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| Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom | 
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| Brand: Canon
Category: Photography
List Price: $784.76
Buy New: $526.00
You Save: $258.76 (33%)
New (10) Used (3) from $424.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  252 reviews
Sales Rank: 553
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Monitor Size: 300
Optical Zoom: 6
Digital Zoom: 4
Display Size: 3
Maximum Focal Length: 44.4
Minimum Focal Length: 7.4
Maximum Resolution: 12.1
Has Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 4.2 x 2.8 x 1.7
Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product.
MPN: G9
Model: G9
UPC: 013803083675
EAN: 0013803083675
ASIN: B000V1VG5G
Release Date: August 31, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 G9 + Raw Images not good (Compare to Rebel XTI + DPP) July 29, 2008
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
First off, I don't want to be a party pooper, so rated the camera a 4 star. With regard to my points below, it should have been a 2-3 star, but that would spoil the G9 overall rating, which should be very good. My review is tailored for those wanting high quality editable RAW images using the Canon G9. For that, I give it a 2-3 star compared to Rebel XTI. So on with the review...
Here is my warning to many of you thinking of purchasing the Canon G9 camera and using it for shooting RAW mode images. If you didn't know, RAW is the best way to obtain nicely composed pictures; i.e., since many of us are amateurs and cannot compose nicely in the field, RAW allows you to tweak the image in the "LAB" on your PC to produce a very good to excellent shot from a bad to average one. If you are into nature and sports photography, you often don't have time to nicely compose (even as an expert), so RAW helps in that scenario too.
I own a Rebel XTI, and use DPP (Digital Photo Professional 3.4.1.1 as of this writing). In general, I was very happy with my XTI + RAW + DPP 3.4 solution. DPP is Canons software that comes with EOS cameras for processing RAW images. My Rebel XTI problem was weight on long backpacking and climbing trips--carrying 5# worth of camera is a bit rough with a 50# pack. It's also kind of dangerous to have a large camera readily exposed when you are exposed on a face or steep slope. So I bought a Canon G9, thinking G9 + RAW + DPP 3.4 = excellent compromise between weight and quality, since G9 can shoot in Raw mode and weighs < 1#.
Well, that didn't quite result in image happiness, and here's why: First Canon G9 can only shoot to F8. I like high F-stop for nice crisp pictures of leaves, rock details, people's faces, etc. F8 seemed a bit low for this. In other words, my sharpness levels with camera were not quit there. Secondly, I like to bracket shoot. (3 exposures at a time with different lighting level). This helps me, especially as an amateur. With the G9, bracketing is possible, but takes like 3-4 seconds to complete the 3 image cycle, compared to <1 with the Rebel XTI. So I get a lot less chance of nice image since bracketing for 3 seconds is a pain and often results in too much blur (shake).
Well, ok for my poor ability. The RAW conversion software will handle that, right? Wrong. First off, you cannot use DPP 3.4.1.1 to edit Canon G9 images. Seems like a poor marketing decision by some bozo who didnt want to let the el-cheapie camera users have access to a nice quality image editing software. I did verify this with Canon tech support today though, so it's a fact.
Well, Ok... Thought I: I'll just use the Raw Image Task (RIT) to process my photos. RIT = Canon's budget software for point-and-shoots that can actually shoot RAW. The problem with this is that RIT is seriously deficient in many regards, as summarized below. NOTE: These lacking features are found in DPP 3.4.1.1 (but you need an EOS Raw image for that). In other words G9 Raw images are stuck to RIT for processing*.
1.RIT clunkiness: RIT requires ZoomBrowser (ZB is an OK viewer by the way) to start. You launch RIT from ZB. Once in RIT, to edit, your view features are substantially limited. Its generally clunky, as described below. For example, to use the tools palette, I must scroll the tools palette window slider up and down to access all the features controls. So I set exposure for example and then scroll down to adjust the sharpness slider. Way too much work to process photos quickly!
