I know this had probably been discussed before, and some of you own this camera, but I wanted to get some opinions on whether to buy this camera. More than likely, I will pack it along with me to try to do some semi-professional work with it - landscapes, some macro work - and also to have as an easy carry camera for portraits and general photography of the family. I notice Kirk manufactures an L-bracket for it and it should compliment a light tripod as well. Any experiences with waterfalls or long exposure with this one? Thanks all.
I have the G9 (along with a 5D and a 4x5). The G9 is an excellent camera, for certain uses. As long as you have no desire to print larger than 11x14 or so, you will get great looking files. Just don't plan on crisp 16x20 prints. With that caveat, the G9 is great. It is really easy to use, has really extensive controls, nice screen, etc. It is a sweet little camera.
For a P&S, it is excellent, but it is still a P&S.
Posted by Ned Fenimore on May 28, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Thanks, Harley - do you find it does well when shooting in RAW? Which I assume you probably do.... I doubt I would even print from a camera like this any larger than 11x14 anyway... I notice that there are some auxilliary lenses available for this - any experience with those? Thanks!
Posted by Jim Sabiston on May 28, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Ned,
Harley nails it pretty well. I have a G9 and use it quite a bit. I have not used it for longer exposures as of yet, such as those blurred water shots, but in the proper light I think this is likely well within the cameras capabilities.The main limitations are the f8 minimum aperature and the small non-slr sensor. With that in mind, the quality of the photos is actually very good.
I used the G9 a lot on my recent weeklong in the Grand Canyon (I used the 5D when a shot was either more important to me as a 'keeper' and/or the conditions were outside the range of the G9) and found it excellent for many of my shots, especially when coupled with a circular polarizer - a Tiffen 58mm in this case.
If you are looking for a quality 'point 'n shoot' that offers really good flexibility and good images, the G9 will probably not disappoint. Here are some example from my recent trip. Photos # 1,2, 4 thru 10, 19, 20 are G9. The rest are 5D:
Posted by Jim Sabiston on May 28, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Ned,
Yes, RAW makes all the difference. For those family gathering shots, I go high res jpeg. Everything else is RAW only! The difference seen in post processing is really noticeable. I have not used any of the auxiliary lenses, as they kind of defeat the portability aspect. If I'm going to get that involved in a shoot, the 5D comes along.
Ned - I don't have any experience with add on lenses, but I have used Lensmate for their adapter so filters could be used (on my S2 IS). Pretty good stuff, and they have sample images for different lenses - including those for the G9.
Thanks for all of your input - much appreciated... I did find the lensmate site and purchased an adaptor and a few other accessories, plus found the camera and some 4 gig cards, so I guess I will check it all out first hand....
I'm a couple of hundred shots with mine and like it. Even with a tripod, RAW, and low ISO the camera doesn't compare with my 5D in crisp detail. But like the others, I think it will make nice prints up to 11X14 or so. I thought the controls were very user friendly and have been surprised with some nice macro shots using my little Ultrapod II. I don't have any auxilliary lenses, but have thought of getting a diopter to give a little more working room for macro.
I have the G9 and like it a lot. I have a Pbase page where I give my thoughts on it and example images with some commentary: http://www.pbase.com/segan/canong9. I've done some night photography (long exposure) work with it and have been very pleased with the results. I hope you enjoy your new G9 when you get it!
Hi Ned, Nancy & I are here in Hawaii shooting with two G9's. We wanted to travel very lite on this trip and the G9's have not disappointed at all! Sometimes lite and fast is the way to go and we've been amazed at how easy these cameras fit that need!!
Hi Ned - I have a G9 and love the compact nature of the camera. I've taken shots I may have not otherwise gotten, because I always pack it with me where-ever I go. I've taken a few night and low-light shots with it and didn't like the results due to noise issues. Also, anything taken over a 200 ISO looks pretty grainy.
Thanks for the additional input... I will probably be using this for some of my forest/water images which I typically do in low light - but will be using the lowest ISO possible, I am sure.. Looking forward to trying it out - will probably be using it for a lot of general photography as well since the family feels a little intimidated at times with my main gear in their face - unless they specifically asked for portraits... I'll be sure to post on my impression of how it works for me..
Discussion
15 repliesI have the G9 (along with a 5D and a 4x5). The G9 is an excellent camera, for certain uses. As long as you have no desire to print larger than 11x14 or so, you will get great looking files. Just don't plan on crisp 16x20 prints. With that caveat, the G9 is great. It is really easy to use, has really extensive controls, nice screen, etc. It is a sweet little camera.
For a P&S, it is excellent, but it is still a P&S.
Harley nails it pretty well. I have a G9 and use it quite a bit. I have not used it for longer exposures as of yet, such as those blurred water shots, but in the proper light I think this is likely well within the cameras capabilities.The main limitations are the f8 minimum aperature and the small non-slr sensor. With that in mind, the quality of the photos is actually very good.
I used the G9 a lot on my recent weeklong in the Grand Canyon (I used the 5D when a shot was either more important to me as a 'keeper' and/or the conditions were outside the range of the G9) and found it excellent for many of my shots, especially when coupled with a circular polarizer - a Tiffen 58mm in this case.
If you are looking for a quality 'point 'n shoot' that offers really good flexibility and good images, the G9 will probably not disappoint. Here are some example from my recent trip. Photos # 1,2, 4 thru 10, 19, 20 are G9. The rest are 5D:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Jimsabis/GrandCanyon42008
Hope that helps.
Yes, RAW makes all the difference. For those family gathering shots, I go high res jpeg. Everything else is RAW only! The difference seen in post processing is really noticeable. I have not used any of the auxiliary lenses, as they kind of defeat the portability aspect. If I'm going to get that involved in a shoot, the 5D comes along.
I only shoot it in RAW mode. It is a big selling point for the camera. I have never used any auxiliary lenses, etc with it.
hope this helps.
David M. Cobb