Development objectives
Our PowerShot G series of digital cameras is renowned not only for having top-class image quality for a compact but also for its superior reliability necessary for commercial applications and its sophisticated image processing essential for prosumers.
The PowerShot G9 (Photo 1) was developed as the successor to the PowerShot G7 with a higher resolution CCD, a new RAW mode, and other enhanced features. Some of the specific development objectives are given below.
• The new flagship of the PowerShot G series continuing the series' famed image quality and functionality
Feature 1: Advanced image quality
• CCD sensor with 12.1 effective megapixels
The PowerShot G9 can record high-resolution images as large as 4000 × 3000 pixels by virtue of the combination of a 12.1-effective-megapixel CCD sensor and an RGB filter. Images with this much fine detail can be enlarged and printed up to A2 in size.
• RAW support
In answer to the requests of professionals and advanced amateurs , the PowerShot G9 revives the RAW mode that was left off the G7.
The G9 uses the CR2 RAW format, which is employed on our EOS DIGITAL cameras. With our RAW Image Task software package,* users can adjust the white balance, exposure compensation, contrast, color saturation, sharpness, tone curve, and noise reduction parameters.
In RAW mode, users can select to record RAW formatted images only or to record RAW + JPEG (in Large + Fine mode) images simultaneously.
*This format cannot be used with Digital Photo Professional, the developing software package for EOS DIGITAL cameras.
• High-resolution 6x-optical zoom lens
The objective lens is the same 35 - 210 mm (35mm-equivalent) focal length f/2.8 - f/4.8 opticfirst designed for the PowerShot G7. It has nine elements in seven groups, including one double-sided aspherical element. Aberration are corrected by using a cemented doublet element and high refractive index glass.
• Shifting lens image stabilizer
Like the PowerShot G7, the G9 is equipped with a shifting lens image stabilizer to minimize the effects of camera shake on image quality.
• DIGIC III imaging engine provides advanced image quality and image processing
• Precise AE and AWB based on our iSAPS technology
Feature 2: Outstanding functionality
• Advanced face detection
Face detection on this camera represents a further evolution of the PowerShot G7's Face Detect AF.
The Face Detect AF feature detects and focuses on faces in the photo frame. Once in this state, it is possible to enter the Face Select mode and move the AF frame to a specific face using a predefined button and the Control Dial or the arrow buttons (Figure 1). Once selected, the AF frame will track the face even if the subject moves.
You can also move the AF frame to another face.
• Adjustable AF frame size
On previous models, there was only one size ''Normal'' for the AF focusing frame. On the PowerShot G9, however, you can set the AF frame size to ''Small,'' which is convenient when the desired subject is small (narrow) or when wanting to focus on only a certain part of the subject, as is frequently the case in macro photography. Furthermore, when ''Small'' is chosen together with nine-point AiAF, the whole AF frame can be moved (Figure 2).
• Auto ISO Shift
The Auto ISO Shift has been installed on some models marketed since the spring of 2007.* This function allows the user to increase the ISO speed by simply pressing a button when camera shake seems likely to occur, such as in dark situations. To make this feature even more user friendly, the PowerShot G9 has a menu option that, when enabled, will automatically raise the ISO speed without pressing any buttons when it senses a dark location.
This is a useful feature for many people who shoot in both bright and dark locations.
*Not available on all models.
• ISO 3200- elevated ISO mode
The G9 shooting modes include ISO 3200, like the PowerShot G7. In this mode, it is possible to shoot with minimal camera shake or subject blurring in locations where flash photography is prohibited. The recorded image size in this mode is fixed at 1600 × 1200 pixels (equivalent to M3).
• Long movie recording times (LP compatible)
Long movie recording times are possible because the G9 accepts large-capacity media, such as SDHC memory cards and HC MMCplus cards (described below). The camera also features a new long-play (LP) mode that doubles recording times so even longer movies can be recorded. In LP mode, it is possible to record continuously for up to one hour at 30 fps and 640 × 480 pixels on a 4 GB memory card (Table 1).
The PowerShot G9 can also record large 1024 × 768 movies at 15 fps.
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• Image resizing
The PowerShot G9 can record images as large as 4000 × 3000 pixels, but for some purposes it is sufficient to save images at smaller sizes.
With the in-camera resize function, users can convert large images to smaller sizes (1600 × 1200, 640 × 480, or 320 × 240) and resave them.
• Image Inspection Tool available during playback
The PowerShot G9 has been designed so the Image Inspection Tool, which previously worked only during Rec. Review, now functions during playback. It is possible to send images or change the magnification or display position while displaying the Image Inspection Tool.
