Buy new: $439.77
I borrowed a friend's G9 for a few days and love it. They've crammed many digital SLR features into a point-and-shoot form factor. My favorite feature - the hot shoe flash mount. The G9 coupled with a Canon Speedlite is a great combo. G9 also can take a timelap picture that create an interesting shot to show to your friends.
Buy new: $251.98
I've used a Canon 380 Speedlite for years and have found that using this flash vs. an onboard was the single greatest improvement to my photography.
Buy new: $28.47
If I'm going to keep the G9 with me all the time I definitely need a case to protect it.
Buy new: $10.38
/ Used from: $10.00
The Canon OEM batteries are pretty expensive. Can't hurt to try some alternate brands. Good for spares, anyway.
Buy new: $21.05
/ Used from: $25.00
The G9 takes photos in full RAW mode so having two 4GB cards will definitely come in handy.
Buy new: $15.33
/ Used from: $4.79
This tiny card reader should work well.
Buy new: $19.77
/ Used from: $17.50
I've never had a good all-around book on digital photography. This one should fit the bill.
Buy used from: $18.39
Lighting is the secret sauce of good photography, film or digital, IMHO. I could stand to learn how to do it right.
Buy new: $162.00
/ Used from: $175.40
The case is fairly expensive but would be nice for trip to Hawaii to take underwater scenery