Canon G9

[Alpha_7]

Hey All,

I'm just wondering if any of your have any experience with the G9, or maybe it's sibling G7? Katie's Canon IXUS is great for what it is, but I'm just playing with the idea of something in between the compact point and shoot and the DSLR (and not so big its DSLR-like but without the changable lenses). Just wondering if anyone's got what what they think about it ?

Thanks!

[radar]

Craig,

have a look at this review here:
http://www.naturephotographers.net/arti ... 207-1.html

From all I have read, it is meant to be a very nice camera.

HTH,

André

[DStrom]

I've heard lots of good things about the G9, one of the guys at work is getting one, I'll see if I can play with it if he brings it in.

Also the strobist guys seem to like it ...

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/12/spoy-2007-prize-1-canon-g9.html

[Alpha_7]

I didn't mention DH from strobist seems to love it, but that had been part of my consideration, as I have a lot of respect for his opinion.

[TonyT]

I was going to get the G7 but did't have raw. Next we go overseas i will get a G9 as a back up and one to carry around at night Carrying a D5 around in some cities at night is not a good thing

[Glen]

Craig, what about a D40X as a halfway camera? It is small and it fits your lenses.

[W00DY]

Hi Craig,

I have one... we also bought one when our IXUS died (read - wife dropped it).

The G9 is nice, very nice. In the right conditions it takes a great image (very sharp and the colour is spot on).

Here a link to a gallery with some images from it:

http://follanphotography.zenfolio.com/p488826101/

These were taken by my wife (who just leaves it all in auto) and have had no adjustments made, straight from the camera. As you can see we just use it to capture family moments when the S5 (or soon to be D300) is just too big to get out.

I don't think you will reject the purchase.

W00DY

[Alpha_7]

Haha, my wife dropped our first IXUS too (while intoxicated) but she got an "upgrade" to the next IXUS model up, apparently if I drop my D200 it will not magically become a D300.

(Glen - A D40 is also a possibility, but it still looks and is a DSLR, all bit it a very P&S styled one). I was thinking of something a little less obtrusive. and discrete.

[DionM]

The G-series have always been fantastic cameras, and with the reintroduction of RAW on the G9 there's not much left wanting.

I cut my teeth on digital photography on the G2 5+ years ago ($1200, in HK!) and it did everything I asked of it. It is far closer in functionality to an SLR than a typical PnS.

[Grev]

Since I work in a big and reputable camera store ( ), there are reported contrast problems with the screens on the G9, there was a colleague that only had it for one day and the screen was exhibiting problems, so beware of it.

But I have to say, it is very well built, responsive and uses a good battery (NB2LH I think).

[Onyx]

I remember during my travels in the USA, I was shooting for conman.tv around the sights of NYC and approached by street candid photog extrodinaire Johnny Mobasher (google him for his gallery), he was sporting a G9. His images are far and away above any street/candid photog I've seen in a long time.

[Andyt]

The G-series have always been fantastic cameras, and with the reintroduction of RAW on the G9 there's not much left wanting.

I cut my teeth on digital photography on the G2 5+ years ago ($1200, in HK!) and it did everything I asked of it. It is far closer in functionality to an SLR than a typical PnS.

Me too, only I paid $2400 inc' extended warranty, CF cards, case etc.
Ebayed it earlier this year for $400 (with all originals) and in return got a S/H G6. Happy with it as a general purpose happy snapper, but now realize I should have waited for the G9. IS and extra optical zoom would have been appreciated.

One thing I always liked with the G series was the size, not to small for fat fingers like mine , the flip out rear screen for awkward shots made easy, and the battery life.

I like my "little Black & Decker"

[shutterbug]

Have you thought about an olympus E410 ? small, pretty much the same size as G9 and with better quality and it is a dslr I am looking at picking up one for a happy snapper. Currently olympus is having a $200 rebate.

[Alpha_7]

Thanks for the suggestion Vince, but if I was going to keep to the DSLR route, then I'd keep it in the Nikon family, I was thinking the G9 might make a nice backup camera for Egypt, and a more discrete street photography unit for when you don't want to attract too much attention.

[Alpha_7]

I bought the G9 today, I had a little feel of it, and it seems like a great discrete backup and I'll be posting some images and maybe even a mini review once I've had some time to play with it. But so far I'm impressed, and I also wonder how I started collecting so many cameras about the place.

