A typical and a typically great image of Chromasia. I like it. Regards.

I had high hopes for the G9 but the reviews I've read give it pretty bad marks above iso 125. That's really poor for Canon. I was really hoping this would be *the* point and shoot camera... I guess I'll have to keep waiting.

E y e V i s i o n: thanks.

Trevor: the problem with most point and shoots is that their sensors are very small in comparison to a DSLR. The G9's, for example, is only 7.60 x 5.70 mm - a fraction the size of a typical DSLR - and because it's so much smaller, each photo receptor site is also much smaller. So, when the ISO is turned up, this causes problems because the signal from each photo receptor needs amplifying much more with a point and shoot as less light has been recorded in the first place - this amplification, unsurprisingly, also amplifies the noise. The bottom line, for the time being at least, is that point and shoot cameras will probably only see a marginal improvement in their high(er) ISO performance unless they switch to using bigger sensors or sensors with less pixels.

What I can say though is that the noise at ISO 80 with the G9 isn't a problem. For example, here's a 100% crop from the high res' version of the image I'm going to put up tomorrow:

As you can see, there is some noise, but it's certainly not a problem.

The tire is nice, but I don't know about these clouds. Clouds and HDR don't go together very well, or at least I haven't seen a photo that would convince me otherwise.
Titus

David, re the sensor size, noise etc, I can't understand why the manufacturers simply don't use larger sensors comparable to dSLRs - after all, the 'quality' compacts of yesteryear covered the full 35mm, so the size of the optics isn't an issue. Cost might be an issue to,a degree, but there are clearly plenty of people, pro and amateur, who want a top grade pocket size backup enough to pay a premium for it if it has the right level of quality and flexibility - certainly a useful ISO would be a must.

Nice image, as ever.

Impressive for a P&S.
People sure do love their G9s

I have copied a comment I posted on another site Moozilla, discussing the ricoh GX 100 and the issue of the impending arrival of the sigma DP1 was raised. The G9 was also a compact I considered but discounted only because of the zoom range when compared to the ricoh, I feel the post sits equally well with the G9 as it does with the Ricoh GX100, your image today proves the point...

I have had the pleasure of using a GX100 for approx. 4-months now and I have been blown away by it’s quality. I appreciate there is noise at 400 and above but what do you expect, it is a compromise, if you want noise free images use a dig slr. It is not meant as a replacement to a dig slr, merely a complimentary addition. It is easy to carry, eminently pocketable and will deliver saleable images when called upon to do so, in fact pictures you would otherwise miss are there to be grabbed, as it’s never a chore to take it with you . I usually shoot at 80-100 asa both raw and fine jpeg and the results I have achieved have been stunning. It is beautifully put together and handles like a dream. The custom functions are simple to set and so easy to use, it has been designed for photographers with know how, to extract the best from this gem does require knowledge. That has always been the mantra that this company work with, they do not develop and then produce these for the point and shoot brigade. Ricoh are to be applauded loudly for bringing this and the revised GRD to the market place. Such is the pull of this delightful camera I find myself leaving the E1 at home when venturing forth for stock and blog shots, don’t take my word for it beg or borrow one for a day or two you will not want to give it back…..

shooter: I agree - in good light the G9 can easily produce saleable images, and the quality is more than good enough if you keep the ISO to a reasonable level.

Brilliant! The mud on the tire add a creative look to the photograph.

Bill

Not the best you have ever done, but it is still nice!

Now THERE'S an interesting shot. The detached, out of place nature of it works great. The lighting on the tire really makes it pop as well.

I find that the compact camera has an "advantage" over (D)SLR and that is that when it gets dark you can shoot at f/5.6 and still get DOF as if you shot a (D)SLR a f/22! So without a tripod you can take reasonable evening shots, with a "fantastic" sharpness.

I just wish Canon could put a sensor like the FujiFilm F30 into something like a G9. Fuji really did an amazing job with that camera and it's low light capabilities.

Nicely shot photo and good work on hte post processing.

like individual sand grains on tire. :)

p.s. are stones in sand real or enhanced?

Am I the only one wondering why there is a RACING tyre on the beach?

..and you have done it once again : ) That beach is amazing, with all those funky objects. Good work.

Boring!

Love it. Great shot.

nice composition. and i love all the texture. it all seems soo defined. also, looks as if someone lost a good tire.lol.

Great contrast and nice composition.

I've never understood your fascination for detritus such as this. I'm not sure if the post processing of the sky in this case is a little too much?