• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 210.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 125.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon G9 advantages over Panasonic DMC-FX500

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 2.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More telephoto lens reach
    210 mm vs 125 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic DMC-FX500 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
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    176g vs 364g
    Lighter weight
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.8 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX37

Canon G9
Panasonic DMC-FX37
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $289
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic DMC-FX500
Panasonic DMC-FX37
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $289
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compared to Canon SD880 IS

Canon G9
Canon SD880 IS
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD880 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Longer exposure
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Canon G9
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic DMC-FX500
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SD960 IS

Canon G9
Canon SD960 IS
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD960 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Wider angle lens
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon SD980 IS

Canon G9
Canon SD980 IS
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD980 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
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