[shutterbug]

Craig, can't wait for your review. I am also thinking about picking up one for Christmas...can't decide between the G9 and E410.

[TonyT]

I also would like to see your review
and some pics

Question in face detect mode if it doesnot recognise the person will it still take there picture

[devilla101]

I've been looking at this camera. Seems really fun to have. Can't wait for a review

[Alpha_7]

Yikes the pressure is on now, give me a day or two to try it out a bit more, but my initial reaction is its a very powerful little camera for its size, and should serve my purposes well. More discrete then a DSLR, provides a lot of control (more so then a standard P&S), plus seems to have enough brains, that a inept user could take nice shots on Auto or the preset scene modes.

A few days I'll do a more indepth with some shots, and more insightful commentary.

[W00DY]

I also would like to see your review
and some pics

Question in face detect mode if it doesnot recognise the person will it still take there picture

Yes, it will.

[shutterbug]

Hi Craig...how is the G9 going on your trip ? Do you still recommend it?

I am about to invest in a P&S

[Alpha_7]

Hey Vince,

The G9 was a trooper and a real complement to my D200 on my trip, the one frustration I had was that after shooting 2 images (shooting RAW) there was a few second delay before the 3rd shot, but I think that is mainly as I have unfair expectations. The camera is great, the controls easy to use, manual mode is delightful, I'll post a few shots from the camera before tonight for you if that will help ?

[Alpha_7]

Here are a few I already had online.

http://www.digitalcoffeelounge.com/file ... 92_934.jpg

http://www.digitalcoffeelounge.com/file ... 56_926.jpg

http://www.digitalcoffeelounge.com/file ... 64_113.jpg

http://www.digitalcoffeelounge.com/file ... 66_473.jpg

[shutterbug]

Hey Vince,

The G9 was a trooper and a real complement to my D200 on my trip, the one frustration I had was that after shooting 2 images (shooting RAW) there was a few second delay before the 3rd shot, but I think that is mainly as I have unfair expectations. The camera is great, the controls easy to use, manual mode is delightful, I'll post a few shots from the camera before tonight for you if that will help ?

Thanks Craig for your opinion, much appreciated.

[Alpha_7]

To put it in perspective I'm happy for Dawesy to take my lenses for 2 weeks, as I know I've got the G9 if anything pops up. The canon case is comes in is great too, old school leather protection.

[shutterbug]

How is the battery life? would it last a full day shooting or should I invest in a 2nd battery ?

[Alpha_7]

I only once ran the battery all the way down, I don't know exactly how many shots you get but more then a 2 gb cards worth. That includes the occasional movie too which it is another handy feature the movie mode is very good. If it was your sole camera, I'd consider the 2nd battery as insurance (I have 3 for each of my D200 and D70) so I favour the extra weight and cost, over being caught with no juice in the tank.

[shutterbug]

Great, thank you

[ozimax]

Craig, after a few more months use, do you have any further info/reports/opinions on the G9 as a DSLR backup?
I'm thinking along these lines for my upcoming trip to the USA, where I don't really want to lug an SLR all over America.

Anyone else with hands on experience please reply!

Thanks, Ozi.

[Alpha_7]

It served me well in Egypt when I didn't want to take the D200 (like on the camel) or when I was going for discrete shots in the streets etc. It's very use able, I've been surprised by the image quality at times and the ISO dial is (super useful). I've lent it to a friend that's camera is broken, and she's loving it, left it in Auto and loves how much better the shots are then her P&S that is being repaired. If you want I can find a few other shots from it I can post ?

My main point of frustration is the slight shutter lag, and time before you can take the next shot (they aren't overly long, but compared to DSLR performance, it feels like a lifetime). That said it only rarely caused me to miss the shot I wanted. But size and performance size it's great and the movies are great, and a big bonus for capture travel experiences (like dancing, singing, performance and the like).

[TonyT]

Hi Oz

I Had the G9 now for about two weeks agree with alpha_7 with every thing he said. I love it carry it with me most ofthe time
Its more noisy then my 5D which you expect , also takes a little time to get the hang of holding it I found I was always pushings button on the back but teaches you more about the camera so a good try of it first see how it feels I also have the carry case to protect it I am not sure about it yet but I didnot get the case till tuesday only use it once so will see
Beats carrying that back pack as you have seen

Tony PS took the people shot at westfield with it for the weekend 3 photos

[ozimax]

Thanks Craig & Tony. My trip to the USA entitles about 20+ flights over 2 weeks to 9 destinations, so I am loath to lug a heap of equipment around, hence my thinking of investing in a P&S camera. (I have bought 2 other P&S's over the last couple of years and both have been snitched by my kids!). I have scheduled a day at Yosemite plus a drive down the coast road to LAX from San Francisco, so I still wish to take a camera that takes quality images. I think the G9 would fit the bill well.

