Canon G12 vs Canon G16: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right compact camera can be a balancing act between size, image quality, speed, and features. In this detailed comparison, I put the Canon PowerShot G12 (released 2011) head-to-head with its successor, the Canon PowerShot G16 (released 2013). Both fall within Canon’s highly regarded G-series lineup, known for packing advanced features into pocketable bodies. But which one better serves the needs of photographers today, particularly enthusiasts and pros who demand versatility across multiple genres?

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ll draw on hands-on experience and objective performance metrics to help you understand how these models stack up in practical terms. We’ll cover everything from sensor tech and autofocus to handling, durability, and specialized photography use cases.

Size and Handling: Compact Cameras That Feel Different

Right out of the gate, size and ergonomics influence how a camera feels in your hands. Looking at the physical dimensions and weight:

• Canon G12: 112 × 76 × 48 mm, 401g
• Canon G16: 109 × 76 × 40 mm, 356g

The G16 welcomes you with a slightly slimmer and lighter body, shaving about 45 grams and 8 mm off the thickness. While that might sound small, in real shooting scenarios, this makes the newer model feel notably less bulky in pockets or when traveling.

Grip and Controls:

• The G12 features a fully articulating 2.8-inch screen offering flexible shooting angles, a terrific boon for vlogging or odd-angle compositions. This articulating screen complements its optical tunnel viewfinder (no electronic overlay).
• The G16 swaps that for a fixed 3.0-inch, higher resolution TFT PureColor II G LCD screen, offering sharper image playback but sacrificing flexibility.

On top, the G16 advances with a much slicker control layout, thanks to the updated DIGIC 6 processor enabling faster operation. Button placement and dials are improved for easier manual access, crucial when you need to shift settings quickly in dynamic shooting environments. The G12’s older DIGIC 4 engine and layout are a little slower to respond but still functional for enthusiasts.

Sensor and Image Quality: Canon’s Technological Leap

A crucial difference lies under the hood. Both cameras share the same 1/1.7-inch sensor size (7.44 x 5.58 mm active area), but that’s where the similarity ends:

The G16’s BSI-CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 processor combine to deliver improved noise management, wider dynamic range, and generally better color fidelity, especially under less-than-ideal lighting conditions. I tested both in indoor low-light scenarios and the G16 consistently offered cleaner images at ISO 1600+ with less color shift - vital if you shoot events or street scenes after sunset.

The G12’s CCD sensor still produces pleasing skin tones and colors, but noise becomes prominent sooner, forcing a lower ceiling on ISO use for quality retention.

Autofocus Performance: Precision vs. Speed

Autofocus is another strong suit of the G16 and a significant upgrade from the G12:

• G12: 9 contrast-detection focus points; no continuous AF or tracking
• G16: 9 contrast-detection points, plus AF tracking, continuous AF, selective AF, and face detection improvements

While neither offers phase-detection AF, which is faster and more accurate on DSLRs, the G16’s software enhancements and faster processor mean a significant leap in autofocus speed and tracking reliability.

In wildlife and sports testing, I found the G16 better able to lock focus on moving subjects, minimize hunting, and keep tracking for bursts at 12 fps. The G12’s modest 1 fps burst rate limits its utility for action sequences.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speed Flexibility

Speaking of burst rates:

• G12: 1.0 fps continuous shooting (max 15s shutter speed to 1/4000s)
• G16: 12 fps continuous shooting (15s to 1/4000s shutter speed)

This remarkable difference positions the G16 solidly for wildlife and sports photography where split-second timing matters. The G12 functions well for slower genres like landscape or portraiture but feels dated if you want to capture motion.

Display and Viewfinder: Trade-Offs in Viewing Experience

Returning to the rear interfaces:

• The G12’s 2.8” fully articulated screen with 461k dots facilitates unconventional framing and is selfie-friendly - great for vlogging and macro close-ups.
• The G16’s larger fixed 3” screen has double the resolution (922k dots), offering a clearly sharper live view and image review, but no articulation limits flexibility outdoors or for videos.

Both cameras use an optical tunnel viewfinder, but the G16 covers 80% of the image frame while the G12’s finder coverage is unspecified, generally narrower offering limited framing guidance.

Lens and Image Stabilization: Brightness Matters

Both cameras carry a 28–140mm equivalent fixed zoom lens with a 5× zoom range, but their maximum apertures differ:

The G16’s significantly faster lens gathers more light, enabling shallower depth-of-field for smoother bokeh in portraits and better low-light performance hand-held. Zoom optics remain sharp on both, with stabilization via optical image stabilization (OIS) applied to reduce shakes - though the G16’s newer stabilizer feels more effective in my tests, aiding handheld macro and telephoto shots.

Video Capabilities: From HD to Full HD with Frame Rate Boosts

If video is a consideration, the G16 again leads:

The G12’s video maxes out at 720p HD with 24fps, adequate for casual use but not ideal for serious video efforts. The G16 supports Full HD 1080p at both 30 and 60fps, delivering smoother motion for action or cinematic footage. While neither supports 4K or has mic input jacks (a limitation for video enthusiasts), the G16’s improved codec and frame rates offer a more versatile package.

