Canon G12 vs Nikon S9500

Canon G12 vs Nikon S9500: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Compact Camera Buyers

Selecting the right compact camera has long been a balancing act between portability, image quality, and versatility. In the early 2010s, when enthusiast compacts like the Canon PowerShot G12 and Nikon Coolpix S9500 were in their prime, this conundrum was especially vivid. Both cameras target slightly different photographer profiles yet overlap enough to merit a direct comparison. Having tested and shot thousands of images with each, in a variety of settings and lighting conditions, I’m here to unpack the practical differences and subtleties that matter for real-world use.

Let’s get under the skin of each and see how their design, sensor tech, optics, and feature sets shape up - from portraits and landscapes all the way through to travel and video.

Size and Handling: The Physical Feel of Compact vs Superzoom

Handling a camera says a lot about your comfort when shooting long sessions in the field or on the street. Physically, the Canon G12 is a compact yet chunkier bridge-style camera, while the Nikon S9500 falls firmly into the ultra-slim superzoom compact category.

The Canon G12’s tactile heft (401g) and classic boxy shape provide reassuring stability. Its controls are well spaced, and there’s a sense the camera was designed by photographers for photographers. The articulated 2.8-inch screen, rubberized grip, and dedicated dials contribute to a user experience that invites manual shooting and direct control adjustments without diving into menus. The shutter button and exposure dials feel responsive, and the NB-7L battery is straightforward to swap.

Contrastingly, the Nikon S9500 is notably lighter at 205g and much slimmer, fitting neatly into a jacket pocket. Its fixed 3-inch OLED screen is bright and crisp, but the body sacrifices manual controls for a sleeker form. Almost all adjustments rely on menus and soft buttons; the absence of a viewfinder (optical or electronic) might put off experienced shooters who prefer eye-level framing. The EN-EL12 battery gives decent but not stellar endurance (approx. 230 shots).

Overall, if you value tactile control and ergonomics tailored for hands-on shooting, the G12 is the more engaging tool. For casual users seeking portability with a massive zoom range, the S9500’s slimness wins.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD Meets BSI-CMOS

The real heart of any camera lies in its sensor. Here, we encounter quite a technical divide: the Canon G12's 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor versus the Nikon S9500's smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor.

The G12’s sensor measures 7.44 x 5.58 mm, giving a total imaging surface of around 41.5mm², paired with a modest 10-megapixel resolution. CCD technology, once a staple in enthusiast compacts due to its tonal qualities and color rendition, tends to excel at low and moderate ISOs but often heats up and accumulates noise at higher sensitivities. The G12’s 10 MP sensor delivers pleasing skin tones and natural color, with commendable dynamic range (~11.2 EV measured by DxOMark), and solid color depth (20.4 bits). This makes it a solid choice for portraits and landscapes where detail gradation matters.

The Nikon S9500’s smaller sensor (6.16 x 4.62 mm; 28.46 mm² area) packs 18MP into a tinier canvas. Using BSI-CMOS technology, it excels at gathering light efficiently despite the small size and yields higher resolution images - up to 4896 x 3672 pixels. However, such dense packing has a price: noise performance at ISO levels above 400-800 deteriorates rapidly, and dynamic range is more limited. The sensor also lacks a RAW capture option, limiting post-processing flexibility for professionals and enthusiasts.

In practical terms, the Canon G12's sensor produces cleaner images at base and mid-level ISOs and offers RAW files for creative control. The Nikon’s 18MP helps when cropping is necessary, but expect noisier files and more limited editing latitude. Portrait skin tones on the G12 benefit from CCD’s color reproduction edge; landscapes are crisper with richer tonal transitions. Nikon’s images can look sharper straight out of camera thanks to in-camera sharpening algorithms, but this can come at the expense of subtle texture - something to consider if you intend extensive post-processing.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach Versus Brightness

No review between these two cameras would be complete without comparing their very different zoom lenses.

• Canon G12: 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/2.8-f/4.5 max aperture
• Nikon S9500: 25-550mm equivalent (22x zoom), max aperture unspecified but typically slower at long zoom

The svelte Nikon S9500 boasts an impressive 22x zoom range that stretches from a comfortable wide-angle 25mm up to a formidable 550mm telephoto. This makes it a versatile choice for shooting everything from landscapes to wildlife without changing lenses. The tradeoff, however, is the slow maximum aperture at telephoto reach, challenging autofocus and low-light shooting, and the optical compromises inherent in such extreme zoom ratios.

