The Canon Powershot G9 is not a brand new camera. It’s not the smallest or lightest camera but that’s not it’s purpose. The Powershot G9 is for ambitious photographers and amateurs that care about taking superb photographs, not the flat colorless crap you get from point-and-shoots that claim to take double digit megapixel images.

Not that the Powershot G9 won’t do double-digit megapixel images. It will, in glorious 12.1 megapixel resolution. It also has a 6x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer and RAW mode for unadulterated photographs processed through Canon’s Digic III processor. Face Detection 9-point autofocus, 25 different shooting modes and a 3-inch PureColor LCD II display round out the other features.

What can’t be explained here is just how good this camera feels in your hand. I personally shoot an SLR camera (Canon 400D) and actually find myself craving the metal and heavy-gauge plastic found on the Canon G9. It feels like a rock in your hand and for those of you who care anything at all about photography you’ll know this is a good thing.

Don’t just take my word for it, see reviews for the Powershot G9.

Cost: $470 @ B&H