Canon PowerShot G9

Specifications

• Released: 2007
• Sensor: 1/1.7" CCD, 12.1 megapixels
• Lens/Zoom: 6× optical zoom (35–210mm equivalent), f/2.8–4.8
• Display: 3.0" TFT-LCD (230k dots)
• Image Stabilization: Optical (IS)
• Storage: SD / SDHC cards
• Power: Rechargeable NB-2LH Li-ion battery
• Video: VGA 640×480 at 30fps with sound
• Weight: Approx. 320g (with battery and card)

Overview
The Canon PowerShot G9 quickly established itself as one of the most advanced compact cameras of its era. For us, it became a true underwater favorite when paired with the Ikelite housing and DS51 strobe. The G9’s solid build, manual controls, and RAW capability gave us far more flexibility than typical point-and-shoots, and underwater it consistently delivered images that stood out in sharpness and color.

Image & Video Quality
The 12.1 MP CCD sensor produces detailed, vibrant stills with Canon’s signature color reproduction. With the DS51 strobe, underwater colors come alive — reds and yellows pop beautifully even at depth, where natural light fades. The lens, though starting at 35mm, offers excellent clarity across the zoom range. Video capture is limited to VGA, but still useful for quick underwater clips.

Underwater Use
Inside the Ikelite housing, the G9 feels sturdy and reliable. The controls are well-translated, allowing access to manual exposure and focus settings underwater. Combined with the DS51 flash, it handles reef scenes, macro subjects, and wide shots with ease. The optical image stabilization also helps reduce blur in surge or while tracking moving fish. The ability to shoot in RAW gave us more flexibility in post-processing, especially for balancing underwater colors.

Verdict
The Canon PowerShot G9 in an Ikelite housing with a DS51 strobe remains our favorite underwater setup. It balanced control, image quality, and reliability in a way that made every dive rewarding. Even today, its performance stands as a reminder of how capable a well-designed compact can be under the sea.