Canon PowerShot G5 X and G9 X: Premium Compacts with 1-Inch Sensors

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In addition to the new M10 mirrorless camera, Canon today also announced two new cameras for its premium PowerShot line. The G5 X packs a high-res electronic viewfinder, while the G9 X offers slim and stylish looks.

Both cameras contain the same 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor at their core that has an ISO range of 125 to 12,800.

Both cameras also offer 1080p video recording (24/30/60fps in MP4), and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC allows users to transfer photos and videos to other devices and to Canon’s new Connect Station CS100. The wireless connectivity also makes the cameras compatible with Canon’s free Camera Connect App for handling files and the camera remotely with an iOS or Android phone or tablet.

Other shared features include full manual exposures, RAW shooting, and a built-in ND filter. Now let’s take a look at the differences:

PowerShot G5 X

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The G5 X’s main strength is its high-quality EVF. It’s a 2.36-million-dot, high-definition OLED electronic viewfinder that lets you view the scene from edge-to-edge. The other framing option is the 3-inch, 1.04-million-dot touchpanel LCD screen on the back that can tilt.

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On the front of the camera is a 4.2x f/1.8-2.8 optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 24-100mm. It features a 9-blade aperture for smooth bokeh, and Intelligent Image Stabilization for reducing the effects of camera shake — particularly in low-light situations.

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The top side of the camera features mode and exposure mode dials. You’ll also find front and rear control dials, as well as a control ring around the lens that can be customized for your shooting style.

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Other specs and features include a built-in flash, a dedicated hot shoe, and a 3.5mm mini jack for Canon’s Remote Switch RS-60E3.

PowerShot G9 X

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The PowerShot G9 X is designed to be a slim, lightweight, and sexy camera that “photographers will want to show off to their friends,” Canon says. It doesn’t have an EVF, so you’ll need to frame your shots with the 3-inch LCD touchscreen on the back.

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The lens is a 28-84mm (35mm equiv.) f/2-4.9 lens with 3x optical zoom. It also has the same image stabilization system as the G5 X.

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Other features include a lens-mounted control ring, and continuous shooting speeds of up to 6fps.

Pricing and Availability

The G5 X and G9 X will hit store shelves in November 2015 with price tags of $800 and $530, respectively. The G9 X will be available in black or “retro” (i.e. silver with brown leather accents).

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