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Customer Reviews for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
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Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Model: G9
SKU: 8531939
UPC: 013803083675
This powerful digital camera features the DIGIC III imaging processor for improved photo quality from your digital photos. Family photos will be clear and crisp with the face detection technology that focuses in on the faces within a frame. Learn more about the PowerShot G9 12.1MP Camera. (Flash demo)
Average Customer Rating:
4.8
out of 5
(41 Reviews) 41
Rating Snapshot 41 reviews
5 stars
35
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
100% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
41 out of
41)
Customer Reviews for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Review 1 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
effective camera
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: kp101
on 08/08/2008
a little pricy, but a great camera. Works fine, no problems, many options of brightness.
What's great about it: picture quality
What's not so great: price
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 2 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
G9=good, can be better
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: bappy29
from Heidelberg, Pa
on 08/05/2008
The G9 is an above average digital point-and-shoot camera and is easy to use. However, extreme care must be use when handling it as the screen is easily scratched. Picture quality for a 12.1 MP is disappointingly average. Overall, I have to rate this a 3-star due to relatively high price and only average picture quality.
What's great about it: large 3" screen, easy intuitive buttons,
What's not so great: screen easily scratch,
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 3 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Had so much fun with it!!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Kenben
from Salina, KS
on 07/30/2008
My brother, his wife, and I wanted to find a camera to take pictures at the zoo and also because they are expecting a baby boy in December. We wanted something with an excellent zoom and something to be able to carry around with us. The Best Buy employee was great at her job and knew about every camera in the store.
The nice thing about this camera also, is the fact that you don't have to buy a lot of little things with it. Sometimes you buy something and then you find out you are spending a couple more hundreds of dollars just on the extra pieces that you have to have; this you don't! Anyways we took this camera to the zoo and I can't even explain the pictures we have. There were times we would be looking at the monkeys and clear across on the other side we could zoom up and take clear pictures of the wild cats!
So now that my brother, his wife, and I have amazing pictures from our trip at the zoo, they will pretty soon use it for there baby boy!!! :)
What's great about it: Easy to learn how to use, easy to carry, amazing pictures, zoom was excellent....
What's not so great: There was nothing wrong with it at all!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 4 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Great photos
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: rabbitsnbirds
on 07/29/2008
I've always used Canon cameras and I have a slim Sony 5MP as well. So far, this is my favorite. I like having some of the advanced features that come with the higher end point-and-shoot digital cameras like the Canon Powershot S1 IS, S2 IS, S5 IS series. This one feels more solid and rugged than the Powershot S5 IS series. If you're familiar with the other Canon digital cameras, this one should be easy to get the hang of, and I personally think they have improved the interface over the past few years. It's definitely not as light or small as most of the other cameras out there, but it has more features and seems better quality in my opinion.
I wouldn't hesitate recommending the G9 to a friend. As long as you can live without the 12x optical zoom of the S5 IS, and the slightly larger size compared to the slim pocket-sized cameras, I don't think you can find a better performing Canon camera without buying a DSLR.
What's great about it: Excellent picture quality, easy to use, good macros, solid feel
What's not so great: Would be nice to have more zoom.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 5 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Great camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: argos
from Charlotte NC
on 07/21/2008
This is a great digital camera for professional shots but without the bulk of a true pro camera. It is especially handy for traveling and great pics are gauranteed even with novice photographers.
What's great about it: Simplicity and top performance combined!
What's not so great: none to date
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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Review 6 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Amazing Photos
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: BrightLights
on 07/20/2008
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I was looking for a camera that would be great for low light/ indoor situations, a camera that didn't give me all that grainy - noise look. This camera is great for indoors - ( and outdoors). I am an avid concert goer and this camera is amazing for events like this - where the lights are low. This camera was able to give me clear pictures without all that grainy pixelated look. I've loved the way my pictures have turned out lately - and the camera has a function for which colors you want to emphasis or make more vivid - which is a plus - really helps the images look very bold.
