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Hands-on with Canon's new PowerShot G5 X, G9 X compacts

Published Oct 23, 2015 | Barney Britton

Hands-on with Canon's new G5 X, G9 X

Canon's new PowerShot G5 X and G9 X offer 1-inch sensors in compact, easy-to-use bodies. The G9 X is similar in to Canon's popular PowerShot S-series, while the G5 X takes the guts of last year's G7 X but with much more enthusiast-friendly ergonomics. We got our hands on both new models this week at the Photo Plus Expo in New York..

Tags: canon, hands-on, powershot, ppe2015

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Canon PowerShot G9 X	Canon PowerShot G5 X
4 I own it 28 I want it 0 I had it Discuss in the forums	0 I own it 88 I want it 6 I had it Discuss in the forums

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Canon PowerShot G5 X Digital Camera with 4.2x Optical Zoom, Built-in Wi-Fi and 3 inch LCD

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Comments

Total comments: 105

Ok, you may compare Canon P&S with SONY RX100.M1-M4.

Let us talk about RX100s' AF-C issue. I went to store after I found out it in my M3.

All RX100s (M1-M4) have the same AF-C issue that " focus pulsates into and out of focus rapidly when the shutter button is pressed half way" as same as below:

https://community.sony.com/t5/Cybershot-Cameras/The-AF-C-continuous-focusing-in-the-DSC-RX100-doesn-t-work/td-p/65869

Moreover, regardless of the "Focus area" is set to Wide or Lock-On AF wide, the problem persistent.

DP spent lot of manpower to test all RX100, from M1 to M4, but never see a word on the issue. Hmmmm...

BTW, as an reference that a6000's AF-C is perfectly fine/ok.

Comment edited 4 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Knock a few bucks off and the G9 X could be a winner. I'm not paying for a compact the same money I could get a DSLR for.

2 upvotes

You can get RX100 for little over$300.

G9X is a step down version of G7X, and you can get G7X for little over$400.

$499 for a G9 X is FULL price while most of the people thought FULL price = FOOL price.

Do not pay FOOL price.

Comment edited 48 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

I'm not sure why, but I really like the look of the the G5 X.
When Canon gets around to FF mirrorless, I hope they carry that aesthetic forward.

6 upvotes

Agree.

1 upvote

Centered EVF made OMD is the best selling MFT ever.

I like Rangefinder camera b/c it seems low key such as a6000.

As most of the users, I use right eye, but I think left eye users will have problem with a6000. or a6000 kind b/c EVF location.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 4 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I use my left eye and have no problem with cameras with the EVF on the left (A6000, etc.). Actually, the ergonomics are better than a small camera such as the Olympus E-M5 that has the EVF in the center. With the EVF in the center of a small camera there is very little space for all the controls on the right, your nose, your hand, thumb, and forefinger. It is hard to quickly make use of all the controls sometimes while looking through the EVF because it is so cramped. With the EVF on the left side it is not so cramped.

1 upvote

@Mike FL - I have a "left-eye user" friend who uses an X-E2, which obviously has a side-mounted EVF. He sees no difference using a center EVF vs a side EVF because as he says, "With either one, I've got my face up against the back of the camera".

As for your comment that center EVF making OMD "the best selling MFT ever", was it really center EVF that made that happen? I don't think so. Olympus m4/3 has always had center EVFs. It's just that Olympus PEN bodies had *external, add-on* center EVFs, while OMD finally integrated the center EVF into the body.

2 upvotes

Considering the fact that the G5 X and the G7 X both have one inch sensors and same focal length and fast lens 1.8-2.8, are there other factors that make a difference in image quality? I am impressed with the good quality EVF that was added to the G5 X . Looks ergonomic with a decent grip, but like the G7 X, battery life could be better.

2 upvotes

Yes, the photographer makes a big difference.

4 upvotes

I agree 100% but are there any specifications between the 2 cameras that would give one the edge over the other image-quality wise? I see several similarities but no differences.

0 upvotes

I don't think we should expect any IQ differences. The G5 X and G7 X are differentiated by their ergonomics and handling, and the EVF.

0 upvotes

Lens quality is huge. Some point and shoots have amazing glass, I wonder how these canons compare to the rx100 series in this regard? 2.8-4 is fine as far as I'm concerned, as long as it's a good piece of glass.

0 upvotes

For "2.8-4 is fine as far as I'm concerned, as long as it's a good piece of glass."