I'm also thinking of not taking my Macbook, US security checks get a bit wearisome after a while. if only my Treo 650 had wifi...

Anyway, thanks for the feedback.

Ozi

[radar]

Ozi,

(edit: saw that I had already given this link )

have a look at this review:
http://www.naturephotographers.net/arti ... 207-1.html

I've also seen people use the G9 with GND, CPL, etc.

cheers,

André

[Grev]

The G9 has been discontinued by Canon, so grab the last batch while you can.

[Alpha_7]

The G9 has been discontinued by Canon, so grab the last batch while you can.

Really, interesting I wonder what will come next.

[photohiker]

Something with even more megapixels, no doubt.

Meanwhile, the Sigma DP1 continues to impress. I wonder if it is too early for a DP1 competitor from Canon?

Michael

[Alpha_7]

Something with even more megapixels, no doubt.

Meanwhile, the Sigma DP1 continues to impress. I wonder if it is too early for a DP1 competitor from Canon?

Michael

It is a impressive little camera, a Canon reply would be very interesting (not that I need another little camera) (I'd rather a D3)

[ozimax]

Now comes the trying process, should I buy here and get the GST refund at the airport, or purchase in USA...???

[gstark]

Meanwhile, the Sigma DP1 continues to impress.

Who? I'm wondering where that list might be? I'm sure we could post it, fully, here, as it wouldn't occupy a whole lot of disk space.

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the availability of latest firmware of DP1 as well as a download service of RAW image processing software “SIGMA Photo Pro”.

That really didn't take a very long time for the firmware updates to appear.

I wonder if it is too early for a DP1 competitor from Canon?

Sigma have been using Foveon technology for a number of years, and in a number of camera models, but their total sales continue to be counted in numbers that only require the removal of one shoe.

By way of comparison, Canon and Nikon sell products in quantities that approach your telephone number.


I would love to see the Foveon technology fully develop and succeed, but from what I've seen a budgie without any teeth will succeed ...

[Grev]

I really don't know what else they're going to put forth for the successor of the G9... It already has enough megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen and can use Canon flashes and can take very good quality video...

Or maybe they're trying to push people into buying 400Ds? $750 for the body is a very good deal...

[photohiker]

Gary,

Sure, there are not a lot of (any?) eminent photographers singing the DP1's praises, but on the other hand, it has only been available for a few weeks, so I'd hazard a guess that it's early days yet.

As to a 'list', I don't have one, and when I said 'continues to impress' I was talking about me.

I can offer the DP1 fanboy site http://www.rytterfalk.com/ and there are some clean (especially for a P&S) images there.

Jim Radcliffe here.

There are others if you go looking.

It's a camera that is easily dismissed in the context of the massive sales of both P&S and DSLRs by the Nikon/Canon camp, but that is not the point, nor the reason for my own interest - it represents a departure from the market driven mentality of incremental megapixel increases, tiny sensors and associated reducing pixel pitch with every revision. Foveon or Bayer? who really cares if the image quality is up to scratch?

Sigma is a tiny company with miniscule sales, as you have so eloquently pointed out, but if they are seen to take the lead in the quality stakes (if not the sales stakes) in the top end of the P&S market, how long do you think it will be before Canon/Nikon decide to take it back? After all, the only thing Sigma has done is to stick a DSLR sensor into a pocket camera, if they can do it, any of the major players could do it too.

Michael

[gstark]

Sure, there are not a lot of (any?) eminent photographers singing the DP1's praises, but on the other hand, it has only been available for a few weeks, so I'd hazard a guess that it's early days yet.

"hazard" is probably entirely and appropriately accurate.

One could have similarly said that about the D3 or D300 in November of last year, and as of today it also remains "early days yet" to a large extent.

I certainly am unable to recall any significant body of praise for the DP1.

As to a 'list', I don't have one, and when I said 'continues to impress' I was talking about me.

So we're agreed that it's a very short list.

I can offer the DP1 fanboy site http://www.rytterfalk.com/ and there are some clean (especially for a P&S) images there.