2.RIT doesn't allow you to adjust color spectrum in Histogram. This is nice sometimes for creativity, but not possible in RIT.
3.RIT Redraws are very slow: When scrolling from one image to the next, RIT presents a blurred image and then redraws it to a sharper level while you wait. The wait is annoying.
4.RIT cannot do linear contrast. I like linear contrast setting for creativity. I have gotten some of my best snow shots by setting linear contrast.
5.RIT JPG production is time-intensive. Conversion of images to JPG output takes about 2-3x longer than with DPP. So, take a shower, make some breakfast... and read some news during a big conversion batch. ;)
6.RIT cannot do cropping: You feel the camel's back getting heavier? In order to crop, you have to go back to ZB or another program after converting the image to JPG. This is an extra time-consuming confusing step. This sucks bigtime!
7.RIT (or Canon CODEC bug) with sharpness (I tried CODEC's 1.2 and 1.3 by the way): As mentioned earlier, I like high F-stop shots. Since G9 goes only to F8, it's a bit lacking, so I thought I could count on sharpness control in RIT to make me happy. Well, in RIT, I can adjust the sharpness and get a nicely composed, crisp picture. But when I convert to JPG, I get a dull, unsharp picture. To make matters worse, when I close RIT and go back to ZB, I see the original picture, not my edited one. This was the straw that broke the camels back for me.
So I emailed Canon tech-support, and after 1 erroneous suggestion, my tech support case went into a blackhole. The answer given to me was like an auto-responder reading my problem and spitting out a canned suggestion as a "while you wait for a real person's reply, please try this. The initial advice (coming from a real live tech support staff) was to upgrade software, even though I initially opened the case with a list of detailed and documented software versions, which were the most current before I even thought about opening the case. ;) I kind of new I was in for trouble after getting his "upgrade-your-software reply. I emailed him back this fact and waited about 1-2 weeks for another answer, but got none. When worked settled down, I decided I need to solve this problem, so called Canon phone support. They had no way of looking up my tech support case opened via website since they were operating on two different support databases. I thought this was weird, but no biggy, and just provided all my details over the phone again.
After providing details, the lady on the phone was unable to answer my question adequately and didnt seem to give me any alternatives. Although she was nice and tried, I just think Canon didn't provide her with adequate training to solve a complex, geek-based question. She talked to a colleague after putting me on hold and found out DPP couldn't process G9 Raw images. She also recommended converting to TIFF for better quality output. Unfortunately, I had already tried that with similar bad results. "Can you notate this as a bug for the developers to investigate, I asked? I told her I think it's a RIT/CODEC bug with the sharpness feature that needs investigating. She said "Canon doesn't think that there is a bug and all the developers are in Japan. Well that told me she wasn't connected enough in Canon to actually solve my problem. Japan or USA, you can enter data into a bug tracking program if you have one. So I asked her for any other options and she mentioned just waiting for further software updates. I ended the call politely, with the words Nikon thrown in there a few times and decided I would write this review.
In summary, I have taken some excellent shots with my Rebel XTI. I like it a lot. I also like DPP. I am just not happy with the ability to produce professional results with the Canon G9. I think the G9 is an excellent camera for many individuals. For me though, the above should indicate I am seeking a bit more. If you are like me, and take amateur pictures, but want high-grade output, perhaps, you should think twice about using the G9. I hope this review helps you. ;)
* CAVEAT: You may be able to find photo-editor software (such as Adobe) to solve many of these RIT problems. But you will also pay more, probably $200-$500, for this software. For that price difference, you could upgrade to a Rebel XTI camera and get DPP. If any of you have experience with good-quality RAW software, please email me.
===================PART 2====================
Based on feedback, I test-shot a few roses a few hours before sunset. I ran some tests at different ISO ratings and different F-stops. All shots were with the G9.