I know an SLR would be better for low light areas but this is the next best thing to take to an event like a concert - since you can't take SLR's to most venues.
Also, great for outdoors - the colors are very crisp.
Only thing that bugs me about it, is the size.
I've attached some of my pictures that were taken indoor - I owned a Sony Cyber Shot 10mp before and it is no comparison - these pictures are so much better! Love it!
I know an SLR would be better for low light areas but this is the next best thing to take to an event like a concert - since you can't take SLR's to most venues.
Also, great for outdoors - the colors are very crisp.
Only thing that bugs me about it, is the size.
I've attached some of my pictures that were taken indoor - I owned a Sony Cyber Shot 10mp before and it is no comparison - these pictures are so much better! Love it!
What's great about it: various features, great for low light, vivid colors, easy to use, lcd screen
What's not so great: size, not enough zoom
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 7 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Great Pictures!!
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: QualityReviewer1
from TX
on 07/20/2008
This a great camera. The quality of the pictures is really good. Great color!! 12.1 MP allows you to make large prints for your walls.
What's great about it: Color and light
What's not so great: i would like more zoom power.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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Review 8 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Best Camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: steveswife04
from Virgnia
on 07/20/2008
I use Consumer Reports before buying anything, especially cameras, TV, appliances. I was buying a camera for my son who had outgrown his previous camera. He wanted one that he could do some creative photos with. After a visit to Consumer Reports website, this was the one they recommended. This was a wonderful choice. This camera has such great features, one being the face finder. It has enough features for him to create some really geat effect pictures but easy enough for me to just push the button and take a great picture. The pictures are so crisp and clear. When using the zoom, the pictures are just a crisp and clear. Without spending a lot of money, we got the camera of our dreams.
What's great about it: Great picture and added feature but easy to use
What's not so great: None that I have found
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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Review 9 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Great Compact Camera!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: JonnyMH
from SF Bay Area
on 07/15/2008
This is my first canon camera and I love the images it produces. I also have a Nikon D70 DSLR and the ISO performance on the G9 really rivals the older Nikon. In fact, I have enjoyed this camera so much, I have decided to sell my D70, though I plan to replace it with a Canon DSLR. The G9 is so compact it can easily fit into a jacket or a sport coat pocket. This is amazing considering the amount of controls and features they have stuffed into this small body. It's a great tool on which to learn photography if you plan on stepping up to a DSLR or if you already own a DSLR and want something pocketsized. It's hard to find a case for this camera in the US, but you can look online for a leather, old-style, wrap-around, snap-on case made by canon overseas that is just perfect and the camera can still fit in your pocket! While the zoom control is a bit small, I really like the shutter release. If you are looking at this camera, you should also consider the Olympus E-420 DSLR with a pancake 25mm lens (50mm equiv.) that is only $100 to $200 more. It is near the same size and will ultimately yield better images, though there are trade offs such as no IS, or zoom with the E-420/25mm lens kit, as well as some other differences. Overall the G9 is a great go anywhere camera!
What's great about it: IS, 3" Screen, 12MP, 6X Zoom, ISO Dial, ISO Performance (For a compact), Hotshoe
What's not so great: Small Zoom Control, No Wide Angle, Can see end of lens barrel in the viewfinder at the widest angle, US Case Choices
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 10 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Great product
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Pauw
on 07/01/2008
A fantastic overall product. IQ is great and one doesn't have to lug around a massive dslr. Hot shoe is great for extra flash in low light setting, and did I mention? you really will be impressed with the image quality on this camera. A word of caution: if you need extra zoom this camera has 6x which isn't bad but doesn't offer what other super zoom competitors can offer. Also, you won't get wide shots that others have. Despite these quibbles this camera is built very sturdily, and canon really thought out the design/menu/buttons/manual controls, ect... I highly recommend this camera, and if you don't need more zoom or wide shots, you'd be hard pressed to find a point and shoot digital camera with better image quality all the way up to the iso 400 range!
