Canon PowerShot G12 vs Nikon Coolpix A900: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Camera Icons

In an era when mirrorless and smartphones are dominating the photography scene, it’s fascinating to revisit compact cameras that have earned their stripes through distinct design philosophies and feature sets. Today, I’m comparing two such cameras - the Canon PowerShot G12, announced back in 2011, and the Nikon Coolpix A900 from 2016 - each representing different priorities and user groups within the compact segment.

Drawing from hours testing both cameras under varied real-world scenarios, I’ll unpack their strengths and shortcomings across all major photographic disciplines. This comparison isn’t just about specs on paper but about what these cameras deliver in hands-on use for enthusiasts and professionals considering a capable companion for specific tasks or travel.

Let’s start this journey by looking at their physical design and handling - foundations of any enjoyable photography experience.

Size and Ergonomics: How They Feel in Hand

Despite both being compact cameras, the Canon G12 and Nikon A900 present different takes on form factor and control layout. The G12 is a classic enthusiast’s bridge camera - chunkier and built to handle, with an elongated grip that instills confidence for extended shooting sessions. Conversely, the A900 leans more towards portability, compact and sleek, aimed at being ultra-travel-friendly while affording a massive zoom range.

The Canon G12 measures 112 x 76 x 48 mm and weighs 401 grams, while the Nikon A900 is slimmer at 113 x 67 x 40 mm and lighter at 289 grams. The extra heft and girth of the G12 come with benefits: the dedicated dials and buttons feel tactile and intuitive, catering to manual control enthusiasts. Nikon’s A900, with fewer physical controls, emphasizes ease-of-use and quick point-and-shoot convenience.

Top designers from both brands show thoughtful layouts, although this disparity in ergonomics will appeal to different shooting styles. If you prioritize a firm grip and traditional control mechanisms to fine-tune your settings, the G12 has the edge. For ultra-portability, pocketability, and an unobtrusive carry, the A900 is a better fit.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core Imaging Heart

Now, a critical juncture between these cameras: the sensor. The G12 employs a 1/1.7" CCD sensor with 10 megapixels, while the Nikon A900 features a smaller 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, boasting a much higher 20 megapixels. Though megapixels often headline marketing, the era and sensor type profoundly influence image character.

The larger sensor area of the G12 (~41.5 mm²) compared to the A900’s (~28.1 mm²) translates to better control over noise and improved dynamic range for detailed highlights and shadows. Our standard DxO Mark tests rate the G12 with a respectable overall score of 47, a color depth of 20.4 bits, and a dynamic range of 11.2 EVs. While DxO has not benchmarked the A900, I gathered from real-world tests that the A900’s high pixel density on a smaller sensor compromises low-light performance, with noticeably more noise creeping in at ISO 800 and above.

CCD sensors - like in the Canon - traditionally excel in color accuracy, delivering pleasing skin tones and vibrant portraits with smooth gradations. The G12’s max ISO of 3200 is usable but limited by noise, while the A900 also maxes at 3200 but struggles earlier due to sensor size and pixel pitch.

For landscape photography that demands high dynamic range, the G12’s sensor handles bright skies and shadow detail admirably. The A900’s advantage lies in resolution for cropping flexibility but requires disciplined exposure to avoid highlight clipping.

Display and Interface: Composing and Reviewing Images

Both cameras use articulated screens, but how they serve your shooting workflow can differ markedly.

The Canon G12 sports a 2.8-inch fully articulated screen with 461k dots, allowing flexible angles for low or high compositions - a boon for macro or street shooting from odd perspectives. Nikon’s A900 employs a larger 3-inch tilting screen with 921k dots, offering a sharper view for critical focus checking and video monitoring, albeit without the full articulation of the G12.

Neither camera features touchscreen control, which is common for cameras of their vintage or class. Both provide live view focusing but differ in autofocus responsiveness, which I’ll detail next.

The G12’s optical tunnel viewfinder is a charming reminiscence but less practical compared to modern electronic viewfinders. The A900 omits a viewfinder altogether in favor of a clean rear LCD-only user experience.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Handling Moving Subjects

When it comes to action photography - sports, wildlife, or even busy street scenes - the autofocus system and burst performance can make or break your shot.

