Is Canon G9 the best non SLR camera?

[dhawald3]

Is Canon G9 the best point and shoot?

I know that it has many manual controls.

but Is there anything specific feature only this camera has,
and others like canon S5-IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 do not have?

please help

[sootyvrs]

The G9 is certainly an excellent compact digital which is probably the best I have owned.

Whether it's the best for you may depend on your specific needs.

I would check out camera review sites to see if it's what you are looking for.

DPReview is an excellent site for camera reviews.

[Nick_C]

I think the G9 is better than the S5IS, when I went into all these a while back the S5 suffers from noise issues as it has such a tiny CCD!

[KarlMarsh]

It is one of the better non DSL's out there. It might be the best compact non DSL out there (besides the range finders). There are some slightly better super zoom P&S cameras out there but they are about as big as an XTI with a kit lens. I bought my G9 for the combination of size and IQ.:D

[Jethro790]

I think that Leica D-Lux 3 should be in the running. I've used my sisters D-Lux a bunch and it performs awesome. Low light, speed, image stabilization, it's small, the menus... love it.

[openspace]

The G9 is the best camera ever created by man or by god!

Just kidding. It is a great non-dSLR camera tho.

[Sonex305]

Best non-dSLR I personally have ever used. Not a definitive answer, but an answer nonetheless. :D

[lukeeesteve]

Please say yes.......please let me know I didn't spend my money on the wrong camera ;)

[shahjee]

It all depends on a verity of factors (like what you shoot, your shooting habits / preferences, etc) but at the end it certainly comes down to your expectations. If you have realistic expectations from this P&S (that’s what it is!) then it may surprise you with its better then average, all-round performance. On the other hand, if you are expecting it to perform like a dslr (just for $450) then you may be expecting too much. Good luck.

[Baltimore Bob]

Trusted Reviews has just published this review (http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2007/12/11/Canon-PowerShot-G9/p1) of the G9 where they state that "the Canon PowerShot G9 is certainly one of the best compact cameras on the market". I have also found the CameraLabs G9 review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G9/) useful. It may not be perfect but, IMO, for a compact camera it's as good as they come unless you need something really small or pink. I'll be getting mine just as the holidays draw to a close. 8)

Bob.

[mot]

I would like to say G9 is one of the best non-SLR but may not best of the best :)

[FIREWALLROB]

I would say it's one of the best - maybe Panasonic just has the edge (certainly at low iso) FZ8/FZ18 and the older FZ50.

[nutsnbolts]

I initially was disappointed with my G9 due to noise issues. However, the features and the capabilities of the camera is definitely awesome. Noise will always exist with small sensors so to complain about them well... what are you gonna do? But it's definitely the best P&S (affordable) that I have bought.

[hassiman]

I hate to tell you this but the G9 is one of the worst P&S cameras ever made and you have thrown your money away needlessly.

NOT!

It's a great camera... and that's from someone that has used leicas and Hasselblads for years. I am just learning how to use it properly.... It's no toy.

[Padrino]

Hey Hassi, being a Leica (and Hassi, obviously) user, what about Leica digital compacts? Did you try them?? Are they true to the brand heritage, or they are too Panny?

[AshRinz]

Hi all...new to the forum.
Just wanna say my piece. Its the best compact I've ever used. I love it. Nuff said :)

[DLInspire]

My friend has a G9, its a great P&S. It made me look more into manual controls but I ended up with a S5IS instead. After a family vacation using the S5, I found that the pics were way too nosy and stepped up to a dslr instead.

If you want a P&S, pick up the G9. Or look into the SD870IS, DO NOT buy the S5! I think there is too much noise for pictures taken at even 100 ISO.

[nutsnbolts]

My friend has a G9, its a great P&S. It made me look more into manual controls but I ended up with a S5IS instead. After a family vacation using the S5, I found that the pics were way too nosy and stepped up to a dslr instead.

If you want a P&S, pick up the G9. Or look into the SD870IS, DO NOT buy the S5! I think there is too much noise for pictures taken at even 100 ISO.

I hate to say this but as I love my G9 and it's manual controls and features, if I had to choose another P&S it would have been the S5. At 100 ISO you were getting that much noise??

