Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II vs Canon PowerShot SX150 IS: A Detailed Comparison for Every Photography Enthusiast

When it comes to choosing a compact camera from Canon’s extensive lineup, the decision can get tricky, especially with popular models like the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II and the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS still skating around in the used market or budget-friendly options. Having tested both these cameras rigorously under various conditions, I’m here to offer an in-depth comparison that goes well beyond specs sheets. We’ll delve into how these cameras truly perform across different photography styles, breaking down technical details, real-world handling, and value for money.

By the end of this article, you’ll know not only which one suits your needs best but also why - grounded in hands-on experience and practical insights.

Size and Ergonomics: Pocketability Meets Usability

Let’s start at the very beginning, with the form factor because no matter how great the specs, a camera that feels good in your hand and fits your lifestyle is paramount. The Canon G9 X Mark II is famously compact for a large sensor camera. In my everyday carry tests, it slips into a jacket pocket unnoticed, yet doesn’t sacrifice grip security thanks to its curved front body.

By contrast, the SX150 IS is larger and chunkier, reflecting its superzoom ambitions. Measuring 113 x 73 x 46 mm and weighing 306 grams, it feels more like a traditional compact with a longer lens - bulky, yet still manageable in a large coat pocket or small bag.

The dimensions tell the story: the G9 X II (98 x 58 x 31 mm, 206 grams) is noticeably smaller and lighter.

Ergonomics wise, the G9 X II’s smooth body might initially feel slippery if you have larger hands or shoot extensively, but the solid build quality partially compensates. The SX150 IS gives you a more substantial grip, which can be a blessing for long shoots or wildlife tracking when you want stability without a tripod.

Bottom line: If you prize pocket-friendly portability without too many compromises, the G9 X II wins hands down. But if you want better grip and don’t mind a slightly larger footprint, the SX150 IS might feel steadier.

Design and Control Layout: Simplicity vs. Superzoom Accessibility

Both cameras come with fixed lenses, but their approach to controls and usability diverges. The G9 X II leans on minimalism with fewer physical buttons, relying heavily on its touchscreen interface. Touch responsiveness is crisp - one of the perks of its DIGIC 7 processor, helping speed up menu navigation and focus point selection.

The SX150 IS, older and less touchscreen-centric, has a button-heavy physical control scheme but a low-resolution 230k-dot display that can feel a bit constrictive during composition or playback.

Take a look at the top views below to see how the streamlined modernity of the G9 X II compares with the more traditional, button-rich design of the SX150 IS.

While the G9 X II’s controls favor quick access to priority modes like shutter and aperture priority, the SX150 IS’s zoom lever and dedicated buttons might appeal to those familiar with “point & shoot” compact zoomers.

Personally, I prefer the tactile feedback and intuitive layout in the G9 X II, especially when shooting one-handed or in fast-paced scenarios - but the SX150 IS remains serviceable if you like direct control over zoom and flash.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, the meatiest topic: sensor technology and resulting image quality. Here, the two cameras couldn’t be more different.

The G9 X II sports a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm, with a resolution of 20 megapixels - fairly generous for a compact. This sensor size markedly outpaces the SX150 IS’s 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm and 14 megapixels.

That larger sensor area (116.16 mm² vs 28.07 mm²) translates into better dynamic range, less noise at high ISO, and improved color fidelity. Canon’s DIGIC 7 processor on the G9 X II also handles noise reduction and image processing more effectively than the 2012-era DIGIC 4 in the SX150 IS.

Testing both cameras in controlled lighting reveals stark differences - especially noticeable in shadow detail retention and color gradation. The G9 X II delivers cleaner images at ISO 800 and ISO 1600, whereas the SX150 IS begins to degrade in quality noticeably beyond ISO 400.

The G9 X II’s sensor also supports RAW capture, giving you greater latitude in post-processing. The SX150 IS only shoots JPEGs, limiting advanced editing potential.

In practical terms: if you want the best image quality in a compact camera, the G9 X II’s sensor/design trump the SX150 IS easily.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Visibility Without the Viewfinder

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, which makes the LCD screen crucial for composition and review.

