The G9 features a 6X optical (35-210mm in the 35mm format) f/2.8-4.8 all-glass aspherical zoom lens. When powered down retracts the lens inside of the body and a built-in shutter closes to protect the it.

The G9 features a true "Lens-Shift" Optical Image Stabilization system. Unlike electronic image stabilizer systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon’s Lens Shift Optical IS system is based on the advancements made in the development and refinement of Canon’s EF and video lenses. Reduced in size to fit this model, this Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in shutter speed equivalent.

An advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system permits the camera to automatically select the primary subject even when off-center. This model also features Canon's Face Detection AF/AE technology, which allows it to detect, lock on and track up to nine human faces in a scene simply by pressing the shutter button halfway. The face detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects the optimum subject and not simply the closest face (based on Canon’s Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus and exposure to ensure the best possible results for easy picture taking moments.

The focusing range is:

• Normal AF - 1.6 ft. (50cm) to infinity
• Macro - 0.39 in. - 1.6 ft. (1-50cm) at wide angle

In low light conditions the focus-assist lamp helps to illuminate the subject for accurate focusing.

To attach auxiliary Canon lenses just press the button and remove the dress ring, attach the optional Conversion Lens Adapter and then the Canon WC-DC58B 0.7x Wide Converter lens, TC- DC58C 1.75x Tele-converter lens, or 250D 58mm Close-up Lens.

The LA-DC58F adapter also allows the use of 58mm filters or lenses.

The built in flash offers Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; FE lock, Safety FE, Slow Synchro, Second- curtain synchro. Flash range at ISO Auto is:

Normal:1.0-13 ft./30cm-4.0m (W), 1.6-8.2 ft./50cm-2.5m (T)

This is a Light-guide zoom flash that changes its angle according to the lens' focal length. The AF-assist lamp also serves as a red-eye reduction lamp.

The G9 also features a hotshoe for using optional flash units like Canon's 220EX, 430EX, 580EX, MR-14EX and MT-24EX Speedlites.

Compact and elegantly designed, the optional High-Power Flash HF-DC1 complements your PowerShot perfectly and requires no accessory shoe. With a strong light output (guide number 59 ft.) and wide angular field (28mm), it delivers proper illumination up to approximately 30 feet and in all zoom positions. The flash fires in synchronization with the main flash, and output is adjusted accurately and automatically. A “Manual” mode prevents others from firing your flash.

You can frame your pictures with the color LCD or to save precious battery power you can use the optical finder. This is a coupled viewfinder with approx. 80-85% coverage and dioptric adjustment. Next to the finder are two LEDs that indicate the flash and focus status. To the left you can see the Print/Share/Shortcut button.

Controls on top: the ISO mode dial (Auto, HI, 80 - 1600), flash hotshoe for using external flash units. Next we have the Mode dial with positions for Auto, Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Custom 1&2, Movie, Stitch Assist, and SCN. You can also see the built-in microphone above the dial. The shutter release with the zoom lens control mounted around it, in playback mode the zoom lever functions as the index and magnified image control. Last but not least the On/Off power button.

See the next page for more information about the various Record modes.

On the back is a 230,000 pixel 3.0-inch color TFT LCD monitor. Unfortunately, the G9's LCD is a fixed display, it cannot be moved to different positions like the one found on the G6.

Controls on the back: in the upper left is the Play / Record switch. Next is the AE Lock/FE Lock button, which also serves as the Microphone button. The AF Frame button (image Delete button in playback). The Exposure Compensation button is also the Jump function button when using Aperture, Shutter priority or Manual modes. The 4-way controller lets you navigate menus and select images during playback, the FUNC/SET button accepts menu selections. The FUNCtion/SET button also gives you access to the Function shortcut menu, which has many settings (white balance, ISO, Color effects, image quality and image size, etc.) In record mode you press "Up" to change to Manual focus mode, "Right" to toggle the flash mode, "Down" to change the Drive mode, and "Left" to enable Macro focus mode. Mounted around the 4-way controller is the Control dial, this handy dial allows you to quickly navigate the menu, set aperture and shutter speed values, use Program Shift, etc. The DISPlay button turns the color LCD on/off and controls the amount of data displayed on it. The MENU button calls up and dismisses the menu screens.

The I/O ports:

The top port handles AV output (NTSC or PAL format) for displaying image on a TV set, while the bottom one connects USB 2.0 (high-speed) to the computer for downloading image to a PC. It also allows for Direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer.

The Powershot G9 is equipped with a card slot that supports use of SD or MMC cards up to 2GB or SDHC cards up to 4GB, and comes with a 32MB card. Shown here with a speedy ATP Pro Max (Super high-speed) 2GB SD card - see the tables below for the approximate storage capacity.

Approx. Storage Capacities

The G9 is powered by a proprietary Canon NB-2LH 7.4v 720 mAh Li-ion battery pack, that is charged in the included CB-2LW rapid charger. Canon claims a battery life of approx. 240 shots (LCD on)/600 shots (LCD off), and a continuous playback time of approx. 300 minutes (using CIPA Standards.)