Canon G9X Mark II Image Quality

Similar to what we saw when we compared the G7X II and the G7X, we see better color from the G9X Mark II than from its predecessor at base ISO, with much less of a green shift in yellows and beiges, and more accurate pinks. The G9X II image looks a bit punchier with slightly lower noise as well, though the G7X retains a bit more detail and contrast in our tricky red-leaf fabric.

Here we compare the G9X II to its slightly larger and more expensive sibling, the G7X II. Both of these cameras use the same sensor and image processor, so it's no surprise that their image quality is very similar. Color and noise characteristics are nearly identical and the minor differences we see in detail and sharpness are likely attributed to the different lenses they have (the G9X II has a 3x 28-84mm eq. f/2-4.9 lens and the G7X II has a 4.2x 24-100mm eq. f/1.8-2.8 lens).

Both of these rivals employ a 20-megapixel 1"-type sensor, possibly even the same one, so it's no surprise resolving power is nearly identical. The LX10's less heavy-handed noise processing as well as what appears to be a slightly sharper lens does yield a little more detail than G9X Mark II except in the red-leaf fabric, although the Canon image is a bit cleaner with better color and a more pleasing tone curve.

Here, we decided to compare the G9X II to the older Sony RX100 III which is closer to the Canon's price range (but still significantly more expensive at about $700 vs $450). The Sony RX100 III's image looks a little softer overall, though it has less obvious sharpening halos along high-contrast edges than the Canon's image. The Sony however does exhibit much better detail and contrast in our troublesome red-leaf swatch as well as in the pink fabric, though noise levels appear a bit higher and less natural in flatter areas. The Canon produces noticeably better and more accurate color. Both obviously do very well here at ISO 125, but keep in mind that unlike the Canon, the Sony can extend its sensitivity down to ISO 80.

We decided to include a comparison to the Sony A5000 APS-C mirrorless camera here, because as of this writing it sells for exactly the same price with a 3.1x 24-75mm eq. kit lens. As you can see, the 24-megapixel A5000 does capture more detail with less noise and better sharpness, and the Sony again renders more detail and higher contrast in our red-leaf and pink fabrics. However, the G9X II compares remarkably well here at base ISO considering its much smaller size and built-in lens (the A5000 was shot with a sharp 50mm f/1.8 prime lens which likely performs better than its kit lens, so keep that in mind). Again, the Canon's color is more pleasing and accurate.

Above at ISO 1600, we see an increase in clarity and high-contrast detail from the newer G9X II. The Mark II's noise suppression appears to be a little smarter with better detail retention, though noise reduction artifacts are a bit more visible around fine detail versus higher noise interfering with fine detail from its predecessor. Both blur our tricky red-leaf swatch pretty badly here, but the G9X II does hold onto a bit more detail. Color and contrast continue to be more pleasing from the newer Mark II model. Overall, a nice bump in image quality here.

Again, very similar results here at ISO 1600 from these two siblings with the G7X II arguably providing just a tad more detail and sharpness likely due to better optics.

The Canon G9X II leaves behind a bit more noise in flatter areas though detail retention is also slightly better, and the Canon continues to produce better color and contrast than the Panasonic.

Apart from the red-leaf and pink fabrics, the Canon G9X II comes out ahead here with better overall detail, similar noise levels, fewer noise reduction artifacts and much better color. Contrast is higher from the Sony, but fine detail in the mosaic crop looks smudged and somewhat "scorched" from the Sony here at ISO 1600.

As expected, fine detail is better, sharpness and contrast are higher, and noise levels are lower from the A5000, however the Sony's noise reduction algorithm does generate some unwanted artifacts that make flatter areas look a little unnatural and more "processed". Colors are still more pleasing from the G9X II.

Noise levels in flatter areas look similar here at ISO 3200, however the G9X leaves behind a lot more noise in areas containing detail, obliterating finer elements and giving the image a stippled look. The G9X II on the other hand does a better job at removing noise while producing better contrast and leaving more fine detail intact, however it does generate some unwanted artifacts in the process. Both badly smear away almost all detail in our tricky red-leaf swatch though again the older G9X holds onto a bit more. The G9X II continues to offer better color. Again, a nice improvement overall compared to its predecessor.

Once again, very similar image quality from the two current siblings at ISO 3200 though the G7X II still has a slight edge likely due to better performance from its lens at this focal length.

The Panasonic LX10's noise reduction algorithm leaves behind slightly less noise in flatter areas, but it tends to generate rectilinear artifacts which look a little less natural than the G9X II's noise pattern or "grain". The LX10 does a little better in the fabrics but color and contrast are still better from the G9X II, and overall the Canon comes out ahead here.

At ISO 3200, the Canon's image is a little grainier, but the grain pattern is quite fine and tight, giving the image more of a film-like appearance. The Sony on the other hand looks a bit cleaner but softer and more heavily processed, and its color isn't nearly as good as the Canon's. Both struggle with fine detail at this sensitivity, but overall we'd give the edge to the Canon here.

Again, the 24-megapixel APS-C A5000 comes out ahead in terms of noise, detail an contrast, but the advantage over the tiny G9X II is perhaps not as much as you would think. The A5000 does noticeably better in the red-leaf and pink fabrics, however much of the detail in the red-leaf swatch is heavily distorted.