Stops down will not help, also G7X/G5X's problem is really noting to do with quality of glass. Take a look the sample below:

http://mattiaswinbladh.com/G7X/G7%20X%20DxO%20OpticsPro%2010.1.1.109%20uncorrected.jpg

Comment edited 4 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

No tilting flash. No 4K. Great for the year 2012.

1 upvote

I do not see 4K is a selling point, otherwise SONY a6000 will not be the #1 selling sub-frame ML camera.

As well as RX100.M3 is still beating other P&S with 4K, LX100 for example.

G5X has very good usability, but:
- Poor AF(? likes G7X)
- Poor battery life
- Slow...

In short, G5X/G7X are the worst performers comparing to other P&S in the same class, but it will outsell LX100, even LX100 is a higher performance P&S with 4K as LX100 is the worst in terms of usability.

We will see.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

4 upvotes

Why does the LX100 have the worst usability?

4 upvotes

As a P&S, it should be self contained with higher usability.

Self contained/usability:
1. WiFi, NFC, and build in * Flash* (and EVF)

2. Build in ND filter for video, and ND filter is also very useful for still

3. Very angle LCD for high/low angle shooting. full articulated is the best for video. Also you can flip over to protect the LCD...

4. Auto Lens Cap for fast startup time:
In the real world, LX100 is not all about the startup time of after turning on the P&S to ready to shoot, you need to add the time for taking out the LX100's lens cap... and recap it after you are done.

6. LCD can flip over to face the front for selfie.

LX100 almost has NONE of above, other than partial of "1".

SONY RX100.M3/4, Canon G5X has almost everything listed above while G7X and G1X.MK2 has no EVF build in.

BTW, LX100 has good amount of direct control, but why wast a button for iA? Panasonic should put iA to the Mode dial. even add P to the model dial...

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

...One more thing, I bought EVF for my LX7 mainly for low angle shooting.

0 upvotes

Well,... I believe you are mistaking usability (which usually refers to being easy and quick to use) with being for broader use.

1- LX does have WiFi+NFC+EVF and an add-on small flash included. Not hard to carry but I rarely ever used. I dislike front-facing flashes anyway, so don't use them unless they fully tilt and rotate.
2 - You can use ND filters on the lens. We are talking about photography camera, not a video camera right?
3- Correct
4 - There is an auto lens cap for the LX100, you didn't look too far. But still it takes me much longer fiddling with buttons in any of the contending cameras, than setting the LX100 up and removing cap. You culd also have an always-on clear filter, if you don't mind loosing a bit of IQ
5-... What happenned to 5?
6 - That repeats 3

II think 1, 3 and 4 are the main concerns in terms of a photography camera, and RX100 is rather bad on 4 and not that good in 1 imho (too slow for fiddling with buttons, and cannot do much more than tilting flash )

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 7 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Txoni;

Usability is usability. "easy and quick to use" is just part of usability.

"Self contained" without add-on is M3's selling point, yet it is very small, and has every thing a P&S should have.

"RX100 is rather bad on 4 and not that good in 1"

"RX100 is rather bad on 4";
- All RX100 has auto lens cap, and M3 needs FW Ver.1.20 to speed up Start-up time as it had a bug.

- "not that good in 1";
RX100.M3's Wifi is good, but the same can not say for NFC.

BTW, I download some APPs to my M3, some APPs are very useful, and I'm still waiting for "ID Photo" which is not available for M3 yet.

In terms of LX100's add-on auto lens cap, I do not like it as I tried the very same thing on my LX7. look the gaps when it is closed. It defeat the purpose of the lens cap in certain degree.

Oh, Very angle not have to be total articulated as some users like the tilt LCD for still for low angle.

BTW, ND filters is widely used for still too, such as for water related landscape scene...

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 12 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

AS far as RX100.M3 goes, I bought M3 not too long ago, but I already found some issues, but it is a good travel cam which meets most of my needs. Same can not say for LX100.

0 upvotes

Waiting for Panasonic LX200 with articulated screen..

3 upvotes

I would buy LX100 if it has articulated screen, but I bought RX100.M3 instead.

LX100 has the poorest usability in the same class.

0 upvotes

hence the LX200....it gets better.

0 upvotes

Mike FL, why do you say the panasonic has the worst usability? Out of the ones I've tried it has the best manual controls, the best ergonomics and the best viewfinder. The R100 by comparison is fiddly and slow to respond. Turn the control dial slowly and nothing happens.

