Canon PowerShot G9
This is a condensed review of the Canon PowerShot G9 provided by DPReviews.com. The full review can be found at the link provided.
Conclusion - Pros
Excellent resolution and respectable edge-to-edge sharpness across the zoom range
Raw mode, Raw+JPEG option, surprisingly fast - and useful
Classic 'rangefinder' styling looks great, fit & finish superb
Marginally improved handling (better grip) and better shutter release (more distinct half-press)
Capable of very good results at lower ISO settings
ISO 200-400 usable for standard sized prints (noise and NR effects are visible, however)
Huge feature set
Real, usable photographic control
ISO dial on body and external access to all important controls
Bigger, brighter, sharper screen that works pretty well in bright light
Rugged, solid construction and excellent build quality
Useful 35-210mm focal length range
Effective image stabilization with 3 stop advantage
Fast and responsive overall performance (with slight improvements over G7 in key areas)
Optional lens adaptors
Improved software bundle and remote capture utility in the box
Flash hot shoe for dedicated flash units
Built-in flash performs well
Two custom modes and customizable shortcut button
Wide range of image color and sharpness parameters
1cm macro mode
Excellent movie quality
Conclusion - Cons
Still missing some features 'G' users could once rely on: fast lens, vari-angle screen
Although image quality is good, you'll only get the best results shooting raw
Some shadow noise visible even at ISO 80, Noise Reduction effects start to creep in and smear detail from about ISO 125
Despite improvements, the lack of a true grip makes single-handed operation difficult
ISO 800 and 1600 so noisy (and soft) it's almost pointless, ISO 3200 very low resolution
Focus sometimes hunts in low light at longer focal lengths and in macro mode
Continuous mode slower than the G7
Highlight clipping and metering issues in bright conditions
Mild purple fringing and some CA visible at wide end of zoom in some shots
Focus speeds and shutter lag (when using LCD) could be better (improvement on G7, however)
Battery life not great
Supplied raw converter controls lack sophistication and essentially just mirror the in-camera parameters, and results look just like camera JPEGs (ACR support coming soon)
