Canon G7 X Mark II vs Sony HX99

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2016 and August 2018. Both the G7X Mark II and the HX99 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an one-inch (G7X Mark II) and a 1/2.3-inch (HX99) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 18 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon G7 X Mark II		Sony HX99
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-100mm f/1.8-2.8		24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
20 MP – 1" sensor		18 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 125-12,800 (125 - 25,600)		ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 6,400)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (638k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots		3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Tilting touchscreen
8 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
265 shots per battery charge		370 shots per battery charge
106 x 61 x 42 mm, 319 g		102 x 58 x 36 mm, 242 g

Check G7X Mark II offers at
ebay.com
Check HX99 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99? 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.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon G7 X Mark II and the Sony HX99 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. 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.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony HX99 is notably smaller (9 percent) than the Canon G7 X Mark II. Moreover, the HX99 is markedly lighter (24 percent) than the G7X Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G7X Mark II nor the HX99 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G7X Mark II gets 265 shots out of its NB-13L battery, while the HX99 can take 370 images on a single charge of its NP-BX1 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon G7 X Mark II	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699	ebay.com
2.		Sony HX99	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	449	amazon.com
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	105 mm	61 mm	41 mm	304 g	235	n	Jul 2019	749	amazon.com
4.		Canon SX430	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	323 g	195	n	Jan 2017	299	amazon.com
5.		Canon G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529	amazon.com
6.		Canon SX730	110 mm	64 mm	40 mm	300 g	250	n	Apr 2017	399	ebay.com
7.		Canon SX420	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	195	n	Jan 2016	299	ebay.com
8.		Canon SX720	110 mm	64 mm	36 mm	270 g	250	n	Feb 2016	379	ebay.com
9.		Canon G5 X	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799	ebay.com
10.		Canon M3	111 mm	68 mm	44 mm	366 g	250	n	Feb 2015	679	ebay.com
11.		Canon SX410	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	185	n	Feb 2015	279	ebay.com
12.		Canon SX710	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	230	n	Jan 2015	349	ebay.com
13.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699	ebay.com
14.		Sony ZV-1F	106 mm	60 mm	46 mm	256 g	360	n	Oct 2022	499	amazon.com
15.		Sony HX95	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	429	amazon.com
16.		Sony WX800	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	233 g	370	n	Oct 2018	399	ebay.com
17.		Sony HX90V	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	245 g	360	n	Apr 2015	429	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The HX99 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 36 percent) than the G7X Mark II, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G7 X Mark II features an one-inch sensor and the Sony HX99 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the HX99 is 76 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 5.6. The sensor in the G7X Mark II has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the HX99 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 20MP, the G7X Mark II offers a higher resolution than the HX99 (18MP), but the G7X Mark II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 1.25μm for the HX99) due to its larger sensor. However, the HX99 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 6 months) than the G7X Mark II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the HX99 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Canon G7 X Mark II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G7X Mark II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony HX99 are 24.5 x 18.4 inches or 62.2 x 46.6 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 14.7 inches or 49.7 x 37.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 12.2 inches or 41.5 x 31.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-6400.

