Canon PowerShot G5 X vs Canon PowerShot G9 X: Hands-On Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to large sensor compact cameras, Canon’s PowerShot lineup offers some intriguing choices that balance image quality, portability, and user-friendly features. Today I’m diving deep into a side-by-side comparison of the Canon PowerShot G5 X and the Canon PowerShot G9 X - both announced within a month of each other in 2015, and both using Canon’s 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 6 engine.

Over my 15+ years evaluating cameras, I’ve tested thousands of models in real-world scenarios across genres from landscape to wildlife, and from street to macro. The G5 X and G9 X sit close in Canon’s lineup but target subtly different users. My goal is to help you figure out not just which camera is better technically, but which will better suit your style, budget, and photographic priorities.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty.

At a Glance: Form Factor, Design, and Physical Handling

Before pixel peeping, let’s talk about what it feels like to hold these two cameras. If you’re anything like me, how a camera nestles in your hands and how its controls respond can make or break your shooting experience.

The Canon G5 X has a considerably chunkier, more DSLR-esque body measuring 112x76x44mm and tipping the scales at 353g. Its deep grip and traditional EVF hump signify a more serious, “clubs for thumbs” approach. Meanwhile, the G9 X is sleeker, pocket-friendlier at 98x58x31mm and just 209g - more like a sophisticated candy bar than a camera.

The difference translates into:

• Ergonomics: The G5 X’s grip and button layout make it comfortable for longer shoots and give you direct access to key settings without fumbling menus.
• Portability: The G9 X shines for light travelers and casual snapshots where bulk is a dealbreaker.

Personally, I find the G5 X’s heft rewarding for manual control photographers, while the G9 X is a fantastic option for those prioritizing stealth and ease of carry on the go.

Design DNA: Top Controls and Logical Layouts

It’s not just about size, but also about how quickly you can operate the camera in the heat of the moment.

The G5 X sports an analog control dial, a dedicated mode dial, and separate exposure compensation wheel - all on a top deck that feels like it belongs to a higher-end enthusiast camera. The built-in electronic viewfinder - a rarity for compacts in this class - sits proud, giving that eye-level shooting benefit many serious photographers desire.

The G9 X, meanwhile, strips down to a minimalist top plate with a mode dial and fewer external buttons. It lacks a built-in EVF, relying solely on the rear touchscreen for framing. This can limit speed of operation in bright light or scenarios where using an EVF is preferable.

Takeaway: For photographers used to working quickly with manual controls or who want an EVF for composition, the G5 X is the clear winner here.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras share Canon’s 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring approximately 13.2 x 8.8mm (116.16mm² sensor area) and offer 20MP effective resolution (5472x3648 pixels). This sensor size is a sweet spot for balancing image quality and compactness.

Technical insights:

• Both use a sensor with an anti-alias filter - a small concession slightly softening fine details to reduce moiré but still delivering excellent sharpness.
• ISO sensitivities span 125–12,800 native, with no boosted ISO.
• The DIGIC 6 processor handles image processing, including noise reduction and autofocus algorithms.

DXOMark benchmarks place them neck-and-neck on color depth (about 21.4-21.5 bits) and dynamic range (~12.3 EV), demonstrating very similar base performance.

Real world impact:

• Portraits: Skin tones reproduce beautifully for both, with smooth gradations and accurate color rendition. The G5 X’s slightly faster maximum aperture (f/1.8 at wide end) delivers better background blur potential than the G9 X’s f/2.0, assisting in subject isolation.
• Low Light Noise: Both cameras handle ISO 800-1600 competently, but by ISO 3200 and beyond noise becomes more apparent. The G9 X showed marginally better low-light ISO scores, thanks to tighter in-camera noise management in some tests, though differences are subtle.
• Detail: Sharpness is excellent for a compact sensor, but the G5 X’s lens synergizes better with the sensor for edge-to-edge resolution at full zoom.

In sum, you won’t be letting go of your DSLR solely because of image quality differences here. Both deliver impressive images for their class - with the G5 X nudging ahead in aperture speed and lens quality.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

Screen quality and shooting interfaces hugely affect daily experience.

The G5 X boasts a fully articulated 3-inch 1.04M dot touchscreen that articulates 180 degrees up and down, excellent for video and tricky compositions like low or high angles. Its built-in 2.36M dot electronic viewfinder offers 100% frame coverage, enabling eye-level shooting under bright sunlight or for increased stability.

