Big Impact in a Compact Package
The PowerShot powerhouse: A class-leading 12.1-megapixel digital camera with unique Canon DIGIC III Image Processor, 6x optical zoom, and Optical Image Stabilizer.

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Product Description

Given the success of Canon's highly acclaimed G Series, it's no surprise that ambitious photographers have been eagerly anticipating the next model in its evolution. The wait has paid off handsomely with the introduction of the PowerShot G9. In image quality and functionality, the 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.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1391 in Camera & Photo
• Color: BLACK/SILVER
• Brand: Canon
• Model: G9
• Released on: 2007-08-31
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.70" h x 2.80" w x 4.20" l, .71 pounds
• Display size: 3

Features

• 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
• 6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 3.0-inch LCD display; optical viewfinder
• Face Detection technology and in-camera red-eye fix
• 25 shooting modes, including 9 special scene modes; Print/Share button
• Powered by NB-2LH lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD or MMC memory cards (32MB MMC memory card included)

From the Manufacturer

Given the success of Canon's highly acclaimed G Series, it's no surprise that ambitious photographers have been eagerly anticipating the next model in its evolution. The wait has paid off handsomely with the introduction of the PowerShot G9. In image quality and functionality, the G9 stands above the competition with 12.1 megapixels of resolution, 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.

Big Impact in a Compact Package
The PowerShot powerhouse: A class-leading 12.1-megapixel digital camera with unique Canon DIGIC III Image Processor, 6x optical zoom, and Optical Image Stabilizer.

12.1-megapixel resolution gives you plenty of rich, deep detail to work with. Blow up images to poster size, or enlarge and crop any section without fear of pixilation.

With DIGIC III, your images boast superior quality, the camera operates at top efficiency and battery life is enhanced. What's more, DIGIC III enables Canon's Face Detection Technology and red-eye correction to give you better, more true-to-life people shots. Simply press the Shutter Button halfway down, and the camera automatically pinpoints the faces in the scene and chooses the ideal focus point. The camera controls exposure settings and flash to keep every face looking bright and natural. Red eyes can be corrected during playback.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC III Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

The camera is equipped with a long 6x optical zoom. Canon's own Optical Image Stabilizer Technology keeps images steady and blur-free all through the zoom range--even in low light--by detecting motion and generating a corrective signal. Because it is an optical system, more corrective movement is allowed and there is no degradation of image quality.

Creative Power in Your Control
Full range of shooting and recording modes including JPEG + RAW for the ultimate in creative control.

The PowerShot G9's RAW mode lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. It gives you clearer images and complete creative control in editing. RAW images are transferred directly to the computer where they can then be edited using image adjustment software or a processing application to adjust your images as you please. The camera can also be set to allow the simultaneous recording of both RAW and JPEG images while shooting.

25 Shooting Modes, Including 9 Special Scene Modes

Shooting Modes
Advanced presets for the best possible photos under certain conditions.

Auto
The camera chooses all the settings so you can concentrate on your subject.

P Program
Access advanced exposure compensation features while shooting mostly automatically.

Av Aperture-priority
You define the aperture to either isolate your subject or have clarity throughout the entire picture, and the camera will choose the corresponding shutter speed.

Tv Shutter-priority
You select the shutter speed to stop or blur action, and the camera finds the appropriate aperture. With slow exposure times, Canon's noise reduction system activates to ensure low image noise.

Manual
The ultimate in creative control, you set both aperture and shutter speed manually.

C Custom
Define and store your own settings to achieve the effects you prefer.

Stitch Assist
Build awe-inspiring panoramas by neatly aligning sequential images.

Movie
Shoot in High Resolution (1024 x 768 at 15 fps), VGA (640 x 480 at 30 fps/30 fps LP), QVGA (320 x 240 at 30 fps) for up to 1 hour or 4GB, QQVGA (160 x 120 at 15 fps) for up to 3 minutes or Time Lapse (640 x 480 at 1 second/2 second intervals) for up to 2 hours.

Special Scene Modes

Portrait
The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject "pop."

Landscape
For front to back sharpness, the camera sets a small aperture.

Night Scene
For impressive sunset or nightlife shots, the camera properly exposes the background and uses slow-sync flash for the subject.