In terms of underlying technology, the G7X Mark II is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the HX99 uses a 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.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon G7 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.8	11.9	260	62
2.		Sony HX99	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	20.6	12.1	1058	51
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.2	12.4	583	65
4.		Canon SX430	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/25p	20.5	11.9	900	49
5.		Canon G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522	65
6.		Canon SX730	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	20.5	11.9	924	50
7.		Canon SX420	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/25p	20.3	11.7	806	48
8.		Canon SX720	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	20.3	11.8	817	48
9.		Canon G5 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.4	12.3	471	62
10.		Canon M3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.8	11.8	1169	72
11.		Canon SX410	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/30p	20.2	11.6	720	47
12.		Canon SX710	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	20.2	11.6	712	47
13.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556	71
14.		Sony ZV-1F	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.3	12.8	904	67
15.		Sony HX95	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	20.6	12.1	1057	51
16.		Sony WX800	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	20.6	12.2	1070	51
17.		Sony HX90V	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	1080/60p	20.2	11.6	738	47
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the HX99 provides a better video resolution than the G7X Mark II. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the HX99 has an electronic viewfinder (638k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G7X Mark II relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G7 X Mark II, the Sony HX99, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		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 G7 X Mark II	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	8.0/s	Y	Y
2.		Sony HX99	638	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	Y	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	30/s	Y	Y
4.		Canon SX430	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5/s	Y	Y
5.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2/s	Y	Y
6.		Canon SX730	none	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	n	1/3200s	5.9/s	Y	Y
7.		Canon SX420	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5/s	Y	Y
8.		Canon SX720	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/3200s	5.9/s	Y	Y
9.		Canon G5 X	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/2000s	5.9/s	Y	Y
10.		Canon M3	optional	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.2/s	Y	n
11.		Canon SX410	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5/s	Y	Y
12.		Canon SX710	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/3200s	6.0/s	Y	Y
13.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5/s	Y	Y
14.		Sony ZV-1F	none	n	3.0 / 922	swivel	Y	1/2000s	16.0/s	n	n
15.		Sony HX95	638	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
16.		Sony WX800	none	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	Y	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
17.		Sony HX90V	638	n	3.0 / 921	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
Notes: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The Canon G7 X Mark II has 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.

Both the G7X Mark II and the HX99 have zoom lenses built in. The G7X Mark II has a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 optic and the HX99 offers a 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon and Sony provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the Sony has more tele-photo reach at the long end. The G7X Mark II offers the faster maximum aperture.

The G7X Mark II writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the HX99 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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 G7 X Mark II and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon G7 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Sony HX99	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	-	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon SX430	-	mono / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon SX730	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
7.		Canon SX420	-	mono / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon SX720	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon G5 X	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon M3	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon SX410	-	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon SX710	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
13.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Sony ZV-1F	-	stereo / mono	Y	-	-	3.0	Y	-	Y
15.		Sony HX95	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
16.		Sony WX800	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony HX90V	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

The HX99 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the G7X Mark II has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the G7X Mark II was succeeded by the Canon G7 X Mark III. Further information on the features and operation of the G7X Mark II and HX99 can be found, respectively, in the Canon G7 X Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony HX99 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon G7 X Mark II and the Sony HX99? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 18MP) with a 7% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.8 vs f/3.5).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2016).

Reasons to prefer the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 77g or 24 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (370 versus 265) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (36 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 6 months of technical progress since the G7X Mark II launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (10 points each). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G7 X Mark II and the Sony HX99 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Superzoom 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 G7X Mark II or the HX99. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon G7 X Mark II	4.5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699	ebay.com
2.		Sony HX99	..	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	449	amazon.com
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	..	+ +	4/5	81/100	4/5	..	Jul 2019	749	amazon.com
4.		Canon SX430	..	..	..	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Jan 2017	299	amazon.com
5.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	4/5	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529	amazon.com
6.		Canon SX730	..	+	..	..	4/5	4/5	Apr 2017	399	ebay.com
7.		Canon SX420	..	..	..	..	..	3/5	Jan 2016	299	ebay.com
8.		Canon SX720	..	+	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	379	ebay.com
9.		Canon G5 X	5/5	+ +	..	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799	ebay.com
10.		Canon M3	4/5	o	..	75/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	679	ebay.com
11.		Canon SX410	..	o	..	..	..	..	Feb 2015	279	ebay.com
12.		Canon SX710	..	+	..	..	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2015	349	ebay.com
13.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699	ebay.com
14.		Sony ZV-1F	..	..	..	78/100	..	..	Oct 2022	499	amazon.com
15.		Sony HX95	..	..	..	..	..	..	Aug 2018	429	amazon.com
16.		Sony WX800	..	..	..	..	..	..	Oct 2018	399	ebay.com
17.		Sony HX90V	4/5	+ +	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2015	429	ebay.com
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted 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. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check HX99 price at
amazon.com

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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