Ricoh GR Digital II and the new Sigma with the FOVEN looks interesting.
My question… The G9 vs. the GR II, whos the winner? And how about when the sigma comes out? All this considering that besides your everyday pictures I LOVE low light shooting and wide angle. I have read many reviews on both the Canon and the Ricoh but STILL cannot make up my mind.
Your input and also all the other TWIP folks input would be greatly valued. I’m sure there are many out there with my same question. Maybe consider a head to head compact RAW shooters mini review.
Thanks,
Gonzalo
The new Sigma DP1 does look like a contender.
Why hasn’t Nikon produced a top-draw P&S with RAW support?
(I use a Nikon D80 and a 5MP Pentax P&S)
Yeah, but the DP1 is $800. with that kind of money you can buy a D-SLR. Although, it does have 14 fun-filled MP’s.
I was a wedding/corporate photographer for 15 years, but as usual, when your passion becomes your work, it becomes work and the last thing I wanted to do on a day off, was pick up a camera.
Well, it’s been 5 years since I changed direction and sold off all my gear, that I now find myself again drawn to photography. But this time it will be for fun and enjoyment. The problem is, after my wife watched me sell off thousands of dollars of equipment for cheap, purchasing a full set of equipment again was out of the budgetary question. So, just recently, I bought a Canon A640 so I could dip my toe in again. I was very happy with it although it had some limitations and my shots just never seemed to pop. But, after hearing Scott and Alex gush about the G9, I thought I’d look into it.
We’ll, I just got one, and after just 30 minutes of getting acquainted and only a couple of shots, I have found the tool I’ve been looking for.
Thanks guys for the new podcast and the great info!
Oh, and my my wife has a like new A640 Canon for herself. She says “Thanks!” as well.
The Sigma DP1 does look nice but at that price, you are better off with a D-SLR. Aaron, Nikon doesn’t have a RAW based P&S yet, but the COOLPIX S7c at 7.1MP is pretty nice and so compact (even though its JPG). And includes WiFi with VR and ISO of 1600. I use that for my shirt pocket camera. When it comes to real shots though, I use my Nikon D300, D200, or even D100…
Great show Scott and Alex!
I bought the G9 for my wife for Christmas. Alex mentioned it in TWIT or MBW and after doing some research, I figured it was the camera for us. We do not have a dSLR however we had a Nikon F4 film kit in the house for four years; a wonderful camera BUT with two kids, their stuff and not enough time, I was looking to simplify.
I’ve been loving the G9. The camera, the charger and the spare battery are the heart of simplicity. Decent images, great controls and my wife is developing an interest in photography that goes beyond p&s. Thanks Alex for the initial inspiration and thanks Scott for the review.
I bought the G9 just about a month ago, and it is by far the most amazing camera I have ever held. I used to love the Canon AE-1 (that used film, folks) that my uncle gave me about a decade ago (it was the camera that turned him into the awesome photographer he is today).
I went digital in 2003, with a little Kodak camera, which was a 2 MP, I think. Shortly thereafter I went to a 3 MP HP camera, and I am glad they got out of the camera business. That thing was horrible. In 2005 I went to a 5 MP Canon SD400 ELPH, which served me very well until I got the G9.
As an extremely novice photographer, I love the flexibility of the G9. It has lots of growing room, which is something I was craving in the past 6 months with the ELPH. I want to expand my horizons. I figure in a couple years, I’ll probably want a DSLR.
I’m rambling. All in all, I am pleased with the shots I have been getting. Thanks, Scott and Alex, for doing TWIP, I enjoy it very much. However, the video you seeded into the iTunes feed the other day wouldn’t load onto my iPod touch. Just a heads up.
Darn you Twip, I heard the podcast about this and HAD to order one! I used to own a Canon G5 which was OK but frustrating, so I moved to a 300D DSLR which I still love. This will be perfect for trips though where taking my tiny Ixus just doesn’t feel enough.
I will report back soon once it arrives. Listening to this podcast could seriously damage my bank acccount. :)
P.S. I’m sure none of us would begrudge you a few Amazon affiliate links on posts like this.