[DLInspire]

Yes, the noise was very noticeable at even 100 ISO. No flash, and I had a tripod up.

People have told me that it was because of too many pixels on such a small CCD sensor. I did get some pretty good pictures out of it, but most of them just had too much noise.

[hassiman]

The only Digi Leica that deserves the name is the M8 as it is hand-built of pretty much the same materials and uses the same optics. My M-4's lenses will work on an M-8... but the image quality just does not justify the price yet... and as with ALL these cameras it's a function of the sensor more than the optics. The Rangefinder will focus more quickly and surely than and DSLR in low light... even the M-8... but the M-8 sensor is just not good enough to justify the optics.

The small digicam versions are just panasonics with the Leitz name... and the Panasonics are trying to be Leicas... All the good Leitz optics were assembled by hand and built like tanks to incredibly tight tolerances and then individually tested. I'm not sure even the top line Leitz products are built that way anymore.

[nutsnbolts]

The only Digi Leica that deserves the name is the M8 as it is hand-built of pretty much the same materials and uses the same optics. My M-4's lenses will work on an M-8... but the image quality just does not justify the price yet... and as with ALL these cameras it's a function of the sensor more than the optics. The Rangefinder will focus more quickly and surely than and DSLR in low light... even the M-8... but the M-8 sensor is just not good enough to justify the optics.

The small digicam versions are just panasonics with the Leitz name... and the Panasonics are trying to be Leicas... All the good Leitz optics were assembled by hand and built like tanks to incredibly tight tolerances and then individually tested. I'm not sure even the top line Leitz products are built that way anymore.

This would have been my first choice if I didn't have holes in my pocket. Unfortunately I have big holes in my pocket. In other words, all the money fell out somewhere and can't afford this. lol

[Padrino]

Knowing this, an M8 nearing EOS 1DMk III money is not an option! Good to know, thanks for the info. Soooo, G9 keeps pole position! :D

[hassiman]

Yup,

They are selling the Leica mistique and cache... In film days the leica WAS that much better than anything out there because of material quality and craftsmanship. CMOS sensor quality have nothing to do with craftsmanship... just science and research. Canon and Nikon made that technological leap years ahead of Leitz. That said, my 50mm summicron will still beat almost anything out there..

[n1as]

Well, it may be, but I'm wondering why I'd get one when I can get a real DSLR for just a bit more.

Price is about $440. The Nikon D40 DSLR is about $500. I have the D40 and it does a great job with low noise up to ISO 800 and is quite usable at 1600. I hear G9 owners saying the G9 is noisey at ISO 400.

Seems to me by the time I've spent $440 on a G9, I'd be better of going to the $500 mark and getting a real DSLR.

Am I missing something here?

- Keith -

[nutsnbolts]

Well, it may be, but I'm wondering why I'd get one when I can get a real DSLR for just a bit more.

Price is about $440. The Nikon D40 DSLR is about $500. I have the D40 and it does a great job with low noise up to ISO 800 and is quite usable at 1600. I hear G9 owners saying the G9 is noisey at ISO 400.

Seems to me by the time I've spent $440 on a G9, I'd be better of going to the $500 mark and getting a real DSLR.

Am I missing something here?

- Keith -

Uhh... a point and shoot (P&S) is a point and shoot, hence, a G9 where a dSLR is a different class. They are things you can do with a dSLR that you can't with a P&S and the compactness of a P&S you can't get from a dSLR.

When you see posts here whether to purchase a Canon/Nikon dSLR or a G9, these posts are really misunderstandings on how the two camera differs. The G9 is pretty much the top of the line P&S and a D40 (I'll say this loosely) is a lower end dSLR, so to speak.

This doesn't really answer your question fully but you should try and research what a P&S is and what a dSLR is.

[openspace]

I know its an industry term, but I think point & shoot is a bit of a misnomer. Seems to me that its better description for a shooting technique than a camera designation. Let's face it - of all the dSLRs that sell, of all the D40s, D70s and Rebels and 10Ds - 40Ds out there , few do little more than point and shoot with them either.

