lots of upgrade (more pixel, raw, bigger and better lcd etc), but more importantly, according to this web site, it should be about $100 less than G7
http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Canon-Unveils-PowerShot-G9-with-RAW-Shooting-14963.htm
http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Canon-Unveils-PowerShot-G9-with-RAW-Shooting-14963.htm