Review of the Canon G9

Posted by Dave Jackson on August 3rd, 2008 at 12:30am

The Canon G9 is sometimes said to detect up to nine faces but the instruction manual says that up to three frames display where the G9 detects faces. When the G9 is in face detection mode, the LCD display shows the detection frames lock onto a face. Most of the vendors offer the Canon G9 for about 450 - 500 dollars.  However a few Web sites offer it for the low $300s.

After running the Canon G9 through a battery of scientific tests in our imaging lab, we are convinced this camera is worth the hype. It takes excellent pictures, and its 12.1 megapixels are very effective at capturing detail. I also came across a post on a blog dedicated to the Canon G9 about how the Canon G9 works for underwater photos.

The analogue-inspired design of the Canon G9 has been updated on this model with a textured coating and a black alumite lens ring. A larger grip and pronounced thumb rest ensure secure and comfortable handling. The Canon G9 definitely is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras. It’s sort of an expensive Polaroid. A waterproof case is also available for your underwater shooting with Canon G9 Camera.

To make this more relevant, 12-megapixels (12MP) is the new 8MP and the Canon G9 is the perfect example of this logic, with a 12MP sensor in a very compact form. Retail price for this little jewel is $499, but I have seen a few reputable dealers selling it online for about $420, so a little smart shopping will save enough money for a 4GB memory card! I was walking back from a dinner meeting in Las Vegas with a Canon G9 and a small Gorillapod tucked away in my jacket pocket. I felt like shooting something, but nothing caught my eye until I climbed a set of stairs for a street overpass. I picked up a Canon G9 that seemed to have nice specs (12.1 megapixels, a 35-210mm image stabilized lens, and RAW capabilities) and an even nicer price (under $500).

Under the surface the Canon G9 uses the same advanced DIGIC III processor as the company’s digital SLR cameras for faster performance and image processing. The ISO range is 80-3200 and there are 25 different shooting modes on offer, including Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority and Manual shooting modes for those who desire greater control. But surprisingly, I like the look of the crop from the Canon G9 photo better. The DSLR should have performed better here, but it did not rise to the challenge.

Tags: 4gb Memory Card, Alumite, Best Point And Shoot Cameras, Canon G9 Camera, Digic Iii, Digital Slr Cameras, Face Detection, Gorillapod, Imaging Lab, Lens Ring, Megapixels, Point And Shoot Cameras, Thumb Rest, Underwater Photos, Waterproof Case

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