Canon G9 X vs Panasonic LX10: A Hands-On Comparison of Two 1-Inch Sensor Compacts

Choosing a high-performance compact camera with a large sensor can be confusing, especially when two excellent contenders like Canon's PowerShot G9 X and Panasonic's Lumix LX10 (also known as LX15) hit the market at relatively close periods. Both pack a 1-inch sensor and fixed zoom lenses into small bodies, but they differ significantly in features, ergonomics, and real-world performance.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, including these two models extensively in studio and field conditions, we'll take you through a detailed, practical comparison. You'll get inside knowledge of their sensor tech, autofocus behavior, handling, and suitability for varied shooting scenarios spanning portraiture, wildlife, travel, video, and more.

Let’s unpack their strengths and weaknesses, so you can confidently pick the one that fits your creative style and budget.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Canon G9 X and Panasonic LX10 at a Glance

At first glance, both cameras offer 1-inch sensors with 20MP resolution and compact form factors, but Panasonic's LX10 stretches the zoom range slightly wider and faster, includes advanced image stabilization, 4K video, and a more versatile screen design.

Feel and Handling: Comfort Meets Control in a Compact Package

The Canon G9 X is the lighter and slimmer of the two, which makes it an excellent companion for travel and street photography if you prize discreetness and pocketability. The body measures a trim 98 x 58 x 31 mm and weighs just 209 grams with battery. However, its compactness comes at the expense of some physical controls and a grip.

The Panasonic LX10 is noticeably chunkier at 106 x 60 x 42 mm and 310 grams but provides a more substantial grip, aiding stability, especially when using the longer focal lengths or in low light.

Examining the top layouts reveals that the LX10 has a more traditional control cluster, including dedicated dials for aperture and shutter speed, which is great for tactile shooting without diving into menus. The G9 X relies more on touchscreen inputs and fewer external controls, which may slow down manual setting adjustments if you're used to physical controls.

Both have touchscreen LCDs with 1040k-dot resolution. The LX10’s tilting design triples its versatility for shooting from high or low angles or selfies, whereas the G9 X’s fixed screen limits flexibility for vlogging or awkward compositions.

Key takeaway: If you highly value portability and a subtle profile, the Canon G9 X excels. For more tactile, versatile handling and compositional freedom, the LX10 has the edge.

Sensor and Image Quality: Similar Sensors, Different Results

Both cameras employ a 1-inch type BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm, with roughly 20 megapixels resolution and support for RAW capture, providing ample detail for prints up to A3 sizes and cropping flexibility.

However, Panasonic pulls slightly ahead in color depth (22.8-bit vs 21.5-bit) and dynamic range (12.5 EV vs 12.3 EV) as per DxOMark scores, suggesting subtle but noticeable improvements in image latitude. The LX10 also offers an expanded ISO range starting at 80 through boosted settings and going up to ISO 25600, whereas the G9 X maxes out at 12800 ISO without boosted modes.

In real-world shooting:

• Low-light performance: The LX10's sensor stabilization and slightly better noise management enable cleaner images at ISO 1600-3200. The G9 X begins to show noise artifacts slightly earlier, impacting image clarity under challenging illumination.

• Color reproduction: Both cameras render pleasing skin tones and saturation levels, but the LX10’s improved color depth means subtle gradations and more natural greens and blues in landscapes.

• Dynamic range: You'll appreciate how the LX10 captures more detail in highlights and shadows, especially useful for scenes with mixed lighting like bright skies and shaded ground.

Lens and Optics: Faster Glass vs. Range and Reach

Examining the lenses, Panasonic offers a 24-72 mm equivalent zoom with a bright aperture of f/1.4-2.8. This lens excels in low-light conditions and offers dreamy background separation (bokeh) in the wide-angle to mid-tele range.

The Canon's 28-84 mm equivalent lens is slower, at f/2.0-4.9, making it less ideal for dim environments or shallow depth-of-field effects. Its 3x zoom covers slightly more telephoto reach, which can be handy outdoors.

For macro enthusiasts, the LX10’s closer focusing distance of 3 cm lets you get impressively close to subjects, capturing details such as flowers and insects with greater magnification and sharpness.

The LX10 benefits from Panasonic’s Leica-branded lens lineage, known for high optical quality with well-controlled chromatic aberration and minimal distortion. The G9 X's lens is competent but falls behind in sharpness wide-open, especially at the telephoto end.

Autofocus Performance: Fast, Accurate, or Reliable?

Both cameras deploy contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, but the LX10 incorporates a 49-point AF system, providing improved focus tracking and subject acquisition compared to the G9 X’s fewer focus areas.

• Lens-influenced autofocus speed: The LX10’s faster lens aperture helps AF performance in low light, reducing hunting. The G9 X hunts longer in dimmer conditions.

• Continuous autofocus: LX10’s 10 fps burst coupled with continuous AF tracking is a winning combo for documenting fast action such as sports or wildlife. The G9 X’s 6 fps is respectable but paired with less sophisticated AF tracking, limiting burst usability.

• Touch AF with face and eye detection: Both models sport effective face detection. Neither currently offers advanced animal eye detection systems seen in newer cameras, so wildlife sharpness on small or moving animals may require manual intervention.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Genres

Let’s tailor the comparison by photography type to highlight real-world fit.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic’s f/1.4 aperture enables beautiful background blur and crisp subject isolation.
• Both cameras maintain true to skin tones, but LX10’s better dynamic range reduces clipping on highlights, perfect for natural light portraits.
• Touchscreen AF makes focusing on eyes intuitive on both, though LX10’s faster AF adds confidence capturing fleeting expressions.

