Funny, of all the posters, only 2 are using it. I didn't get the G9 myself to replace a DSLR, so I don't do comparisons, although I know how a file should look like. I got it to take it with me always. I'm a photgrapher and shoot photographs for a living and cannot do without. And although bulky compared to smaller sensor size point and shoots, in the right bag, it can always be comfortably on your waist, ready to do "the job". Obviously, under ideal situations a DSLR will perform better. The same with comparing a 1DsIII to a 5D. Under ideal circumstances.......... OK, under ideal circumstances a 1DsIII would have the size of a Digital IXus and weigh 65 grms, but hey it doesn't.
In real life the G9 is a joy to use, once you've figured out which settings work best for you. Personally I have never had a problem with the RAW buffer, not even my girlfriend, if that matters at all. In most cases shooting jpegs the results make me smile, and if not the extra RAW I capture, will give me 12 bit post processing space. You don't have to agree with me, I'm just passing along the information I got shooting this camera.

the new ricoh gx200 looks nice too.

re - the new ricoh gx200 looks nice too.

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24-72 with f2.5 at 24.
that should get attention from some folks.

that front/top mounted fingertip dial could be a trouble spot over time with contamination, etc.

I have a G9. Great image quality within it's limitations. Bulk is an issue, as is the lack of wide capability.

If I had it to do over again I would get something with less bulk and more wide.

re - Bulk is an issue, as is the lack of wide capability.

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For me, I actually appreciate the 'heft' of the G9 and functionality it offers and file quality is more than acceptable.
But ultimately I had to compromise by going with a far lesser camera in favor of a wide feature.

A G9 user here. I agree with Sean Davey. Enough of these small sensors. The G9 has some nice features and I find it is quite capable as long as there is adequate light and ISO is set at 80 or 100. I shoot mostly RAW with it. I use it as a "pocket camera" for casual stuff (as opposed to lugging a series III Canon). I recently used the G9 in an underwater housing on an assignment in Maui. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked for casual water sports (snorkeling, etc.). The video mode is one of its strong points actually, even though I rarely use video. There is also an underwater white balance setting that is helpful.

I would have much preferred an 8 MP sensor with lower noise, but the marketing people insist on crippling the IQ with the pixel count. The G5 was the last "real" G camera in my opinion with its nice 2.8 glass. Maybe the G10 will be a step forward as far as IQ in a pocket digital.

Yes, full frame and a fast lens please!
Something like the old Konica Hexar would be nice.
dan

Any thoughts about the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150?
It looks like it has everything I'd look for in this type camera..

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/08072103panasonicfx150.asp

Whoah. That looks nice. Getting out to 28mm (vs. 35mm for the G9) would be nice.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/08072102panasoniclx3.asp

this one is also interesting...

24 f2 - 60 f2.8