Shooting the G9 on land

Today I got my hands on the G9 for the first time.

I tend to avoid going shopping except for Costco, and they don't have the camera in store. But my cat ate my keyboard cord <sigh>, so I had to go to Best Buy.

When I wrapped my hands around the G9 I realized that while its a heavy camera, and it has a big LCD, it is VERY SMALL...

Does anyone shoot with their G9 on land a lot? I always use my UW camera above land, and its really concerning to me, because I feel like I need to use two hands at all times with the camera. And when I do use two hands, my left hand covers about a third of the LCD.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a hand strap that aid in holding it?

I like the images that this camera produces, and it seems to be a very well respected, but I'm having my doubts if I will be happy with it.

PS My hands are marginally freakishly large, so it might just be me.

Yep, sounds like you've got freak hands! Never had a problem with it on land, and use mine quite a lot (one handed or 2). On the other hand, I've always used small-ish P&S cameras, so this si what I'm used to I guess.

I've added a pistol grip and thumb rest that help make it easier to shoot one-handed.

The pistol grip has to come off for insertion in U/W housings, but it can be reattached.

Check it out ... Link to pistol grip and other accessories

I find myself attaching the Canon wide converter or tele converter for most of my topside shots which inevitably makes the camera a better handful. I agree that without either, 'proper' cradling is awkward...

I find myself attaching the Canon wide converter or tele converter for most of my topside shots which inevitably makes the camera a better handful. I agree that without either, 'proper' cradling is awkward...

I've been much happier with my results with the wide adapter - particularly with a bounce flash. I love using the G9 at ISO80 inside with a bounce flash.

I haven't gotten really crisp result with the teleconverter - even with a monopod. Need to do some test shots with a tripod to find the sharpness sweet spot.

As much of a fan as I am, I'm thinking about selling the whole G9 kit and upgrading ... or better yet, maybe keep the whole G9 kit and buying an SLR ... it does have its uses.

Thanks, guys! The pistol grip and converter are GREAT ideas, and exactly what I was hoping might be out there, I just hadn't thought of those types of solutions!

And yes, I do have freak hands. In fact, both my hands and feet are a little freakish. I wear size 10.5 EEEE shoes.

Not surprising that I was a good swimmer in high school, though.

I also often use the converter adapter without either the W/A or TELE converter and put a 67MM polarizer and UV filter on it.

Gives the camera more of a "camera" look, gives a place for your left hand to hold it and allows the use of standard optical filters.

Here what that looks like:

I also use the Canon converter adaptor to mount a ring flash for topside macro. My Cobra Macroflash needs a 58mm - 55mm step up adaptor.

I use the Canon converter and Raynox HD-7000PRO wide angle lens for topside stuff. It's easy to hold if you have the converter/lens in your hand; it obviously makes it a bit heavier but there's a nice balance to it. The lens is a goodie too.