0 upvotes

I handled the g5x today....

NIIIIIIIIICE.

It is much smaller than it looks in the photos. The evf has a denser resolution than the lcd screen, and nice refresh rate.

But that body....solidly built.

Fully articulating screen feels great. Shutter lag is minimal to nonexistent. The lens protectors are still flimsy....canon really needs to make a proper solution to that. They simply move too easily.

Did I mention that body?

Worth. It.

6 upvotes

Absolutely love the G5X design......everything l have wanted in a compact.... great user interface with both an evf and flip LCD,hot shoe and decent lens....hardly wait to get one !

5 upvotes

Wish the G9X had a rear wheel for easier full manual control - and a lower price. I have the G7X and like it better than the RX100iii, even with the god-awful corners at its wide end. G5X seems too large if the lens is the same as the G7X... redesign the lens to make it worth the added size, otherwise I'd go for an LX100. Despite the compromises, I've been very happy with the G7X; it's an extremely capable and compact backup to my micro 4/3 system.

What I have REALLY been hoping for is someone (Sony?) to release a series of single focal length, truly pocketable cameras with a 1" sensor.

2 upvotes

G5X: Why can they use the lens from the G15 which is very sharp and 28-140 @ F1.8 - 2.8. Instead they used a lens which is soft at 24mm and soft at F2.8 and 100mm. What good is F2.8 if the lens is soft? How dumb can Canon be? They know that enthusiast will be micro examining all these features and not be fooled. They needed to make a super G15/16 with an EVF, Flip LCD and 1 inch sensor and then every enthusiast would buy it and if one ones a super compact then Canon should have copied the Sony RX100.

0 upvotes

The sensor in this camera is enormous by comparison -- 116 mm2 vs 43.3. How would you suggest they use the same lens? In this case the sensor is so much better that if you want critically sharp images you can easily afford to stop the lens down a bit.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

9 upvotes

It is all about compromise, G7X has the same body size as R100.M3 but longer zoom, and noticeably faster than RX100.M3 in the M3's zoom range.

RX100.M3/4 lens is sharper than G7X at the cost of above.

It is uses choice, and again it is all about compromise especially for P&Ss.

0 upvotes

It appears like Canon took as much from the G7X as they could to make the G5X. Same lens, same sensor, same battery. Probably same firmware too. How is the G5X AF? You said the G7X AF was awful in your review so I am concerned about the G5X. Also, you said the G7X was slow.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-g7-x/7

3 upvotes

"The PowerShot G7 X's performance is really a mixed bag, with a slant toward the slow end of the spectrum. Startup time is 1.3 seconds, which is typical for a compact camera. As you'll find out in a moment, autofocus is quite a disappointment for a camera in this class."

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

"Another thing that's frustrating is the laggy user interface. Like other recent PowerShots, the G7 X can get stuck while you're navigating the function menu or adjusting settings via the direct buttons, as it waits for the animations to finish drawing. You can see the repeated button-presses needed to dismiss the continuous shooting menu in this part of our handling video."

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

"Autofocus speeds on this premium compact are disappointing compared to its peers. The G7 X lags behind its closest competitor - the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III - and Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-LX100 is also noticeably quicker. Low light performance isn't great, either. Another surprise was how often the G7 X display the 'yellow box of doom', which means that it was unable to lock focus. While more common in low light, it occurred more than one would expect in good light."

1 upvote

I honestly don't understand a lot of those comments. I've owned a G7X for a year and I haven't had any of those problems. I do 95% of my shooting with a DSLR, but I have taken almost 3,000 pictures with the G7X, and the AF has been very good, even in lower light. It can hunt some in extremely low light, but so does any other camera. People who have never owned the G7X have claimed that the lens is soft, but all my pictures with it are nice and sharp.

8 upvotes

@kodakrome: While I agree with you that the lens of the G7X is as sharp as most compact cameras, the problem comes up in comparison with its competitors the RX100 III or VI. If you are coming from the Sony camp as I do, you will miss the Resolution and stunning image quality of the Zeiss lens.

0 upvotes

the UI on the new compactres are definitly not as speedy as the old M1. everyhting is instantaneuos with that body. th ehandling on the M3, and i suspect the new powershots, are indeed slower from my first tries- but not fatally so. Ill give them a visit tomorrow as well. Ive already begun to compare shooting scenarios to see how it could stack up in real world usage. The g5x has editable button layouts so that is to be taken inconsideration...a good test would be to set it up as close to whatever your current body setup is, and take it from there.

