Lawrence Ripsher

For most who have been interested in photography for some time, the Canon G series will be need little introduction. Canon launched the line many years back and the cameras that have been released have been extremely successful in gathering both a following and an impressive archive of images created with these cameras. However, given the falling prices, shrinking size and increased accessibility of DSLR’s, one had to wonder if an advanced compact had a place in our current market. Canon attempted to answer that question last year with the release of the G7 – a 10MP incarnation. It was met with mixed praise. There was lots to like but some were disappointed by a slower lens (traded for a greater zoom range) and lack of RAW. Canon addressed the latter issue with the G9, which was launched in August 2007 and threw in an extra 0.5” of screen space and 2 megapixels in the process. It is this latest version that I’ll be reviewing. Due to large overlap between the two cameras, you can take much of what I say below and apply it to the G7.

Features
The G9 hosts the following features:
-    12 MP sensor (the larger 1/1.7” CCD sensor)
-    6x zoom from 35 – 210mm with IS
-    Digic III processing engine, face detection, etc
-    Max aperture F/2.8 (wide end) to F/4.5 (long end)
-    RAW support (including RAW + JPG)
-    Full manual mode (Aperture, Shutter, Manual, etc)
-    ISO 50 to 800 in full resolution. Reduced size ISO 1600
-    Hot shoe support for external flash

There’s more features than the ones I’ve listed above but these are the ones I consider the most significant.

Design

There isn’t a huge difference in DSLR design these days… Some manufacturers break from the traditional mould (e.g. Olympus and the E-410 being a good example) but most follow the same basic model. Compact cameras however offer more in the way of creativity as far as aesthetics are concerned. The Canon G9 is a case in point. Offered in black and with great retro lines, on first glance its more classic rangefinder than digital camera. I’ve said before it’s hard for me to get excited about how camera gear looks, but this is a really cool looking camera. I think it’s the throwback design that I like so much. In terms of build quality, the G9 has frequently been referred to as a “tank”. This comes from the fact that the entire body is made of metal (save for a couple of small plastic panels) and is extremely well put together. It’s not waterproof / weather sealed but it definitely looks like it could withstand a lot of rough handling. To say it inspires confidence would definitely be true.

Looking at the camera from the front profile, you’re offered the viewfinder, flash and lens. The lens retracts into the body which makes a huge difference in portability. This is not a tiny compact camera but the fact that it’s fully rectangular with no major bulges means it can fit into a small bag or a large pocket.

From the rear, as with all cameras with 3” screens, the camera is dominated by the LCD. The screen quality is very good. Although similar resolution to the 40D, I find it to offer a noticeably high quality review. The major benefit this high quality, large screen brings is in composing which is made very easy. The wide viewing angle it supports also partly makes up for the fact that it’s not an articulating display (another complaint from die hard G series fans of this generation’s G7 / G9).

The G9 also takes an external flash. Personally I’ve never really found the use of an external flash with compact cameras to appeal very much, my rationale being that if I can be bothered to carry this much kit, then I may as well bring a DSLR. However, I’ve softened my view on this lately (due to the fact my DSLR kit bag continues to grow unabated) and due to availability of small / pocketable flashes, it actually makes for a very powerful and cost effective package. Certainly, the impact to the overall image that an external flash can provide is undeniable. To illustrate the difference, take the following picture. The first image was shot by the G9 on board flash. The result is very typical for direct flash – washing out the foreground, losing light in the background and creating a horribly and unmistakable [bad] flash produced image. However, with a Canon EX580 Mk II mounted, I took the same picture (same exposure / aperture / iso) but this time bouncing the flash off the ceiling. As you can see, a much more naturally lit image is the result. It’s just a snapshot example here but even so, it shows the benefit compared to either direct or no flash in low light situations, allowing a low ISO but with a natural feel.

The downside to this? Well, take a look at the setup.

Overbalanced? To me, that’s the very definition of using a “hammer to crack a walnut”. Still, I’ll consider this as a travel package when space is really at a premium. For those starting out in photography by the way, it’s certainly a great (and slightly amusing) way to learn flash photography.

When an external flash isn’t mounted, the camera is comfortable to hold. Buttons / dials are littered all over the top and back. And this brings me to my next section – the controls.