The Canon Powershot G9

Complete with a 12-megapixel CCD, image-stabilized 6x zoom lens, face recognition, ISO 1600 and RAW mode, the Canon Powershot G9 bridges the gap between compact and SLR with macho aplomb.

Encased in a robust, uncompromising and slightly intimidating body, it's the killer of digital cameras, and novice are well advised to skim the manual first, as the sheer quantity of buttons and dials on the body is menacing.

Once you know what you're doing, though, the Canon Powershot G9 is a joy to use. It has a responsive shutter, fast focusing, and a cracking three-inch LCD, and pictures are simply outstanding: sharp, detailed and rich with glorious color.

Living up to its stern looks, the Powershot G9 keeps noise under lock and key down to about ISO 800. Our favorite feature, though, is 'Focus check,' which puts an end to blurred pictures by enlarging the focus area, so you can check sharpness. The features list doesn't end there by any means: you also get manual control and focusing, a hot shoe for flashgun and a lens adapter ring for screwing in a variety of lenses and filters.

Weighing in at 16,000 Baht, this similar priced as some DSLRs, but performance is comparable and it's a considerable sexier proposition than most of its bigger brethren. The Canon Powershot G9 is tough and capable, the feature-packed Powershot G9 is another legend from Canon.