Jim Radcliffe here.

Fanboy sites I can do without, thanx all the same.

There are others if you go looking.

I'll readily admit that I've not gone looking.

I will also readily admit that I also didn't look for sites relating the to the D3, D300, or the various good Canons, Pentaxes and Olympii that are in the marketplace. I will however point out that for those lattermost makers, sites that road tested and evaluated their models somehow seemed to have a habit of seeking me out, rather than the reverse.

I suspect that there's a message somewhere within that factoid, but I'm damned if I can figure it out.

It's a camera that is easily dismissed

yes.

in the context of the massive sales of both P&S and DSLRs by the Nikon/Canon camp, but that is not the point, nor the reason for my own interest - it represents a departure from the market driven mentality of incremental megapixel increases, tiny sensors and associated reducing pixel pitch with every revision. Foveon or Bayer? who really cares if the image quality is up to scratch?

A couple of points here.

First of all, there's no departure from the market drivel mentality. Please check through the history of posts made in the 3 plus years that this site has existed; you might observe that there's a greater understanding of the megapixel myth amongst our membership that's been here ... since about day 1.

Foveon or Bayer? Theoretically, it does make a very big difference. Even today, a good film image will still seem better than a good digital image, and that's the big disappointment in the Foveon technology: it promises something closer to a film experience, but it fails to deliver. Let's look a little deeper than just the surface though: look at the advances in the sensor techonology that we have seen from the Nikon/Sony and Canon camps.

It's not merely megapixels; I would even argue that megapixels are the least of the advancements made: look at the quality of the images from the D3 sensor - a mere 14 MP sensor. They are the juiciest megapixels that I've seen from any camera!

Now, let's put that into some context: look at the 300D or the D70 - both regarded - correctly - as revolutionary cameras upon their respective releases. As revolutionary, perhaps, as the Canon A1 was upon its release. I would respectfully suggest that in those three cameras we have three worthy additions to any photographic museum.

Consider though the advancements that we have seen in sensor technology since the release of the 300D, and consider that we have seen barely a ripple in the development of the Foveon based technology over a similar timeframe.

Sigma is a tiny company with miniscule sales, as you have so eloquently pointed out, but if they are seen to take the lead in the quality stakes

Perhaps my response can be even more eloquently expressed in just one word?

Betamax!

[photohiker]

Gary,

They are the juiciest megapixels that I've seen from any camera!

Thank you. This is the very reason I am interested in the concept of DSLR sensors in P&S bodies.

If the DP1 goes the way of Betamax, so be it, but if it creates a new species of quality P&S, great!

Michael

[gstark]

Thank you. This is the very reason I am interested in the concept of DSLR sensors in P&S bodies.

But at what cost? PHD sensors are significantly cheaper than DX sensors to produce, due to yield efficiencies. DX sensors are significantly cheaper than full frame sensors to produce, due to yield efficiencies.

I too would love a FF sensor in a PHD body, but who is going to pay PP6K for a PHD camera? Especially when the current marketplace starts at zero dollars for the one included in your cellphone? The typical punter doesn't give even a half hoot about real quality, which is why you can have Samkiany-G with a broken toenail for a lens. When they get that for nothing, do you believe that Porphery Pearl drinking plebs will pay for for the MkIII sensor in the same body?

If you do, then please, pass around what you're smoking.

If the DP1 goes the way of Betamax, so be it, but if it creates a new species of quality P&S, great!

It probably will, and it probably won't. The RD1 has already gone down that path; there will in time, be others, but history will view it with a similar value to that by which Little Johnny is now viewed.

[ozimax]

I have decided (I think) on purchasing a G9. I had a play with one yesterday at Fletchers ($895) but have found a good price at D-D Electronics for $595, less the GST at the airport later in the month. Hopefully will pick one up this coming Monday in North Sydney...(yep, I have to travel to the Big Smoke this weekend, but not to worry, I'll hurry back to the rain & fresh air at Coffs afterwards).

Thanks for all the input,

Ozi.

[Alpha_7]

Enjoy Mate, and I personally like the little vintage leather case (it came bundled with mine). Found it very handy and offers some protection from the elements and bumps and scratches.But you are still wait taking photos within seconds.

[Marvin]

I bought one of these recently too and am very happy with it as something I will take when I don't want to lug my kit around. Didn't see the little leather case though - might have to look into that. I naively thought that it would fit into my old G2 case, not realising how much smaller they have become!