• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 210.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.4 inch 27.1mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 250.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon G9 advantages over Sony DSC-HX5V

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.4 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.62 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 2.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • 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 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/2500 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sony DSC-HX5V advantages over Canon G9

  • Less expensive
    $349 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
  • More telephoto lens reach
    250 mm vs 210 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 310 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    200g vs 364g
    Lighter weight
  • Less shutter lag
    0.30 vs 0.57 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Canon G9
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony DSC-HX5V
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Sony DSC-H55

Canon G9
Sony DSC-H55
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony DSC-HX5V
Sony DSC-H55
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SD4500 IS

Canon G9
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony DSC-HX5V
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Nikon S8100

Canon G9
Nikon S8100
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony DSC-HX5V
Nikon S8100
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Ricoh CX5

Canon G9
Ricoh CX5
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony DSC-HX5V
Ricoh CX5
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Wider angle lens
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
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