Canon PowerShot G9 X vs Canon PowerShot G12

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot G9 X and the Canon PowerShot G12, 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 G9 X was introduced in October 2015 and Canon PowerShot G12 was introduced in January 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

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.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G9 X over Canon PowerShot G12.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G12 over Canon PowerShot G9 X.

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.

Screen

Canon PowerShot G9 X has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 1,040k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot G12 has a 2.80" Fully Articulated screen with 461k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Canon PowerShot G12 selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting. Canon PowerShot G9 X also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder on Canon PowerShot G12

Canon PowerShot G12 has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinder. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Canon PowerShot G9 X.

Canon PowerShot G9 X features a 20.2 megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm². Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800. 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 31.1 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200.

Canon PowerShot G9 X 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.

Canon PowerShot G9 X is equipped with DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 5472 x 3080, 4864 x 3648, 4320 x 2880, 4320 x 2432, 3840 x 2880, 2304 x 1536, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 720 x 480, 720 x 408, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. 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.

Image Stabilization

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

Built-in Wi-Fi on Canon PowerShot G9 X

Canon PowerShot G9 X has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) 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.

NFC on Canon PowerShot G9 X

Canon PowerShot G9 X has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot G9 X has a Micro HDMI and Canon PowerShot G12 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.

Battery

Canon PowerShot G9 X comes with NB-13L battery pack with battery life of 220 shots and Canon PowerShot G12 comes with NB-7L battery pack with battery life of 370 shots.

External Storage Slots

Canon PowerShot G9 X has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Canon PowerShot G12 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot.

Shutter

Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G9 X, and up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G12. Canon PowerShot G9 X can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps. Canon PowerShot G12 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps.

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 6.00 m at Auto ISO on Canon PowerShot G9 X and 7.00 m on Canon PowerShot G12. Canon PowerShot G12 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G12.

Canon PowerShot G9 X body has dimensions of 98 x 58 x 31 mm (3.86 x 2.28 x 1.22") and Canon PowerShot G12 body has dimensions of 112 x 76 x 48 mm (4.41 x 2.99 x 1.89"). Canon PowerShot G9 X weighs 209 g (0.46 lb / 7.37 oz) and Canon PowerShot G12 weighs 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz).

Canon PowerShot G9 X

Canon PowerShot G12

98 mm

58 mm

112 mm

76 mm

58 mm

76 mm

31 mm

48 mm