Landscape Photography

• Both deliver detailed 20MP files suitable for high-quality prints.
• Panasonic’s broader dynamic range helps retain highlight and shadow details when shooting bright skies and forests.
• The 24 mm wide end is ideal for expansive vistas, whereas Canon’s 28 mm is slightly less wide.
• Neither offers weather sealing, so pack protection gear for wet conditions.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

With no interchangeable lenses and modest zooms, both have limitations for distant wildlife.

• LX10’s faster burst speed and superior AF make it the easy choice for action.
• Optical stabilization on Canon helps sharpness at slower shutter speeds; however, LX10’s sensor-shift IS combined with faster shutter speeds means better freeze-frame capture.
• Neither camera excels in this demanding field but can manage casual, nearby action.

Street Photography

• Canon’s smaller size and lighter weight favor stealth and ease of use in candid shots.
• LX10’s tilting screen is useful for discreet low-angle shooting.
• Both offer quiet shutter options, but LX10’s electronic shutter extends silent capture to 1/16000s, enabling shooting wide-open in bright light.

Macro Photography

• LX10’s 3 cm focusing distance trumps the G9 X’s 5 cm, beneficial for close-up shots.
• Both benefit from optical stabilization to reduce blur at narrow apertures.
• Focus stacking and bracketing features on the LX10 help creative macro techniques.

Night & Astro Photography

• The LX10’s higher max shutter speed and sensor-shift stabilization allow sharper star trails and less noise at high ISOs.
• Canon can handle 30-second exposures; however, lower burst rates and IS favor LX10 for handheld night scenes.
• Both support manual exposure modes crucial for night shooting.

Video Capabilities: 4K vs Full HD

Video makers will find the comparison stark:

The LX10 supports UHD 4K recording at 100 Mbps for stunning video detail. Its sensor-shift IS helps keep footage stable without gimbals. Its touchscreen AF aids in professional-looking focus pulls.

The G9 X delivers Full HD at 60p, suitable for casual shooting, but lacks 4K and sensor-based stabilization. Both omit microphone/ headphone ports, limiting advanced audio capture.

Connectivity, Power, and Storage

• Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, with Canon adding NFC for swift pairing.
• Battery life is modest: Canon rated for approximately 220 shots; Panasonic improves slightly to about 260 shots per charge - adequate for casual use but plan to carry spares for longer outings.
• Single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot only; no dual slot redundancy.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither model provides official weather sealing or ruggedization. Handle carefully in adverse conditions and consider protective accessories like rain covers or padded cases for travel.

Summary Table of Key Specifications and Features

Diving Deeper: How These Cameras Perform in Various Photography Genres

Based on extensive real-world testing, the Panasonic LX10 consistently outperforms the Canon G9 X in most technical and creative categories, particularly in:

• Portraits: Due to faster lens and improved AF.
• Video: The 4K option and sensor IS.
• Macro: Focus precision and range.
• Low Light & Night: Higher ISO usability and stabilization.
• Sports & Wildlife: Faster burst and more focus points.

Canon’s G9 X offers a solid value introduction to quality compact photography, especially for on-the-go street and travel shooters prioritizing portability over ultimate performance.

Sample Image Gallery: See Them in Action

Canon G9 X front Canon G9 X screen back Panasonic LX10 front Panasonic LX10 screen back

In these selected shots, notice:

• Panasonic’s smoother out-of-focus backgrounds and crisper low-light images.
• Canon’s compact lens rendering vibrant daytime color and sharp detail, albeit with less shallow depth.

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Choose the Canon G9 X if:

• You want a truly pocketable camera weighing just over 200 grams.
• You prioritize simplicity and straightforward controls.
• Your budget is tight, targeting under $400 pricing.
• You shoot mainly daytime travel, street, and casual portraiture.
• You value built-in Wi-Fi with NFC pairing convenience.

Opt for the Panasonic LX10 if:

• You want a faster lens for low light and creative shallow DOF.
• 4K video capability is important in your workflow.
• You prefer more physical controls for manual adjustments.
• Macro and close-up photography intrigue you.
• You want better autofocus and higher burst speeds for action shots.
• You can handle a slightly larger and heavier body for ergonomic benefits.
• You’re comfortable investing closer to $700.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Photography Journey

The Canon G9 X and Panasonic LX10 both deliver strong performance for enthusiasts craving high image quality in a compact form. I encourage you to consider what matters most to your shooting style.

• If you need a step up from smartphones with minimal bulk and solid image quality, the G9 X is a proven, affordable option.
• If you want greater creative control, faster glass, and sharper video capabilities, the LX10 shines.

Neither camera covers all bases perfectly - especially in ruggedness and extreme telephoto reach - but within their design goals, each excels.

Before buying, I recommend trying both cameras in your hands, testing their menus, and taking sample photos under your typical shooting conditions. Explore compatible accessories like spare batteries, filters, or lenses (for systems with mounts) to enhance your experience.

Your photography journey deserves equipment that inspires and adapts to your vision. Both these compacts deliver compelling images and intuitive handling - go capture your next story with confidence!

For further reading, check out our detailed lens comparisons, accessory recommendations, and workflow tips to maximize these cameras’ potential.