Canon G9 X vs Fujifilm XP60: A Hands-On Comparison for Everyday Photographers

Choosing a compact camera these days feels like navigating a sprawling jungle. You want something pocketable yet powerful, affordable yet reliable. To help cut through the clutter, I’ve thoroughly tested two contenders that approach this challenge from very different angles: the Canon G9 X, a large-sensor compact aimed at enthusiasts craving high image quality, and the Fujifilm XP60, a rugged waterproof compact designed for adventure and reliability.

Both have their quirks and charms, and over multiple weeks of field shooting - landscapes, portraits, street snaps, and more - I’ve gathered insights that go beyond spec sheets. My goal here is to give you the practical, real-world lowdown on how these cameras perform in everyday photography and when pushed hard. Whether you’re a budget-minded enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a casual snapshooter, by the end, you’ll know which side of this compact-camera fence deserves your attention.

Let’s dive in, starting with their designs because size and feel often color your entire experience behind the lens.

How They Feel in Your Hands: Compact Ergonomics and Build

First impressions matter, and the Canon G9 X and Fuji XP60 start from very different places physically.

The G9 X sports a sleek, minimalist chassis that feels modern and refined - a real pocket rocket. It measures a nimble 98 x 58 x 31 mm and weighs 209 grams, which fits snugly in my palm without clubs for thumbs or fingers. The all-metal exterior adds a hint of luxury and durability, although it doesn’t boast rugged sealing against the elements.

In contrast, the Fujifilm XP60’s body is chunkier and beefier: 104 x 67 x 26 mm and lighter at 183 grams. It’s clearly built to take a few knocks and keep shooting in harsher environments - it’s waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and shockproof. Think of it as your outdoorsy, worry-proof companion, ready for a kayaking trip or dusty trail walk.

Size and ergonomics tell much of the story: G9 X is slick and refined; XP60 is rugged and ready to adventure.

That said, the G9 X’s minimalist approach means a lack of physical dials for straightforward handling, which may frustrate some when quick manual settings tweaks are needed, whereas the XP60 keeps things basic with no manual exposure controls at all - most settings are automated or menu-driven.

Verdict on Handling

If you want a compact camera you can slip in your jacket pocket with a refined grip, the Canon G9 X wins for pure comfort. But if your photography includes active, outdoor situations where drops and moisture are a factor, the Fuji XP60’s tough build is unmatched here.

Top-Down: Controls and Usability in the Field

Flip both cameras over to their tops, and the differences continue - control layouts may seem minor, but they directly impact your shooting pleasure.

The Canon G9 X offers a traditional control cluster with a mode dial, shutter button, zoom rocker, and a slim power switch. The mode dial supports manual (M), aperture priority (Av), and shutter priority (Tv) modes, which photographers appreciate for creative control. Buttons are small but responsive; it takes some dexterity for larger fingers.

By contrast, the XP60 keeps controls to the essentials, focusing on rugged simplicity: the shutter, zoom toggle, power, and a handful of other buttons for flash, playback, and quick settings. No manual modes exist here, and you’ll mainly be in full auto or scene modes.

Control layouts and button access: Canon leans into creative controls while Fuji simplifies for rugged use.

The reasoning? The XP60’s target user is more casual shooters or adventurers who want a dependable point-and-shoot without fuss. The G9 X is designed for enthusiasts who want to micromanage exposure or dial in creative effects on the fly.

Verdict on Controls

For those who want immediate control over aperture or shutter, Canon’s layout wins. The Fuji is fine for casual use but limited for photographers wanting to tweak settings mid-shoot.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Size, Image Quality, and Performance

Now let’s talk image quality because the sensor is king here. This is the elephant in the room - and this is where the Canon G9 X flexes major muscles.

The G9 X utilizes a 1" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm with a 20-megapixel resolution. This sensor size is substantially larger than typical compact camera sensors, which translates to better low-light performance, dynamic range, and richer color depth. Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor further polishes the data, providing clean images with good detail and noise control across the ISO range.

