Canon G9 X vs Nikon L21
92 Imaging
52 Features
63 Overall
56


93 Imaging
31 Features
11 Overall
23
Canon G9 X vs Nikon L21 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 12800
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-84mm (F2.0-4.9) lens
- 209g - 98 x 58 x 31mm
- Revealed October 2015
- Updated by Canon G9 X II
(Full Review)
- 8MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 64 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 38-136mm (F3.1-6.7) lens
- 169g - 92 x 67 x 28mm
- Released February 2010

Canon G9 X vs Nikon L21 Overview
On this page, we are looking at the Canon G9 X versus Nikon L21, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Nikon. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the G9 X (20MP) and L21 (8MP) and the G9 X (1") and L21 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

The G9 X was brought out 5 years after the L21 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the G9 X grades against the L21 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon G9 X vs Nikon L21 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot G9 X & Nikon Coolpix L21. The entire galleries are provided at Canon G9 X Gallery & Nikon L21 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon G9 X over the Nikon L21
G9 X | L21 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | October 2015 | ![]() | February 2010 | Newer by 70 months |
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial exact focusing | ||
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 1040k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer display (+810k dot) |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Nikon L21 over the Canon G9 X
L21 | G9 X |
---|
Common features in the Canon G9 X and Nikon L21
G9 X | L21 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen |
Canon G9 X vs Nikon L21 Physical Comparison
If you are looking to travel with your camera, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Canon G9 X enjoys physical dimensions of 98mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") and a weight of 209 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Nikon L21 has dimensions of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs).
Analyze the Canon G9 X versus Nikon L21 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the G9 X and the L21.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the G9 X and L21 is 92 and 93 respectively.

Canon G9 X vs Nikon L21 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions simply by seeing technical specs. The picture here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the G9 X and L21.
As you have seen, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The G9 X due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Canon G9 X will provide more detail having its extra 12MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The fresher G9 X will have a benefit in sensor tech.

Canon G9 X vs Nikon L21 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon G9 X vs Nikon L21 Specifications
Canon PowerShot G9 X | Nikon Coolpix L21 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Canon | Nikon |
Model | Canon PowerShot G9 X | Nikon Coolpix L21 |
Category | Large Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Revealed | 2015-10-12 | 2010-02-03 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | DIGIC 6 | Expeed C2 |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 116.2mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 20 megapixels | 8 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 3648 x 2736 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 1600 |
Min native ISO | 125 | 64 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-84mm (3.0x) | 38-136mm (3.6x) |
Highest aperture | f/2.0-4.9 | f/3.1-6.7 |
Macro focus distance | 5cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 2.7 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3 inches | 2.5 inches |
Resolution of display | 1,040k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 8 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 6.0 frames/s | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 6.00 m (at Auto ISO) | - |
Flash modes | Auto, on, slow synchro, off | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 640x480 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 209 gr (0.46 pounds) | 169 gr (0.37 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 98 x 58 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") | 92 x 67 x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 63 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 21.5 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.3 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 495 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 pictures | - |
Battery type | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | NB-13L | 2 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) | Yes |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Pricing at release | $399 | $180 |