The G9 X II has a 3-inch fixed LCD touchscreen with a sharp 1040k-dot resolution, offering clear, bright previews even outdoors. The touchscreen makes navigating menus and selecting autofocus points intuitive.

The SX150 IS also has a 3-inch screen but only 230k-dot resolution, making it look soft and pixellated by comparison, especially in bright sunlight.

For shooting outdoors or reviewing shots quickly, the G9 X II’s modern screen is a definite advantage. The SX150 IS’s LCD is serviceable indoors or in shade but struggles in daylight.

Performance Across Photography Styles: Which Does What Best?

This is where hands-on experience really counts. Having taken both cameras through various shoots, I’ll break down their relative strengths and weaknesses across major photography genres.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh Battle

Portraits demand pleasing skin rendition, easy background separation, and reliable eye detection autofocus.

The G9 X II’s large 1” sensor naturally excels here. It produces smooth skin tones with gradation that looks natural. The lens, with a bright f/2 aperture at 28mm equivalent, can deliver some pleasing subject isolation, producing creamy bokeh in close-up shots.

Its contrast-detection AF includes face detection and eye detection, which generally lock on reliably in good light. The touchscreen simplifies selecting focus points precisely on eyes, which is a big plus.

The SX150 IS, meanwhile, has a smaller sensor and slower f/3.4 aperture at the wide end, which means flatter backgrounds and less ability to blur distractions. Its AF system is basic, relying on a single center point focus, which can feel limiting for portraits.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

When shooting sweeping landscapes, sensor size and resolution matter for details and gradation.

The G9 X II comfortably provides both with its 20MP count and 12.5 stops of dynamic range per DxOMark tests. Its RAW support lets you recover shadows and highlights expertly.

Although the SX150 IS has a respectable 14MP resolution, its small sensor inherently limits dynamic range and low-light resilience. In harsh sunlight, it produces decent daylight shots, but in shadows, you’ll see clipping and muddiness.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, something to keep in mind for outdoor reliability.

Wildlife Photography: Zoom Reach and Autofocus Speed

Here the SX150 IS’s stronger zoom becomes attractive: 28-336 mm (12x) compared to the G9 X II’s 28-84 mm (3x). Having tested subjects at distance, the SX150 IS’s reach is useful for casual wildlife or birding, although its slower f/3.4 – 5.6 aperture limits performance in dim conditions.

Autofocus speed and accuracy favor the G9 X II’s more advanced contrast-detection AF and continuous AF modes, though it lacks phase detection for instant tracking. The SX150 IS autofocus is slower and more prone to hunting.

Burst shooting rates also matter here: the G9 X II offers up to 8.2 fps, outpacing the SX150 IS’s 1 fps by a significant margin. This means more chances to capture fast-moving subjects.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy and Low-Light Performance

Sports photography is demanding, requiring quick autofocus, rapid frame rates, and excellent low-light capability.

The G9 X II’s continuous AF and 8.2 fps burst rate let you follow action fairly well, though it’s no replacement for dedicated DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with phase-detection tracking.

Its superior sensor also shines in indoor/low-light sports venues, where the SX150 IS struggles due to its slower lens, smaller sensor, and higher noise at elevated ISOs.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

For street shooters, subtlety and light weight are critical.

The G9 X II is perfect here: compact, quiet, and capable of great image quality in varied lighting. The touchscreen makes changing settings discreetly. The lens focal range (28-84 mm) is versatile for most street compositions.

The SX150 IS, by comparison, is bulkier and louder, with less practical zoom for typical street photography framing. Its slow focusing can miss peak moments.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Control and Sharpness

Macro work depends on close focusing distance and precision.

The SX150 IS offers a remarkable 1 cm closest focusing distance, letting you get very tight shots, though lens softness can impact edge detail. The G9 X II’s 5 cm minimum focus is less extreme but combined with a larger sensor, it produces better detail and sharper images.

Neither offers focus stacking or bracketing, but the G9 X II optical image stabilization helps with handheld macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Flexibility

Low-light increments highlight sensor and noise reduction prowess.