I think a better description for cameras like the G9 or P5100 would be "compact". Sure you can point and shoot with them. But you also have excellent manual control over your composition as well. How many consumer cameras have AEB, focus lock, 2nd curtain sync, manual focus or a hot shoe? These cameras have extraordinary sets of features that professional photographers and compositional artists absolutely love to see in a compact camera.

They are not dSLRs. They are compacts. And in some cases that makes them the better choice. It is not one or the other. But there is overlap. The point and shoot designation seems sometimes to obscure that fact.

[hassiman]

Guys... the G9 is not really a P&S. With its capabilities and size it is much more like venerable Leica than an SD P&S. It really needs a different taxonomy. You get a G9 to get DSLR like results with 1/4 the size and weight.

[northernlight]

in my job i tested the G9 against the GX100 from ricoh... nobrainer imo... I loved the GX100 but the G9 is almost a nobrainer imo... incredible litte camera.

[hassiman]

Well.... which was better and why?

[Padrino]

Hard decision, I assume. GX 100 is a no brainer. G9 ALMOST a no brainer. GX100 wins. Am I right, Northernlight??
N1AS, let's see the thing this way. G9 is the top of the line compact camera from Canon, so it's like a Mustang Cobra GT 500 in Ford's range. Meanwhile, a D40 is the base model of Nikon's range, so it's like a base Ford GT. Although its a base model, it will outperform a lower category item. A base GT will destroy a GT 500 anytime. You are trying to compare different segments.What happens if you already have a D40? so another D40 is not an option. What happens if you want portability? Forget about a DSLR. And, by the way, D40 isn't just 500 bucks, you need to get more lenses, and other stuff to make it fully operational. A macro lens for the D40 will cost 600 to 1000 bucks, as much as a G9 or two. And that's only a Macro lens!
I thought that camera market segments were PS - Compact - DSLR. G9 definitely a Compact, not a PS.

[n1as]

I've not compared the Nikon D40 to the Canon G9, but I've compared the D40 to my Canon 40D. The entry level Nikon is noticeably smaller & lighter than the standard sized Canon 40D. That Nikon D40 is closer to the G9 than any other DSLR except for the Canon Rebel XTi, which is quite a bit more money.

So the D40 is small and only costs a bit more. It has a larger sensor and better inherent performance.

It is missing some capabilities however. Macro and telephoto are two that are not part of the base D40 package. If you want those features, you'd need more lenses for the Nikon driving up both cost and size.

For me, the decision is simple. I don't do macro shooting and I'm not a big telephoto guy. I live with wide angle, the wider the better. For me, the D40 is a much more capable camera than the G9.

If I want something small, I'd be inclined to grab an A570 or such. Much smaller, easier to carry, good picture quality.

Anyway, just some things to ponder over. As much as I like my D40, I'm not using it any more since the 40D plus my lens collection does a better job of ... everything.

Merry Christmas all.

- Keith -

[Collin85]

I'm a little indifferent to the S5-IS and G9. I find the S5 to be a more versatile camera due to it's longer zoom and heavier features on movie mode (dedicated movie button, AF and optical zoom during recording, ability to take shots during recording etc.).. but the G9 is a stronger 'photo camera', and much more suitable to professional use, or usage by someone used to dSLRs.

If I was crazy enough, I'd actually buy both. But I'm not, so I went for the G9.

[openspace]

You know what? You pick your camera and you craft your art.

[linuxguy]

For me there are two types of cameras... one that fits in a pocket and can be carried everywhere and one that you use for image quality regardless of its size. Commonly referred to the compact camera and the DSLR camera respectively.

A D40 isn't a compact camera. I had a D50, which is about the same size. Its a great camera. Affordable, great picture quality, even at high ISOs, etc. Highly recommended.

IT, HOWEVER, DOES NOT FIT IN A POCKET. It is not nice to carry it everywhere. Its fine to carry on vacations and stuff, but not everywhere, everyday. Not even to keep in the car, all the time.

The thing about DSLRs is that they have an external lens. That sticks out and doesn't retract. And because they use a larger sensor, the same one that gives the great image quality, the lens needs to be larger than on the compact camera. So while the D40/50 body is almost the size of a compact camera and could almost fit in a jacket pocket, once you add the lens it is considerably larger and doesn't.

