Sub-mini review - Canon Powershot G9

Sadly, I didn't even have the time this week for a "mini" review, so point-form first impressions of the G9 are going to have to suffice.

Pros:

• RAW mode!
  
• Beautiful 3" LCD screen (sharp, bright, contrasty)
  
• ISO dial on the top of the camera makes selecting the sensitivity a breeze
• Rangefinder styling and rugged metal case
• Image stabilization (it really works!)
• More control over flash compensation/output than on my old A70
• Rear-curtain sync
  
• Much less flare/better contrast when shooting into the sun (vs. A70)
• Surprisingly fast handling (once you get the lay of the land)
  

Cons:

• Maximum aperture a little disappointing (f/2.8 throughout the zoom range would have been nice)
• I miss the AA batteries of my A70
• LCD screen really needs some kind of cover/protector
• ISO 1600/3200 unusable when shooting colour (too much noise)
• No ability to take multiple exposures

All in all, a very nice camera, indeed. I'm not certain it's going to make me forget my Nikon F3HP any time soon but it's certainly a major step up from my Canon A70.

More to follow....

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