Bison Bud

I bought a used G9 off Graigslist last summer for $50.00 and have been somewhat pleased with it. I was looking for a compact camera with some manual capabilities and shot RAW files since my Nikon point and shoot was strictly .jpeg. The G9 mostly fills that bill, however, it's low light performance is poor at best and the smallest F-stop available is only f8. That's enough to have some depth of field to play with, but rather limiting in my opinion. Furthermore, it's not exactly a pocket camera, due to it's thickness and weight. While I can put it in my pants pocket, it's makes quite a bulge and unless you have big pockets or are possibly using a jacket pocket it can be cumbersome. I also had trouble with the raw files not loading into my software even though they had the typical Cannon file suffix and had to load a backdated version of Canon's "Digital Photo Professional" to edit them. I'm not sure if Photoshop or other more extensive photo editing programs will accept them or not, but I am now able to edit them with the basic Canon software. Overall picture quality is pretty good for a point an shoot as long as there is reasonable light available and I'm happy with it for now. However, at some point would like to upgrade to a more current compact camera with a few more options and overall flexibility, but my photograph budget is very slim these days. All in all, this is an older model camera and unless you can get into it cheaply, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. However, I think it was well worth the $50.00 I have into it! One word of caution, this model was apparently prone to a lens lockup failure and this was a big issue when they first came out, but I've had no issues with mine. I'd guess that if it's still working at this point, then I've probably avoided this issue, but who knows for sure. Good luck and good shooting to all.

Lonnie77 Loc: Kennedale, Texas

I have a G10 and a G12 plus other cameras. The G10 is a great camera and I always take it when I plan to take pictures and go on trips. The G11 and G12 are basically the same camera, not so great, imo. I bought the G12 to use in an underwater case. I had to replace the lense because of the focus issue with the G12.

regularguy55

Many point and shoot style cameras out there and Canon gives you the luxury of lots to choose from...Powershot line goes to great lengths to provide many options. I used a few of them before deciding on the G7X Mii-now my “Go To.” The G9 performs great when compared to many others and you can find it to be a great “bang for the buck!” Won’t go wrong with it for sure. Good luck.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I never had the G1 or G9, but I’ve had the G16 for a couple years, now, and like it. I keep trying to find fault with the images I get from it, and really can’t. My only issue is with the crummy optical viewfinder, which I never use, anyway. I recently bought a Lumix ZS60 for a comparison, but really haven’t had a chance to take it out and shoot with it yet. Anyway, I am impressed with G16 and its quality of images.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Which model are you wanting to buy?

... ten year old Canon Powershot G9 (2007, 12MP, 1/1.7" size CCD image sensor, 6X zoom... https://www.dpreview.com/articles/6009090680/canong9 and http://cameras.reviewed.com/content/canon-g9-digital-camera-review-15723)

... two year old Canon Powershot G9 X (2015, 20MP, larger 1" size CMOS image sensor, 3X zoom... https://www.dpreview.com/opinion/7574157504/gear-of-the-year-canon-g9-x and http://cameras.reviewed.com/content/canon-powershot-g9-x-digital-camera-review)

or... one year old Canon Powershot G9 X II (2017, 20MP, larger 1" size CMOS image sensor, 3X zoom... https://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/compacts/canon_g9xii)

The 10 year old model has an optical viewfinder, in addition to a rear LCD screen that can be used in Live View... The two newer ones don't have any viewfinder and rely completely on the rear LCD screen for image composition.

The two newer models use considerably bigger CMOS sensors that will allow much higher usable ISO than the older model's small CCD. In other words, the two newer models will be much more capable in low light conditions.

The 10 year old model has a wider range of focal lengths... 35-210mm "full frame"/film equivalent (actual focal length range is 7.4 to 44.4mm, but the small sensor makes it "behave" equivalent to the described range.)

Both the newer models use a lens that gives equivalent to 28-84mm "full frame"/film equivalent (actual focal length range is 10.2 to 30.6mm, larger 1" sensor makes for different "lens factor".)