What other compact cameras support RAW? I haven’t been able to find this information on the web.
Ok Have to say you guys are great.. listen to the pod cast all the time! Love you guys on TWIT as well. I went out and bought this camera solely based on your podcast and then a week or so of reading online various reviews… this is a great camera. Its perfect for me! Love the controls and the images I have been able to take so far. My only concern is going above 400 asa…. I can see a fair bit of noise. I am considering getting noise ninja but am completely confused by their web site..not sure if I want the stand alone or the CS3 plug in…. Not sure how easy it is to add the plug in to CS3 as the instructions are confusing… can you guys help in this area… I think this program will be helpfull but need to understand it more before purchasing.
I agree with Ben!
I have one in the queue at Amazon because of you guys, but I’m happy about that.
I’m not quite ready for a DSLR or the bulk of them, and I see this a perfect solution. Anyone want to buy a S3 IS cheap? :)
Thanks for such a great new site/podcast. The tips are wonderful.
Just FYI…the G9 is on sale @ Circuit City (at least in the Washington DC area) this weekend for $439.99. The ability to buy locally with instant gratification may be just what I needed to pull the trigger.
If I was going to buy a point and shoot, to complement my Nikon D40, the Canon G9 would really be it. It looks like a fantastic camera, and built like a tank. Nikon really has some catching up to do with the high end of their Coolpix line. I can’t believe that the P5100 can’t shoot RAW. They really need their top 1-2 P&S’s to be RAW capable.
Ha – I bought a G9 too on Thursday lol
Man, Canon sure do owe you guys, look at how many people bought one just on hearing your podcast.
Oh, and it looks like I’m going to have to buy a bigger SD card too, that 12MP RAW option sure does eat the memory up :)
I am liking my G9 more and more – I have posted some impressions and two photographs over here.
The G9 is a sweet camera, and the low ISO RAW files are remarkable. Three negative aspects about this camera are the following: 1) Even with manual exposure and manual focus, there is a noticeable shutter lag (not LCD lag). This type of lag is virtually absent from a number of other cameras such as the Panasonic LX2/Leica D-LUX 3 and Ricoh GX100 and makes the G9 an awkward choice for “decisive moment” photography. 2) The G9 is rather large compared with other compacts. Many times in the podcast, Alex refers to the G9 as a pants pocket camera, but I would never feel comfortable with the G9 in my pants pockets. 3) There is quite a bit of barrel distortion at 35mm (equivalent) FOV. This is easily addressed in post processing, but I was personally irked by it. If any of those three issues are dealbreaking, then there may be better compact options, which of course come with their own compromises. I personally have my pre-order placed for the Sigma DP1. -Amin Sabet (http://www.aminfoto.com)
Amin I didn’t experience the shuter lag you speak of. And the large size of the G9 is exactly WHY I like it. It’s easier to hold and feels a great deal more solid than some of the smaller cameras. I disagree with your opinion that there is “quite a bit” of barrel distortion. There is SOME – which is to be expected in a camera of this price, but certainly no more than in other similarly priced cameras.
The Sigma looks like a potential hit. But it’s price point takes it out of consideration for many. And we’ve yet to see if the camera delivers on its promise.
Hi Scott, love the podcast so far! I too find the G9 comfortable in the hand and shouldn’t have stated it as a negative per se. It fits my hand just like my trusty OM-2N. However, it isn’t exactly in the same size class which most folks consider “go anywhere.” The shutter lag issue I noticed has also been pointed out in a couple of reviews, including Sean Reid’s (www.ReidReviews.com) and Nick Devlin’s report on The Luminous Landscape. It isn’t like the lag on the compact digicams of old, but the G9 just isn’t class leading in this respect. I suppose I overstated the barrel distortion. Almost all of the cameras have as much, though a couple do not (eg Ricoh GR Digital II). One of the reasons I sold the Canon 24-105L is that the barrel distortion on that lens bugged me, and of course that lens alone costs well over an Alex.
