G9, Pocket Power (Canon Powershot G9)

Member Name: geek_squad

Product:	Canon Powershot G9
Date:	27/07/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good battery stamina, fast processing times, wide range of manual settings

Disadvantages: Could be better when shooting in low light conditions

Retro, robust styling, an aesthetic property that you don't come across often these days. Especially with modern and sleek designs being quite popular, hence dominating the market. The appearance of this camera can be simply described as a mini SLR. When you use the camera, you can't help but feel like a true professional paparazzi, because the top of the camera looks very "busy" with a wide range of different buttons and controls placed across it.

From first glance, the slot on the top of the camera would lead you to image the possibilities with this camera. It supports the use of an external flash via a hot shoe connector that brings you the freedom of using a specific flash which you might prefer.

The camera does suffer a tiny bit when you are capturing images in dark lighting conditions, however this is quite minute when compared to other cameras. It also has a wide range of manual settings which you can tweak to get the perfect shot, such as aperture, focus and shutter speed which is essential if you are thinking of furthering your photography skills.

It also has a reasonably high ISO at 1600, that can be used when shooting in normal/auto modes. In the event that this is not sufficient for the shooting conditions, it is possible to achieve a 3200 ISO capabilities by setting the camera in high sensitivity mode. The camera has a lens that is capable of a 35mm to 210mm zoom range.

There is also a build in image stabiliser that saves you the trouble of having to keep your arms stiff when taking photos, especially if the subject is moving. The camera's LCD display screen is quite good, being easy to view at most angles, it is also easy to view it in bright sunlight.

When you use it for playback, it does display photos captured as a bit softer that it really is. In addition, an optical viewfinder also allows you to feel truly like a professional, or simply as another means of saving battery when you are running out.

When it comes to recording the images, you have the choice of either doing so in JPEG or RAW file format, which means you are not limited to just one file format when using this camera.

In general, the photo quality is fantastic with good exposure accuracy, and contrast. It particularly excel when taking shots with natural sunlight. This camera is ideal if you intend to capture high speed sports events or moving objects, because it has a fast shuttle delay.

When capturing videos, the quality is slightly above average with good frame rates and sharpness. Its macro mode is also good, with detailed and clear images.

Summary: This is a great camera if you want to improve in photography, it is also a good secondary camera

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