Sports
Ensure highly accurate autofocusing when shooting fast-moving subjects.

Foliage
Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossoms.

Snow
Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint.

Beach
Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened faces.

Fireworks
Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks.

Aquarium
Achieve proper flash-free exposure and natural hues at indoor aquariums.

Underwater
Capture underwater images with reduced backscatter effect. (Note: Optional waterproof case WP-DC21 required for shooting any underwater images. Waterproof case not included--must be purchased separately.)

ISO 3200
Expands the user's ability to shoot in dark settings without using the flash.

Indoor
Reduce blur and improve color accuracy when shooting handheld indoors.

Kids and Pets
Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won't miss those special shots.

Night Snapshot
Get natural-looking pictures with brighter backgrounds and subjects lit by flash.

Color Accent
Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochrome.

Color Swap
Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effects.

A View That's a Pure Pleasure
Optical viewfinder plus large high-quality 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen for bright, accurate color with greater viewing from a wider angle and with an anti-glare, anti-scratch coating.

The PowerShot G9 gives you an extra-large 3.0-inch LCD screen for excellent control when framing your shots. But size is only part of the story. Canon's PureColor LCD II offers more spectacular color, resolution, and contrast even at an angle (compared to PureColor LCD). The screen is highly durable and easy to see in any light with a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating. It is a perfect feature for gathering friends and family around to see your images.

3.0-Inch LCD Screen
Canon technology maximizes quality and performance.

Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology sets the focus, exposure, and flash automatically, leaving you free to compose a group, capture an unguarded moment, or coax the perfect smile. Plus the new Face Selector Button lets you select the primary face.

DIGIC III features Face Detection technologies, giving the you best possible results in any shooting situation. Face Detection AF/AE sets the focus point and exposure for the faces of your subjects. Face Detection FE adjusts the flash to correctly illuminate your subject to provide the best balance between your subject and the overall scene, eliminating the common problems of over- and underexposed faces.

And new Face Selector AF enables you to lock on and follow a specific face. The selected subject is tracked wherever the face moves in the frame.

The PowerShot G9 features ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto settings that reduce the effects of camera shake and sharpen subjects in low-light situations, giving you greater shooting flexibility.

Red-eye correction detects and corrects red-eye during playback. In unusual cases where red-eye is not automatically detected, it can easily be corrected manually during playback mode.

The Creative Freedom You've Wanted
Compatible with a wide range of accessories including EOS Speedlites, Canon supplementary lenses, and a waterproof case.

The PowerShot G9 is compatible with many shooting accessories, not only wide and teleconverter lenses, a waterproof case, and High-Power Flash designed for all of the PowerShot models, but also Speedlite EX series that is compatible with all EOS series SLR cameras. (Shooting accessories are not included; they must be purchased separately.) Attach a Speedlite 580EX II to the hot shoe, then you can set and control the flash on the "Flash Control" menu in the camera. With the 580EX II, the G9 is able to have extra functions such as autoflash metering, FE lock, and Flash exposure compensation. Canon's Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 enables you to have multiple slave flashes and wireless control. A waterproof case is also available for your underwater shooting.

The Complete Print Solution
Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with select PIXMA Photo Printers, CP, and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers.

The PowerShot G9's Print/Share button makes direct printing easier than ever. Simply connect the G9 to a Canon CP, SELPHY, or PIXMA Photo Printer or any PictBridge compatible photo printer, press the lighted Print/Share button, and print! Also use the Print/Share button to transfer images to a computer (Windows and Macintosh).

Print your own ID photos in 28 different sizes or use the Movie Print function to output multiple stills from a recorded movie on a single sheet with a Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printer.

What's in the box:
Canon PowerShot G9 digital camera, lithium battery pack NB-2LH, battery charger CB-2LW, MMC Plus card MMC-32MH, neck strap NS-DC6, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB interface cable IFC-400PCU, AV cable AVC-DC300

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Customer Reviews

G9 still has the edge on G10 when it comes to portraits
Best Buy outlets have Canon G9 on clearance for $350, which is about the max I believe you should be paying for it nowadays. The model is quickly becoming obsolete. The next generation of prosumer cameras has already entered the the market (Canon G10, Panasonic LX3, Nikon P6000, etc). So unless you get a really good deal, there are few compelling reasons to buy G9 any more. One caveat, however: if portrait taking is of importance to you, this is the area where G9 still delivers the goods (more on it later).

