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Canon G16 vs Sony A1

The Canon PowerShot G16 and the Sony A1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2013 and January 2021. The G16 is a fixed lens compact, while the A1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 1/1.7-inch (G16) and a full frame (A1) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 49.8 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon G16
versus
Sony A1
Canon G16   Sony A1
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
28-140mm f/1.8-2.8 Sony E mount lenses
12 MP – 1/1.7" sensor 49.8 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video 8k/30p Video
ISO 80-12,800 ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (9437k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1440k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
2.2 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
360 shots per battery charge530 shots per battery charge
109 x 76 x 40 mm, 356 g 129 x 97 x 81 mm, 737 g
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Check G16 offers at
ebay.com
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Check A1 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G16 and the Sony A1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon G16 and the Sony A1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon G16 vs Sony A1
Compare G16 versus A1 top
Comparison G16 or A1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A1 is considerably larger (51 percent) than the Canon G16. It is noteworthy in this context that the A1 is splash and dust-proof, while the G16 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G16 has a lens built in, whereas the A1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the A1 and their specifications in the Sony FE Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the G16 gets 360 shots out of its Canon NB-10L battery, while the A1 can take 530 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G12 112 mm 76 mm 48 mm 401 g 370 n Sep 2010 499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon M 109 mm 66 mm 32 mm 298 g 230 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 599ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X30 119 mm 72 mm 60 mm 423 g 470 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon P7800 119 mm 78 mm 50 mm 399 g 350 n Sep 2013 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The G16 was launched at a lower price than the A1, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G16 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Sony A1 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A1 is 1952 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.65 and 1.0. The sensor in the G16 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A1 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Canon G16 and Sony A1 sensor measures

With 49.8MP, the A1 offers a higher resolution than the G16 (12MP), but the A1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.16μm versus 1.87μm for the G16) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A1 is a much more recent model (by 7 years and 5 months) than the G16, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 43.2 x 28.8 inches or 109.7 x 73.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 34.6 x 23 inches or 87.8 x 58.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 28.8 x 19.2 inches or 73.2 x 48.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G16 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the G16, the A1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (YESMP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Canon PowerShot G16 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony A1 are ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the G16 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the A1 uses a Stacked BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

G16 versus A1 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A1 offers substantially better image quality than the G16 (overall score 44 points higher). The advantage is based on 4.9 bits higher color depth, 2.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 3.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
2.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
3.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
4.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
5.
 
Canon G12 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/24p20.411.216147
6.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
7.
 
Canon M APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.282765
8.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
9.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
10.
 
Fujifilm X30 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.411.2-31249
11.
 
Nikon P7800 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/30p21.211.720054
12.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
13.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
15.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
16.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
17.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A1 provides a better video resolution than the G16. It can shoot movie footage at 8k/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the A1 has an electronic viewfinder (9437k dots), while the G16 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon G16 and Sony A1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon G12optical n2.8 / 461 swivel n 1/4000s 1.1/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon Mnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.3/s n n
8.
 
Canon SL1optical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
9.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Fujifilm X302360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Nikon P7800921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G16 has one, while the A1 does not. While the built-in flash of the G16 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon G16 and the Sony A1 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The G16 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A1 uses CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards. The A1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G16 only has one slot. The A1 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the G16 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G16 and Sony A1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
2.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon G12Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon MYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon SL1Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
10.
 
Fujifilm X30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon P7800Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
15.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
16.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

It is notable that the A1 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The G16 does not feature such a mic input.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A1 (unlike the G16) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the G16 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the G16 from Canon. Further information on the features and operation of the G16 and A1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon G16 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon G16 or the Sony A1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G16:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the A1 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (109x76mm vs 129x97mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the A1).
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2013).

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Reasons to prefer the Sony A1:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (49.8 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 108%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (44 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (4.9 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (3.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8k/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 2.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (530 versus 360) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 5 months of technical progress since the G16 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A1 is the clear winner of the contest (29 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

G16 08:29 A1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G16 and the Sony A1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G16 or the A1. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G124/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon M3/5+....4/54/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 599ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X304/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon P78003/5......4/54.5/5 Sep 2013 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check A1 price at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Canon G16 vs Sony A1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon G16 Sony A1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 28-140mm f/1.8-2.8 Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2013 January 2021
    Launch Price USD 549 USD 6,499
    Sensor Specs Canon G16 Sony A1
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS Stacked BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.44 x 5.58 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 41.5152 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.3 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 4.65x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 49.8 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 8640 x 5760 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.87 μm 4.16 μm
    Pixel Density 28.91 MP/cm2 5.78 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 8k/30p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 32,000 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 6 Dual BIONZ XR
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 54 98
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.0 25.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.7 14.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 230 3163
    Screen Specs Canon G16 Sony A1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 80% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.9x
    Viewfinder Resolution 9437k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 1440k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon G16 Sony A1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.2 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CFexA or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Canon G16 Sony A1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Canon G16 Sony A1
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NB-10L Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)360 shots per charge530 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 109 x 76 x 40 mm
    (4.3 x 3.0 x 1.6 in)
    129 x 97 x 81 mm
    (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 356 g (12.6 oz) 737 g (26.0 oz)
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