The G9 X sports a thinner fixed 3-inch screen at the same resolution, touchscreen-enabled but non-articulating and lacking any EVF.

Why this matters depending on your shoot:

• Video and Vlogging: The articulating screen on the G5 X is a boon.
• Bright Outdoors: The EVF on the G5 X means you’re not battling for visibility in harsh light.
• Travel and Street: The G9 X’s discreet profile and simple screen work well enough - but you lose some framing flexibility.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus systems heavily impact performance when shooting moving subjects.

Both use contrast-detection AF with 31 focus points on the G5 X and unspecified but similar on the G9 X.

Continuous shooting sits tight with 5.9fps on the G5 X and 6fps on the G9 X.

Testing notes:

• The G5 X’s AF is accurate and responsive with face detection, even if it lacks phase detection. In good light, it focuses swiftly; however, in low contrast or very low light, hunting can occur.
• The G9 X closely matches in speed but feels a fraction slower in focus confirmation, particularly in dim settings.
• Continuous AF tracking performance for wildlife or sports use is limited on both compared to dedicated telephoto or DSLR systems.
• Neither model offers animal eye detection, limiting wildlife portrait capability.

Overall, for casual sports or street burst shooting, both suffice. Serious wildlife or action photographers might find them wanting. But for portraits and general day-to-day shooting, these systems serve well.

Lens Performance and Versatility

Fixed lenses shape your photography - no swapping glass here.

Canon G5 X front Canon G5 X screen back Canon G9 X front Canon G9 X screen back

• G5 X: 24-100mm equivalent with a faster aperture of f/1.8-2.8 (4.2x zoom), ideal for portraits, landscapes, and moderate telephoto.
• G9 X: 28-84mm equivalent f/2.0-4.9 (3x zoom), which is narrower and slower, so lower light and reach are sacrificed a bit.

The G5 X’s lens offers:

• Better low-light performance, especially wide open.
• Enhanced bokeh ability at the wide end.
• A broader zoom range for general photography versatility.

The G9 X lens is more limited for telephoto reach and struggles in low light with the narrower aperture. Macro abilities are similar down to 5 cm focusing distance on both.

For wildlife or sports, neither lens offers enough reach, but for street, travel, and portraits, the G5 X’s optics give it the edge.

Video Capabilities: Modest but Effective

Both cameras support Full HD video recording at 1080p 60fps and 30fps, plus 720p and VGA modes. Video codecs are MPEG-4 and H.264.

Neither offers 4K, microphone or headphone jacks, nor advanced stabilization beyond optical image stabilization.

Between the two:

• The G5 X’s articulated screen again helps for vloggers.
• The G9 X’s minimal controls and simpler interface mean quicker point-and-shoot video but less manual adjustment.
• Both deliver respectable video quality for casual use but won’t replace dedicated video cameras or mirrorless hybrids.

Battery, Connectivity, and Storage

Both cameras use the NB-13L lithium-ion battery, with rated endurance around 210-220 shots per charge (CIPA standard). Real-world usage with WiFi and EVF (on the G5 X) or touchscreen-only G9 X will vary.

Connectivity features on both include built-in Wi-Fi and NFC (no Bluetooth), plus USB 2.0 and HDMI ports. No GPS or weather sealing is present in either.

For storage, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot.

Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Let’s look at a data-driven summary to distill which camera suits each photography genre based on real-world testing.

Real-World Field Use Impressions

Portrait Photography

Using the G5 X for portrait sessions was a pleasure. Its f/1.8 aperture allowed me to achieve creamy bokeh and subject isolation with ease, even indoors under moderate lighting. Eye-detection AF balanced subject sharpness superbly. The articulating screen helped frame subjects dynamically when shooting from awkward angles.

The G9 X handled portraits well for a compact, but the narrower aperture at f/2.0 limited smooth background separation, especially at longer zooms. Still, casual portraits on the street or vacation worked well.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters will appreciate the G5 X’s wider zoom range and sharper lens rendering for fine details in nature and architecture.

The G9 X produced respectable landscapes but lacked the reach and aperture to maximize clarity and sharpness especially in low-light sunrise or sunset shoots.

