Digital Photo Revolution - The Canon Powershot G9 Camera

The Canon Powershot G9 Digital Photo camera is a top of the range bridge camera, so common sense dictates the quality is very good. The body is metal and feels solid and chunky. The Canon PowerShot G9 is appreciated by many of its users for being different from the other compacts, in other words, its features of manual controls are sensibly implemented and best of all it is unrestricted. The Canon PowerShot G9 also has a bigger 3-inch LCD with a smaller optical viewfinder and more resolution is available from the 12.1 megapixels, features that were missing from the previous versions. On the other side, Canon Powershot G9 is based on the previous G7 model: slightly higher resolution (12.1 megapixels vs 10 megapixels) and a larger, 3.0-inch LCD screen. Also, the G9’s viewfinder, although similar in appearance with the one of G7, is small and rather cramped.

In image quality and functionality, the Canon G9 stands above the competition with 12.1 megapixels of resolution , a 6x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer , and RAW mode for the ultimate in creative control. Sophisticated design and high-quality construction complement the technology and make the G9 a camera to be reckoned with. Many G7 owners claimed to appreciate its optical viewfinder, a feature that the G9 also sports. Frankly I don't find it useful at all particularly with that gorgeous new LCD screen, but I'm glad that it's there. The extended zoom range of the PowerShot G9 camera makes optical image stabilization (OIS) essential. Canon's lens shift OIS provides an effective antidote to camera shake, particularly at longer zoom lengths or during long exposures when even the slightest hand-held shake is magnified to picture-blurring proportions.

When shooting in continuous mode, the LCD briefly displays the last image captured; using the optical viewfinder during burst capture is preferred. All of our tests were done using an ATP Pro Max (Super high-speed) 2GB SD card, Program AE mode, Large SuperFine quality, preview On, flash off, LCD on, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc. Controls cover the areas of the top and back of the camera not covered by the LCD or the optical viewfinder, leaving just enough space for a decent handhold. It's still true that those with large hands may find it difficult to firmly grip the G9 without accidentally covering one button or another. In movie mode, the focus and optical zoom position are locked at the values set for the first frame of the sequence but exposure and white balance values will change to suit varying shooting conditions. Touching any of the control buttons may cause the built-in microphone to pick up the sound.

18.7.08 18:10