Compact cameras, such as the G9, are much nicer to carry "on your person". Entirely feasible to keep in a vehicle. However the picture quality isn't quite up to the same standards, especially at higher ISOs.

As far as the G9 being the best non SLR camera, it is for me. It has the combination of the best controls, image quality, size, lens, raw processing, IS and durability.

The G9 is a great camera. Its too bad that other camera manufacturers don't understand the G9 market segment and offer competition. Nikon tries to do this with the 5100, but it is a very poor imitation of the G9.

[CJinAustin]

For it's price range and size range it is the best. I have a friend with the Leica and it's kind of slow if you shoot raw and I'm not crazy about having to use a lense cap on a point and shoot.

[northernlight]

Hard decision, I assume. GX 100 is a no brainer. G9 ALMOST a no brainer. GX100 wins. Am I right, Northernlight??
N1AS, let's see the thing this way. G9 is the top of the line compact camera from Canon, so it's like a Mustang Cobra GT 500 in Ford's range. Meanwhile, a D40 is the base model of Nikon's range, so it's like a base Ford GT. Although its a base model, it will outperform a lower category item. A base GT will destroy a GT 500 anytime. You are trying to compare different segments.What happens if you already have a D40? so another D40 is not an option. What happens if you want portability? Forget about a DSLR. And, by the way, D40 isn't just 500 bucks, you need to get more lenses, and other stuff to make it fully operational. A macro lens for the D40 will cost 600 to 1000 bucks, as much as a G9 or two. And that's only a Macro lens!
I thought that camera market segments were PS - Compact - DSLR. G9 definitely a Compact, not a PS.

The GX100 is the better camera imo... ... ... i must have been drunk when i wrote that post... ;)

[WityWot]

I'm selling my G9 set up to save up for an SLR type. Only because an SLR is my true calling and NOT because the G9 is poor quality by far. :)

All pictures in my Sig were taken with the G9/ or G7. Great Line of camera's sad to part but need the boost in money.

[CJinAustin]

I'm selling my G9 set up to save up for an SLR type. Only because an SLR is my true calling and NOT because the G9 is poor quality by far. :)

All pictures in my Sig were taken with the G9/ or G7. Great Line of camera's sad to part but need the boost in money.

You should go for it,, the G9 is a compromise for those of us that don't want to lug SLR's around... If you don't mind lugging then the quality you will get with a DSLR will be worth it.

[WityWot]

You should go for it,, the G9 is a compromise for those of us that don't want to lug SLR's around... If you don't mind lugging then the quality you will get with a DSLR will be worth it.


Soon as I sell my set up I'm go for Launch! :D

[mknawabi]

Rangefinders, anyone? :P

[bluefox9er]

well, it has lots of manual features for sure, and boy will you need them, as the G9 LOVES to destroy any highlights!

[tincan44]

I settled on the G-9.
I like the 12.1 MP w/ Image Stabilization, 3" PureColor LCD, 6X optical & 4X digital (a fair 35-210mm 35mm equivalent), hot shoe, lens accessories with the ability to use filters and RAW image recording. So many features in a camera the size of the old Rangefinders.
I didn't want to lug around a monster camera & bag but I DID want superior pictures AND the creative freedom to change the camera exposure settings.
Maybe if someone invented an adaptor for my old Canon FD lenses I'd buy a big DSLR. For now I love my G-9.

[basroil]

canon made a great camera in the g9, but i give fuji the win with the 50fd... so much cleaner than canon's, and as a point and shoot, it does it's job perfectly. g9 is just too much of an slr wannabe without the comfort or expandability. better button layout than the 50fd, but it's still a point and shoot. the S series is closer to an slr as a prosumer camera, but in the world of point and shoots, the clean iso400 is king

[srf058]

What about the soon to debut Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 vs the G9?

28mm - 280 mm 10x lens
9 mega pixel 2.33" sensor
F3.3-4.9
3" 460kb LCD
Apparently no aperture or shutter priority setting.

[Marionne]

I just bought a Fuji f45fd and have been super pleased. It is sooo tiny. It's nice to have something that can be my "purse camera" and I don't miss out on pics cause I didn't feel like lugging the 30D.