0 upvotes

@Franz Weber: Images from the G7X compare very well with those from the RX100 III. You're claiming that one has "stunning images" and the other doesn't? That's just baloney.

5 upvotes

Totally agree Kodachrome.

0 upvotes

@Kodachrome: You take 60,000 pictures per year???

1 upvote

No, not even close to that. But when I first got the G7X, I used it a lot the first couple of months to try it out in different situations.

0 upvotes

Gotcha. I was taking your 5% and 3,000 pictures claim and doing the math. Thanks for the clarification.

0 upvotes

@Adamant: My statement about that was accurate. When I first got the camera, I used it a lot to test it out. Almost of the shots that are on it were taken during the first 2 months that I had it, then I went back to using my DSLR. Now, my G7X has about 3,000 shots on it , but I don't use it much - I only take a few shots a month with it. Your 60,000 estimate was not accurate because my current usage is totally different than it was a year ago.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

These were the hands needed for the Leica SL photos.

0 upvotes

The G9x falls in no man's land. Took everything good about the G7x and dumbed it down. Ugh....

0 upvotes

Btw....there wasn't much good about the G7x in the first place! Good zoom range soft lens. No 4k....loud clicky front ring.

0 upvotes

An ideal compact camera would be the size of G9 X with all the controls and features of G5 X. But physics says, no.

1 upvote

Physics never say "no"- it's more like "not yet"" :-)

Comment edited 15 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Hopefully, it won't be too long.

0 upvotes

Another nitpicker here - I wanted a manual zoom, not a powered one. For now, I'd like to hold one and see what it's like.

1 upvote

I looked at the G9X and thought by myself: With the larger sensor this could be the replacement for my S100 as my pocket camera. Checked out camerasize: Looks about right, just a small bit thicker. Also I like the WiFi feature.
Then I saw the dummied-down backside: no wheel, which basically looses 4 buttons as well :-/
Now I am not so enthusiastic anymore, don't think this will be a buy for me.

1 upvote

Perhaps a discounted G7 X?

0 upvotes

I want to describe something then you tell me what it is: you touch it, an option to change a setting comes up, and you change the setting. Give up? It's a touch sensitive control and you can implement it with a button or a screen. In the case of the button you don't have the option to swipe quickly. Just because you have taken zero time to get used to a touchscreen as a camera control does not imply it is meant for simpletons.

Comment edited 33 seconds after posting

1 upvote

These people are so amusing. No 4k? Who tf needs 4k? Oh no, blurry corners? What are you staring at corners at 100% for? The g7x is an outstanding camera with far better bokeh and wow, a touchscreen. Welcome to 2008 Sony. It's also sharper than the Sony RX100m3m4 at certain focal lengths. A far more versatile camera thanks to its longer zoom and touch display. The g9x is made to be as small as possible, that's the key to this camera. Oh no, no backside control ring? Use the screen for settings.

4 upvotes

It looks like an Olympus Stylus,
is it similar in specs?

1 upvote

The G5 X comes with a 1" 20MP sensor and a 24-100mm zoom. The Stylus has a 1/1.7" 12MP sensor and a 28-300mm zoom. The Stylus is marginally heavier and larger. Both seem like they'd make nice travel cameras. If I were in the market for one I'd be tempted by the longer reach of the Stylus. I'm also a bit concerned about the operational performance of the G5 X, given that people have had issues here with the G7 X.

2 upvotes

It's too bad that Nikon decided to go with Nikon 1, rather than 1" compacts like Canon and Sony. I think that was a strategic error on their part.

12 upvotes

My only gripe with G7X is lack of in-camera USB charging. Looks like they've fixed that with the G9X. Very nice addition. With a smallish 5000mAh power bank, you've got a 700-900 shot camera.

3 upvotes

"...the G5 X takes the guts of last year's G7 X."

Unfortunately they took the lens too. That lens is awful at the wide end. This was to some extent understandable in a camera as compact as the G7X, but why cripple the larger G5X with it?

That's a rhetorical question - the answer of course is to save the cost of developing a new lens. Which is unfortunate, because it's a missed opportunity as other than the lens everything else looks great.

4 upvotes

I was going to comment about the same thing.
The G5 X weakest part seem to be the lens.
The lens was designed for an ultracompact camera, G7X and several compromises have been made to reach that small size.
This is what makes the G5X design look odd and disproportionate. The lens is too small for the body.
It is not a bad idea to save on cost. However, for something not pocketable a small mirrorless would make more sense.