The Sigma, as you say, is costly and unproven. Also, as you probably know, although the sensor has 14MP, the output size is just 4.65MP due to the way the sensor pixels are layered. I have my doubts as to whether the DP1 files will truly capture greater detail than the G9, as the G9 pairs a very sharp lens to a heck of a sensor (not to mention the excellent DIGIC III for the JPEG shooters out there). However, the DP1 has the same sensor as the Sigma DP14 DSLR, and there is something special about the files from that camera. I’m intrigued enough to pick up the DP1 and plan to do a shootout with the it and a couple other cameras (probably one DSLR and one compact) on my blog once it arrives. I’m still trying to decide which cameras with which to compare the DP1 in the shootout. The G9 is a likely candidate.
Thanks again for the great show. Each episode has been excellent. All the best, Amin
More often I’ve been using my pocket camera as a video camera, to pull stills out later, especially in low light fast moving situations, and also just plain video. With videographer Alex carrying one of these around is there any feedback on the video performance of this puppy?
I am a basic point and shoot camera user. I use a canon ixus 75, but I feel I have outgrown it. I like taking photo’s and tend to like the look of those I take. I have been considering buying a DSLR, particularly since I am planning a trip to Vietnam, China and Japan soon. I would like to come back with some good photo’s rather than ‘holiday snaps’. In essence I would hope to take some good landscape pictures and would love to capture the vibrancy of colour that I will no doubt encounter on my trip.On the other hand a DSLR may be overkill for me as I have limited technical knowledge about taking photo’s (I do know what focal lengths, aperture settings, ISO and the like mean).
Is the G9 something I might perhaps be more suited for?
I bought a Canon G9 today after listening to TWIP. I’m a rubbish photographer who has used totally automatic point-and-shoots for a few years and want to start pushing the boundaries! I can’t wait to use it.
I’m choosing not to buy a G9 based on two things. First is the lack of auto bracketing which is a feature found in many other higher-end P&S cameras. The second is the weight. I take a lot of outdoor shots while hiking and the camera is usually out in front of me and weight is a big deal. The auto bracketing is important to allow quick shots without holding up the group I’m climbing or hiking with. Granted, my goals are to document hiking trips, not to take the best photos possible.
No question the image quality is outstanding. I bought it to actually do “work”, as I am forced the limit the weight of my gear, due to a bad back from 40 years of shooting. I limit the ASA to 200 (ISO is for techies) for shots I plan to sell. For personal shots, I don’t mind AUTO or HI. The biggest limitation was the wide angle, so I bought a japanese 0.7 conversion lens (The Canon product was out of stock). You still need the $29 Canon lens adapter. It works very well, and is very sharp and I get close to a 24mm view. The shooting lag bugs me a bit, as I use AF continuous and Raw. The decisive moment is tricky. (Still, the first powershot one cost over $1100 , shot 2.1 megapixel and had a full one-second delay!) Overall, it works just fine.
I bought one today for $335. Returning my tiny Lumix DMC-FX100 – the thing is just too small for my huge hands. Notable also for the fact that it too has a live histogram. I guess I’m too reluctant to change from Canon. Just as I was too reluctant to switch from Nikon years ago.
I don’t think I need to buy a DSLR after all. This even has a telephoto lens!
If there were three things I could improve on the G9 they would be:
1. Use AA batteries rather than a specialised battery.. AA are available anywhere..
2. Improve the noise at ISO 400 and above. As commented by quite a few already
3. Wider angle lens without using an adaptor lens… 24mm would be nice…
May be we might see these on the G11?
Great show guys keep up the excellent work
Should I buy the Canon G9 or an entry-level DSLR like the Nikon D40?
I am considering replacing my Canon S3-IS with either of the cameras above. I want to learn to shoot and process photos in RAW and I’ve just never been satisfied with the shots I’ve taken with the S3. Now I know that a real photographer like you guys could get a great photo from any of these cameras (including the S3) . But I am wondering what you would recommend for a novice photobug like me? I would really appreciate any guidance. Thanks for a great podcast, I listed regularly.