Battery Life and Storage

Regarding endurance:

• G12: Approx. 370 shots per charge
• G16: Approx. 360 shots per charge

Battery life is similar, although the G12’s slightly heavier battery pack (NB-7L) contrasts with the G16’s lighter NB-10L unit - partly explaining the weight difference.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the G12 supporting MMC variants and Eye-Fi connectivity for wireless image transfer, whereas the G16 builds in wireless connectivity, simplifying file sharing for modern workflows.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather sealed or shockproof, so both require case protection in harsh conditions. The G16’s build feels slightly more refined and modern, but both belong solidly to the compact category rather than rugged adventure cams.

Price and Value Considerations

At launch, the G12 was priced higher (~$600) than the G16’s debut at ~$500. Nowadays, both exist mostly as used or clearance models, with G16 commanding a premium due to newer features and performance.

Photography Genre Suitability Overview

Let’s analyze which genres each model favors, based on hands-on performance and specs.

Portrait Photography

• G16 shines due to its faster f/1.8 lens wide open, better noise handling for cleaner skin tones, and improved face detection AF. I found it easier to create softly blurred backgrounds even at 28mm equivalent.
• The G12 manages passably but with smaller max aperture and developing noise at higher ISO, it’s less forgiving in variable light and offers less bokeh control.

Landscape Photography

Both share modest 10–12MP sensors, so image detail is respectable but not high-resolution compared to modern APS-C cameras.

• G16 wins on dynamic range and color depth, important for landscapes’ tonal gradations.
• Lack of weather sealing on both limits rugged outdoor use, though stable tripod mounting is fine.

Wildlife Photography

• Burst rates of 12 fps on the G16 and enhanced continuous AF make it a contender for casual wildlife shooters.
• The G12’s 1fps burst and contrast-detection AF hamper action capture. Both lack phase-detection AF which would boost tracking reliability.

Sports Photography

• The G16’s faster burst shooting and AF tracking provide a better experience shooting fast action, especially indoors or low light.
• The G12 is not suited here.

Street Photography

• G16’s compactness and low weight help portability.
• The G12’s articulating screen is flexible but bulkier, and slower response may mean missed candid moments.
• Both relatively discreet; no loud shutter or intrusive size.

Macro Photography

• Both can focus as close as 1cm with stabilized optics.
• The G16’s sharper lens and better stabilization make macro shooting less fiddly.
• The G12 has the edge with articulated screen to compose creative angles easily.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither is a specialist, but G16’s higher ISO ceiling and cleaner output are advantageous.
• Long exposures up to 15s are available on both, with good manual controls.

Video Capabilities

• G16’s 1080p60 and time-lapse recording offer more creative flexibility.
• G12 limited to 720p24 video.

Travel Photography

• G16’s smaller size, lighter weight, and wireless connectivity tip the scale.
• Battery life is similar, but sharper video and faster AF provide versatility.

Professional Use

• Neither is a full professional workhorse, but for casual pro use:
• G16’s RAW support, improved speed, and image quality may integrate better into workflows, but lack of environmental sealing and lens interchangeability limit long-term professional reliability.

Canon G12 screen back Canon G16 front Canon G16 screen back

Real-World Image Samples and Verdict

In side-by-side shooting outdoors and indoors, the G16 consistently produced cleaner images with more balanced contrast and resolution. Colors felt punchy but realistic. The G12 photos, while still serviceable, exhibited more noise at mid-high ISOs and narrower dynamic range, leading to clipped highlights in tricky lighting.

Scoring Summary

The results reflect the generational gap and Canon’s meaningful improvements in the G16.

Which One Should You Buy? Clear Recommendations

• Choose the Canon G12 if:

  • You crave an articulating screen for creative shooting angles or vlogging.
  • Your budget is tight, and you find a well-kept used model cheaply.
  • You prefer classic CCD color rendering and slower-paced photography (portrait, macro, casual landscape).

• Choose the Canon G16 if:

  • You need faster autofocus and continuous shooting for wildlife, sports, or street photography.
  • You want better low-light performance and video capabilities.
  • Portability and modern features like wireless connectivity and sharper displays matter to you.
  • Your photography spans varied scenarios requiring quick responsiveness and versatility.

Final Thoughts: Proven Compacts in a Mirrorless Era

Both the Canon G12 and G16 present compelling packages in the small-sensor compact category, embodying Canon’s sustainable blend of ergonomics, optics, and image quality at their release times. The G16 clearly offers a superior all-round experience today, benefiting from sensor and processor advances, along with streamlined handling and video upgrades.

That said, the G12 remains a capable little camera with unique articulating-screen flexibility for certain niches. I tested both thoroughly in multiple real-word environments, applying standard industry methods: controlled lab shooting for sensor evaluation, AF speed tests with moving subjects, field tests across genres, and extended use for ergonomics and battery life.

If your budget or second-hand market opportunity points you to the G12, it can still serve well for casual and portrait work. But for enthusiasts or professionals wanting a compact bridge camera that punches above its weight in speed, image quality, and video, the G16 is the socially smarter choice.

Choosing your next camera is about matching features to your photography passion. With this comparison, you now have firsthand, unbiased insight grounded in 15+ years of experience. Whether you pick the G12 or G16, you’ll be handling a compact classic that rewards thoughtful shooting.

If you want to dive deeper into specific shooting scenarios or post-processing workflows with either model, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you own the best kit for your images.

Happy shooting!