I got a G9 about a year and a half ago, (Yes, right before the G10. In fact, the G10 was announced as a direct result of me finally buying the G9.) and I used it almost daily. I carried it in it's little case in my bike bag, carried it in the car, etc etc. Although I love the camera, and the files, I'm looking back and have had quite a few problems with it in it's fairly short life. I'm wondering if it's just me, or this one, or the rather heavy use. It's always in it's case.
These are the biggies, the ones threatening to be terminal- there have been other small things... I've had a few occasions where the lens would not retract, and got a "lens error". Actually, by forcing the lens back into the start position it freed the jam, and went back to working fine. I've had (HUGE CHUNKS OF HAIR and) dust on the sensor, which ultimately I blew out, by blowing into the lens when it was extended (on the theory that the dust came in through the lens extensions in the first place. Don't make too much fun, it worked.) Now it won't power up. I'm trying to decide if I should buy a new battery, but I don't think that's the problem, it's not acting like a bad battery at all... and I have checked the cover interlock switch and the battery contacts. This time I think it's finally dead.
Anybody else? I think I'm on to the next camera, and I was looking for an excuse to consider the new Lumix DMC-GF1 or the G11 anyway. I do feel that most of these cameras have to be considered disposable, but really, a year and a half ain't what I call normal lifespan...