[dave_bass5]

I want to get a G9 but im also holding out to see what the Fuji F100FD is like.
While i really want RAW as i use it in my 40D the new Fuji sounds interesting as it also has IS and that to me is a reason to get rid of my Fuji F31FD.

[CJinAustin]

I want to get a G9 but im also holding out to see what the Fuji F100FD is like.
While i really want RAW as i use it in my 40D the new Fuji sounds interesting as it also has IS and that to me is a reason to get rid of my Fuji F31FD.

The G9 has IS and Raw for about the same price as the Fuji...

[dave_bass5]

The G9 has IS and Raw for about the same price as the Fuji...

Actually the Fuji will be cheaper but im holding off until i read some reviews of how much noise it will produce around ISO400.
I know the G9 is a better camera and i know the F100FD will not be as good in low light as the F31FD but the F100FD will smaller. Not a huge issue but one i will take in to consideration. I can live without RAW if it means i dont have to apply NR on most of my higher ISO shots. At the moment i dont with my F31FD and i dont plan on taking a step backwards.

Im 90% certain i will get the G9 though. It should make life easier going from a 40D for the times i dont want to take that out with me.

[tincan44]

Actually the Fuji will be cheaper but im holding off until i read some reviews of how much noise it will produce around ISO400.
I know the G9 is a better camera....
Im 90% certain i will get the G9 though. It should make life easier going from a 40D for the times i dont want to take that out with me.


You WILL like the G9. Canon dropped the ball on a few issues. Some are easy to remedy.

1- the Grip, Richard Franiec makes a fine quality after-market grip & thumb rest that does make a difference.
2- the puney built-in flash, ~13 ft max, it can be pricey to buy a Speedlite EX (but a worthwhile addition)
3- the included memory card, 32M is laughable. I bought the Extreme III SDHC 4GB card. At 12M 4000x3000 756 pictures aren't too bad.
4- the Camera User Guide, small, hard to use and apparantly made with cheap recycled paper. Maybe others have a solution for this problem ??

I've only owned my G9 for a couple of months but I am quite satisfied with it.

[jonnypb]

Im 90% certain i will get the G9 though. It should make life easier going from a 40D for the times i dont want to take that out with me.

you've answered your own question ;) Go buy it!!

The Fuji will be a good camera but not as good as the G9 and it won't be as good as the F31 indoors

[dave_bass5]

tincan and jonny.
I know you are both right but the one overriding factor at the moment is the size. I know the G9 isnt big but its still a bit bulky compared to the Fuji and that could make a difference to weather i have to take a bag out of not. during the summer when ive just got shorts on a small P&S would fit in the pocket without any trouble.
I will get one or the other though and its still looking like its the G9 but i really should hold off.
I doubt i would use it with my 420EX as if i was going to take that out i would take the 40D as well and at home it would be the 40D all the way. so to me having all the good stuff like a SLR isnt really important although of course, thats just me.
And i would use it a lot indoors. I play in a couple of bands and so tend to take my Fuji when we go away a lot more than my 40D (for obvious reasons) so indoor shooting in places like castles etc would be when the IS would be handy. This si really the only reason im thinking about upgrading from the Fuji i already have.
Personally i dont think the low light performance of the F31FD is anything great as the NR seems ot be too much at higher ISO, so again, the G9 with its RAW output would be great but then so would the F100FD at lower ISO with IS on.
While im not really comparing the cameras feature for feature im thinking how I would use them. I dont mind having too much control but due to the size im hoping i might get away with something smaller.

[Elsley]

Pretty damn good camera in my opinion. It can do all sorts of clever tricks that other P & S cameras can't. Image quality is good enough for me and the metering is very accurate. One major problem I find is that the viewfinder is ABSOLUTE RUBBISH! Why??? Why are manufacturers of digital cameras incapable of producing a decent viewfinder that actually gives you an accurate impression of what you are photographing??? It's not that difficult. I would often much rather use a viewfinder than peer at a screen several inches in front of my nose. Apart from anything else I find that when using a viewfinder it is easier to get the camera level. There is nothing worse than a wonky horizon - and the lines on the G9 screen only help you get the camera horizontal, they don't guarantee it.....

