This is the best camera that I've ever owned WHEN IT WORKS! There MUST BE a "design flaw". This is the 2nd G-9 that has had this problem! When I needed it most, it failed to power up. The 1st time, I returned it to the store & it was replaced. The next time, the store (Circuit City) had gone out of business. Luckly, I had purchased the extended warranty and Precision Camera took care of me. However they returned it with a dent on the body that was not there when it was shipped. Otherwise, I love the capacity of the camera.

I am a professional photographer so I know I'm biased when it comes to image quality, but this camera needs a bigger sensor for how many megapixels it's holding. Even at iso 100, the photos were still pretty noisy, and indoor photos with flash are intensely yellow regardless of what white balance or compensation you use. Even if it gets the faces the right color, it turns the background yellow if you're anywhere near a light. I get better photos out of my point and shoot that cost $99.

Pros are:
It's built well, shape is nice, looks professional, interchangeable lenses.

Cons: the camera itself.

This Camera could not focus probably when the light was not ideal. The LED screen also misled me to think the subject was in focus when it wasn't (I don't need glasses). Otherwise it was had such great features that it was a disappointment to have to return. However, at that price range you shouldn't be buying a hit + miss camera. BTW don't rely on reviews on DP site cause a lot of the reviewers work for the camera companies and are very biased.

Don’t buy this camera if you want something small and simple. Do buy it if you want a wide range of features and RAW format functionality.
I love my DSLRs and, like many amateur photographers (I suspect), I’m something of a control freak, which rules out my picking up a compact or point-and-shoot because I’m given little or no say in what I do. I also despise the long, long, long shutter lag and complete inability to shoot fast-moving objects or in low light. The other gripes common to *all* compacts – chromatic aberration, distortion, noise – would normally prevent me from buying a compact at all.
I’ve owned two: the Nikon Coolpix 5100 and the Canon G9, which I’ve used when I needed something small. I gave away the Nikon. I’ve kept the Canon. Below are the reasons why.
The G9 is solid, well-built (some might say ‘chunky’) and only just qualifies (IMO) as a compact. It does have a tiny, but usable, optical viewfinder. If you have small hands, I would imagine the weight and no grip would make shooting one-handed difficult. If you have large paws like mine, the zoom dial is not easy to use. The Nikon is admittedly more ergonomic. I wonder why Canon bothered with an ISO dial on the top (nice touch, I confess), as only 80, 100 and 200 settings are of any use. There is the usual, pointless print button which is thankfully customisable. If you’re used to recent Canon models, the interface and buttons are not too complex. Highly useful functions, such as changing the white balance, EV settings and focus modes are all easily accessible. The Nikon interface is quirky, bordering on irritating.
Both cameras feature a 12 million pixel count, resolution presumably being the only number camera manufacturers think we can understand. Noise in low light conditions or at anything above ISO 200 makes the Nikon useless, the Canon just about OK. (I admit I’m spoilt, being used to Canon and Nikon DSLRs.) If you want to take family snaps indoors, don’t waste money on the Nikon.
The internal flash on the Nikon is poor and weak; it’s only weak on the Canon. Both cameras have a hot-shoe for speedlite flashguns. My Canon 580 Mk II is twice the bulk of the G9, which doesn’t improve handling.
I was struck by the sharp and vibrant colours of the Canon. In normal photo formats, chromatic aberration (colour fringing) and distortion were not noticeable – they can be corrected afterwards, if necessary. Neither offers an impressive zoom range, but the Canon’s wide angle is a bare 30 mm (full-frame equivalent).
Video quality on the G9, I am told, is excellent.
After image quality and relative speed, the best feature on the G9 for me is the RAW format function. This is a godsend and one not offered by the Nikon, but even without it, the Canon G9 is simply a better camera.
Compacts don’t really deserve their bad reputation. Trying to please everybody inevitably lowers overall quality, but the G9 tries hardest to achieve such an impossible goal. Does its wide range of features and improvement in image quality over other compacts justify the high price tag? If you’re unfamiliar with the terms ‘white balance’ and ‘RAW’, then the answer is definitely no. If you’re looking for the next step down from a DSLR, I would say yes.

In my opnion, the G9 may very well be Canon's best kept secret for the average camera shopper. It's been marketed for the professional who simply doesn't want to drag around a suitcase full of lenses and accessories for their digital SLR. This notion sells this camera and its abilities short. The G9 is an excellent primary camera for everyday use by everyday people. The G9 boasts a full-featured automatic mode for those who want to turn on a camera and press a button- BUT... it also offers manual modes for those moments when you are feeling that "creative" urge. It's a camera you can grow with as you learn about manual shooting modes. The G9 doesn't disappoint in any shooting enrivon. It's rugged construction is an invitation to take it along without fear that it can't take whatever comes along. Most importantly, this is a fun camera to use- your shots are only limited by your imagination.

The Basics: I use my Canon G-7 / G-9 for Travel Photography, mainly for stock shots used for Travel Agencies, Guides ie good shots, not Grand Reporting, therefore dragging around SLR´s is not needed... Okay, when I got the G-7, I bought it despitite the lack of Raw Format, size and weight matters when travelling light... so when the G-9 came out I was first in line - mainly because of the File Format. Unfortunatly the G-9 is plagued by noise over thw 200 ASA setting, much worse than the G-7. Even when set at medium Size Resolution. Pity, what I want is a 6-8 Megapixel G- Model with Raw and less noise.

I have owned and own lots of different cameras such as 35 mm/PS/4x5 & rangefinder film cameras (all Makes) and Digital Prosumers, PS, and Rangefinder digital cameras, many of which outperforms this camera. However I was able to get a great shot with this camera within 9 hours after opening the box, charging the battery, and reviewing some of the manual.
I admit the G9's manual and it's menu interface are at first frustrating and confusing, (not for people who don't want to read). However I'm finding the controls easier to understand and use the more I use the camera.
The first photo I took with the G9 was a group shot, taken indoors with the camera's flash and set to auto. I was amazed how well lit and detailed the photo was ( skin tones were natural looking). Considering the skin tones of the people in the photo (20 folks) range from very dark to bright the camera handled the subject matter well.
I processed the photo in Photoshop Elements (JPEG). There was very little enhancement needed.
I purchased the camera to replace a very expensive 6mp digital rangefinder which died. It's images were excellent. However it costs $1,600 and lasted 2.5 years. This one is considerably cheaper, easy to carry, has pro features that will help you get better images and like I said, it's takes great photos right out of the box.

who should purchase this camera and be happy? ANY person who will read the G9 manual and needs the controls and convenience this camera offers.

I will give a more detail review after I have used this camera for a while.

Built well but horrible noise over iso 200. Evalutive meter is not that great. Color is excellent. I found less noise if I shoot at the 8.0 megapixel setting. Will not replace even a entry level dslr

Though do not match the DSLR quality optics & speed, this one is for all to use. It sometimes amazes you with excellent results. Perhaps it is a handy one to have along, always and DSLR to satisfy your urge to get the best of shots. If one can have the speedlite flash accessory & wide and tele attachments, this can surprise you.