5 upvotes

And no macro mode to speak of.

0 upvotes

I want the G5X with and L lens.

0 upvotes

How about going and actually trying the camera out..

just imagine that...

and NO, the camera doesn't look odd by any means. Odd could be your tastes.

2 upvotes

Want!

0 upvotes

Most interesting new thing from Canon for years.

I'd almost given up on them. Great lenses but behind the curve DSLRs.

These, on the other hand, look terrific. Well done.

1 upvote

I'm surprised they didn't step up to 4K video. I would think the hardware is capable of handling that resolution.

0 upvotes

Canon has been crippling the Video quality of their cameras for quite some time.
Not even the 1080P video is up to "true" FHD in resolution.
Check the Sony RX100 iv Video page on this site and compare to the Canon G7X. I am confident the G5x & G9x are going to have same Video quality since use same sensor same lens.
If you value Video stay away from Canon Cameras.

4 upvotes

I *want* to want the G9X because the RX series has outgrown it's pocketability claim, IMO, but the lackluster video options here (not even full sensor 1080p?) will have me waiting to see if Sony or Panny attacks the same market and tries to put out a smaller 1" cam.

0 upvotes

The ergonomics are what are selling me on the G5X. Now I hope it is a responsive and snappy camera, I think I will enjoy it.

2 upvotes

I am not sure if I will get a G5X but I find it very appealing. Yes it's larger than the pocketable G9X and larger than my Sony RX100M3. But on paper I like all the specs and I prefer Canon Colors to Sony. The utilitarian look is fine by me.

I can see myself doing fun cool stuff with this using some smaller canon speed lights without needing a huge canon camera or setup. It will still fit in a coat pocket and no lens cap!

6 upvotes

The G5X is quiet interesting I think. A RX100-III or IV has faster fps, but have a flash hotshoe is deal breaker for me. Also the EVF is in the centre, which I prefer and it is weather sealed if I'm right.

What I don't like are the too large CANON letters and all the info/letters on around the lens. Makes it very busy and less usable for street/reportage photography. I also have a Panasonic GX8 and that camera is almost 'stealth'.

If I gonna buy a G5X I will stick black tape over the Canon letters and the white letters around the lens. Not because the brand is Canon... Just because it makes the camera more ugly.

0 upvotes

What makes you think its weather sealed? That would be great.

0 upvotes

I thought I read that in one of the previews of this camera! Fingers crossed!

1 upvote

Looks almost thin enough to be a pocket camera that fits in a pocket.

5 upvotes

According to Camerasize, the Canon G9 X is 25% thinner, and weighs 30% less, than the Sony RX100 IV.

1 upvote

It will, maybe unless your size 0 skinny jeans shrunk in the wash. ;)

1 upvote

Camera size is not very reliable, but looking at this hand i can only imagine this hump having problems to fits my pocket.
talking about G5x

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

That G5X is a lovely little thing. I don't think it'll fit in my pants pocket, so no thanks, but otherwise it looks lovely.
G9X versus RX100 I or II - FIGHT!

1 upvote

Same. A lot of people are dissing it for its aesthetic appeal due to the grip and fixed EVF. Personally, I think those features give it a bit of a more "professional" flare without all of the bulkiness and weight of a DSLR.

7 upvotes

I agree Tipsy, I like it.

4 upvotes

I agree Tipsy, I like it.

2 upvotes

Same here, looks a little retro, but more than anything, it looks like a tool. Built for the job first and foremost. It works for me.

6 upvotes

G5X - the specs look good and that's what it is, not for everyone but there is something odd about it, something about that style is not making me feel like getting one while I am in the market for P&S's. I know, I know, it is a camera, the device to take photos, not something to make a fashion statement. I get that it has to have that hump to accommodate the EVF and the flash but... the hump looks like some after thought addition, is it really a "retro" style? I'd love to see reviews from new G9X owners

0 upvotes

I like the looks. But if this is the g7x lens I am not impressed. I found the g7x so so and definitively not holding a candle to the Sonys Zeiss rx100 3/4.

But sure, the Sony costs more. You get what you pay for.

Comment edited 24 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

The issue with these Canon 1" compacts so far is that they can't manage over 1fps in RAW.

If they are meant to appeal to "enthusiasts" who might want to do things like HDR bracketing, or simple things like recording a bit of action, then they must do better. Much better.