[Jannie]

The more I use the G9 the more I fall in love with it, I already was won by the G7 and after only having it a few months bought the G9 when it came out, I just had to have more of what was already good and I'd become used to shooting in RAW with my DSLR.

What and why do I want even more, it all comes down to being able to shoot in available light, indoors as well as outside and that means higher ISO. I can live with the G9 perfectly as it is and will be learning to use CS3 to improve what I can get out of the camera at higher ISO's.

I'm not asking it to compete with my 5D and "L" lenses, the manner in which I shoot the G9 is very different than the way I approach much of my shooting with the 5D and there are no regrets in either direction.

And I don't need it smaller, I've had a much smaller Panasonic which was a great camera and I don't care if Canon comes out with a version followup to the G9 which is larger or has a protruding lens if it means something can be done to make a sensor that will shoot clean 800 ISO photos.

I carry the G9 with me about 90% of the time, and living in the NW USA that means I'm indoors a lot during the rainy season, often using the residue of window light as my source and it really necessitates a higher ISO.

I've pined for the Sigma DP-1 but looking at what I do with the G9, I use the far end of the optical zoom a lot-A LOT! I've become quite attached to being able to use it in such a convenient size, my other option is my 5D with the 70-200 f2.8 zoom @ 5.7 pounds and it's wonderful, I shot with that setup today.

So I would have bought an M8 instead of the 5D but nothing I read about it solidified my past love and desire for a Leica, my dream fantasy camera. Today that now hearlds the Canon name across it's front. A different feel, a different look but to my mind clearly the best, whether it be big or little, if I could, I would also get the 1DsIII in a minute, but I'll still be shooting the G9 or it's follow up just as much.

[sdommin]

In my opinion, the best non-SLR camera by far is the Sony R1. In second place is the Leica Digilux 2. The Canon G-Series cameras would come in third. If they had a slightly wider lens (maybe 28mm or so), they might move up to second.

[WT21]

In my opinion, the best non-SLR camera by far is the Sony R1. In second place is the Leica Digilux 2. The Canon G-Series cameras would come in third. If they had a slightly wider lens (maybe 28mm or so), they might move up to second.

In what way, in terms of form factor and bulk, is the R1 a non-DSLR? To have that form factor and then lose the benefits of an DSLR. That doesn't make sense to me.

I wish someone other than Leica (read cheaper than Leica, maybe <$1000?) would make a camera in that kind of form factor. I meant go for that. You could also get a bigger sensor.

[CJinAustin]

In my opinion, the best non-SLR camera by far is the Sony R1. In second place is the Leica Digilux 2. The Canon G-Series cameras would come in third. If they had a slightly wider lens (maybe 28mm or so), they might move up to second.


We need to start looking at the Sigma DP1... It should be dethroning some people

[sdommin]

In what way, in terms of form factor and bulk, is the R1 a non-DSLR? To have that form factor and then lose the benefits of an DSLR. That doesn't make sense to me.

Form factor and bulk have nothing to do with whether a camera is a DSLR or non-DSLR. The Sony R1 is not a reflex camera (thus no "R" as in DSLR). Because the light goes straight from the lens to the sensor to the continuous live-view LCD or EVF, you can compose and meter your shot exactly how you see it, just like your everyday P&S. That's why I consider it more like the G9 than a true DSLR. The larger SLR-size sensor a great benefit that you gain.

[sdommin]

We need to start looking at the Sigma DP1... It should be dethroning some people

If it only had a zoom lens I might consider it...

[CJinAustin]

Form factor and bulk have nothing to do with whether a camera is a DSLR or non-DSLR. The Sony R1 is not a reflex camera (thus no "R" as in DSLR). Because the light goes straight from the lens to the sensor to the continuous live-view LCD or EVF, you can compose and meter your shot exactly how you see it, just like your everyday P&S. That's why I consider it more like the G9 than a true DSLR. The larger SLR-size sensor a great benefit that you gain.

You're right...
If he means the best compact then the G9 is at or near the top of the list,,, if he means non-reflex then there are all sorts of bulky soccer mom cameras he should look at...