The Image Inspection Tool is linked to the face detection function, making it possible to select a detected face for the inspection frame much like in the shooting modes (Figure 3).
• Red-eye correction
• Two custom white balance settings
• Safety zoom
• Digital Tele-converter
• AF continuous shooting mode
• Safety FE
•My Colors customization
• My Category
• Selectable first/second-curtain flash synchronization
• Real-time histogram
• Focus bracketing/AE bracketing
• Resume playback
Feature 3: Comfortable operation
• ISO Speed Dial
The PowerShot G9 uses the same ISO Speed Dial that was so appreciated on the PowerShot G7. To keep the user better informed, the LCD monitor displays the ISO speed whenever the ISO speed is changed.
• Simultaneous display of the total pixel count (rough estimate)
Previously, when the image size (such as L or M1) was selected, the monitor displayed the resolution as the number of horizontal versus vertical pixels, such as 3264 × 2448. To this the G9 interface adds a rough estimate, such as 8M for 8 megapixels, of the total number of pixels in images at the selected size (Figure 4).
• ISO speed display
When the ISO speed mode is set to Auto or High ISO Auto, the ISO speed the camera selects changes according to the brightness of the scene and other factors. Pressing the shutter button halfway will display the selected ISO speed on the LCD monitor (Figure 5). The ISO speed used is also displayed at playback.
• Battery power indication
Previous models warned the user about a low battery condition by flashing the battery icon, but only when just a slight amount of battery power remained.
The PowerShot G9, on the other hand, has a three-level battery power indicator for fully charged, partially charged, and low battery (Figure 6). This allows users to check the battery level at any time and concentrate on shooting rather than worrying about the battery.
• Specified Range bulk printing and deleting
Users can specify ranges of images when using the My Category, delete, protect, or print function (Figure 7). By specifying a first and last image, all images in a certain range can be printed or deleted in one operation.
• Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor (Pure Color II type)
The LCD monitor has been upgraded from the PowerShot G7 to a 3.0-inch, 230,000-pixel Pure Color II LCD monitor.
The monitor gives 100% coverage and an ultra-wide viewing angle. Compared to previous monitors, this dramatically enhances off-axis contrast ratios.Consequently, users have much greater freedom in orienting and framing their shots (Figure 8).
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| Previous monitor | Pure Color II monitor |
• Shutter sounds
Shutter Sound 1, under the My Camera menu, is the shutter sound of the famous Canon F-1 film camera and Shutter Sound 2 is the T90 shutter sound. Shutter sound durations are linked to the actual shutter speed.
• Control dial
•Playback button
• Offers menus in 25 languages
• Supports the USB 2.0 high-speed specification
• Custom display of information
Feature 4: Enhanced printing functions and digital communications
• Supports PictBridge
• Supports Exif 2.2
• ID Photo Print
• Movie print
• Able to enjoy the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY Web site
Feature 5: Extensive line of camera accessories
• Accepts EX-series Speedlites and accessories
The PowerShot G9 comes with a hot shoe that accepts EX Speedlite flash units, including the 580EX II, 580EX, 430EX, and 220EX. These flash units provide illumination for esposures in situations where the built-in flash is not powerful enough.
External flash units have been made easier to manage by rearranging and consolidating the Flash menu on the G9 (Figure 9).
Table 2 gives the functions available when the PowerShot G9 is combined with an EX-series Speedlite.
• Waterproof case
The WP-DC21 waterproof case is available as an option for the PowerShot G9. When installed in the case, the camera can be used to depths of 40 meters.
• Supports HC MMCplus cards
The G9 supports the newly standardized HC MMCplus cards.
• Soft case
The SC-DC55A soft case (Photo 3), made from top-quality cowhide, is an optional accessory that protects the camera body.
Two other soft cases - the SC-DC55B (brown) and the SC-DC55C (wine red) - are optional accessories available exclusively to registered Canon iMAGE GATEWAY members.
• Ring accessory kit
Available exclusively to registered Canon iMAGE GATEWAY members, the RAK-DC1 ring accessory kit (Photo 4) is a collection of three colored rings - blue, orange, and silver - that fit around the lens barrel so users can coordinate their camera with their clothes or bag.
• Wide converters and tele-converters available
This concludes our look at the PowerShot G9 this month. Table 3 lists the main specifications of the PowerShot G9.
Photo 5 illustrates the kit components that come with the camera. There is no fixed suggested retail price for the PowerShot G9.