[Leica] Canon G9 vs the PanaLeicas; Interesting offer from Canon

[rsphotoimages at comcast.net (rsphoto's email)]

My G5 is finally dying.  The flip out display has lunched and menus  
don't work.

In my business and personal life, I found that a decent (not great)  
digital rangefinder is a very, very handy tool so I'm about to replace  
it.

For passion, I turn to film and my R's (8 and 9).

I looked at the Panaleicas but my sense is that they may not be up to  
the Canon G9 - which, admittedly, has a larger price tag

But Canon has a Customer Loyalty Program that is very tempting;  since  
my G5 will cost at least $ 150.00 to repair, and they'll exchange my  
G5 for their Factory Rebuilt G9 for $250.00, I'm leaning away from the  
rangefinder form factor PanaLeicas.

They also offered me a Digital Rebel with the usual Kit Lens for $  
275.00

Anyone out their played with both and have some thoughts about this?

I'd like to remain loyal to Leica (once-removed, albeit) but I don't  
know if the latest Panasonic digital rangefinders are nearly as good,  
let alone better in a straight-up comparison.

Thank you!


Bob in Seattle