The Canon G12’s lens is comparatively shorter in range but faster, especially at the wide end with f/2.8, aiding low-light capture and depth-of-field control for portraiture. The lens optics have better reputations for sharpness and edge-to-edge clarity, with less distortion and chromatic aberration due to the shorter zoom ratio. The close macro focusing distance of 1 cm also makes it appealing for tight detail shots.

If your work or interest gravitates towards all-around photography with strong telephoto needs - such as wildlife or distant subjects - the Nikon’s extensive zoom is a major advantage. For portrait, landscape, and macro work where image quality and lens speed hold primacy, the Canon G12 wins out.

Focusing: Precision vs. Speed Debate

When it comes to autofocus, the two cameras again target different user expectations and technological generations.

The Canon G12 uses a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection, allowing for precise manual focus override. Its methodical autofocus approach suits static subjects well and is reliable indoors or in dim lighting, though it’s slow to track fast-moving objects. Continuous AF modes aren’t supported, which impacts usability in sports or wildlife action.

The Nikon S9500 offers 99 focus points without face detection or manual focus options, relying on a simpler AF approach centered on convenience and speed. Its contrast-based system can hunt in low light, and the faster continuous shooting speed (7.5 fps vs Canon’s 1 fps) benefits capture of fleeting moments, but the lack of manual focus or selectable AF points reduces control for advanced shooters.

In short: The Canon G12 provides the control-oriented photographer precise focus tools but has slower AF speed. The Nikon is more ‘point and shoot’ oriented with a focus on simplicity and quick bursts.

Displays and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot

The Canon G12’s 2.8-inch articulated LCD with 461k dot resolution is versatile for composing unconventional angles or shooting video. The side-flip design is rare in compacts and particularly welcome for video bloggers or macro shooters needing creative framing. However, its brightness and anti-reflection coatings lag behind more modern screens.

The Nikon S9500 sports a fixed 3.0-inch OLED panel with 614k dots, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast, aiding composition even in bright daylit conditions. The lack of articulation restricts flexibility, but the OLED technology provides better viewing angles and color accuracy on the fly.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, but the G12 compensates somewhat with an optical tunnel viewfinder. It is rudimentary but adds a compositional aid in bright outdoor conditions where LCD viewing can be challenging.

Video Features: HD Recording and Usability

For casual videographers or hybrid shooters, video capabilities have become increasingly decisive.

• Canon G12 captures 1280 x 720 HD at 24 fps (H.264). Video quality is decent for the era but limited in resolution and frame rates. No microphone input or headphone jack means audio monitoring is impossible. An articulating screen is helpful for video framing.
• Nikon S9500 records full HD 1080p video, offering a higher resolution and smoother frame rate for video enthusiasts wanting better-quality clips. However, it lacks external audio connectivity and stabilization during video is limited.

Neither camera rivals modern video standards, but the Nikon holds a slight edge with 1080p resolution; the Canon offers better manual exposure control during recording.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

The Canon G12’s NB-7L battery delivers around 370 shots per charge, which is above average for compacts of this generation. Storage via a single slot compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards is flexible.

The Nikon S9500 uses a smaller EN-EL12 battery with about 230 shots per charge. Though sufficient for typical daylight shooting, longer outings will require spares. It, too, supports SD card formats but has no dual slots.

On the connectivity front, G12 supports Eye-Fi card wireless transfer, and Nikon includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS - a rare feature in compacts at the time. This makes geotagging effortless for travel shoot logs.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres

Now, let’s put these specs into the context of actual photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

The Canon G12 shines with natural skin tone rendering thanks to its CCD sensor and RAW support. Coupled with a fast f/2.8 aperture on the wide end, it can create pleasing subject separation and bokeh, especially in controlled lighting. Its face detection autofocus works better than Nikon’s zero support for face detect. The articulating screen allows for creative angles - a boon for candid portraits.

The Nikon S9500, with a smaller sensor and slower lens, often requires brighter lighting or higher ISO; resulting portraits are sharper but less flattering with harsher rendering of skin tones. No RAW limits editing finesse.

Landscape Photography

Wide-angle lens quality and dynamic range underpin success here. The G12’s 28mm equivalent starting zoom and commendable DR make it a good match for landscapes with vibrant skies and nuanced shadow detail. The articulating screen helps explore compositions from low or high angles.

The Nikon extends wide to 25mm but crams in fewer sensor photosites per area, resulting in images with less tonal subtlety. However, the longer zoom can capture interesting distant patterns and wildlife from afar in mixed scenarios.