Other people have already discussed nearly every aspect of the camera in great detail. So I just have a couple of additional comments and observations to share with those who are still considering G9. Hope that some folks will find these useful.

1. A number of Canon G9 users have complained of dust getting into the lens barrel. Apparently this stuff coats the inside of the lens elements and essentially turns the camera into a useless piece of junk. It is a known manufacturing defect, wherein dust is trapped within the bodies of some cameras during the production. Canon will clean it out for free during the warranty period. Obviously, not every camera has been affected, and the lens on my camera has stayed crystal clear. But if you are considering buying G9 on E-bay, it helps to be aware of the issue.

2. At the full extended zoom (6x), Canon G9 blurs the background and takes studio-quality portraits. This is where G9 really shines. There is a beautiful 3-dimensional aspect to the faces, just like what you see on professional photos. In my opinion, this is by far the best feature of this camera. I previously owned Sony V1, which had a large sensor coupled with a high quality Zeiss lens. It produced excellent photos, but it could never match the portraits that come out of G9.

Incidentally, judging from the CameraLab review of G10 (Canon's next generation upgrade to G9), the G10's shorter telephoto lens (5x) loses the capability of shallowing the depth of field, and as a result produces only average portraits. So in my unprofessional opinion, G9 will beat G10 in portrait quality on any given day.

3. I love the photostitch mode. It creates some amazing panoramic pictures; you gotta see them to believe.

4. Low light performance is OK, but not quite as good as some other point and shoot cameras. Pictures with ISO above 400 are only marginally useful.

5. The dynamic range of the photos is frankly mediocre. Hopefully, Canon G10 will perform better in this area, thanks to its new intelligent contrast feature. I-contrast is a new image processing algorithm designed to brighten up dark areas on the picture. Nikon P6000 has a similar function called D-lighting. It is my understanding that you can improve dynamic range of your photos by fiddling with RAW images on the computer, but I have not been so successful using Canon supplied software. I do not own Adobe, which could be my problem to begin with.

6. The G9 lens is not quite as sharp as I expected coming from Canon. I am not talking about the soft-looking image tones, which are a hallmark of all Canon cameras (as opposed to Sony or Panasonic). What I am trying to say is that the detail-resolving power of Canon lens on G9, while by no means poor, does not quite match what you get from Zeiss or Leica. Apparently, Canon has been painfully aware of the fact. As a result, Powershot G10 is reported to have been given a much sharper lens with greater detail resolving power.

7. No matter what settings I use (including custom white balance, different saturation and sharpness levels), my camera is uncapable of correctly rendering the purple color. The color looks violet on final images, which is close enough but no cigar. Sony V1 renders the same color accurately on auto mode.

8. Finally, the camera has a neck strap, but no wrist strap. Most of you don't care, but those who prefer a wrist strap will have to search for an aftermarket option.

Works great!
I am a professional photographer and this is the only camera I use. When I am exhibiting (usually large works of 1m2), other photographers will come up to me with clunky SLRs around their necks asking what I shoot with. When I pull out the tiny G9 they think I am joking.

Great camera. Works best in manual mode. I was afraid to get it because I had read so much about bad quality control (factory defects), but I haven't had any problems.

A Disappointment - beware
I have only had this camera a few months and have not used it very much. There is already so much dust INSIDE the lens that it severely degrades image quality. I take great care of my equipment, so this is not the result of harsh conditions. If you are counting on the built-in lens cover to protect the lens, think again. Any time I shoot slightly into sunlight now, the photos are basically worthless. With only 3 major uses of this camera, that's a crime.

Also, the noise level above ISO 200 is terrible. I would rather have fewer megapixels and less noise. So, my summary is this is a camera you have to "baby". It is severely limited and not worth the money. Read the reviews and find something that keeps dust out better and has less noise above ISO 200. If you only shoot on sunny days with the sun at your back in a very clean environment, this camera might work. But so would something $200 less expensive. I feel totally cheated.