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!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models introduced by the same brand - Canon. Although both products are offered by the same brand, they come from different categories. Thus, Canon, is a camera from Large Sensor Compact category, while PowerShot S120 is a Small Sensor Compact camera. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - BSI-CMOS. However, they have different resolution. The first compared model, Canon PowerShot G9 X, features has a resolution of 20.0 MP. Another model that we are reviewing, Canon PowerShot S120, features a sensor with a resolution of 12.0 MP.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Canon PowerShot G9 X and Canon PowerShot S120.
Canon PowerShot G9 X Key Features:
Canon PowerShot S120 Key Features:
Since Canon PowerShot G9 X has been around for some time, it was substituted by Canon G9 X II.
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 40% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 116.16 mm2 vs 41.52 mm2 | 64.3% larger pixel area |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 922k dots | 11.3% higher resolution screen |
Weight | 209 g vs 217 g | 8 g lighter |
Dxo Color Depth | 21.5 vs 21.3 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 12.3 vs 11.9 | Better dynamic range |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 495 vs 246 | Better High ISO performance |
Continuous Shooting | 12 fps vs 6 fps | 6 fps faster |
Flash Range | 7 vs 6 | 1 better flash range |
Battery Life | 230 shots vs 220 shots | 10 more frames with a single charge |
Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Viewfinder | No | No | No ViewFinder |
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP | 12.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Microphone Port | No | No | No microphone port |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
External Flash Shoe | No | No | No Flash Shoe |
Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Battery Life | 220 shots | 230 shots | Low battery life |
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 G9 X and Canon PowerShot S120 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 G9 X is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 8g less than the Canon PowerShot S120. 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 G9 X and Canon PowerShot S120 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 G9 X features a 20.0 MP 1" sized BSI-CMOS sensor . Canon PowerShot S120, in its turn, comes with a 12.0 MP 1/1.7" sized BSI-CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Canon PowerShot G9 X and Canon PowerShot S120 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Canon PowerShot G9 X has a sensor area 0.4x bigger compared to Canon PowerShot S120. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.
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 G9 X and Canon PowerShot S120 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 G9 X | Canon PowerShot S120 |
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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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Hopefully, 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 G9 X or Canon PowerShot S120, 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 G9 X and Canon PowerShot S120 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Canon PowerShot S120 deserves a higher Total Score than the Canon PowerShot G9 X. 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 G9 X | Canon PowerShot S120 | |
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General | ||
Brand | Canon | Canon |
Model | PowerShot G9 X | PowerShot S120 |
Announced | Oct 12, 2015 | Nov 26, 2013 |
Body Type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Size | 1" | 1/1.7" |
Sensor Dimensions | 13.2 x 8.8 mm | 7.44 x 5.58 mm |
Sensor Area | 116.16 mm2 | 41.52 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP | 12.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max Native ISO | 12,800 | 12,800 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 125 | 80 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Fixed lens | Fixed lens |
Number of Lenses | n/a | n/a |
Focal Length Multiplier | n/a | n/a |
Macro Focus Range | 5 | 3 |
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 | n/a | 9 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 922k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | % | % |
ViewFinder Magnification | ||
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 15 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 s | 1/2000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 6.0 fps | 12.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 6 | 7 |
Flash Modes | Auto, slow synchro | Auto, slow synchro |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 63 | 56 |
DxO Color Depth | 21.5 | 21.3 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 12.3 | 11.9 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 495 | 246 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | 1920 x 1080 (60 or 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, 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 | 209 g | 217 g |
Physical Dimensions | 98 x 58 x 31 mm | 100 x 59 x 29 mm |
Battery Life | 220 shots | 230 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | NB-13L | NB-6LH |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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