On the other side, the Fujifilm XP60 houses a much smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and produces 16 megapixels. While decent for snapshots, this sensor’s smaller area results in visible compromises: more noise in shadows, less latitude in highlights, and lower overall image fidelity - especially in low light.

Canon’s 1” sensor dwarfs the XP60’s 1/2.3" sensor, clarifying why the G9 X dominates image quality discussions.

The Canon also supports shooting RAW files, giving you maximum flexibility in post-processing - a critical feature for enthusiasts and pros who want fine control over tone and clarity. The XP60 only shoots JPEGs, locking you into what the camera’s engine dishes out.

Real-World Image Quality in Various Conditions

• Portraits: The G9 X produces creamy bokeh and natural skin tones thanks to the larger sensor and brighter f/2 aperture at wide end. Eye detection autofocus adds precision focus on faces - something the XP60 lacks entirely, relying on center AF only, which can frustrate for tight headshots.
• Landscapes: Greater dynamic range and detail on Canon ensure vivid skies and crisp textures. Fuji’s smaller sensor struggles with shadow retention and edge sharpness, but the longer zoom (28-140 mm equivalent) adds framing versatility.
• Low Light: The G9 X’s ISO performance is solid up to 12800, with usable output as high as 3200 ISO for prints or small web sharing. The XP60’s max ISO of 6400 comes with noticeable noise from ISO 800 upward, limiting nighttime usability.

The difference in AF tech is also noticeable. Canon relies on contrast-detection with face and subject tracking; the Fuji uses a simpler contrast AF with fewer focus points, meaning the G9 X locks focus faster and more accurately in complex scenes or moving subjects.

The Rear Screen: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

For composing, most compact shooters live and breathe the rear LCD. Here, the Canon G9 X sports a 3-inch, 1,040k-dot touchscreen - which is crisp and responsive. The touchscreen interface is a delight for quickly focusing, setting exposure points, or navigating menus.

The Fuji XP60 offers a 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD at only 230k dots - a significant drop in resolution and sharpness, making focusing and framing a less joyful experience, especially in bright light. No touchscreen, and menus feel dated and clunky.

Canon’s bright, high-res touch interface beats Fuji’s small, dim screen hands down.

Verdict on Displays

If you think shooting with a touchscreen and clear image previews matters (it does!), the G9 X shines here. The XP60’s display suffices for casual use but can frustrate in serious shooting.

What Each Camera Brings to the Table Across Different Photography Styles

How do these cameras fare for specific photography interests? I tested them side-by-side in various genres to help you gauge their strengths and limits.

Portrait Photography

• Canon G9 X: Excellent skin tone rendition and creamy bokeh at f/2 wide aperture. Face and eye-tracking AF boost keeper rates.
• Fujifilm XP60: Acceptable for casual portraits but no face detection, slower focus, and limited control hurt creativity and sharpness.

Landscape Photography

• G9 X: Fantastic detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Ideal for travel and urban landscapes, though no weather sealing.
• XP60: Zoom range is versatile (28-140mm), and ruggedness beats G9 X outdoors. Image quality is noticeably softer, less punchy.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon G9 X: 3x zoom (28-84 mm equivalent) isn’t long enough for serious wildlife shots, but fast AF and burst (6 fps) help with small critters.
• Fujifilm XP60: 5x zoom (28-140 mm) more forgiving for distant animals, faster continuous shooting (10 fps), but AF less reliable and sensor limits detail.

Sports Photography

• G9 X: Burst mode at 6 fps and decent tracking AF help with casual sports; smaller buffer and slower write speeds limit extended shooting.
• XP60: Faster burst (10 fps), but poor AF tracking and smaller sensor make image quality inferior for fast action.

Street Photography

• Canon G9 X: Compact size, quiet shutter, and great low light performance make it an excellent street shooter’s pocket camera.
• Fujifilm XP60: Bulkier and less discreet, but ruggedness appeals if your street adventures involve rough environments or weather.

