Canon Announces G9, New 12 Megapixel Elphs and Powershots
In addition to the new Canon 40D and EOS-1DS, Canon has also announced the G9, which includes RAW file support, and upgraded versions of the popular Elph and Powershot Cameras.
The PowerShot G9 digital camera features class-leading 12.1-megapixel resolutio and a 6X optical lens and 23 shooting modes, allowing for a myriad of different photo preferences and conditions including Automatic, Manual, Shutter-speed-Priority, Aperture-Priority, and two Custom modes as well as special scene modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Sports, Indoor, Beach and Snow, offering users Digital SLR-like capability in a compact digital camera. The PowerShot G9 also features the DIGIC III Image Processor, which Canon claims delivers superior image quality, ultra-responsive performance, extended battery life and advanced Face Detection technology, and also a new large, three-inch PureColor LCD II screen and easy-to-access ISO and manual mode dials, customized shooting, reviewing and menu adjustments are especially convenient. The PowerShot G9 digital camera is also compatible with optional high-quality Canon wide-angle, telephoto and macro supplementary lenses, as well as EOS Speedlite flashes and a waterproof case rated to a depth of 40 meters/130 feet.
The PowerShot G9 features:
- 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
- 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating*
- DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction*
- Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
- 3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
- ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
- Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
- 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
- Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom*
- Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories
Canon also introduced two new compact PowerShot Digital ELPH Cameras – the top-of-the line 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and the 8.0-megapixel resolution PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH.
The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH camera is equipped with upgraded features such as 12.1-megapixel resolution, 3.7x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer (OIS) for steady shooting and a next-generation version of Canon's Genuine Face Detection technology. This pure titanium powerhouse has a DIGIC III image processor, red-eye correction, an optical viewfinder and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD screen with scratch-resistant and anti-reflection coating for easy viewing at any angle.
The PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH camera is built on a foundation consisting of one-part Canon technology - 8.0-megapixel resolution, 3.8x wide-angle optical zoom with optical image stabilization and a DIGIC III processor with Advanced Face Detection Technology and features a 3 inch screen.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.also introduced a brand new PowerShot line – the SX series – and the first camera in that line-up, the ultra-zoom PowerShot SX100 IS digital camera. The PowerShot SX100 IS digital camera features a 10x optical zoom, an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) and an extended grip.In addition to its powerful zoom lens, the PowerShot SX100 IS includes an 8.0 megapixel resolution, a DIGIC III image processor for speed, power and performance, Canon's Genuine Face Detection Technology (with Face Selector capability), and a large 2.5-inch LCD screen
It seems like the best digital compact ever released. Canon was influenced by the consumers critics of the G7 on the elimination of RAW and decided to incorporate that feature into the G9. Unfortunately for me, after debating over which digital camera to buy, I decided to go for the G7 about two weeks ago. Two weeks too late! I wonder if Canon would give me a trade in value for a G7 so I can adquire the G9 at a lower price.
Juan
Does not hurt to see if you can get a credit/return to the store depending on where you bought the camera (some places offer up to 30 days with a restocking fee). It may be worth it, but until reviews start hitting the web regarding the G9 I am not sure I would pounce on the G9 quite yet.
But adding back the RAW (which was missing) to me is a big plus for the G9 at least to me. I prefer to shoot in RAW when I can (though of course many use just JPG)
If the shutter lag/AF is improved in the G9, which looks like may be the case based on the DIGIC III processor and the claims by Canon, it looks to me the G9 may be one of the best non dSLRs out there with the combination of features (controls etc.) and it may be better to hold off as oppossed to housing the G7 for U/W use. If it the lag approaches some of the Elphs (which are quick for non dSLRs depending on the model) could be a nice little rig.
And I hear you about the "just bought thing". I do that all the time myself.
Happened to me too - I did about 6 months research before getting the G7... less than a week later the G9 is announced..
ah well at lease I have a camera to take diving in 2 weeks 
