Canon PowerShot G9

The Canon PowerShot G9 ($499) is a high-end fixed-lens camera offering almost every feature you could imagine. It replaces the PowerShot G7, which was a disappointment compared to previous models, in this reviewer's opinion. The new G9 takes care of many of the issues that people had with the G7, with the most notable change being the addition of RAW image support. However, the rotating LCD that made the G-series famous is still nowhere to be found.

Here's the full list of what's new on the G9 compared to its predecessor:

• 12 Megapixel CCD (vs 10MP)
• 3.0" LCD display (vs 2.5", though it still doesn't rotate like on previous G-series cameras)
• RAW image format supported
• Auto ISO Shift
• In-camera redeye removal
• Improved battery life + battery level indicator on LCD

There are a few other features that I'll cover in the body of the review. So what hasn't changed? The G9 features the same 6X optical zoom lens, image stabilization system, manual controls, SVGA movie mode, and classic design of its predecessor.

Will the PowerShot G9 live up to its heritage, unlike the G7 before it? Find out now in our review!

Since the two cameras have much in common, I will be reusing portions of the PowerShot G7 review here.

What's in the Box?

The PowerShot G9 has an average bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

• The 12.0 effective Megapixel PowerShot G9 IS camera
• 32MB MMCplus memory card
• NB-2LH rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Battery charger
• Neck strap
• USB cable
• A/V cable
• CD-ROM featuring Canon Digital Camera Solution
• 273 page camera manual (printed)

Canon includes a 32MB MMCplus memory card in the box with the camera. Odds are that this is the only time you'll ever see an MMCplus card, as they're pretty rare. Anyhow, that card will hold just five photos at the highest JPEG quality setting, so you'll want to get yourself a larger memory card, and fast. The G9 supports four types of flash memory: SD, SDHC, MMC, and MMCplus, and I'd probably stick with the first two. I'd recommend a 2GB, high speed card for best camera performance.

The G9 uses the same NB-2LH battery as the G7 before it. This small battery packs 5.3 Wh of energy, which is about average for a camera in this class. Here's how that translates into battery life:

Camera	Battery life, LCD on (CIPA standard)	Battery used
Canon PowerShot A650 IS *	500 shots	4 x 2500 mAh NiMH
Canon PowerShot A720 IS *	400 shots	2 x 2500 mAh NiMH
Canon PowerShot G7 *	220 shots	NB-2LH
Canon PowerShot G9 *	240 shots	NB-2LH
Fuji FinePix F50fd *	250 shots	NP-50
GE E1240	210 shots	GB-40
Kodak EasyShare Z1275	320 shots	2 x 2100 mAh NiMH
Nikon Coolpix P5100 *	240 shots	EN-EL5
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 *	460 shots	2 x unknown NiMH
Pentax Optio A40 *	240 shots	D-LI68
Samsung NV20 **	200 shots	SLB-0837B
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200 *	300 shots	NP-BG1
* Has image stabilization ** Number not obtained using the CIPA standard Battery life numbers are provided by the manufacturer source : http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_g9-review/