The G9 X II shines here with high native ISO up to 12800, clean images up to ISO 1600-3200 in my real-world tests, and manual shutter control up to 30 seconds. This flexibility supports star trails and nightscapes.

The SX150 IS maxes out at ISO 1600 but grain becomes heavy at ISO 800. It’s hampered by less control over exposure and lack of RAW, limiting post-processing.

Video Capabilities: Specs and Stabilization

Video shooters on a budget should note key differences.

The G9 X II can record Full HD 1080p at 60 fps using H.264 codec, producing detailed, smooth footage with effective optical image stabilization helping handheld shots. However, no microphone or headphone ports restrict pro audio options.

The SX150 IS lags with HD 720p at 30 fps, limiting sharpness and smoothness. No touchscreen or external audio options here either.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

For travel, consider size, zoom versatility, battery stamina, and connectivity.

The G9 X II’s compact size, decent zoom, enhanced wireless features (Bluetooth and NFC), and respectable 235 shots per charge make it an excellent travel companion.

SX150 IS’s longer zoom covers distant subjects better but weighs more, offers inferior wireless connectivity (Eye-Fi card compatibility only), and battery life is roughly half (130 shots), relying on disposable AA cells which can be handy on remote trips.

Build Quality and Environmental Protection: Toughness Factor

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged construction, so neither is ideal for harsh or wet environments.

The G9 X II feels more refined and modern in build materials, but it’s still best treated carefully.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Means No Add-Ons

Both are fixed lens cameras, so no option for changing lenses, but their focal ranges differ.

The SX150 IS’s 28-336 mm zoom (equivalent) adds great reach for wildlife and landscapes but at the cost of slower apertures and bulk.

The G9 X II’s 28-84 mm lens is faster and sharper throughout but lacks telephoto capacity.

Battery and Storage: Convenience vs. Practicality

The G9 X II uses a proprietary rechargeable battery, delivering about 235 shots per charge, which aligns with modern compact standards.

The SX150 IS uses two AA batteries, delivering about 130 shots. This AA solution has pros - availability worldwide, easy replacement - but you lose longevity and sometimes encounter power inconsistencies.

Both use SD cards with standard slots.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern vs. Legacy

Here the G9 X II outclasses the SX150 IS with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, enabling remote control, quick image transfer, and easy connections to smartphones.

The SX150 IS supports Eye-Fi cards, an older wireless SD solution that has limited compatibility and more cumbersome setup.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

To summarize the overall and genre-specific performance, see the graphics below reflecting my detailed testing and DxOMark reference data where available.

These visually reinforce the G9 X II’s superiority in almost every category except zoom reach.

Best Use Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II if:

  • You want outstanding image quality from a pocketable camera.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, night scenes, or video with a need for fast, accurate AF.
  • Wireless connectivity and touchscreen usability matter.
  • You value RAW for maximum post-processing.
  • You want a versatile travel or street camera that balances performance and portability.

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS if:

  • Your priority is a superzoom lens on a tight budget.
  • You mostly shoot outdoor wildlife or distant subjects where reach outweighs sensor size.
  • You need AA battery convenience when traveling off-grid.
  • Video is a low priority, and you’re happy with basic JPEG shooting.
  • Bulk and lower image quality are acceptable trade-offs.

Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Canon Compact Cameras

I’ve been testing compact cameras for over 15 years, and comparing these two reveals how Canon progressed from basic superzoom compacts to highly capable large-sensor pocket cameras. The G9 X II is a polished, sophisticated tool in a small package, while the SX150 IS represents earlier digital camera era priorities: zoom range and affordability over image quality.

If you can stretch your budget, the G9 X II is a clear winner, offering a satisfying balance of features and performance for serious enthusiasts wanting a compact system without interchangeable lenses. The SX150 IS still has some appeal for beginners or those needing extended zoom within a modest price.

Dear Canon, please keep pushing innovation for compact cameras - many of us treasure having high-quality, pocket-friendly options alongside our larger gear.

Happy shooting!

Sample image gallery from both cameras for visual comparison

Canon G9 X II front Canon G9 X II screen back Canon SX150 IS front Canon SX150 IS screen back