Most of the vendors offer the Canon G9 for about 450 – 500 dollars. However a few Web sites offer it for the low $300s. Can anyone comment on those very low priced vendors? Have any of you had good luck with these extra low priced sites?
Thanks.
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
If they are shipping direct from HK – then the price is right. Why do people like to incorporate their businesses in HK and then run shell companies across asia? HK has no business or personal income tax. That makes a huge difference in pricing!
I picked up and held a Nikkor 12-24 DX in my hands for 640 USD. Worked great… but was not the time for me….
Just purchased a G9 to back up and supplement a 30D after hearing the comments on the show, and perusing the usual research venues . Also was looking for a camera to take on numerous flying trips to shoot from the air from time to time, as well as terrestrial use when relegated to “earthling mode”. A DSLR just takes up too much room and weight given the hassles of both clearing security at the airport, or ensuring security of the camera itself while in hotel rooms. The G9 will be with me all the time.
Like many, I started my digital experience with a P&S (Canon G1), but missed the intimacy of a through the lens view, instant shutter response and so on in an SLR. Once I sprung for a 30D, I gave all of my P&S cameras away, thinking I’d never go back. Then you guys had to go and rave about the G9 on the show.
Must admit, the initial shots with the G9 are quite amazing, up to and including ISO 800. Love the build quality, the image quality, the viewfinder (the fact that is is available, not that it is anything but “functional”), the easy to access ISO control, the real time histogram, and the ability to shoot in RAW.
For Kevin W- the G9 would be a nice way to break into RAW. The only problem, is once you try RAW, you will be hooked, making Hard Drive manufacturers happy. At the price point you are looking at, it is difficult to see how you would be disappointed. I had a Canon S2 IS, and the G9 is a far more useful and interesting platform, especially in low(er) light environments. It also gives excellent feed back to the photographer with easy to read display information and a real time histogram, which is useful as you make changes with the easy to access controls.
Wish you all luck with your decision, but my G9 is about to start a journey with me all over the world while the 30D stays at home for sports photography.
Oh, one more thing. I ordered Richard Franiec’s grip and button from the Lensmate website (slightly difficult to find, click on “order” first, then look under G7/G9 for the Franiec gizmos). This gives the shooter a little more purchase area to get a confident hold on grip on the right side of the camera. It seems well engineered and looks good on the camera as well. No relationship at all with the guy, just stumbled upon it when looking at reviews.
Best,
Jay
I’ve ogt one, no comparison to my Dslr’s, but love the ability to lock in the hyperfocal settings so they come up on power-up… makes it a great little unit for “street” photography.
I want the G9, especially after catching this mini-Review (thank you Scott!) and all the comments made so far seem to really reinforce my G9 wants. I had a G1, picked it up about a year after it was on the market, but never really progressed my photo skills. The killer feature on that camera for me was the flip screen… large for it’s day. Scott, you mention in your EDFAT acronym the ‘A’ is for ANGLE… and the only thing holding me back on the G9 is the lack of the flip out multi-ANGLE screen. It just makes it so easy to get extremely low for the up angle, and easier than that to magically ‘tower’ over and clear obstacles to capture a subject when you can’t physically get past the obstacles.
So, I’ll probably wait to hear of a G10 or G11 (not sure how they’re naming them)… to see if they let the design revisit some past features that people have been wishing for. It seems like if you read into comments on various sites talking about the G9… inevitably people want features that have dropped from past generations of the G series. My want is that flip screen.
Also, of note in the comments on this site… someone mentioned that the G9 didn’t support auto-bracketing and for that reason (and one other), they weren’t buying it. The G1 had it… and according to this flicker group link, it does have it in a limited way. The discussion in this group is regarding HDR… to which auto-bracketing seems to be THE feature to have to execute that style of image composition: http://www.flickr.com/groups/hdr/discuss/72157602285120785/
So, anyone have a good link for info on the next in the G-series? I’ll probably go for the G9, but would like to avoid kicking myself if the next one should come out with a flip screen…
Scott, Alex… I really enjoy your podcasts, thank you!
Troy
I scott new to camaras bought g9 10.10.08 interesting views but what does noiseless mean