Feeling rather fly with my Canon G9.

FlightThePower · Oct 6, 2010

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums and have just gotten a second-hand G9 as a gift. I have no user manual or anything of the like.

I have no photography background whatsoever, but I've always been quite interested in photography. I'm going to be applying for Graphic Design for school in a couple months, and I'll need a camera... but I have one now!

So, I have a lot of leisure time until I start school. I also have a couple of questions about how to use my camera. Maybe someone here also has a Canon Powershot G9?

Here I go;

1.) I see a lot of pictures around where people wave lights or stuff around and it makes a streak in the picture. They're able to write words out and stuff. I don't really know how to explain this, but is it possible to do with my camera? If so, how?

2.) How can I get really good shots at night? Ones that aren't too noisy and stuff?

3.) How can I set up the camera so that the minute I press the button to take the picture, it's taken right away, without any delay?

I know, I know. I'm a total noob. Please help me out

.

Whootsinator · Oct 6, 2010

Welcome to the wonderful, often confusing, world of photography!

Before you ask another question, read these incredibly helpful guides, in the order listed:

Exposure Lessons, in order Stop Shooting Auto!
10 Top Photography Composition Rules | Amateur Snapper
Index of Entries Stop Shooting Auto!

To answer the questions already asked:

1: To do this a long shutter speed is utilized. It's essentially the same thing as a blurry subject, except the moving light is very bright.
2: Read the above links to learn about exposure. ISO is the main culprit in noise. The lower the ISO the lower the noise.
3: Every camera takes a little while to focus. Hold the shutter release halfway down to focus, all the way to release the shutter.

Bitter Jeweler · Oct 6, 2010

You can get your manual as a PDF online.

Have fun!

FlightThePower · Oct 7, 2010

That basically answered all of my questions. Thanks a lot! I can't wait to get to posting.

Jeatley · Oct 7, 2010

looking forward to seeing some pics? What are you taking pics of? What are you interested in?

LCARSx32 · Oct 7, 2010

It looks like your camera supports up to 15 second exposures. That's plenty long to do light painting. Just need a dark room (or night) and a flashlight. Set it to a several second exposure and move the light around.

It also looks like there's a firmware hack you can do to get more functionality out of the camera. Here's a link to a flickr discussion on your camera: Flickr: Discussing Long exposure? in Canon PowerShot G9

Bitter Jeweler · Oct 7, 2010

The Firmware hack is awesome! I used it on a Powershot. It will allow time lapse, and longer exposures and get this, a functioning battery meter!

FlightThePower · Oct 8, 2010

Jeatley said:
looking forward to seeing some pics? What are you taking pics of? What are you interested in?

Well, I really like photos of real life. Not-ready-for-the-photo kinda pictures. Seeing through the eyes of people, whether it be the good, the bad, or the ugly.

To be honest, I really hate planned photo shoots and stuff. I like to see what you live your life doing!

And thanks to everyone for the help! What is this firmware hack you speak of, Sir?