• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 210.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 810.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon G9 advantages over Nikon P500

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.4
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 102 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    364g vs 499g
    Lighter weight
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/2500 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon P500 advantages over Canon G9

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    810 mm vs 210 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.57 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    23 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.0 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm S4000

Canon G9
Fujifilm S4000
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $205
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon P500
Fujifilm S4000
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More dots on screen
  • $205
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Fujifilm SL300

Canon G9
Fujifilm SL300
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $339
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon P500
Fujifilm SL300
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More dots on screen
  • $339
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Olympus SP-820UZ

Canon G9
Olympus SP-820UZ
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon P500
Olympus SP-820UZ
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SX50

Canon G9
Canon SX50
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $459
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon P500
Canon SX50
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • More dots on screen
  • $459
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon SX530 HS

Canon G9
Canon SX530 HS
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $259
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon P500
Canon SX530 HS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $259
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
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