G9 BIG PROBLEM

[nate17]

Has anyone else had problem with there powershot g9's auto focus? I have been through 2 G9's and the second one I just got to day it worked fine for a little bit, then I shut it off and turned it on and it would not auto focus anymore! Is anyone else having the same problem with there G9's?

[Bob_A]

Sounds very strange. What was wrong with the first G9?

By the way, if you are used to a DSLR don't expect that the G9 will have the same AF ability. I find that it is occassionally frustrating to lock AF in low light situations ... and the AF "area" is pretty large, so the G9 will sometimes lock on the background instead of the subject if it is brighter/higher contrast.

[nate17]

nver had a DSLR, but I am planning on purchasing the new Canon Eos 450D or Rebel XSi. Yu know if it is a good camera?

[Bob_A]

I'm certain that both of them are fine. Just keep in mind that the world of DSLR's can be pretty hard on your wallet :) Also, you need to have a lot better technique for locking focus with a DSLR since the depth of field is pretty thin at wide apertures.

I just got back from taking the family to Disney World and left all my DSLR gear at home and only took my G9. Glad I did as it sure was a lot less hassle and had a lot more fun than on previous trips.

You didn't say what was wrong with the first G9 that you returned ...


http://bobanderson.smugmug.com/photos/296947942_vF84g-L.jpg

[BobsYourUncle]

http://bobanderson.smugmug.com/photos/296947942_vF84g-L.jpg

Hey! Where did you get that picture of my brother? :lol::lol:

[Eagle Eye]

Hey Bob, if that is your brother remind me not to upset you!!!! LOL Sort of looks like my first wife but only on her good day.

[Canon Soldier]

nver had a DSLR, but I am planning on purchasing the new Canon Eos 450D or Rebel XSi. Yu know if it is a good camera?

450D and XSi are one and the same. I would actually reccomend the lower version, the ultra popular Rebel XTi. It can deliver the same exact performance and you will have a few more hundred dollars to spend on a very nice lens. But if you are set on the 450D, go get it.

[Bob_A]

It's how my kids see me. :)

[denncald]

Sounds very strange. What was wrong with the first G9?

By the way, if you are used to a DSLR don't expect that the G9 will have the same AF ability. I find that it is occassionally frustrating to lock AF in low light situations ... and the AF "area" is pretty large, so the G9 will sometimes lock on the background instead of the subject if it is brighter/higher contrast.

You can always change the size of the AF frame size to a smaller size to improve the focusing (page 121 in user manual).

Dennis

[Bob_A]

You can always change the size of the AF frame size to a smaller size to improve the focusing (page 121 in user manual).

Dennis

Already have it set up that way. :) My feeling though is that like Canon's SLR's the actual AF area is a bit larger than what the frame shows, and for the G9 even the small frame is a bit large IMO. I've had a few cases where the frame was clearly on the middle of someones face yet focus kept jumping to the background. The situations were always when the face was in the shadows, for example when someone is wearing a hat, and the background is much brighter with much higher contrast.