5 upvotes

Large sensor compact cameras are the future. MILC Dinosaurs are just so behind the times. :-)

2 upvotes

I've been waiting for a compact that can make me forget about a lens kit, but it hasn't happened yet. I hope you are right.

0 upvotes

Oddy enough, that's how I feel about my DSLR dinosaurs...behind the times. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, have both large sensors and can be very compact...while still allowing you to change lenses. An Olympus E-M5 II is only slightly larger than a G5X, even though it has a significantly larger m4/3 sensor.

http://camerasize.com/compare/#637,633

So you can definitely get very compact with MILC. Even more so if you look at mirrorless cameras with the 1" sensors, such as the Nikon V2:

http://camerasize.com/compare/#637,392

3 upvotes

I already switched to a m4/3 from Canon. It's a lot smaller, but still not small enough to just throw in my jeans pocket and head literally anywhere with the family. I left it home on my last family trip and used our phones. Maybe that's the answer as the pictures were good enough for the scrapbook and facebook.

1 upvote

When the Sony RX100 us the same size and thickness as my cell phone, I'll consider it a pocket camera. For now, it has to be carried separately so the small size doesn't make much difference.

0 upvotes

The g9x is easily pocketable, shirt, jeans, whatever, and you'll forget its there just like your cell phone. Its actually slightly smaller than the already pocket friendly s120, which itself was smaller than the original (smallest) rx100.

1 upvote

Less size, less features. The wish lists on here get a little bit...wishy washy, eh? (sorry :P )

0 upvotes

@T3

> Olympus E-M5 II is only slightly larger than a G5X
> http://camerasize.com/compare/#637,633

That's E-M10 II...

0 upvotes

Im looking to purchase a compact camera that will complement my DSLR in places where I would like to be light but have a good camera with me.
Currently Im looking at two options, either the G5x or the Sony rx100 IV.
The G5x really interests me. I hope the focus will be fast.

0 upvotes

One thing is for sure, nobody is going to miss the tradition G's optical viewfinder. :-)

4 upvotes

I'm getting more and more interested in the GX9 the more I see it. Truly a compact camera.

10 upvotes

The controls, though....

For about 100 (?) more you get a better lens (at least specs-wise) and better controls in the form of a G7X.

1 upvote

If I start worrying about ergonomics, then I'm just going to rationalize my way into bringing my GX7 anyway.

Edit: And oops, I said GX9 above and not G9 X. Must be muscle memory from typing GX7 since I own that one. I also blame the camera brands for all having to use some variation on X in all their model names!

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

I agree. The G9X seems far more appealing to me than any of Canon's other fixed lens options, and its substantially smaller than any RX100, which in truth is its primary competitor.

If the lens is optically decent, it seems like the touchscreen and size both give it a significant trump card over the original RX100 with which it competes on price.

And since it's a Canon, the street price is going to fall pretty quick, even from it's $529 base. So it might even be vaguely affordable up in Canada....

2 upvotes

What's the big deal? Seriously, it's 3 years behind the RX100, still has the same MP count (don't know about newer sensor) but still has no GPS, no 4k, no better lens.
So apart from being thinner (little advantage when having it in your pants) I don't see why I should be excited about this camera now. 3-4 years ago, yes.

3 upvotes

Yes, the G9 X seems like a nice evolution from the S series, though the zoom seems to be getting more and more restricted (the S120 boasted a very useful 24-120mm equiv. range, the G7 X 24-100mm) and quite a bit slower at the long end. The loss of the dedicated exposure comp dial is also unfortunate. I do agree that the price is likely to fall quickly, making it a great value in the compact market (until then it's a harder sell). Will be less than half the price of the RX100 IV—that's going to be very tough to justify.

0 upvotes

@Markol: It's the combination of the size, BSI sensor, wi-fi and the fact that I'm not a huge fan of Sony JPEGs.

You are right that it is basically a warmed over RX100 though.

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I don't see how being thinner is of little advantage when having it in your pants.

Being thinner - nearly half an inch compared to the RX100 III (!) - is what actually allows you to put it in your pants.

I consider the Ricoh GR to be more pocketable than the RX100, which is really a bit of a stretch in many pockets. Maybe if you wear pleated slacks and are physically inactive.

In terms of size, the G9X is the halfway point between the RX100 and the Lumix CM1 which is $1000 with the same sensor and a fixed lens, so a harder value proposition, especially with the non-replaceable battery.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 47 seconds after posting

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