G9... Why did I wait so long?

[Double Negative]

I just received my new, gently used, pimped out G9 yesterday. Came with all the goodies; Franiec grip, thumb rest and black ring - along with a LowePro Apex 60 AW. I'm in the process of getting some extra batteries (got two 1700mAh batteries enroute) and cards (picking up two Transcend 8GB Class 6 SDHC). All I need now is a super barebones case for *just* the camera (looking at a couple, possibly Canon PSC-85).

Of course I had to go out at lunch and give 'er a spin. The camera, plain and simple - is a lot of FUN to shoot. Handling is good, especially with the Franiec accessories. What I wasn't prepared for was just how good the images are for "just a P&S." I shot RAW, mostly "P" mode, with and without macro mode as needed - converted in ACR and PP'ed in Photoshop CS3 (in a hurry) and came up with the following... Click for larger/info:

http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0065.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1687&exhibition=37&ee_lang=eng&u=1848,0) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0043.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1688&exhibition=37&ee_lang=eng&u=1848,1) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0036.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1689&exhibition=37&ee_lang=eng&u=1848,2) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0034.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1690&exhibition=37&ee_lang=eng&u=1848,3) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0030.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1691&exhibition=37&ee_lang=eng&u=1848,4) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0029.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1692&exhibition=37&ee_lang=eng&u=1848,5) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0022.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1693&exhibition=37&ee_lang=eng&u=1848,6)

Impressive! Imported via ACR, slight curves adjustment, resized and very mild USM applied.

I bought the G9 to have a small camera that I can basically have with me ALL the time and to take places I just can't take the regular gear. I have no intention of replacing (or even duplicating) the DSLR gear, so I don't plan to get any add-on lenses, etc. I'm not even sure I'm going to bother with a lens adapter and lens hood, though it would be nice... Would kill the portability factor, which is why I got it in the first place! Likewise I don't plan on using filters (such as a CPL). It would be nice, but if I'm going that far, I'll stick with the DSLR. Besides, adjusting a CPL on the LCD can't be that easy.

I haven't spent much time with it yet, but plan to spend a lot of time playing with this gem in the near future and continue to put it through its paces. Amazing how much tech and features are packed into this awesome little camera! Being able to shoot RAW and have manual control is exactly what I've been looking for. I can't believe I waited this long to get a G9. If you're on the fence... GO FOR IT.

[Double Negative]

Forgot to mention, I haven't used a P&S since I picked up an original APS-C ELPH back in the late 90's... The quality sucked but the form factor was awesome. This was during a "lull" in my photography; I got back into 35mm again which eventually lead to digital with the D30 and the 1D2N. Now I've come full circle back to a digital P&S! LOL.

:p

[OldA1]

Grats on the G9

It is an awesome camera - I love mine

Peace
Mark

[Dorman]

I couldn't agree more with your findings DN - big emphasis on the fun factor and very usable IQ.

[mastertech01]

I love mine too, but I havent figured out how to get correct color calibration with mine yet. I have a G5 and the colors come out right with it, so I figure its some adjustments I havent found yet. Mine was slightly used when I got it also, so maybe the prior owner set color controls in it I havent discovered yet. Im very slow about reading the manual. :o

Congrats on your aquisition!

I also recommend the franiec cable release adaptor. I have very unsteady hands it really helps in low light or closeup photography.

[Double Negative]

Thanks, gang! :)

Had another little romp at lunch today. Shooting macro, normal and even a movie.

Here's a NICE touch... Everyone's ooohing-and-aaahing over the iPhone when it does this, but the G9 has it as well - when you're in playback mode, the images will rotate on the screen depending on if you're holding the camera vertically or horizontally using the built-in orientation sensor! Schweeeet.

[inthedeck]

My brother has one, and loves it. He sold off his 40D and lenses, and now, just has this, for those times when he's on vacation, etc. He said the 30D and 40D were just sitting there, doing nothing...

I did get a chance to hold the G9, and it looked interesting. Though, no go on the move to a P&S, as the wife has an A610 that works just fine.

[Double Negative]

^ Yeah, I'm not looking to replace my normal gear - just add to it. Can't get into baseball games or concerts with the usual kit and sometimes, honestly, I don't feel like schlepping it either. :p

I wanted something small yet something that a photographer could really enjoy/use - and the G9 certainly delivers. It obviously won't compare to a DSLR (though many do) but gets the job done, portably. I looked at a LOT of models out there, not just Canon, and kept coming back to the G9. The Leica/Panasonic LX series are nice and so is the Sigma DP-1, but the G9 won overall, IMO.