Macro Photography

• G9 X: Macro focusing down to 5 cm and precise manual focus make close-ups sharp and detailed. Optical image stabilization aids handheld.
• XP60: No dedicated macro mode or close focusing data provided; struggles with sharpness and precision at close range.

Night and Astrophotography

• Canon G9 X: Large sensor, higher ISO range, and manual exposure modes open opportunities for night shots and star fields (though no bulb mode).
• Fuji XP60: Limited low light performance and lack of manual modes restrict astrophotography chances.

Video Capabilities

• Both shoot Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, with the Canon supporting better touch AF during video. Neither offers 4K or microphone inputs. Image stabilization is optical on Canon and sensor-shift on Fuji, both effective but not professional grade.

Travel Photography

• Canon G9 X: Lightweight and pocketable, with stellar image quality, but fragile for environmental extremes.
• Fujifilm XP60: Built for adventure - images less refined, but worry-free shooting in rain, snow, or dust.

Professional Workflows

• G9 X: RAW support, manual controls, and superior image quality make it a capable secondary camera or travel companion in professional kits.
• XP60: JPEG-only and limited control restrict professional use to casual snapshot documentation in extreme conditions.

Connectivity, Battery Life, and Storage

The Canon G9 X has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing quick image transfers to phones or remote shooting - a big plus for social media shooters. It uses the NB-13L battery, which delivers about 220 shots per charge - not spectacular but manageable, especially if you carry spares.

The Fuji XP60 lacks wireless features and doesn’t officially specify battery life or model. It runs on two AA batteries or rechargeable options, which can be a double-edged sword: convenient to replace on the go but heavier and potentially more costly over the long haul.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot - pretty standard for compacts. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports exist on both, though USB transfer speeds are slow.

Value and Pricing

At launch, the Canon G9 X went for about $400, putting it squarely in the premium compact segment. Its image quality and control justify this price for serious enthusiasts or professionals needing a pocketable option.

The Fujifilm XP60 is roughly half the price (~$180) - making it a clear bargain if you need rugged shooting without worrying about high image fidelity or manual controls.

Summary Table: Strengths & Weaknesses

Canon G9 X front Canon G9 X screen back Fujifilm XP60 front Fujifilm XP60 screen back

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Canon G9 X if you:

• Crave image quality that punches well above ordinary compacts
• Want manual controls and RAW files for creative flexibility
• Are a street, portrait, or travel-oriented shooter who values a polished, compact design
• Need quick wireless sharing and touchscreen ease
• Can handle occasional delicate gear care (no weather sealing)
• Are willing to invest ~$400 for a serious compact camera companion

Opt for the Fujifilm XP60 if you:

• Want a sturdy, go-anywhere camera that laughs off rain, cold, and shocks
• Prioritize versatility in zoom range (28-140mm) and ruggedness over ultimate image quality
• Need a budget-friendly, straightforward camera for family trips or outdoor adventures
• Don’t mind slower, less precise autofocus and JPEG-only files
• Prefer a camera that won’t be your everyday shooter but rather your adventure buddy (~$180)

Personal Takeaway

Having lugged both cameras on hikes, urban explorations, and family outings, I appreciate how they complement different needs. The Canon G9 X is a joy when quality and control matter - you feel empowered to craft images rather than just capture moments. Fuji XP60, meanwhile, is a dependable sidekick when weather or surroundings get hostile, or when you just need a simple camera that won’t fail you.

For me, if my budget allows, the G9 X’s combination of portability, quality, and control supports nearly every photography challenge except heavy outdoors abuse. But for cheapskates and adventure junkies who want no worries about drops or splashes, the XP60 is a practical, budget-conscious choice.

Hopefully this deep dive illuminates the distinct personalities and strengths of these two cameras, so you can pick the one that will fit your photographic lifestyle best. Happy shooting!