Canon PowerShot G12 vs Canon PowerShot G16

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot G12 and the Canon PowerShot G16, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot G12 was introduced in January 2011 and Canon PowerShot G16 was introduced in November 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot G12 Highlights

      • 10 MP 1/1.7-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.80" 461k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 1.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Canon PowerShot G16 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 80 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 12.2 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot G12 and Canon PowerShot G16.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 47
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.2 fps

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G12

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G12 over Canon PowerShot G16.

      Canon PowerShot G12 vs Canon PowerShot G16
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Longer Battery Life 370 shots vs 360 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G12.

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G16

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G16 over Canon PowerShot G12.

      Canon PowerShot G12 vs Canon PowerShot G16
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 12,800
      More Powerful Processor DIGIC 4 vs DIGIC 6
      Max Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 vs 4000 x 3000
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.8 vs f/1.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/4.5 vs f/2.8
      Larger Screen 2.80" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 461k dot vs 922k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 1.1 fps vs 12.2 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 161 vs 230
      Higher DxO Color Depth 20.4 vs 21.0
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.2 vs 11.7
      Higher DxO Overall Score 47 vs 54
      Higher Video Resolution 1280 x 720 vs 1920 x 1080
      Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible vs
      Lighter 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz) vs 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G16.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot G12 Canon PowerShot G16
        Video Capture
        Low Native ISO8080
        High Native ISO3,20012,800
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        High Flash Sync Speed1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        HDMI Output Mini
        Light401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot G12 Canon PowerShot G16
        Small Sensor1/1.7-inch1/1.7-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor10 Megapixel12.1 Megapixel
        Few Focus Points99
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Low DxO Overall Score4754
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life370 shots360 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot G12 has a 2.80" Fully Articulated screen with 461k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot G16 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 922k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Canon PowerShot G12 selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Canon PowerShot G12 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinders. magnification and Canon PowerShot G16 has 80% coverage magnification.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G12 features a 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200. Canon PowerShot G16 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 31.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 12,800.

      Canon PowerShot G16 has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot G12 is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2048, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2736 x 2736, 2192 x 2736, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1064, 1696 x 2112, 1200 x 1200, 960 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480, 384 x 480, 320 x 240 with 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot G16 is equipped with DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2248, 4000 x 2664, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1200 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Canon PowerShot G16

      Canon PowerShot G16 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot G12 has an HDMI and Canon PowerShot G16 has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot G12 comes with NB-7L battery pack with battery life of 370 shots and Canon PowerShot G16 comes with NB-10L battery pack with battery life of 360 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot G12 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot. Canon PowerShot G16 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G12, and up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G16. Canon PowerShot G12 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps. Canon PowerShot G16 can shoot continuously up to 12.2 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m.. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot G12 body has dimensions of 112 x 76 x 48 mm (4.41 x 2.99 x 1.89") and Canon PowerShot G16 body has dimensions of 109 x 76 x 40 mm (4.29 x 2.99 x 1.57"). Canon PowerShot G12 weighs 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz) and Canon PowerShot G16 weighs 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz).

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      112 mm

      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      109 mm

      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      76 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot G12 and Canon PowerShot G16

      Canon PowerShot G12 and Canon PowerShot G16 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.2 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.2 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot G12 and Canon PowerShot G16 and give them scores of 62 and 67 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      OVERALL
      62
      OVERALL
      67

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 47
      GOOD
      72
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      GOOD
      77
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.2 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec

      Video

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      70
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      73
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G16

      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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