I then processed the images using RIT (Raw Image Task v3.3) and RT (Raw Therapee V2.3). I included some links for you to evaluate. I made first 2 shots by opening up the respective application editor window, and also opening up the resulting JPG from that application. Then put them side by side and took a screen shot, which then gets converted into a JPG. Not the best method. Anyway, here are the links:
Raw Image Task (F5, 1/80, ISO100):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24120447@N07/2723040324/
Raw Therapee (F5, 1/80, ISO100):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24120447@N07/2723100932/
Raw Therapee (Bee, F4.8, 1/150, ISO100):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24120447@N07/2722329693/
I make several conclusions with these tests:
1) RIT really sucks as one poster has stated: Look at the editor and JPG comparisons in above link! These images look nothing alike! Not only is sharpness off, but contrast and color saturation seem to be whacked. In a funny way though, the image in the editor window looks really good (but I don't want to screen shot every image I edit to make a JPG. ;)
2) RT produces very close to editor output. In other words what you see is really what you get. RT also does pretty good on sharpness levels. RT is a pretty good program. I wish it had preset color definitions though, like nature, etc. that you find in canon software. All-in-all, when they get batch processing and make it speedier, I think it will kick some butt.
3) F8 diffraction is an issue, but probably wasn't affecting my images as much as thought. In other words, even changing F-stop down to F5 or F4.8, for example, didn't result in a noticeably sharper picture. Take a look at the RT Bee shot above, which was shot at F4.8. It still has a particular dullness, for example looking at the veins in the rose petals.
4) DSLR spoils you: Even though RT is true to form, I still notice sharpness loss in the RT image (point 3). I don't know what to call this. Perhaps "Point-and-Shoot dullness." My example and other "expert" point and shoot examples, just look kind of dull, compared to my XTI shots. I am not an expert, so this could be attributed to me shooting poorly, or some other factor. All-in-all, I think I have been spoiled by my Rebel XTI.
 love it July 25, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love this camera. I really like the photo stitch and the color swap. It's a good size camera, not too big, not too small. People with big hands may have problems with some of the buttons being too small though. I don't have big hands so it's not a problem for me. I would recommend getting a different flash if you want a more professional look and any other accessories you can afford like the wide angle kit. I don't believe you will find a better camera until you go up to a digital SLR.
Rather fun to use July 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have had this camera for a few weeks, and its been great. Its not perfect but it is really fun to use. This is an upgrade for me from a Samsung D53, so I was quite excited to put the Canon strap around my neck and take a look through the glorious 3" LCD II screen. The Macro and Manual zoom modes have been great as has the auto-focus.
Noise is still a bit of an annoyance, so I generally keep the ISO setting below 200. It takes so-so images in the upper ISO settings, but just don't try to crop them. A lot of my photography I just like to set the camera on a tripod and take a picture. This is where the 2 second timer release really shines. This image IS works very well though. I have taken a picture at 1/3 of a second and the exposure has turned out just fine.
What really bugs me about this camera is the definition you lose when you take a picture of grass or something and the detail just doesn't pop like you want it. I had it on a tripod and was shooting the sunrise, and the grass on the knoll was just... "fuzzy". But, its what I expect with a P&S without a zoom lens.
Still, I suggest this camera as a viable option for a d-SLR alternative.
powershot G9 July 19, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful camera, I love it. It takes incredibly detailed shots and is easy to carry and use.
Great Results So Far July 17, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have had this camera for a few months now and find it absolutely incredible. Shots are great and it's a very easy camera to get to know even with all the bells and whistles. Iso 800 is almost completely useless though... way too much noise in photos. Keep it to to the lower Iso levels and you're golden. The landscape photography excellent with it although I'd recommend getting a lens adapter so you can put some filters on the camera. A polarizing filter is a must when shooting landscapes. Opt for an aluminum filter from Lensmate as opposed to the cheap plastic one from Canon. You will spend about $5 more but it will be well worth it.
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