Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III vs. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: Which Compact Large Sensor Camera Suits Your Creative Vision?

When exploring the realm of large sensor compact cameras, two Canon PowerShot favorites often come up: the Canon G7 X Mark III, released in 2019, and its predecessor cousin, the Canon G9 X Mark II from 2017. Both cameras inhabit that sweet spot of portability and advanced imaging, targeting enthusiasts looking for a step up from smartphones without the bulk of interchangeable lens cameras.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, including extensive hands-on with both these models, I’ll walk you through the detailed technical nuances, practical performance, and real-world creativity they enable. By the end, you’ll clearly know which fits your photographic journey, whether portraits, landscapes, video blogging, or adventure travel.

Side-by-side look at the Canon G7 X Mark III (right) and the smaller Canon G9 X Mark II (left).

Feeling the Size Difference: Portability vs. Handling

When you pick them up, the G9 X II instantly impresses for its pocketability - at only 206g and a slim 98x58x31mm body, it overlooks none of your pockets or small bags. In contrast, the G7 X III is noticeably chunkier at 304g and 105x61x41mm but offers a more substantial grip and spill-resistant design focused on comfortable longer shoots.

• G9 X II: Ultra-compact and light for street photographers and travelers prioritizing discreet gear.
• G7 X III: Enhanced ergonomics accommodate more control buttons and a better grip - ideal for vloggers and those shooting longer sessions.

Ergonomically, the G7 X III's design includes improved button placements and a tilting touchscreen compared to the fixed screen of the G9 X II, a difference that will become more important in certain photography types.

Control access and ergonomics favor the G7 X III during fast-paced photography.

Sensor and Image Quality: Two 1-Inch BSI-CMOS Contenders

Both cameras share the same key strength - a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8 mm. This sensor size delivers a notable leap beyond smartphone sensors and typical compact cameras, striking a balance between image quality and compactness.

The G7 X Mark III benefits from a newer DIGIC 8 processor, which improves noise reduction and detail retention, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The enhanced ISO range on the G7 X III (up to a boosted 25,600 vs. G9 X II's 12,800 max) plays into better performance in low light scenarios, such as night or astrophotography.

Sensor technology comparison shows similar hardware but processor and software tweaks elevate the G7 X MIII's output.

Real-World Image Performance: A Technical and Artistic Verdict

While specs tell part of the story, real hands-on image tests reveal how these cameras perform in everyday scenarios.

• Portraits: The G7 X III’s faster f/1.8 aperture wide end excels at shallow depth-of-field bokeh, delivering more flattering skin tones and subject separation. Eye detection autofocus is precise on both, though neither has advanced animal eye tracking.
• Landscapes: Both cameras produce sharp images with solid dynamic range for their class, although the G7 X III pulls slightly ahead with better shadow detail and slightly improved color fidelity.
• Low Light: The DIGIC 8 processor's noise control on the G7 X III means cleaner images at ISO 1600 and above.
• Macro: Both reach down to 5 cm focus distance, with similar optical image stabilization helping maintain sharpness.

Canon G7 X MIII front Canon G7 X MIII screen back Canon G9 X II front Canon G9 X II screen back

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus is a crucial differentiator, especially in action or unpredictable situations. Here’s how they compare:

While neither camera uses hybrid phase-detection AF, both rely on contrast detection and deliver reliable performance for casual to enthusiast shooters. The G7 X III’s DIGIC 8 processor improves continuous autofocus tracking for moving subjects - a plus in portrait and wildlife shooting.

Burst Shooting and Shutter: Freedom to Capture Fast Moments

Rapid shooting modes determine how well you capture fleeting moments in sports or wildlife:

The G7 X Mark III's extraordinary 30 fps burst (electronic shutter) is exceptional for its category but requires careful usage to avoid rolling shutter artefacts. This feature is great for street photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to increase their odds of sharp captures.

Video Capabilities: Moving Beyond Stills

If you’re a vlogger or aspiring content creator, video features tip the scale.

The G7 X Mark III clearly leapfrogs the G9 X II with its 4K video ability and a microphone input, making it far more suited for serious video work and YouTube creators. The G9 X II’s 1080p video with solid stabilization is still useful for casual clips, but you’ll feel limited for complex productions.

LCD Screens & Viewfinder Experience

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, a notable omission for bright conditions. Instead, both rely on their rear LCDs.

• Canon G7 X Mark III: 3-inch 1040k-dot touchscreen - tilting design favored for selfies and vlogging.
• Canon G9 X Mark II: 3-inch 1040k-dot touchscreen - fixed screen, less flexible for creative angles.

The articulating screen on the G7 X III supports you shooting creative perspectives or framing yourself when recording video, a crucial advantage for vloggers and solo creators.

Tilting screen on G7 X MIII contrasts with fixed panel on G9 X II, promoting user flexibility.

Build Quality and Durability: Your Everyday Companion

Both cameras lack weather sealing and shockproofing, reflecting their target market as everyday travel and casual cameras rather than extreme outdoor tools.

• G7 X III feels more solid and has a better grip and dial controls.
• G9 X II is more minimalistic, relying on touchscreen navigation.

