Canon PowerShot G9 X vs Ricoh PX: A Deep Dive into Compact Camera Performance

When looking for a compact camera, the balance between portability, image quality, and usability is key. The Canon PowerShot G9 X and Ricoh PX both promise to fit neatly into your daily carry while offering a capable photographic experience. But how do these two compacts, launched four years apart, stack up when it comes to real-world shooting, technical performance, and value? With over 15 years of hands-on testing and thousands of cameras reviewed, we're going to break down how these models perform across numerous photography styles, giving you clear insights to aid your next camera purchase.

First Impressions: Design and Handling in Your Hands

Before diving into specs, how a camera feels and operates from the get-go often shapes your creative journey.

The Canon G9 X offers a solid, metal-encased feel, noticeably weightier but reassuring in hand. Its 3" touchscreen enhances intuitive navigation through menus and quick focus point selection, which you’ll appreciate when adjusting settings on the fly. The Ricoh PX is lighter and slimmer, which would appeal if pocketability is paramount. However, its smaller 2.7" non-touch screen and plastic body impart a more budget-feel, less comfortable for rapid control changes.

From a usability standpoint, the G9 X provides more tactile feedback and precision, critical if you often shoot in manual or semi-auto modes. The PX, while simple, suits casual shooters wanting a no-fuss, “point and shoot” experience that keeps weight to a minimum.

At a Glance: Top Controls and Interface Smoothness

Control layout and interface responsiveness directly impact spontaneous shooting - when every second counts.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, relying entirely on their LCD panels for framing. The Canon’s touchscreen allows tap-to-focus and menu browsing with fewer button presses, a win for street and travel photography. The Ricoh PX, lacking touchscreen support, depends on physical buttons that can feel clunky, especially for adjusting exposure or focusing modes rapidly.

Interestingly, neither product offers extensive customization of top dials or buttons, reflecting their compact segment focus. The G9 X edges ahead with more exposure control options, including shutter and aperture priority modes, appealing to enthusiasts who want creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Let’s get technical: sensor size, resolution, and processing dictate the quality and flexibility of your images.

The 1" BSI-CMOS sensor in the Canon G9 X dwarfs the Ricoh PX’s smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor. Sensor size profoundly affects light gathering, dynamic range, noise performance, and depth-of-field control. The G9 X benefits from this larger sensor with cleaner images, better low-light capability, and enhanced tonal gradations.

My testing over a series of controlled shoots shows the G9 X maintains usable images up to ISO 3200, with noise becoming visible but manageable. The PX, constrained by its smaller sensor and CCD design, produces noisier images beyond ISO 800, limiting its low-light versatility.

RAW support on the G9 X is a significant advantage, allowing post-processing latitude for enthusiasts and professionals. The PX outputs only JPEG, making it less flexible for serious editing.

Display and Live View: What You See is What You Get

A responsive, clear display greatly impacts composition and shooting comfort.

The G9 X’s 1040k-dot RGB screen delivers vibrant color and sharp detail, crucial when checking focus and exposure in bright outdoor settings. Its touchscreen complements this clarity with intuitive gestures, making manual focusing and menu navigation practical.

In contrast, the PX’s 230k-dot screen is noticeably pixelated and less bright, which can hamper framing, especially in sunlight. The absence of touch controls forces more menu diving via buttons.

If you frequently compose shots in challenging lighting or rely on precision framing, the G9 X’s display is far superior and will contribute to quicker, more confident shooting.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Moving targets and decisive moments demand a responsive AF system and burst capability.

The G9 X’s 6fps burst rate is notably faster than the PX’s 1fps, which is a critical factor for wildlife and sports photography where rapid reaction is essential. The Canon’s autofocus is accurate and swift in good light thanks to its DIGIC 6 processor; even tracking moving subjects is reliable for casual action sequences.

The PX’s autofocus, being contrast only and with a slower burst rate, is better suited for static subjects and leisurely shooting. Its minimum shutter speed of 8 seconds versus the G9 X’s 30 seconds restricts nighttime long exposure potential too.

Lens Quality and Flexibility: Fixed Zoom Versus Versatility

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses, but their focal range and apertures differ.

The G9 X’s 3x zoom with a bright f/2.0 aperture at the wide end lets in more light, beneficial for low-light and portrait work where background blur matters. The PX, offering a 5x zoom to 140mm, provides impressive telephoto reach for its class, but is slower wide open, limiting low-light and Bokeh capabilities. Its sensor-shift stabilization helps reduce blur but cannot entirely compensate for the less bright lens.

If you tend toward street, travel, or portrait photography needing shallow depth of field, the G9 X’s lens and sensor combination creates more pleasing skin tones and bokeh. For snapshots requiring longer reach without interchangeable lenses, the PX’s extended zoom comes into its own.

Build Quality and Durability: Shooting Anywhere

The PX distinguishes itself somewhat here.

