Canon PowerShot G9 Review
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An update of the PowerShot G7 (Canon skipped G8 for obvious reasons), the G9 brings RAW capture back to the top of Canons point-and-shoot line, even offering a RAW+JPEG mode. The Canon Powershot G9 is a top of the range bridge camera, so common sense dictates the quality is very good. The body is metal and feels solid and chunky. The Canon PowerShot G9 is appreciated by many of its users for being different from the other compacts, in other words, its features of manual controls are sensibly implemented and best of all it is unrestricted. The Canon PowerShot G9 also has a bigger 3-inch LCD with a smaller optical viewfinder and more resolution is available from the 12.1 megapixels, features that were missing from the previous versions.
Face Detection is a new feature that's rather buried away. You have to press the dedicated Menu button and then choose face detection from the AiAF mode options. Face Detection AF/AE can also be used when recording video clips (with AF and all exposure parameters adjusted continuously for moving subjects). The G9’s FDAF can now automatically adjust for flash exposure and, when the new Face Select and Track function is enabled, shooters can lock on and track one face in a crowd of up to 35 people.
Images can be corrected automatically or manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. All in all, Canon's new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assisting in the elimination of over-exposed faces. Images can be corrected automatically or manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. All in all, Canon's new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assisting in the elimination of over-exposed faces.
Pictures don’t just look good in a brightly-lit studio either; in low light, the G9 performs just as spectacularly as the G7. Pictures are outstanding; sharp, detailed and with bags of colour. It's not bad at controlling noise either, only becoming unbearable if you push it over ISO 800.
Advanced photographers also have the option of using RAW+JPEG simultaneous capture functionality, giving photographers the best of both worlds - JPEGs for immediate use and RAW images for faithful image reproduction, and extensive, non-destructive image editing capability. Advanced photographers will benefit from a selection of 25 shooting modes that includes full Manual, Av and Tv, along with two custom modes for user-defined settings. Shooting modes are complemented by a variety of features that assist creative shooting.
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 sex./2 sec. Shooting modes are complemented by a variety of features that assist creative shooting. Safety MF performs fine adjustments to aid manual focusing, while Safety FE reduces the risk of blown highlights when using the flash.
Noise is a problem, as everyone knows. You don't get the bokeh you can get with a DSLR and the right lens. Noise levels are reasonable until ISO 400, but do not count on this camera beyond that as ISO 800 borders on the useless and ISO 1600 definitely is. This is normal for a high-resolution compact, so do not be alarmed, just do not think that you can replace a DSLR because of all the G9's features.
Lensmate also sells these or you can use any good-quality filter you have lying around. I buy the best because nearly every shot I take is going to be shot through this piece of glass. Lens is a lot easier to clean than those on smaller pocket cameras. And finally, 12.1 megapixels allows some cropping to "increase" the telephoto range.
Yes, you can buy a PowerShot A650 IS (same lens, same sensor, similar feature set and a vari-angle screen) for around a hundred dollars less, but take my word for it, the G9 is in a different league. Yet I still find myself with 20 pounds of equipment on my back during long walks across sometimes wet and muddy paths in remote regions of the world. And just getting to such regions is often a nightmare with all the baggage restrictions one must consider when flying. Yes, the 35mm is narrow, but you can use the wide angle lens with the adapter. I tried using my older wide angle lens for the PowerShot G2, and it really made a positive difference.
The best thing I can say about the Canon PowerShot G9 is I bought it and I love it!
David Simon
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David Simon
admin of findandpostarticles.com
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Rating: 5.00