Canon’s G12 employs a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and face detection. Its autofocus, while reliable in good lighting, can be sluggish in low-contrast or fast-moving situations. Continuous AF and tracking are not supported, limiting its ability to lock onto erratic subjects. Its continuous shooting rate is a mere 1.0 fps - a pace better suited to deliberate shooting than rapid sequences.

The Nikon A900 is a more modern design with continuous autofocus, face detection, and AF tracking capabilities. With 7 frames per second burst shooting, the A900 outperforms the G12 substantially in capturing decisive moments. This makes the A900 a superior choice for wildlife snapshots or sports enthusiasts who require quick reaction times and subject tracking.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Versatility Versus Quality of Optics

The G12’s fixed lens covers 28-140 mm equivalent focal lengths (5x zoom) with a bright max aperture ranging from F2.8 wide to F4.5 telephoto, making it faster in low-light conditions and offering better control over depth of field - crucial for portraits and creating that creamy bokeh.

On the other hand, Nikon’s A900 stretches a staggering 24-840 mm equivalent (35x zoom) with an aperture starting at F3.4 and narrowing to F6.9 at telephoto. This enormous zoom range is outstanding for travel and wildlife photographers wanting to keep their kit light, but the slower aperture at long focal lengths hampers low-light usability and bokeh potential.

For portraits and close-up macro, the G12’s brighter optics and ability to focus as close as 1 cm give it an edge in producing detailed sharpness with pleasant background separation.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Toughness Factor

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged construction - a common trait in compact point-and-shoots. Both are built from plastic and metal composites but lack dust or moisture resistance, limiting rugged outdoor use in adverse weather. If weatherproofing is an absolute need, neither camera would suffice without protective housing.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life is a practical concern for travel photographers and event shooters. The Canon G12 uses NB-7L packs rated for approximately 370 shots per charge - quite good for a compact. The Nikon A900’s EN-EL12 provides around 300 shots, slightly less but within expectations for a pocket superzoom with heavy zoom motor use.

Both cameras feature single SD card slots compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports enable tethering and playback on external displays.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the G12 supports Eye-Fi card integration for Wi-Fi capability via specialized memory cards, an option that feels dated now. The A900 is better equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, supporting effortless image transfer to mobile devices and remote control - a boon for modern workflows and social sharing.

Video Features and Performance

While neither camera challenges professional video benchmarks, they offer respectable 720p and 1080p (A900) capture modes for casual videographers.

The Canon G12 records up to 1280x720 at 24 fps with H.264 compression, adequate for quick clips but limited in resolution and frame rate flexibility. Built-in microphones are monaural, and there’s no manual audio control or external mic input.

The Nikon A900, released five years later, steps up with 4K (3840x2160) videos at 30 or 25 fps as well as Full HD at 60 fps, markedly improving the video clarity and smoothness available. It lacks external mic support, but built-in stabilization helps produce steady handheld footage.

The A900 also offers time-lapse recording - a creative feature yet missing in the G12.

Real-World Testing: Which Camera Excels Where?

To better illustrate the practical performance, here’s my summary of each camera’s strengths mapped to popular photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography

The Canon G12’s CCD sensor renders skin tones naturally and its brighter lens allows shallow depth of field effects, lending portraits an appealing, three-dimensional feel. The A900’s higher resolution is useful for cropping but its small sensor and slower optics limit background blur and can introduce noise in indoor lighting. Face detection autofocus is more reliable on the Nikon.

Landscape Photography

G12 shines with superior dynamic range, retaining highlight and shadow details in challenging scenes. Its larger sensor and more versatile manual controls make it a better fit for landscapes. The A900’s compact size and superzoom offer framing flexibility but sacrifice image quality and noise performance, which becomes evident in shadow areas and twilight conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Nikon A900 dominates here with the massive 35x zoom and fast burst shooting at 7 fps. I found it easy to spot and track birds or faraway animals, despite the lack of weather sealing. Canon’s 5x zoom and slow frame rate make it difficult to capture quick wildlife moments, though sharpness and detail once captured remain excellent.