With integrated environmental sealing, the Ricoh PX can tolerate dusty or humid environments better, adding peace of mind on outdoor adventures and some weather resilience. The G9 X lacks weather sealing, calling for more caution in challenging conditions.

While neither is truly rugged or waterproof, this hint of protection in the PX benefits nature photographers and travelers seeking a small camera that can brave rougher conditions without being treated gently.

Video Capabilities: For Vlogging and Creative Motion

You’ll find the following specs:

The G9 X’s full HD video at 60fps is smoother and more versatile compared to the PX’s 720p. While neither supports microphone jacks or advanced video features, the G9 X does a better job at producing usable video thanks to superior stabilization and higher resolution.

For casual video vloggers or travelers capturing motion, G9 X is clearly the better pick. The PX remains more focused on still photography with limited multimedia expression.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

Small cameras often sacrifice endurance, but let’s look at numbers.

The G9 X’s modest 220-shot battery life is typical but on the lower side - you’ll want to carry spares for extended shoots. The PX’s battery life isn’t officially published, but given its smaller sensor and limited video, it likely stretches longer in real use.

Both cameras use standard SD cards, but the PX offers internal storage as a fallback, a small convenience if your card fills unexpectedly.

Photography Genres and User Suitability: Which Does What Best?

We rated and scored these cameras across genres in a comprehensive test environment.

Canon G9 X front Canon G9 X screen back Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back

Portraits

• Canon G9 X shines with a larger sensor and bright f/2.0 aperture, producing pleasant bokeh and accurate skin tones. Face & eye detection AF helps keep your subject crisp.
• Ricoh PX struggles with background separation, though decent color rendition maintains acceptable portrait quality in good light.

Landscapes

• G9 X offers superior dynamic range and resolution detail.
• PX’s longer zoom aids in distant framing but with lower sharpness and dynamic range. Environmental sealing supports rough outdoor use.

Wildlife

• G9 X’s fast AF and 6fps burst suit occasional wildlife shots.
• PX’s slow 1fps limits action capture but zoom aids framing (though image quality suffers).

Sports

• G9 X performs better with faster burst and reliable AF tracking.
• PX inadequate for fast-moving subjects.

Street

• PX’s smaller size and lower weight encourage carry-all-day comfort, but slower AF detracts.
• G9 X’s touchscreen and faster response suit candid, fast-paced environments.

Macro

• PX’s 3cm macro is closer focusing than G9 X’s 5cm, though image quality favors Canon.

Night/Astro

• G9 X’s longer exposure and higher ISO ceiling make it the better night shooter.
• PX lacks extended shutter speed and noise handling.

Video

• G9 X is the clear winner with 1080p60 and stabilized footage.

Travel

• PX is more rugged and lighter.
• G9 X offers much better image quality and creative options.

Professional Work

• G9 X supports RAW, full manual control, and integrates well in workflows.
• PX suited only for casual or backup use.

Connectivity and Extras

• Canon G9 X: Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC for quick sharing, HDMI output, USB 2.0. No Bluetooth or GPS.
• Ricoh PX: No wireless connectivity. HDMI and USB 2.0 present.

Wireless connectivity on the G9 X greatly enhances workflow, allowing instant image transfer - a major plus for social media sharing or quick backups.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Canon PowerShot G9 X is the choice if:

• You want a compact camera with excellent image quality and good low-light performance.
• Video capability and touchscreen ease-of-use are priorities.
• You prefer creative control with RAW support and manual modes.
• You often shoot portraits, landscapes, or street photography and value image fidelity.
• You’re willing to invest modestly higher price and accept shorter battery life.

Ricoh PX suits you if:

• Budget-conscious and prioritize ultra-compact, lightweight design.
• You need decent zoom reach in a resilient, weather-sealed compact.
• Your photography is casual or snapshot level, mainly in good light.
• You value reliability and simplicity over advanced features.
• You shoot mostly JPEGs and do not require RAW or video beyond 720p.

Getting Started and Recommendations

If you opt for the Canon G9 X, consider investing in:

• Extra batteries for longer shoots.
• A small protective case.
• SDXC cards with UHS-I support for faster data handling.

For the Ricoh PX, accessories like a wrist strap for added security and an SD card with high capacity will optimize your experience.

Wrapping Up

Both the Canon PowerShot G9 X and Ricoh PX fill specific niches in compact camera users’ lives. The G9 X is the more versatile, capable photographic tool, worthy of serious enthusiasts or secondary street/travel camera. The PX caters better to the casual snapshot taker needing tough weather resistance and longer zoom in a tiny package.

Whichever you choose, consider how your imaging goals, preferred subjects, and shooting environments align with these cameras’ strengths. There’s no substitute for trying cameras firsthand - so if possible, check out both in store or rent them to confirm which fits your shooting style best.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore more detailed hands-on tests, sample galleries, and ongoing updates in the compact camera space, stay tuned to expert reviews and our upcoming workshops on mastering your compact camera’s potential.

Canon G9 X front Canon G9 X screen back Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back