Canon Powershot G9?

[chandler]

Hello everyone. I currently own a sony point and shoot, it is a great digital camera, I want to expand my photography skills. I want something like a DSLR, but i'm not quite ready for something so advanced. I was thinking that maybe the G9 would be right for me because you can change the lens on it, but not have anything too complicated and bulky to carry around. I want to take some outdoor shots, night shots, macro, and some casual pictures. So, does anyone have this camera? Do you like it? How is the battery life on it? Sorry if this wasn't a "detailed" post, just wanted it short and to the point. Thanks

[Photo-John]

The G9 is a great camera. Here's my detailed review of it:

Canon PowerShot G9 Pro Review


And here are user reviews from the community:

Canon PowerShot G9 User Reviews

It will be a great learning camera as it has full manual controls and offers RAW shooting. You can't change the lenses, although you can buy accessory lenses.

I would encourage you to think more about a digital SLR. I understand how you might be intimidated and think they're too advanced. However, entry-level DSLRs have the same beginner-friendly auto modes that point-and-shoots and advanced compacts like the G9 have. So it wouldn't have to be complicated, and it would offer more room to grow. You can start out in pure auto with the kit lens and then start experimenting with manual controls and other lenses when you're ready. The image quality will be better and the camera will be faster. So think about it a little more. I think the reason to buy a G9 is for a smaller compliment to a DSLR, or if you think you don't really want a DSLR. But if you're thinking about it at all, think some more. They aren't really any more complicated than you want them to be. And the quality is much, much better.

[chandler]

wow, thanks for the speedy reply! I just saw the price of the nikon d40 kit, it is a couple more dollars, do. You think that will be better? Are there any other must have accesories?thanks

[Photo-John]

wow, thanks for the speedy reply! I just saw the price of the nikon d40 kit, it is a couple more dollars, do. You think that will be better? Are there any other must have accesories?thanks

Yes, I think the D40 will be better. And I think you'll do just fine to start with the kit. It will be faster than the Canon G9 and should have better image quality. You might also want to compare to Canon, Sony, Pentax, and Olympus entry-level DSLRs. One thing you'll be giving up buying the Nikon is the Canon G9's image stabilization. For Canon and Nikon DSLRs you have to buy special IS (Canon) or VR (Nikon) lenses to get image stabilization. But Sony, Olympus, and Pentax have built-in image stabilization right in the DSLR camera body.

[Loupey]

Hello everyone. I currently own a sony point and shoot, it is a great digital camera, I want to expand my photography skills. I want something like a DSLR, ...

Then you are going to be disappointed with the G9.

I bought one hoping to use it as a dSLR replacement for street shooting. Not even close. the low light capabilities are hideous (excessive noise) for ambient light shooting which is my preferred method. And the controls are not conducive for manual mode shooting - too many button presses unlike the simplier SLR controls.

The wife uses it as an advanced P&S which is what it is. It also does a decent job at videos.