What's great about it: Fantastic, quality IQ, hot shoe, Great ergonomics/design
What's not so great: Not as wide of viewing angle as competitors, 6x zoom seems a bit short, moderately expensive
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 11 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Great value for money camera
Customer Rating
5.0
There's already really good reviews of this camera, but I thought I'd throw in my perspective from a professional photographer's perspective.
Pros:
--Sturdy, stylish, and compact. Treat this camera well and it could last a while.
--RAW is definitely a plus, and if you care about about taking higher quality photos, shoot in RAW when you can.
--Manual control
--C1 and C2 presets useful. You can save camera settings and recall them when needed.
--Bracketing shots good
--Face recognition is good but it doesn't work as easy as it should
--LCD screen very useful for framing subjects
--Preview exposure. Using the LCD screen, you get some good ideas about the exposure and framing of your photos before taking your shots.
--Sturdy, stylish, and compact. Treat this camera well and it could last a while.
--RAW is definitely a plus, and if you care about about taking higher quality photos, shoot in RAW when you can.
--Manual control
--C1 and C2 presets useful. You can save camera settings and recall them when needed.
--Bracketing shots good
--Face recognition is good but it doesn't work as easy as it should
--LCD screen very useful for framing subjects
--Preview exposure. Using the LCD screen, you get some good ideas about the exposure and framing of your photos before taking your shots.
Cons:
--Noise level is a big turn off for me. Shooting above ISO 200 typically causes invites noise issues.
--Some controls/features a little awkward to reach
--12MPs is not really needed. A lot of shots can be taken at lower pixel levels.
--Noise level is a big turn off for me. Shooting above ISO 200 typically causes invites noise issues.
--Some controls/features a little awkward to reach
--12MPs is not really needed. A lot of shots can be taken at lower pixel levels.
Overall, the G9 is a good compact camera. It's a little pricey, so if you decide to get this camera, use it to it's fullest, not just as a simple point-and-shoot.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
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Review 12 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Almost a DLSR
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: bamc53
on 06/24/2008
This camera offers almost as much flexibility as DSLR and the face detection works really well.
I was a little disappointed with the flash, but not so much to where I wouldn’t buy it again.
What's great about it: Color of photos, lens sharpness, flexibility
What's not so great: Not a DSLR, Flash
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 13 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Awesome camera.
Customer Rating
5.0
If you're a photographer who cares about image quality, and can't always lug around a DSLR, buy this camera. You will have no regrets.
I've had its predecessor, the G7, for about a year. It has been my normal always-in-the-bag camera. The G7 was limited at ISO 400; the G9 isn't. My normal workflow with the G9 is to use CS3 to import RAW images (fixing chromatic abberation on the way into CS3 in 16-bit mode), and then to use Noise Ninja to clean up image noise. With this workflow, ISO 400 and ISO 800 are completely usable. (You can also play with some other settings in Adobe Camera Raw, like Recovery.)
And for everyone: you really should never, ever use a built-in strobe on a camera. The G9 (like the G7) has a hot shoe. Use it!
Canon fixed a bunch of the G7's problems in the G9, the most glaring of which is the G9 now has a battery meter! The new LCD monitor is much, much bigger -- and gorgeous. And best of all, the camera body is the exact same size and shape, and fits in my underwater housing.
Nits: the new cover for the USB connector is a downgrade, but one that I can put up with. The lens is unchanged, and has a fair bit of barrel distortion at its widest angle. You can clean up the barrel distortion somewhat in CS3, but straight horizontal lines become slightly wavy. I'm being hyper-picky here, but please know that you're not replacing a DSLR with a prime wide angle lens. You're just buying a small camera that you can take anywhere.
Buy it. Shoot lots of pictures with it. Be happy!
What's great about it: Great quality, good features!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
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Review 14 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Another Brilliant Product By canon
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: crowesam
from VA
on 05/01/2008
Great camera! Just don't fall asleep with it in your pocket while camping.