All three cameras have wimpy little built in flashes.

The 10 year old G9 has a hot shoe allowing it to work with all the various Canon Speedlite accessory flashes (and third party flash that are Canon compatible). The two newer models do not have a hot shoe or means of direct control of an accessory flash.

The smaller range of their zoom, lack of hot shoe and viewfinder are some factors that allow the two newer models to be ultra-compact and considerably more "pocket-able" than the 10 year old model.

Ted H. Funk

I'm hoping that nobody who reads this digest would even "consider" a cell-phone "camera" (using
that term in its loosest sense!) as a "walk-around camera" as such usage is strictly for amateur
snapshots or for videos of crime scenes (helpful to the police) if you happen to be on the scene.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Don't know if it would be worth your while with the G9. Ten years ago the MSRP was $ 500.00

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I don’t think that’s entirely true. For a lot of people, that’s all they can afford, so a cell phone camera is what they use. My daughter uses her cell phone for a camera, and she takes some pretty nice photos. There’s quite a bit of elitism here when it comes to cell phone cameras, and that’s a bit unfair, in my opinion. I think there are plenty of folks who have joined UHH for information and guidance. That being said, I’m not defending the cell phone camera as a main camera for serious photography. You do need a dedicated, stand alone camera for that. I just don’t think it’s fair to trash those who use a cell phone camera.

Ted H. Funk

Wingpilot: It's too bad you're not using one of the most important features on the G15 & G16
(both are fine advanced P&S cameras) which is the built-in optical viewfinder since holding any
camera out in front of you to compose a picture---regardless of brand or model---is by far the
most unsteady way of holding any camera and you won't see most pros using the LCD for composing unless their camera is on a tripod and they are not actually holding it! Although the
viewfinder may be somewhat dim, it's still a much better alternative---then check on the LCD.

You will notice that many new Canon cameras have tilt-out, fold-over LCD screens which are
completely obscured when not in use, thus forcing the photographer to use the viewfinder which
is what it's there for, as is the built-in optical viewfinder on those various Canon G-models.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I just find the parallax issue and lack of information in the viewfinder to be problematic for me. I’ll use it from time to time, but mostly not. I do agree that the G16 is a good camera. The fact that is has an f/1.8 lens and its lowest ISO is 80 makes it a good choice. I think it would be even better if it stopped down to f/11 or 16.

Ted H. Funk

I'll admit the parallax issue is a problem with those models, but if you might be interested in an
advanced P&S type with built-in extremely bright optical viewfinder which goes give data in that
viewfinder (but, unfortunately, no parallax correction) then check out the Fujifilm X20 model.
It's Command Dial has all the settings on my regular Canon models (Manual, Av, TV, P, & A---those latter two I never use), plus it allows you to either AF or MF. The lens is an excellent 28-112mm (equivalent) f/2-f/2.8 Fujinon and it has Exposure Compensation, too. I got this Fuji
specifically for family pictures---handy and easy to use in fast-breaking situations.

srfmhg Loc: Marin County, CA

I have a G9 and I love it but it’s not really a pocket camera unless you have large cargo pocket pants. It’s about the size of an old Leica and very light to carry around your neck. I just bought a Sony HX-80 which fits into a shirt pocket or my wife’s purse.

CodyGrey Loc: Lake Wobegone Country, MN

I have a G12 I have used for years. I got it as a back-up for my Rebel T2i. After my first batch of G12 shots turned out so well, I started using it as a primary camera for tramping around where I didn't want to take my SLR. One thing I would recommend is considering KEH used cameras. I have bought excellent bodies and lenses from them and they have given me a fair price on old equipment I have sold them. They currently have used G12s listed from $208-$248m depending on condition. They also give a warranty and have been quite responsive correcting minor items such as a missing rubber viewfinder pad.

ez22 Loc: The World

One of the best point and shoots by Canon ever ! Buy it ! I'm sorry I sold mine.

sab2101 Loc: Henderson Nv.

Thank you all..........I bought the G-9