G9 On the way - Tips from SLR owners?

[S.Horton]

A G9 is on the way for a trip to the tropics.

I wanted this because in many situations an SLR just isn't practical.

I do shoot SLRs -- Can someone who came from SLRs to the G9 provide a few quick tips? For example, what did you notice about use/control, what mode are you usually shooting it in, etc?

;)

[ian.maw]

Hi,

I would recommend shooting RAW at all time and I would use f5.6 where possible. Based on my experience this maximises sharpness and minimises aberrations.

The live histogram is great for spotting clipping which the G9 suffers from in extreme lighting conditions.

As the G9 is relatively noisy at high ISOs I would try to carry some sort of support to allow you to use longer shutter speeds in certain circumstances.

The batteries should last 200 - 300 shots so you may want to take several. I would buy third party batteries rather than Canon's own.

If you take any large videos I would make sure I use Canon's download software or an external card reader. I have lost some large videos due to trying to use Windows Explorer to transfer the files from the camera.

Have fun,

Ian

[Nick_C]

I use my A720IS which is virtually the same as a G9 (IQ wise) to its best ability, I shoot raw (via a hack) & use bounced flash for indoor shots (via an optical slave).

Other things are to stop down the lens 1 stop, dont EVER choose f/8.0 as the image will be very soft due to diffraction, & above all keep the ISO down to the minimum, no P&S can handle high ISO effectively.

[GordonSBuck]

All good tips.

Get an adapter and use a polarizing filter outdoors in the bright light, glare off the water, etc. This effect can't be duplicated in post processing.

If you are comfortable processing raw image files don't be afraid to use ISO 400 or even 800 (if necessary) provided that you use noise reduction software like Noiseware. Unfortunately, the bundled Canon software is not nearly as good.

The optimum aperture for the G9 is probably around f4 to f5.6 but you may not be able to tell the difference at f8 unless you make large or extremely cropped prints.

Don't forget to try stitching and to get a few videos.

[ducko]

I've only just started using my G9 as I just picked it up last week. I still mostly use the AV mode (just like I do with my 5D). The IQ is really great, esp. since I have been shooting in RAW and use Lightroom. Here is a 100% crop that I did a couple days ago.

http://ducko.smugmug.com/photos/326754721_9Dvst-L.jpg

[skid00skid00]

Check the histo if the sky is in your shot. There's less room for overexposure errors. With good raw processing, 13"x19" prints look very good.

[Nick_C]

Yes that reminds me of something I have to do with my A720, which would probably stand for a G9 too.

I always dial in a -1/2 stop roughly negative exposure compensation, these little sensors REALLY do blow highlights much easier than a DSLR, I find this setting works well for every shot, as the dynamic range is much lower on these.

[guajero]

I find that I really enjoy the macro function of my G9. There is a lot of fun to be had with it.

[Nick_C]

I prefer the macro on my A720 more than my 5D, DOF is so much larger..

[mastertech01]

Be sure to pick up a good external flash. An older 420EX will serve you well and can be had reasonable.

[S.Horton]

Wow, gang, THANK YOU!

EC-1/2
f/5.6
CPL w/adapter
RAW
NR can-do up to ISO 800

I have a 430; will a 580 EX II also work?

[mastertech01]

Any EX series flash will work. I just use the 420 for its smaller footprint.

[S.Horton]

Ah, ok.

I did order the CPL and adapter -- Any comments on the WA and tele 'add on' lenses?

[S.Horton]

Excellent tips, the G9 is producing very nice results!

Thank you all!

[Swaffs]

These are great tips,
As a 1d user that is looking for a replacement for that old IXUS50 for the missus, and for my bike outings. The G9 is obviously top of my list.

Rich

[Nick_C]

Not taken on a G9 but some test shots with my A720IS, but as far as IQ goes, the 2 are comparable when you look at noise figures & test shots etc, although I do like the build on the G9 better, but not the price :-(

Shot in Raw as always, each image roughly 24 megapixel, I usually stitch a few together, not always panoramic, sometimes square but made up of 4 images, that way I can usually have more than just 8mp to work with, so if I do decide to print any I will end up with better quality on larger prints.. its not a bad little camera.

http://web.newsguy.com/network/pan1.jpg

http://web.newsguy.com/network/pan2.jpg

Yes the water really was that colour, its like glow in the dark, very strange, I think its some reaction with the china clay in the quarry, anyway these little cameras work ok for those times when I think the 5D is not required, more care has to be taken not to blow the highlights as its VERY easily done, but I do love the smaller size, it fits in my pocket which is more than I can say about the 5D ;-)

[Bob_A]

As others have mentioned, bring along an external flash. Also recognize that placing the camera in Manual also results in the flash being in manual ... which I really dislike about this camera.

To get around this and still be able to pick the shutterspeed you want you can use Tv for flash and live with the camera wanting to be at the widest aperture. Alternatively set up the camera so you can shoot Av and not go below 1/60s.

The other issue I have with the G9 is exposure compensation is really just an electronic brightness control, so it's a pretty useless feature. This camera does not shift the program like a DSLR.

For clean images try to stay at ISO 200 or lower. ISO 400 is ok at best, and anything above ISO 400 is too noisey for my taste (unless you apply a bunch of noise reduction which only results in smeared looking images IMO).

If you're used to a DSLR then shoot RAW for sure since the images from all Canon point and shoots are pretty saturated/contrasty out of the box.

