G9 and Adobe Camera Raw 4.2

[Walter_Kimmel]

Just got my G9 for the days when I can't bring the 1DMkII and associated lenses. So far it seems like a decent pocket camera but it will take some getting used to.

I have not yet installed the Canon software. I'm shooting RAW only, and it appears that the G9's CR2 files come up and are processed with no problem in CS3, with ACR 4.2. Is there a down side to this? Adobe has not yet listed the G9 on the ACR compatibility list.

Four other questions: 1) What case would be thin enough to fit in a pocket, yet hold the G9 and a spare battery? I am thinking about one of those Optech-type neoprene pouches.

2)What settings (AF, metering, continuous vs single shot, continuous AF, etc) are people using? So far, I am using the following:

IS: Continuous.
AF Frame: Flex and centered.
AF: Single shot.
Av and Tv modes.
AF lock on the "*" button.
AE on the AF point.
AE on Evaluative.

3) Do I need to put a protector over the LCD? It seems awfully vulnerable.

4) Will the EX550 strobe work automatically with the G9? Canon doesn't list it as one of the strobes they recommend.
Thanks for any response.

[jlipkin]

Walter -

I think that there is an Optech that will fit it well. I have an optical viewfinder mounted, so I didn't buy one when I was at B&H.

I turn off IS, as I think it increases shutter lag and :

AF Frame:AiAF, not sure exactly why.

I use mostly P, with some Av, as the P favors high shutter speeds and large apertures.

I've been using Lightroom which uses the same engine as ACR, I think. Works fine for me, though sometimes unger tungesten, the awb settings don't look quite right. I have to manually apply tungsten setting.

I'm interested in your af lock on * button setting - I'm going to have a closer look at the manual. I've also been looking at the custom settings on the dial for manual focus at different distances.

[Walter_Kimmel]

Originally Posted by jlipkin

I'm interested in your af lock on * button setting - I'm going to have a closer look at the manual.

My error: the button is not the "*" but the "S" button. I programmed the Shortcut button to do the AF Lock.

[Steve_Brenner]

Walter,
I can't answer all your questions, but I can respond to two of them.

1)Definitely use a PDA screen protector. The first day I had my G9 and used a Zing neoprene case the LCD had an abrasion on it.
2)I am using a Nikon leather case (it has the number 5813 stamped on the belt loop). It is very thin and the G9 fits in well.

Hope those two items help.
Steve Brenner

[jlipkin]

Have you used the custom modes on the top dial?

I tried looking around on the BH site to find the case I had tried in the store, but didn't see it in a quick scan. I'm sure you can locate it with a more careful search.

As for scratches, I generally don't worry about them. My G7 got some on the screen after I had it for year or two, and I'm pretty hard on cameras. They weren't that deep and you could only see them if you held it at an angle to the light.

[Walter_Kimmel]

Thanks, Jonathan and Steve.

I'm going to check out the PDA protectors. I don't want to use any sort of adhesive. I'm hoping for some kind of plastic film that will adhere by electrostatic attraction.

I haven't tried custom modes, if you mean the Scenes. I'm used to setting the aperture or shutter speed according to what effect I want, and I think that I can judge better than the camera's presets.

I have been playing with the camera for a few days now, and at ISO 80 to 200 I'm very happy with the results. I shoot RAW only, and the images process very nicely in CS3.

My one real gripe concerns the optical viewfinder. Part of it was just the letdown when I realized that no useful information comparable to what I have in DSLR viewfinders was there. But the bigger part of it has to do with the inaccuracy of the optical finder. Not only does it include much more in the image than the finder shows, but it is not symmetrical. The actual image shows much more to the left than the right, and I find it difficult making framing decisions in the finder.

It is sad, because I find that holding the camera at arm's length (I am farsighted) takes away much of the stability I get using two hands and my forehead to steady the camera. I have never been a fan of using the LCD, except for macros, when you have to look down.

However, the image quality is great, and, since I really wanted a pocket camera just to have with me for grab shots, I am generally thrilled with the G9.

[jlipkin]

Walter, as mentioned on another thread, I've attached a Voigtlander 35mm Brightline finder to the hotshoe and find it very accurate. You sort of have to eyeball the vertical paralax error, but it's pretty easy to get used to. MUCH more accurate than the built-in finder.