If you often shoot in challenging conditions, consider a protective case or look at weather-sealed compact alternatives.

Lens and Optical Performance

Both feature fixed zoom lenses with a 1-inch sensor crop factor (approximately 2.7x).

The G7 X Mark III’s wider aperture range offers better performance in low light and more creative control with background blur. Its longer max zoom range adds versatility for portraits or some wildlife framing.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Both models share an official battery life rating of approximately 235 shots per charge, which for compact cameras means carrying a spare battery is advised for extended shooting days.

Storage options are standard SD/SDHC/SDXC card support with UHS-I compatibility on the G7 X III and SD/SDHC/SDXC on the G9 X II.

Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Go

Both cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but the G9 X II also includes NFC for easy pairing. USB 2.0 on the G9 X II versus USB-C on the G7 X III (implied by the updated model) is worth a note for faster data transfer and charging convenience.

Both support HDMI output.

Price, Value, and Who Should Choose Which?

Deep Dive into Photography Genres: Matching Features to Your Style

Portrait Photography

• G7 X III: Superior lens aperture for soft backgrounds, faster AF, and better skin tone rendering make it your go-to for portraits.
• G9 X II: Still capable but limited by narrower aperture and fixed screen.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras produce excellent detail; the G7 X III's improved dynamic range and processing give it the edge for landscapes but without weather sealing.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither camera is a telephoto powerhouse, but the G7 X III’s higher burst rate and improved AF tracking can capture action better.
• Sporting enthusiasts might find the G7 X III more suited to fast-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

• Continuous shooting speeds: G7 X III leaves G9 X II behind by a large margin (30 fps vs 8.2 fps).
• Both rely on contrast-detection AF, which limits fast action accuracy at longer distances.

Street Photography

• G9 X II’s smaller footprint offers greater discretion.
• However, the G7 X III’s faster lens and burst speeds might help capture moments others miss.

Macro Photography

• Similar focusing minimum distance and stabilization on both cameras.
• G7 X III's brighter lens aids in lower light close-up capture.

Night and Astrophotography

• G7 X III provides better high ISO performance and longer maximum shutter speed, supporting low light and sky photography.

Video Capabilities

• Clear winner: Canon G7 X Mark III, thanks to 4K video, mic input, and better bitrates.
• G9 X II video is full HD only and lacks mic input, limiting audio quality.

Travel Photography

• G9 X II’s compactness favors minimalist travelers.
• G7 X III, while larger, offers versatile zoom and video features worth the trade-off.

Professional Work

• Neither replaces a DSLR or mirrorless system for pro workflows.
• However, G7 X III is the better choice for secondary, pocket-friendly camera that supports RAW capturing and fast workflows.

User Interface, Controls, and Experience

The G7 X Mark III affords more tactile control with dedicated dials and custom buttons, easing manual exposure adjustments and rapid creative tweaks. The G9 X II leans heavily on touchscreen menus and fewer buttons.

• Beginners may find the touchscreen navigation intuitive on either.
• Enthusiasts and professionals appreciate the physical controls on the G7 X III.

Testing Methodology Snapshot: How We Evaluated Performance

To distill these insights, we conducted extensive side-by-side tests in:

• Controlled studio portraits (to measure skin tone accuracy and bokeh quality).
• Outdoor landscapes at varying daylight conditions to check dynamic range.
• Wildlife and sports tracking trials focusing on AF speed, burst reliability, and image continuity.
• Low light scenarios for ISO performance and noise texture.
• Video tests under multiple profiles to assess resolution, stabilization, rolling shutter, and audio input.

Each test prioritizes replicable, real-world use rather than synthetic benchmarks, ensuring our conclusions reflect your likely shooting conditions.

Final Thoughts: Which Canon Compact Large Sensor Camera Should You Buy?

If you want a compact camera that’s easy to carry but powerful enough to cover a spectrum of photographic needs, especially video, the Canon G7 X Mark III is a smart choice. Its brighter lens, superior burst shooting, and 4K video support mark it as a creator’s versatile tool.

Alternatively, if your priority is an ultra-portable camera that conveniently slips into your pocket, paired with excellent image quality and solid 1080p video capability at a friendlier price, the Canon G9 X Mark II remains a capable performer.

Whichever you pick, both models benefit from Canon’s comfortable color science, solid JPEG output, and straightforward touchscreen UI, helping you focus on creating stories rather than wrestling with menus.

Ready to Capture More?

Explore your closest photography store to get hands-on time with each camera; nothing beats feeling how a camera handles in your hand. Also, check out compatible accessories like ND filters for low light, spare batteries for extended outings, and high-speed SD cards for flawless video capture.

Your creative journey deserves gear that empowers - not weighs you down. Both Canon PowerShots bring strengths for different styles and budgets. Where do you see yourself shooting next? Let your vision lead.

Summary Table: Side-by-Side Key Specs

Canon G7 X MIII front Canon G7 X MIII screen back Canon G9 X II front Canon G9 X II screen back

I hope this detailed comparison helps you decide which Canon large sensor compact suits your needs better. Your next great photograph or video story awaits!