Canon PowerShot G9

The digital compact grows up

Complete with a 12MP CCD, image-stabilized lens and more tricks than Britney's had Frappuccinos, the G9 bridges the gap between compact and DSLR. Encased in a robust, uncompromising and (slightly) intimidating body, it's the Darth Vader of digital cameras. Light sabre not included.

Novices should dig out the manual first. The sheer quantity of buttons and dials on the body is as unnerving as stumbling upon an angry Rottweiler in an alley. The square body isn't comfortable either, we'd have preferred more grips and the zoom lever is a bit of a stretch.

Shutter bug

Putting these nags aside. With a responsive shutter, fast focusing, and outstanding 3in LCD, the G9 is a joy to use. 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. Our favourite feature is 'Focus check,' which puts an end to blurred pictures by enlarging the focus area so you can check the sharpness.

The list goes on

A feature list as exhaustive as the unabridged Oxford Dictionary includes: manual control over the aperture, shutter, sensitivity and focusing, a hotshoe for a flashgun and lens adaptor ring. But the G9 isn't just for wannabe pros. Even the most clueless shutterbug can snap away using scene modes and face detection.

At £430 this is pricier than some DSLR's, but that's without factoring cost of extra lenses and the bulky shape. For newcomers to photography and enthusiasts in the market for a second camera, the tough and quick G9 is perfect.

Posted by Hannah Bouckley on 2007-12-03


user commentsUser Comments

By shutternut

23|10|2008 08:55

The Canon Powershot G9 is a great camera. It has many useful features such as 12.1megapixel, 6x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilizer and face detection. This latest Canon G series certainly attracts the eye of users. The best price i found for G9 is ikit.net. They also have a whole range of Canon cameras and lens. Share with u guys: http://www.ikit.net/digital-cameras/canon/canon-powershot-g9-p-1403.html

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Canon G9 Powershot seen from the front
With a responsive shutter, fast focusing, and outstanding 3in LCD, the G9 is a joy to use.
RATINGPRICE
£430

WE LOVE

Build.
Features.

WE HATE

Comfort.
Busy interface.

WE SAY

Like an SAS trooper; tough and capable. The convenient alternative to a DSLR
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