Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II belongs to a Large Sensor Compact category, the other model, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a Pro Mirrorless camera. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is equipped with a 20.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor, while Sony Alpha A9 comes with a 24.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor.
Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - Compact and MirrorLess. Keeping in mind all the distinctive features of each category, it will be hard to make a detailed comparison of these two models. However, we will do our best to make this review as unbiased and detailed as possible.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and Sony Alpha A9 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Key Features:
Sony Alpha A9 Key Features:
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II substituted Canon G7 X.
Timelapse Recording | Yes vs No | Creative shooting |
Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
Flash Range | 7 vs No | 7 better flash range |
Weight | 319 g vs 673 g | 354 g lighter |
Bluetooth | Yes vs No | Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth |
Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 20.0 MP | 16.7% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 847.28 mm2 vs 116.16 mm2 | 86.3% larger pixel area |
Continuous Shooting | 20 fps vs 8 fps | 12 fps faster |
External Flash | Yes vs No | Connect off-camera flash |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 vs 1/2000 | Faster shutter speed |
Number Of Focus Points | 693 vs 31 | 662 more focus points |
Screen Resolution | 1,440k dots vs 1,040k dots | 27.8% higher resolution screen |
Battery Life | 650 shots vs 265 shots | 385 more frames with a single charge |
Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
Microphone Port | Yes vs No | High quality audio recording option |
Headphone Port | Yes vs No | Has headphone port |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.78 vs No | 0.78 better magnification |
Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 1,440k dots | High resolution screen |
Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Continuous Shooting | 8.0 fps | 20.0 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and Sony Alpha A9 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 354g less than the Sony Alpha A9. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and Sony Alpha A9 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II features a 20.0 MP 1" sized BSI-CMOS sensor . Sony Alpha A9, in its turn, comes with a 24.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and Sony Alpha A9 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Sony Alpha A9 is equipped with a sensor that is 0.1x larger than the one featured in Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and Sony Alpha A9 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | Sony Alpha A9 |
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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No Significant DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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No Significant DisadvantagesHopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II or Sony Alpha A9, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and Sony Alpha A9 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha A9 deserves a higher Total Score than the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | Sony Alpha A9 | |
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand | Canon | Sony |
Model | PowerShot G7 X Mark II | Alpha A9 |
Announced | Feb 18, 2016 | Apr 19, 2017 |
Body Type | Large sensor compact | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Size | 1" | Full frame |
Sensor Dimensions | 13.2 x 8.8 mm | 35.6 x 23.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 116.16 mm2 | 847.28 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 6000 x 4000 |
Max Native ISO | 12,800 | 51,200 |
Max Boosted ISO | 25,600 | 204,800 |
Min Native ISO | 125 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Fixed lens | Sony E |
Number of Lenses | n/a | 83 |
Focal Length Multiplier | n/a | 1x |
Macro Focus Range | 5 | |
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 31 | 693 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 1,440k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 3,686k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | % | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.78 | |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 15 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 8.0 fps | 20.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 7 | 0 |
Flash Modes | Auto, slow synchro | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | n/a |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 319 g | 673 g |
Physical Dimensions | 106 x 61 x 42 mm | 127 x 96 x 63 mm |
Battery Life | 265 shots | 650 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | NB-13L | NP-FZ100 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) |
Storage Slots | 1 | 2 |
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