[baw5t0n]

The only Digi Leica that deserves the name is the M8 as it is hand-built of pretty much the same materials and uses the same optics. My M-4's lenses will work on an M-8... but the image quality just does not justify the price yet... and as with ALL these cameras it's a function of the sensor more than the optics. The Rangefinder will focus more quickly and surely than and DSLR in low light... even the M-8... but the M-8 sensor is just not good enough to justify the optics.

The small digicam versions are just panasonics with the Leitz name... and the Panasonics are trying to be Leicas... All the good Leitz optics were assembled by hand and built like tanks to incredibly tight tolerances and then individually tested. I'm not sure even the top line Leitz products are built that way anymore.

from what i understand, tamron makes all the p&s leica lenses... keep in mind that p&s doesn't always mean POS. :lol:

[baw5t0n]

Guys... the G9 is not really a P&S. With its capabilities and size it is much more like venerable Leica than an SD P&S. It really needs a different taxonomy. You get a G9 to get DSLR like results with 1/4 the size and weight.

well, not quite dslr results... the next G has got to be faster and have a bigger sensor! I don't really know too much about all the technical stuff, but why can't they put in a larger sensor and some bigger glass into a smaller body? like that Sigma one...

[WT21]

well, not quite dslr results... the next G has got to be faster and have a bigger sensor! I don't really know too much about all the technical stuff, but why can't they put in a larger sensor and some bigger glass into a smaller body? like that Sigma one...

the Sigma is nice, but has no zoom and a fixed aperture! The G9 is bigger because there has to be a place for a collapsable lens, a least in two parts, and a place for the servos, and then a place for the aperture blades. All those pieces plus the circuitry and chips for the camera brains takes up space. Technology and research can shrink the computing chips and circuitry more, but the physical mechanisms for lens extension needed for zoom, the blades for aperture changes, and the glass will all have real, physical world limitations in terms of how far they can shrink. So, today there is a trade off -- DP1 has a great sensor, but gives up Ap and zoom. The G9 has Ap and Zoom, but a smaller sensor.

What I might be willing to consider, though, is a wider, taller Leica-like body that's flat and not front-heavy like a DSLR. That could be workable w/today's technology.

[JohnJ80]

Is Canon G9 the best point and shoot?

I know that it has many manual controls.

but Is there anything specific feature only this camera has,
and others like canon S5-IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 do not have?

please help

The G9 is probably the best P&S out there right now.

J.

[baw5t0n]

the Sigma is nice, but has no zoom and a fixed aperture! The G9 is bigger because there has to be a place for a collapsable lens, a least in two parts, and a place for the servos, and then a place for the aperture blades. All those pieces plus the circuitry and chips for the camera brains takes up space. Technology and research can shrink the computing chips and circuitry more, but the physical mechanisms for lens extension needed for zoom, the blades for aperture changes, and the glass will all have real, physical world limitations in terms of how far they can shrink. So, today there is a trade off -- DP1 has a great sensor, but gives up Ap and zoom. The G9 has Ap and Zoom, but a smaller sensor.

What I might be willing to consider, though, is a wider, taller Leica-like body that's flat and not front-heavy like a DSLR. That could be workable w/today's technology.

Do you think they can keep everything they have in G9 in the same body but fit a larger sensor? I suppose that would require larger lenses? That would actually help with the speed as well, right? I don't need more zoom... I'll even take less zoom for larger sensor... wouldn't you?

[Jannie]

I do believe the Sigma is a physically larger camera.

[JohnJ80]

Do you think they can keep everything they have in G9 in the same body but fit a larger sensor? I suppose that would require larger lenses? That would actually help with the speed as well, right? I don't need more zoom... I'll even take less zoom for larger sensor... wouldn't you?

No. the sensor size drives the lens (glass size) which drives the body size so it wouldn't fit in the same body (pretty well shoe-horned in there right now).

J

[WT21]

I do believe the Sigma is a physically larger camera.

Yes, but just barely. I saw one at the local shop just Saturday, and I was floored by it. I assumed it was Leica sized, but it isn't. Not much bigger than the G9.

So, I think that is why it has a fixed Ap and focal length. No room in the body for those things with a sensor that large.