Wildlife & Sports

Neither is an ideal sports or wildlife camera due to limited autofocus and zoom reach. However, the G9 X’s slightly faster burst speed and lighter weight offer a marginal edge for street sports or casual wildlife snaps.

Street Photography

The G9 X excels in street photography where discretion and minimal bulk matter. Its slim profile, silent operation, and touchscreen-only controls invite fast, candid shooting without intimidating subjects.

The G5 X with EVF gives more precise framing and intuitive manual controls but at a noticeable size penalty.

Macro Photography

Both reach 5cm focusing distance, and optically stabilized lenses aid handheld macro shots. The faster G5 X lens again offers better background separation for detail-rich close-ups.

Night & Astrophotography

I enjoyed the G5 X’s aperture advantage for star field shots paired with its articulated screen for creative composition. Both struggled beyond ISO 1600 due to sensor size limits but remained impressive for compact cameras.

Video Use

Both offer Full HD with solid stabilization. The G5 X’s screen articulation gave more framing flexibility, better for vloggers or cinematic b-roll. The G9 X is a grab-and-go video companion but limited for serious video work.

Travel Photography

The G9 X is the ultimate pocket travel companion for everyday carry - its size makes it a non-issue on flights or city strolls. The G5 X offers more versatility but demands dedicated space in your kit.

Professional Applications

Neither replaces pro-grade DSLRs or mirrorless cameras for commercial work but both provide RAW support and manual modes for advanced enthusiasts or as secondary documentary cameras.

Pros and Cons Roundup

Canon PowerShot G5 X

Pros:

• Built-in electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots, 100% coverage
• Fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD
• Fast f/1.8-2.8 lens ideal for portraits, low light
• Large grip and extensive manual controls
• Good zoom range (24-100mm equiv.)
• Raw image capture and flexible exposure modes

Cons:

• Larger and heavier, less pocket-friendly
• No weather sealing
• Average battery life (~210 shots)
• More expensive (~$799 at launch)

Canon PowerShot G9 X

Pros:

• Ultra-compact, pocketable form factor
• Lightweight at just over 200 grams
• Sharp sensor with raw image capture
• Decent continuous shooting speed (6fps)
• Solid battery life (~220 shots)
• Affordable (~$399 at launch)

Cons:

• No viewfinder, reliant on fixed touchscreen
• Narrower, slower lens (f/2.0-4.9)
• Limited manual control ergonomics
• Minimal zoom range (28-84mm equiv.)
• No external flash support

Who Should Choose Which? Practical Recommendations

You’re a serious enthusiast or semi-pro who wants a portable but full-featured second camera:

• Go for the Canon G5 X. The EVF, faster lens, and tactile controls make a difference when precision and image quality matter, especially for portraits, landscapes, and video.

You want the smallest, easiest camera for on-the-go travel or street photography:

• The Canon G9 X is ideal. Its pocket-friendly size and good sensor performance punch above its weight. Perfect if you prioritize portability over zoom range.

Budget-conscious buyer seeking the best value compact:

• The G9 X wins hands-down for price/performance, giving you excellent image quality without the heft or price tag.

Video creators and vloggers needing a compact camera with video flexibility:

• The G5 X with its articulating screen and better control wins out here, despite lacking 4K or audio ports.

My Final Verdict: Which Canon PowerShot Compact Reigns?

Having extensively field-tested both cameras, I find the Canon PowerShot G5 X strikes the better balance for photography enthusiasts who want a large sensor compact with versatile controls, viewfinder convenience, and superior optics. It feels like a baby DSLR wrapped in a compact package, ready to deliver high-quality images in a wide variety of conditions.

However, the Canon PowerShot G9 X holds tremendous appeal for those who prize absolute portability, minimalism, and affordability without sacrificing core image quality. It’s a cheapskate-friendly powerhouse for everyday shooters or travelers who might otherwise just use a smartphone.

If you want one camera to rule a dozen shooting situations, the G5 X is my pick. But if you want a no-fuss pocket shooter that still punches well above its weight, the G9 X is a smart, budget-wise choice.

Thanks for reading. I hope this comparison helps you nail your next camera purchase.

If you want sample images or a closer examination of specific use cases, just shout - I have more detailed tests in the bag. Until then, happy shooting!

Canon G5 X front Canon G5 X screen back Canon G9 X front Canon G9 X screen back