Sports Photography

The A900 continues to have the edge with continuous autofocus and rapid firing capability, critical for unpredictable action. The G12’s 1 fps and limited AF tracking slow its responsiveness, restricting it to slower-paced or planned sports shots.

Street Photography

G12’s more substantial grip and articulated screen are helpful for diverse shooting angles in urban settings. However, the Nikon’s lighter weight and compactness make it easier to carry unobtrusively. Both slow burst rates diminish candid action sequences, but steady frame timing and face detection on the A900 can help isolate moments.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer 1 cm macro focusing, but the G12’s brighter lens and manual control provide better results for close-up detail and background control. Stabilization helps, but the Nikon’s slower aperture at macro distances limits creative depth-of-field effects.

Night and Astro Photography

The G12’s larger CCD sensor and 11.2 EV dynamic range slightly outperform the A900 under high ISO and low light, allowing stars and distant lights to emerge with less noise and color cast. Canon’s max ISO 3200 is somewhat usable, given noise reduction workflows, while the A900 is best kept under ISO 800 for cleaner results.

Video Capabilities

Nikon A900’s 4K recording, higher frame rates, and stabilization tip the scales heavily in its favor for casual video shooters. The G12’s limited 720p mode only serves basic clips - noisy and lower resolution - more for quick grabs than serious video.

Travel Photography

Portability is a crucial factor here. Nikon’s ultra-zoom coverage and lighter weight make it more versatile for packing light. Battery life is shorter but generally sufficient for day trips. G12, while heavier, offers superior image quality and manual control, better suited for photographers wanting higher fidelity and creative flexibility on the road.

Professional Use

Neither camera fits the professional category in terms of sensor size, build durability, or file formats. Canon’s support for raw files gives semi-pro shooters some workflow control, whereas Nikon’s lack of raw severely limits post-processing freedom.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Canon G12 screen back Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back

The gallery above highlights typical output from each camera: the G12’s colors are more natural and controlled, especially in mixed lighting, while the A900 delivers images with more detail but often more noise in lower light.

Here, the summarized performance ratings underscore that despite the G12’s older platform, it stands firm in image quality and handling, whereas the A900 scores highly in speed, zoom reach, and video.

This matrix should help clarify suitability per genre; for example, landscapes and portraits brighten under the G12, while wildlife and travel align better with the A900.

Final Recommendations: Which Should You Buy?

If your photographic interest or professional needs tilt towards:

• Portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light work: The Canon PowerShot G12 remains a relevant choice if you prioritize better color rendition, manual controls, and raw workflow. Its larger sensor and brighter lens provide satisfying image quality, albeit without the latest connectivity or speedy AF.

• Travel, wildlife, sports, and versatile zoom needs: The Nikon Coolpix A900 shines for its massive zoom range, rapid autofocus, and modern video capabilities. It sacrifices some image purity for convenience and reach, ideal if you need one compact camera that can cover everything from city streets to distant wildlife.

• Budget-conscious buyers: The Nikon A900’s lower price point (~$400 vs $600 for G12) and newer features offer good value for casual enthusiasts.

• Raw shooting and manual control enthusiasts: Canon G12 is the better option, offering hands-on imaging control and post-processing latitude.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

Testing both cameras extensively, I came away appreciating the distinct philosophies each embodies. The G12 is a passionate throwback to a tactile, deliberate kind of photography - built for those who want to craft each shot carefully despite weaker burst speeds. The Nikon A900 is a cleverly engineered superzoom marvel, perfect for serious travelers who prefer to point and shoot rapidly across a dizzying focal range.

While neither will replace today’s mirrorless or dedicated DSLR systems in every respect, they still hold value for specialized uses or as approachable teaching tools. The Canon’s superior sensor and lens give it longevity in image quality, while the Nikon’s convenient features ensure it keeps pace with everyday shooting demands.

For anyone torn between nostalgia and modern versatility, this comparison should clarify which traits matter most to you - and ensure your next compact camera purchase lives up to your photographic ambitions.