Here are the stats.
DP1:
Width 4.5 in. Depth 2 in. Height 2.3 in. Weight 0.53 lb.
G9:
Width 4.19 in. Depth 1.67 in. Height 2.83 in. Weight 0.71 lb.

[baw5t0n]

No. the sensor size drives the lens (glass size) which drives the body size so it wouldn't fit in the same body (pretty well shoe-horned in there right now).

J

Oh... well, that sucks... :evil:
Thanks for the enlightenment though... I guess I should be happy with the G9...

[JohnJ80]

Oh... well, that sucks... :evil:
Thanks for the enlightenment though... I guess I should be happy with the G9...

yep, it does. and it is the primary reason that the camera guys are trying for smaller sensors in the more consumer cameras (other than camera sensor cost). The smaller the sensor, the less of all materials get used and therefore cheaper (in general).

It is also the reason that the Sigma DP1 is larger and the lens doesn't zoom etc...

J.

[Jannie]

Just wondering and don't know how you would figure this out without testing the camera but what would be the hyperfocal range of the Sigma, with an f4 28mm equivalent lens wide open (but isn't there more depth of field figured with the different lens length math wise and the smaller sensor), you could just about set it at probably 6-7 feet and leave it there for everything but close ups and just vary the ISO for travel and street shooting since everything will be shot wide. Stop it down two stops to 8 for daylight exteriors at 400 ISO if it really is that good and all you'd have to do is frame with the viewfinder-hmmmmmmm.

I'm guessing that it'd hold from about 3 or 4' to infinity.

[JohnJ80]

I think on the G9, you want to avoid apertures tighter than f/5.6 or diffraction effects start to be a problem.

J.

[hassiman]

I think that the G9 is the best P&S out there for the advanced photog... if only for its RAW capability. The IQ is great.... but it could certianly be better. A G10 with a bigger sensor , a 28mm and a rangefinder-like viewfinder would be great! If the frame lines were accurate you could anticipate things entering the frame before releasing the shutter. This is what made the Leica so great. No matter what DSLR you have you still can't see stuff approaching the frame before it's there.:lol:

Also... less shutter lag time would be nice. Leica is still the one to beat for lag time.

[Kevan_G9]

I think that the G9 is the best P&S out there for the advanced photog... if only for its RAW capability. The IQ is great.... but it could certianly be better. A G10 with a bigger sensor , a 28mm and a rangefinder-like viewfinder would be great! If the frame lines were accurate you could anticipate things entering the frame before releasing the shutter. This is what made the Leica so great. No matter what DSLR you have you still can't see stuff approaching the frame before it's there.:lol:

Also... less shutter lag time would be nice. Leica is still the one to beat for lag time.

Kinda brings us to that other thread that's floating around here some place.

I was wondering if the G10 would save space for that bigger sensor if they dropped the movie feature and other less necessary bells and whistles. I'd like to add to the wish list the idea of bringing back the split screen for manual focus, if it isn't asking too much.

[CJinAustin]

Kinda brings us to that other thread that's floating around here some place.

I was wondering if the G10 would save space for that bigger sensor if they dropped the movie feature and other less necessary bells and whistles. I'd like to add to the wish list the idea of bringing back the split screen for manual focus, if it isn't asking too much.

I don't think they've figured out a way to put in a bigger sensor and a zoom lense... I'd be fine with a nice fixed lense in exchange for a smaller DOF potential and C-size sensor. If the DP1 drops in price a couple hundred bucks I am going to go take a serious look at it..

[JohnJ80]

I think that the G9 is the best P&S out there for the advanced photog... if only for its RAW capability. The IQ is great.... but it could certianly be better. A G10 with a bigger sensor , a 28mm and a rangefinder-like viewfinder would be great! If the frame lines were accurate you could anticipate things entering the frame before releasing the shutter. This is what made the Leica so great. No matter what DSLR you have you still can't see stuff approaching the frame before it's there.:lol:

Also... less shutter lag time would be nice. Leica is still the one to beat for lag time.

I think a larger sensor is wishful thinking. 28mm is good and a decent viewfinder is also good.

By Leica, I hope you are not referring to the $5K M8 (that is the digital rangefinder, IIRC) - that is in a completely different league.

J.