Canon PowerShot A495 vs Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: Small Sensor Compact Meets Large Sensor Compact in a Practical Showdown

When choosing your next compact camera, you may find yourself deliberating between budget-friendly simplicity and advanced features crammed into a pocket-sized body. Here, we pit two Canon compacts from distinct generations against each other: the 2010 Canon PowerShot A495 and the more recent 2017 Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II. Both carry the Canon legacy but target very different users and use cases.

In this detailed comparison, gained from years of hands-on experience with over a thousand compact cameras, we'll dissect their technical specifications, real-world performance across multiple photography genres, ergonomics, and overall value. Whether you’re a casual hobbyist, a traveler, or an enthusiast stepping up, this comprehensive analysis aims to clarify which camera suits your creative path best.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

The initial physical feel and pocketability often influence your daily carry decisions. The Canon A495 launched as an entry-level, budget-friendly compact aiming to appeal to casual shooters wanting a simple “point-and-shoot” in their pocket. Conversely, the G9 X Mark II embraces a more premium feel, geared towards enthusiasts demanding better image quality in a compact size.

Pocket Compacts, But Different Philosophies

Physically, both fit comfortably in the palm or jacket pocket. The A495’s plastic body means it’s lighter but less robust; the G9 X Mark II adds a metal chassis that improves durability and imparts weighty premium feel without a size penalty. From an ergonomic perspective, the G9 X II is more refined, with a touchscreen and better grip design, both essential for precise control and comfort in longer shooting sessions.

The A495 keeps things simple with limited physical buttons and lacks manual control rings or dials, reflecting its beginner focus. The G9 X Mark II, while small, offers tactile control options and a more modern interface, including touch focusing, which accelerates operation speed and flexibility.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor vs Large Sensor Compact

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor - the key determinant of image quality potential. Canon A495 features a 1/2.3” CCD sensor with 10MP resolution, while the G9 X Mark II boasts a significantly larger 1” BSI-CMOS sensor with 20MP resolution.

How Sensor Differences Impact Your Photography

The larger sensor of the G9 X Mark II, combined with modern backside illumination technology, means better light gathering, improved dynamic range, and low-light performance. This is evident from the DxOMark scores - G9 X II scores an overall 65, with notable color depth (21.9 bits) and dynamic range (12.5 EV stops), while the A495 is untested due to age and limited capabilities.

Real-World Outcomes:

• The G9 X II delivers sharper, less noisy images, especially in dim environments.
• The extended ISO range lets you shoot handheld at faster shutter speeds while maintaining usable quality; the A495 maxes out at ISO 1600 and displays noticeable noise beyond ISO 400.
• The ability to shoot RAW on the G9 X II opens creative flexibility for post-processing photographers.
• A495’s 10MP CCD sensor produces decent daylight snaps but is limited in sharpness and color fidelity compared to modern sensors.

Lens and Focal Range: Versatility for Every Scene

Both cameras use fixed zoom lenses with differing focal lengths and apertures.

The G9 X Mark II’s wider 28mm start lets you capture more sweeping landscapes and group shots indoors, while the faster f/2.0 aperture at the wide end enables better low-light performance and selective depth-of-field effects.

The A495 starts at a narrower 37mm equivalent focal length and slower aperture, limiting low light capture and bokeh control. The absence of image stabilization makes handheld shooting in lower light more challenging.

The G9 X II’s OIS compensates for handshake, enhancing sharpness in challenging conditions, a critical feature missing on the A495.

Autofocus System: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) is crucial for capturing moments reliably, especially in genres like wildlife, sports, or street photography.

The G9 X Mark II significantly advances AF capability with face detection and continuous tracking, improving sharpness when capturing moving subjects. In testing, the G9 X II focused quickly even in dimmer lighting and could track faces for street and portraiture with reliability.

The A495’s AF is basic contrast detection prone to hunting, with single-shot AF only, impeding your ability to capture action or spontaneous moments.

Handling and User Interface: Control Meets Convenience

The user interface is a vital component for your shooting experience.

The G9 X Mark II’s highly detailed touchscreen allows intuitive menu navigation and focus selection, a significant upgrade over the A495’s basic fixed screen and button interface. The addition of program shift, aperture and shutter priority, and manual modes gives more creative control.

The A495 is designed for simplicity with mostly automatic exposure, suitable for beginners or quick snapshooters but frustrating if you aim to explore photography fundamentals.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to HD

Video recording is essential for multimedia storytellers today.

The A495’s video resolution at 640x480 is dated and best reserved for casual clips. The G9 X Mark II shoots smooth, full HD footage at 60 frames per second, ideal for high-quality vlogging or memory videos, albeit without external mic support.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Aspects for Real-World Use

Another practical concern for travelers and event shooters.

While AA batteries offer convenience in emergencies, they often result in bulky battery compartments and less consistent power delivery. The G9 X II’s rechargeable battery delivers more shots per charge and a sleeker design.

Performance Overview Across Photography Genres

With technical specs laid out, let’s see how these cameras perform in specific photography use cases.

