The G9 is a development of the 10-megapixel PowerShot G7. The G9 might look very similar from the outside but it incorporates a series of improvements, which should greatly increase its appeal.
Like the G7, it's a solidly built rectangular camera finished in a tough-feeling black crackle finish. It has a 6x optical zoom offering the equivalent of 35-210mm and has a built-in image stabiliser.
The G9 does boast increased resolution jumping from 10 megapixels to 12. It's not enough to suggest a big leap in picture quality, but it does at least bring it into line with the flagship compacts from other makers. Also new is the 3-inch LCD, which replaces the 2.5-inch screen on the G7.
Again, it might not seem a big jump but, actually, this does make a difference both when composing shots and when playing them back.
In the RAW
The other big change is the inclusion of a RAW mode. The G7 only shot JPEGs, and this does limit its appeal for more serious users.
RAW files not only offer the opportunity to choose white balance and other settings later, they also include extra highlight detail which a good RAW converter (Adobe Lightroom, for example) can exploit to cut down those harsh, blown highlights that spoil many digital photos.
The start-up time is very fast - the lens pops out and the LCD lights up in around a second. Operationally, it's quite quick too. The zooming speed is not bad considering the 6x range, and the AF speed is good too.
It's not quite in the same league as a decent SLR, but there's very little hunting and the green focus confirmation square(s) on the LCD and the focus 'beep' occur at exactly the same time, giving it a positive, precise feel.
The top of the camera has a conventional mode dial, and a second dial at the far left for setting the ISO. This is unusual in a compact because the ISO setting is usually chosen with a button or a menu. These controls feel really firm and positive but, on the rear, things aren't quite so good.
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