Canon Powershot G9 Compact Digital Camera Review

Canon Powershot G9 Compact Digital Camera

The Canon Powershot G9 is one of the most advanced compact digital cameras on the market today.  It’s a 12 megapixel digital camera which has a 6x optical zoom and a 4x digital zoom.  Its roll call is comparable to that of an SLR.  It is suitable for an enthusiast or, if you own an SLR, it would make a good, portable addition.

The G9 is a solid, chunky camera.  It has a good, sturdy feel to it, like a real camera should have.  It has an awful lot of features packed into it, so it can be rather complex to use.  However, it is quite simple to use immediately and you can gradually use all its features as you become familiar with the camera.  Key settings are quick and easy to change and the results are clear and vibrant.

The 1/1.7″ CCD sensor offers a fine, detailed picture, unaffected by enlarging or cropping.  RAW mode utilizes images taken by the sensor without using compression or processing.  Post-shoot editing is software-controllable. Camera-shake is counteracted by the stabilizer, allowing for slow shutter speeds for less well lit shots.  The DIGIC III makes for fast performance, offering clear and colorful shots.  iSAPS technology optimizes settings before you take a picture.  An automatic face detection system utilizes optimum focus settings, flash and exposure with the AiAF and AF/AE technology giving focusing alternatives.

It comes with an optical viewfinder, a real image zoom and a wide-angle, scratch-resistant LCD screen which is coated to reduce reflection.  Shooting modes are numerous,(25), ranging from automatic to manual, incorporating portrait, landscape, custom, snow, indoor, night, underwater, beach, fireworks, pets and kids.  Effects such as sepia, neutral, black and white, assorted skin tone, vivid, red, green and custom can be accessed through the My Colours feature.  ISO equivalents range from 80 to1600, with options such as customs, underwater, fluorescent, daylight, cloudy, tungsten and red-eye reduction.

They do say that a good macro is a sound indication of how good the lens is.  This one is excellent; clear and as sharp as you could hope for.

It takes a Lithium ion NB-2LH battery and a charger is included, allowing for about 240 shots per charge, or 420 minutes playback.  It comes with a 32mb SD card and is compatible with SD HC cards.

The Canon Powershot G9 compact digital camera is perfect for everyday use. The picture quality is excellent, although the shutter lag times could be shorter.  It is generally easy to use and offers the enthusiastic photographer quality, functionality, practicality and creative control over his photographs.