Canon announced today a new G-series camera dubbed Canon PowerShot G9. (buy the G9 on Amazon.com now)

The 12.1MP Canon G9 is feature packed in the typical retro style Canon G-series design. Features of the Canon G9 include 6x optical zoom lens, RAW mode, RAW+JPEG mode, Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), 23 shooting modes, DIGIC III Image Processor and a 3 inch PureColor LCD II screen.

"The PowerShot G9 digital camera brings our highest levels of performance and usability to the G-series," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "By combining RAW Mode with our other key technologies in this camera, we're providing a high-performing and affordable option to advanced photo enthusiasts who want the creative power of a Digital SLR in a smaller body form."

In stores in October, the Canon PowerShot G9 camera kit includes a lithium-ion rechargeable battery and battery charger, a 32MB MMC plus memory card, a USB interface cable, an AV cable, a neck strap, and Canon's software suite at an estimated selling price of $499.99.
Amazon.com offers the Canon G9 and it ships already.