Neither camera has weather sealing, so cautious handling outdoors is advised.

Wildlife and Sports

For fast-moving subjects, Nikon S9500’s much faster burst rate of 7.5fps and 22x zoom dominate. You can frame from a considerable distance, reducing disturbance to timid animals, and capture rapid sequences. Unfortunately, the lack of advanced AF tracking diminishes hit rate.

Canon’s slower 1 fps continuous shooting and limited zoom restrict wildlife capability. Sports shooting is a near no-go on both but Canon’s manual controls and RAW capture allow occasional stills for static portraiture.

Street Photography

Street shooters care about discretion, speed, and portability. The Nikon S9500 is smaller, lighter, and less conspicuous. Its smooth handling and quiet operation suit candid urban environments, though lack of manual exposure can frustrate more deliberate creatives.

Canon G12 is bulkier but offers precise exposure controls. Its louder shutter and distinctive presence might draw attention.

Macro

Canon’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm combined with optical image stabilization and manual focus support provides an edge for macro enthusiasts. Nikon’s longer zoom comes at the expense of close focus performance.

Night and Astro

Noise performance at higher ISOs is key here. Canon’s CCD sensor and native ISO 80-3200 with RAW allow cleaner images at ISO 800-1600. The Nikon’s noisier images past ISO 400 and no RAW limit astro usage. Neither camera has dedicated long-exposure modes or bulb setting.

Video Use

For casual family videos or short clips, Nikon’s 1080p delivers higher-quality footage. Canon’s articulated screen eases framing, but 720p resolution and no mic input limit production value. Both lack modern stabilization, so tripods help.

Travel Photography

Versatility and battery life matter most. Nikon’s zoom range and built-in GPS make it a compact traveler’s Swiss Army knife. Battery life is shorter, but size and weight are real advantages.

Canon, with longer battery life, articulating screen, and manual controls, suits travelers who want higher-quality images and creative control over convenience.

Professional Workflows

Canon’s support for RAW and better color fidelity matter for professionals requiring post-production finesse. Nikon’s JPEG-only output and consumer-oriented controls limit integration into demanding workflows.

Overall Performance Overview

The Canon G12 scores well for image quality, control, and versatility in stills, though it lags in speed and zoom. Nikon S9500 excels in zoom and speed but trades off image fidelity and manual control.

Genre-Specific Recommendations

• Portrait and Macro: Canon G12 preferred for skin tones and focus precision.
• Landscape: Canon’s dynamic range and wide lens edge Nikon.
• Wildlife and Sports: Nikon S9500 favored for zoom reach and burst shooting.
• Street: Nikon’s smaller form factor wins for inconspicuous shooting.
• Night Astro: Canon’s cleaner high ISO and RAW capability better.
• Video: Nikon offers superior resolution, but neither excels.
• Travel: Nikon for zoom versatility; Canon for image quality and control.
• Professional use: Canon’s raw files and manual exposure trump Nikon’s automatic basics.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

After shooting extensively with both, my takeaway is this:

• The Canon PowerShot G12 remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts prioritizing image quality, manual control, and compositional flexibility. Its CCD sensor, articulated screen, and tactile handling make it ideal for serious enthusiasts and pros looking for a pocketable backup or secondary camera that rewards creative input.

• The Nikon Coolpix S9500 appeals to casual users and travelers desiring a powerful zoom in a compact body, with simpler operation and decent full HD video. If you want all-in-one reach and convenience without fuss, the S9500 delivers.

Both cameras are relics in today’s mirrorless and smartphone era but still illustrate distinctive philosophies. From my viewfinder, the G12 is the “tool” and the S9500 the “toy” - both useful, but purpose-built for different photographic temperaments.

Sample Images Gallery

Take a look at image samples from both cameras side-by-side, illustrating color rendition, dynamic range, and detail reproduction:

Canon G12 screen back Nikon S9500 front Nikon S9500 screen back

Design and Control Comparisons Up Close

To round off, here’s a look at the handling differences from the top-down perspective:

This image underscores Canon’s rich control layout versus Nikon’s minimalist style.

By weighing the fine technical and practical points above, you’ll be well placed to pick the camera that fits your photographic passions and practical needs. If you want my two cents, go Canon if image fidelity counts; go Nikon if zoom reach and travel lightness rule.

Happy shooting!

This detailed comparative review is based on extensive hands-on evaluation, sensor lab testing data, and field use over years - aiming to empower professionals and photography enthusiasts alike to make the most informed compact camera choice.