I've always been satisfied with the Canon family of products. This is no exception.
I've always been satisfied with the Canon family of products. This is no exception.
What's great about it: Intuiitve, Exceeds Expectations, Slick Black Color
What's not so great: Not water proof or Cruch proof
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 15 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Very Happy with the G9
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: dkar3
on 04/29/2008
I've had the G9 for several months now and I'm very happy with it. I've taken pictures in a variety of environments, including outside/landscape, portraits, inside /w low light, and product/marketing shots (with and without a flash). In all of these conditions, I've found it to be very good.
As with a lot of cameras being used in Close-Up mode, the built-in flash can be too much and you may need to use alternative lighting. The flash hot-shoe will allow you to add a better and more diverse flash if needed.
Much of the time, I use the camera in Auto mode and its performs fantastic in this mode as a point-and-shoot camera. Occasionally, I want to over- or under-expose a shot, or switch to shutter-priority mode and I've found that to be very simple. So, I think the camera has enourmous capacity for manual control if thats what your looking for.
My ONLY complaint is that -- ocassionally -- while I'm fidgiting with the camera, I will accidentally press the menu button (which is close to the hand-grip). This hasn't been a big issue -- I just hit it again and I'm back to 'ready' mode, but if you have fumbling hands like me, realize that this could happen, but doesn't overcome the otherwise GREAT features and capabilities of the camera.
What's great about it: Quick, light-weight, has Auto but manual override, too
What's not so great: Sometimes hit buttons by accident while handling camera
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 16 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
awesome camera
Customer Rating
5.0
This camera is a really great deal to buy. It is a little on the pricey side but hey it has awesome clarity and has a 12 megapixel screen imagery. It is very durable but a little bit bulky but for people who take pictures often and put in on the computer, this camera will show every little detail. Great buy!
What's great about it: insane megapixels, easy to use and great quality
What's not so great: price is a little bit expensive but cheaper than all the other 12 megapixels and not as compact
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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Review 17 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
awesome camera
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: kclovtx
from dallas, tx
on 04/27/2008
i love this camera. more features than a regular point and shoot with the quality of a DSLR!
What's great about it: great color, image stabilization
What's not so great: not as compact
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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Review 18 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Great Camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Cathryn
from CA
on 04/20/2008
Canon does it again! I am a very BIG canon fan, all of my cameras have been canon... the cameras are durable (Especially for those of you that have butter fingers like me :), they never have manufacter defects, they are extrememly easy to use, they have great features and great setting options.
My last camera was a 7 megapixel... I wanted a camara that was a little higher end, but didn't want to spend a fortune. This camera is perfect!
The only con might be if you want a small camera this probably isnt the way to go, however, it's still light weight.
My last camera was a 7 megapixel... I wanted a camara that was a little higher end, but didn't want to spend a fortune. This camera is perfect!
The only con might be if you want a small camera this probably isnt the way to go, however, it's still light weight.
What's great about it: Great quality camera- lots of settings available- easy to use-light weight
What's not so great: A little on the bulky side - but worth it anyway
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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Review 19 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Great camera!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: digger
from Indiana
on 04/20/2008
Bought the G9 before trip to California. Took about 300 pictures. They look great. Used like point/shoot most of the time since I don't know the manual functions that well. However, did use the "aquarium" setting for shots in glassed in areas at the San Diego Zoo. They all were wonderful! This is the best of both worlds with pro-type settings available or point and shoot.
What's great about it: Quick response/pro feel/raw images
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 20 for Canon PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Excellent Camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: LCM9244
from St. Louis
on 04/20/2008
Images for this Review
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Takes clear brightly colored pictures. Takes very good videos. Has settings for snow, movement and fireworks. Large LCD screen is very useful. Delay allows you to take several pictures in a row, not just one.
What's great about it: Face detection, large screen, excellent video
What's not so great: Must be held steady even though it has image stabilization
I would recommend this to a friend!
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