I'd love a Leica M8 but it's not much more portable than a DSLR and forget the price. The ol' Epson RD-1 is also very nice at half the price - but again, not very portable. So here we are...

[inthedeck]

Yeah, I hear that. Portability is key, and as such, it's a nice cam. from that aspect. Pictures aren't bad at all...especially with the RAW option. I might have to go the A610 hack, to allow her to shoot RAW as well. Nothing too complicated.

[Double Negative]

^ True, while the G9 is portable, it's not exactly a pocket camera. I would still love to have something smaller... But I guess we can't have everything, LOL. You've heard of that CHKDK firmware hack I take it?

[inthedeck]

Yeapo. My other brother (not the one with the G9) successfully implemented on his A620, and claims it works well. No hiccups.

[Double Negative]

^ Nice! I'm glad that project exists, along with the 300D hack. Limiting features via software like Canon does (and Nikon doesn't) is just stupid. I wonder when/if a G9 version will ever show up...

[inthedeck]

Sure it can't be too far along...though, what features, if any, do you find 'missing?'

[Rogan]

have u tried anything on the hot shoe yet?

[Double Negative]

Sure it can't be too far along...though, what features, if any, do you find 'missing?'

That's just it; I don't! :p

Here's the relevant discussion (http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php/topic,1132.0.html) re:CHKDK and G9...

have u tried anything on the hot shoe yet?

Not yet, though I plan to play with the 580EX and ST-E2 soon - as well as my radio trigger for the studio strobes. More out of curiosity than anything as I don't plan to use the G9 in the studio. The 580EX I can see using, though... When you need a flash, you need a flash - and the extra power plus bounce capability of the 580EX over the built-in is a good thing. More often than not though it'll just be me and the G9 - nothing else.

[Rogan]

i agree i was just wondering purely for curiosity

[Dorman]

My 580 and 430EX's work like a charm - if you check out strobist.com there are some articles about using the G9 with off camera flash with excellent results.

[Double Negative]

i agree i was just wondering purely for curiosity

Yeah, I'm curious too... Can't wait to play with the 580EX on there.

My 580 and 430EX's work like a charm - if you check out strobist.com there are some articles about using the G9 with off camera flash with excellent results.

I bet! A little top heavy, but the results are likely well worth it over the built-in flash. I thought about picking up something smaller but it doesn't make sense. Anything less than the 430EX doesn't bounce except for that little Metz unit - but that's totally manual. Besides, I already have two 580EX units plus an ST-E2, so... :p

I've been browsing Strobist for a while now - definitely a legion of G9 fans there! I like the concept of using the G9 as "The New Polaroid." Heh.

[mastertech01]

420EX also bounces and swivels and can be had pretty economically too if you keep a sharp eye out. But if you can only find one for near the price of the 430ex then it would be wiser to go ahead and get the 430EX. I got my 420EX dirt cheap and just couldnt get a 430 for less than about 200.00 so the choice was easy for me. I tried on a 580EX II I had and it was so danged huge up there compared to the 420EX. Seemed about 30 percent larger.

[Double Negative]

^ Interesting... Hadn't thought of going back a little further to the 420EX.

On the case front, I just came from a local B&M shop and tried out damn near every case in the joint. Several came SO very close to what I wanted, but were just too tight or didn't fit at all. I ended up with a Promaster 1610 (http://www.promaster.com/products/products.asp?CatID=40&CatSM=&SubCatID=5&CatName=Bags%20And%20Cases&SubCatName=Compact%20Digital&sm=sm2_405&dir=&page=PROD&product=B1610) black leather case that has enough room for a spare SDHC (or three) and battery and can be worn as a belt or shoulder case. A hair bigger than I envisioned, but was the best compromise all around. Tamrac, Lowepro and Op/Tech had some that were close. They didn't carry this Tamrac case (http://tamrac.com/5689.htm) but it looks very nice. The black leather wins on style though. :)

[Dorman]

I went with a black leather case that screws into the tripod mount and snaps off, old school style.

[Double Negative]

I went with a black leather case that screws into the tripod mount and snaps off, old school style.

I love those - like the specifically-made Canon leather case. The only thing that kept me from getting that (IMO, ultimate) case... Is the lack of a stinkin' belt loop!

