Do your research. The G9 is a great camera. It can do somethings that an SLR can't (take video), and there are somethings that it can't do that an SLR can do (very sharp prime lens photos).

If you don't already know that you want an SLR, then don't get one, as they are expensive. If you aren't sure, then try to use one to see what you like.

As for work... there are some awesome 10 MPixel ultracompacts that will take pretty decent photos (provided you have enough light) and some nice macro modes.