Despite the above the G9 is certainly capable of taking very nice images.

[S.Horton]

Having played with it, I completely agree it is a very fine camera indeed, but comparing it to any of the SLRs is unfair.

I love the small size, the ability to take a short video, and the results!

A+ in my book.

[Nick_C]

I prefer my P&S for macro instead of my DSLR, the DOF is so much larger!

[Bob_A]

Having played with it, I completely agree it is a very fine camera indeed, but comparing it to any of the SLRs is unfair.

I love the small size, the ability to take a short video, and the results!

A+ in my book.

Some things are fair game though, such as the manual flash with camera in manual issue and no true program shift. These are simply software limitations of the camera.

[S.Horton]

I can see your point.

[tinfire]

RAW is so fashionable but....
When you come back remember to archive your RAW files as Jpegs as well.
In 20 years when you want to look at your RAW holiday files you may have difficulty decoding them.
RAW files are a "here today gone tomorrow format" but Jpegs will probably survive.

Do shoot a few short Video sequences. It can bring the still shots to life.

[S.Horton]

Thx for the tips.

Aside from higher ISO noise than an SLR, I'd say the G9 is excellent.

RAW shots from it require a different recipie; always a touch of noise reduction, difference sharpening approach.........

The HUGE bonus is the ability to shoot little videos -- Just fantastic walking around on vacation!

Pic:
http://midnightblue.smugmug.com/photos/344114464_kHU9q-L.jpg

[Nick_C]

RAW is so fashionable but....
When you come back remember to archive your RAW files as Jpegs as well.
In 20 years when you want to look at your RAW holiday files you may have difficulty decoding them.
RAW files are a "here today gone tomorrow format" but Jpegs will probably survive.

Do shoot a few short Video sequences. It can bring the still shots to life.

Thats quite true, but on the scale of things it could equally turn out that jpeg cant be read in 20 years from now, lots can change.

Saying that though so long as you keep the software handy you could always hook up something with all the old software to get them converted into whatever the new format may be at the time.

Of course nothing is forever if you really think about it in depth, us included ;)

[S.Horton]

I think that because of sheer volume the file formats we have today will be around for a long, long time.

[mastertech01]

Another nice touch is a Canon 50mm lens cap to snap on the end of the lensmate for cool factor.. :)


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h148/mastertech01/IMG_0868.jpg

[S.Horton]

^^ Yep. On the way!

The G9 is very solid.

http://midnightblue.smugmug.com/photos/349362758_KKggA-L.jpg

[Jack Leavitt]

Try the Scene modes. They are excellent. I sometimes get better results than TV, AV, P.

[S.Horton]

I'll do that!

[Pandya]

RAW is so fashionable but....
When you come back remember to archive your RAW files as Jpegs as well.
In 20 years when you want to look at your RAW holiday files you may have difficulty decoding them.
RAW files are a "here today gone tomorrow format" but Jpegs will probably survive.

Do shoot a few short Video sequences. It can bring the still shots to life.

Use something like DNG. In twenty years, I'm fairly sure Adobe will still be around, and I'm fairly sure everyone will still use Photoshop :)

Or archive in 16bit tiffs...but that much hurt the old hard drives.

[mastertech01]

I think if you want to archive photographs for 20 years down the road you better print them. No telling what technology will bring by then. Virtually everything from 10 years ago is completely obsolete due to operating system changes and hardware incompatibility.

[S.Horton]

Interesting thought........

[Nick_C]

I think if you want to archive photographs for 20 years down the road you better print them. No telling what technology will bring by then. Virtually everything from 10 years ago is completely obsolete due to operating system changes and hardware incompatibility.

Simple answer is to move with the times, dont keep stuff backed up in a format that is so old, move it onto whatever is around at the time, keep moving & converting it with the current formats & your fine.

If you really think long term then dont forget that none of us will last that long either, like when they say prints that have a 100+ year lightfast, well unless you plan to pass them onto the next of kin I dont really care if it lasts that long as I wont be around to see it fade :p

[AB8ND]

Get a long sync cord, so you can use the G9 when you want to over power the sun with your off camera strobe. The G9 with cord will sync all the way to 1/2500th, something the DSLR's just won't do. This might seem an odd thing to do, but just think of the aperture/shutter options when shooting in sunlight. Also if needed the little on board flash has power settings (not FEC) that can come in handy if it is needed for a fill light or to trigger an optical slave on an off camera flash.

Jack

[Nick_C]

A DSLR can sync at higher than 1/250th etc.. I use my flash on occasions at 1/1000th+ but you need a flash that supports high speed sync mode.

[AB8ND]

I'm not talking ETTL here, off camera manual - much more versatility.

Jack

A DSLR can sync at higher than 1/250th etc.. I use my flash on occasions at 1/1000th+ but you need a flash that supports high speed sync mode.

[Nick_C]

I'm not talking ETTL here, off camera manual - much more versatility.

Jack

You said a sync cable thats why, which of course retains ETTL ;)

[AB8ND]

I probably should have qualified the sync cable and strobe. I'm talking, the flash set on manual connected to the G9, presumably on manual also, with a generic sync cord or cable. You would be doing the same things as one would use Pocket Wizards or some other radio trigger, but these will not sync over 1/1000th. You might even be using a none Canon (watch the trigger voltages if connnected bycable) flash, such as a Vivitar 285 HV or even a nice Nikon SB800 which don't use ETTL.

Jack

[Nick_C]

That makes more sense now :-)