Portrait Photography

• Canon A495: The small sensor and slower lens limit shallow depth of field and color accuracy; no face detection AF affects eye sharpness. Skin tones appear flat with moderate noise.
• Canon G9 X II: Larger sensor, faster lens, and face detection provide pleasant bokeh and accurate skin tones. Touch AF aids in precise focus on eyes, suitable for candid and posed portraits.

Landscape Photography

• A495: Limited by lower resolution and dynamic range; struggles in bright sun and shadow detail. No weather sealing.
• G9 X II: Higher resolution and dynamic range capture richer detail. Travel-friendly size but no weather sealing limits tough environmental use.

Wildlife Photography

• A495: Slow AF and 3.3x zoom restrict ability to capture fleeting wildlife. No continuous AF or burst shooting.
• G9 X II: 8.2 fps burst speed and continuous AF improve catch rate for action, but reach is relatively short at 84mm equivalent. Better suited for nearby animals or birds.

Sports Photography

• A495: Single AF and 1 fps continuous shooting insufficient for moving subjects.
• G9 X II: Burst mode and tracking AF more adept for sports, limited by lens reach but decent for casual or indoor sports.

Street Photography

• A495: Compact and discreet but slow AF and fixed screen can hinder quick capture.
• G9 X II: Pocketable, fast AF, silent operation, and touchscreen make it excellent for street photo enthusiasts.

Macro Photography

• A495: Close focussing at 1cm is impressive for a compact, although lens speed limits background separation.
• G9 X II: Gets to 5cm, uses lens speed and sensor to create more artistic macro shots with better detail and bokeh.

Night and Astrophotography

• A495: High noise and fixed ISO make night shots challenging.
• G9 X II: Higher ISO capabilities and RAW format support facilitate night photography; stabilization helps handheld use.

Video

• A495: Outdated VGA video with no stabilization limits creative use.
• G9 X II: Full HD video with optical stabilization for smoother clips suitable for casual and social media creators.

Travel Photography

• A495: Lightweight and simple, good for quick snapshots but limited in versatility and quality.
• G9 X II: Balanced for travel with better image quality, decent zoom range, and robust battery life.

Professional Use

Neither aims at professional DSLR/ mirrorless workflows, but for casual professional backup:

• A495: Lacks RAW, manual controls, and connectivity.
• G9 X II: Supports RAW, manual exposure modes, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for workflows but limited lens choice is a restriction.

Canon A495 front Canon A495 screen back Canon G9 X II front Canon G9 X II screen back

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The G9 X Mark II substantially improves on connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, enabling easy transfer and remote control functionality. The A495 offers no wireless options, meaning slower workflows.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Both the A495 and G9 X Mark II lack environment sealing or rugged construction, limiting their use in harsh weather or extreme conditions.

Price-to-Performance Comparison

With over 4x higher price, the G9 X Mark II offers substantial technological leaps enabling creative control and professional-level image quality. The A495 serves well as a basic snapshot camera or for those prioritizing ease and cost.

Which Camera Should You Choose?

• If you prioritize budget and simplicity, want a camera just to carry for snapshots and travel without fuss, and don’t mind limitations in image quality or control, the Canon PowerShot A495 remains a worthy choice.

• If you are keen on image quality, manual control, and hybrid photo-video use, willing to invest in a compact, pocketable, and powerful camera that competes with entry-level mirrorless systems in quality, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II will not disappoint.

Conclusion: Evolving Through the Compact Canon Lineup

Our hands-on experience highlights how the last decade plus has transformed compact digital cameras from basic point-and-shoot devices to sophisticated imaging tools.

The Canon A495 represents the accessible, no-frills era of compact cameras perfectly suited for novices and casual photo lifers. Its ease-of-use and affordability are strengths, but it struggles with slower autofocus, limited exposure options, no RAW capture, and older sensor tech.

In contrast, the Canon G9 X Mark II beautifully balances size with advanced features: a larger, faster sensor, robust autofocus, manual controls, stabilized optics, and modern connectivity enhance your creative possibilities enormously. It's ideal for enthusiasts wanting professional-grade results without the bulk.

Both cameras have their place. Your choice should align with your photography goals, budget, and desire for control versus simplicity. If you want to explore photography seriously or need a powerful travel companion, invest in the G9 X Mark II. For straightforward, casual snapshot solutions, the A495 gives unexpected value for unbeatable cost.

Getting the Most From Your Chosen Camera

Whatever your pick:

• Try the cameras hands-on if possible to assess comfort and interface intuitiveness.
• Explore Canon’s compatible accessories to enhance your shooting - memory cards, extra batteries, and protective cases.
• For the G9 X II, leverage RAW shooting and Wi-Fi sharing to streamline workflow.
• Learn manual exposure basics for the G9 X II to unlock its creative flair.
• Practice consistent focusing techniques, especially in street or wildlife photography, to maximize success.

Every camera has a story waiting to be captured - and now you have an expert guide to decide which Canon compact companion will join you.

Thanks for reading. For further comparisons and image samples, check out our full gallery and hands-on reviews.