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G9 follow-up report after 2 days of picture taking.  The G9 takes good pictures but will not get it done for CN because the manuel focus doesn't allow the camera to be locked in at infinite focus :( This was my best chance at an inexpensive alternative to a DSLR and again there is disappointment. So it is back to the Canon Rebel DSLR for reliable CN. A 35mm fixed prime lens on the Rebel might be worth a try to increase field of view for another time.

 

From: Greg Rudzinski
Date: 2015 Jun 24, 12:10 -0700

This summer's project is to iron out a way to use a Canon G9 powershot point and shoot digital camera in manual mode as a sextant. Today is the first shakedown of the G9 and first impressions are good good ! Not as good as the Canon Rebel DSLR with fixed prime lens but for under a $100 used on ebay it is alot of camera. Not for beginners though. There is a steep learning curve to mastery of all the functions.  First images of the Sun show about .83 minutes of arc per pixel for a field of view at a very respectable 40°. This is about the same as a 35mm on a DSLR 12MP. 
 

Calibration trials are scheduled for afternoon using an artificial horizon. The pixel multiplier will be .83 plus correction in moa for every 100 pixels from 4000 to 0. I'm hoping for a +/- 2' accuracy. Anything more than this will be a disapointment that sends me back to my trusty DSLR 50mm.

 

The Canon G9 (2009 model) was selected because it is the first (best value) semi compact non DSLR camera which can be operated in manual raw mode. 

Greg Rudzinski

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