[Dorman]

Yeah no belt loop and no storage, but it's a slick little case. Makes me feel like I have a rangefinder.haha

[Double Negative]

This thing does some amazing macro... I'm quite impressed.

http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0085.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1760&exhibition=31&ee_lang=eng&u=962,2) http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/IMG_0203.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=1763&exhibition=32&ee_lang=eng&u=1170,1)

[I Simonius]

I just received my new, gently used, pimped out G9 yesterday.I haven't spent much time with it yet, but plan to spend a lot of time playing with this gem in the near future and continue to put it through its paces. Amazing how much tech and features are packed into this awesome little camera! Being able to shoot RAW and have manual control is exactly what I've been looking for. I can't believe I waited this long to get a G9. If you're on the fence... GO FOR IT.

I;m on the fence;):p yeah - been toying with getting one of these m'sen

I was wondering whether anyone had researched experiences (i.e. a poll) as to the best overall P&S for street shooting or just various pros and cons?

I don't always feel in the mood for the 5D round for street but Im missing shots:(

- Did you suss out the alternatives for a P&S?

+is the G9 the only RAW file P&S?

How do you find the shutter response time, i/.e time taken fro seeing ashot to the shutter firing?

thanks for your review/feedback:D

[CScottMcQueen]

Have to say I bought the G9 and the 'old school' case and think it's the business

would 100% recommend this camera.

[Dorman]

I;m on the fence;):p yeah - been toying with getting one of these m'sen

I was wondering whether anyone had researched experiences (i.e. a poll) as to the best overall P&S for street shooting or just various pros and cons?

I don't always feel in the mood for the 5D round for street but Im missing shots:(

- Did you suss out the alternatives for a P&S?

+is the G9 the only RAW file P&S?

How do you find the shutter response time, i/.e time taken fro seeing ashot to the shutter firing?

thanks for your review/feedback:D

Go to the urban form and look at images from Bottom Bracket (Pio), who is one of the best street shooters on here. Many of his images are from two G series cameras, I believe a G6 and another one, but he doesn't have the G9.

The raw results are quite good from the G9, just be stingy on the ISO as above 400 is quite noisy, and I find you need to be careful at 200-400 as well.

The good thing about it is that it's unobtrusive, you won't get noticed like you do with a fullsize DSLR. There is a shutter lag, just like any P&S but it's not a deal breaker. What I wish for is a better viewfinder as I'm not a fan of using the LCD.

[John_T]

...the main way not to get noticed is to hold it stretched out and up with mouth hanging open while gaping at the LCD like a Muppet, rather than crouched over the viewfinder like a predator. ;)

[Double Negative]

...the main way not to get noticed is to hold it stretched out and up with mouth hanging open while gaping at the LCD like a Muppet, rather than crouched over the viewfinder like a predator. ;)

So true... Blend in with all the other tourists! :D

[I Simonius]

...the main way not to get noticed is to hold it stretched out and up with mouth hanging open while gaping at the LCD like a Muppet, rather than crouched over the viewfinder like a predator. ;)

yeah I can look like a muppet - no problem:lol:;)


The raw results are quite good from the G9, just be stingy on the ISO as above 400 is quite noisy, and I find you need to be careful at 200-400 as well.

The good thing about it is that it's unobtrusive, you won't get noticed like you do with a fullsize DSLR. There is a shutter lag, just like any P&S but it's not a deal breaker. What I wish for is a better viewfinder as I'm not a fan of using the LCD.

Horrible VF is why I got rid of my old powershot - I know what you mean about those things - why can't they use a bright line like the leicas, it could zoom in and out ?

Its the getting nor=ticed bit that makes me want to get one for street. The 5D and 35L is a great combo but hardly unobtrusive!:(

Thanks for the heads up on the ISO question , other than that I guess it's pretty useable it seesm:D

[Double Negative]

^ It's a very usable camera. I was worried as well, coming from a life time of SLRs with mixed P&S experiences. I would say, "don't worry about it." :)

[Double Negative]

^ Aww, thanks Mike! :)

Congrats on getting one! It's an addictive little camera and I'm sure you'll have a blast with it as I have.

On a side note, I no longer put G9 shots in their own exhibition as I started out doing; no reason to keep the images separate (they're that good). But to make it easy, there's a way to see all/only G9 shots (http://litpixel.com/ee/list.php?search_row=camera&keyword=Canon+PowerShot+G9&ee_lang=eng&u=1120).