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Canon G7 X vs G9X Mark II

The Canon PowerShot G7 X and the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2014 and January 2017. Both the G7X and the G9X Mark II are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an one-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 20 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon G7 X
versus
Canon G9 X Mark II
Canon G7 X   Canon G9 X Mark II
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 28-84mm f/2.0-4.9
20 MP – 1" sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 125-12,800 ISO 125-12,800
No viewfinder, LCD framing No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
6.5 shutter flaps per second 8.2 shutter flaps per second
210 shots per battery charge235 shots per battery charge
103 x 60 x 40 mm, 304 g 98 x 58 x 31 mm, 206 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G7 X and the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II? 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 G7 X and the Canon G9 X Mark II. 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.

The G9X Mark II can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G7X is only available in black.

Size Canon G7 X vs Canon G9 X Mark II
Compare G7X versus G9X Mark II top
Comparison G7X or G9X Mark II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon G9 X Mark II is notably smaller (8 percent) than the Canon G7 X. Moreover, the G9X Mark II is markedly lighter (32 percent) than the G7X. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G7X nor the G9X Mark II are weather-sealed.

The power pack in the G9X Mark II 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
# image 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 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 699ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 206 g 235 n Jan 2017 529ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III 105 mm 61 mm 41 mm 304 g 235 n Jul 2019 749 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon G5 X 112 mm 76 mm 44 mm 353 g 210 n Oct 2015 799ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G9 X 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 209 g 220 n Oct 2015 529ebay.com
9.
 
Canon M3 111 mm 68 mm 44 mm 366 g 250 n Feb 2015 679ebay.com
10.
 
Canon M10 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 301 g 255 n Oct 2015 499ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T6i 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 749ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 999ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX100 III 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 290 g 320 n May 2014 799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 II 102 mm 58 mm 38 mm 281 g 350 n Jun 2013 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G9X Mark II was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 24 percent) than the G7X, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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.

Both cameras under consideration feature an one-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.7. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the G9X Mark II uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 7) than the G7X (DIGIC 6), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Canon G7 X and Canon G9 X Mark II sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 20 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the G7X and the G9X Mark II have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the G9X Mark II is much more recent (by 2 years and 3 months) than the G7X, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800. The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

G7X versus G9X Mark II MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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. Of the two cameras under review, the G7X has a notably higher overall DXO score than the G9X Mark II (overall score 6 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 1.1 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.1 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
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.912.552265
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458365
4.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
5.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
7.
 
Canon G5 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.347162
8.
 
Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.349563
9.
 
Canon M3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.811.8116972
10.
 
Canon M10 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.475365
11.
 
Canon T6i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
13.
 
Sony RX100 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.412.349567
14.
 
Sony RX100 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.512.448367
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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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, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The G7X and the G9X Mark II are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon G7 X and Canon G9 X Mark II in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 8.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IIInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 30/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
5.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon G5 X2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon G9 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 6.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon M3optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
10.
 
Canon M10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.6/s Y n
11.
 
Canon T6ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony RX100 III1440 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony RX100 IIoptional n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The G7X has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the G9X Mark II does not have a selfie-screen.

The Canon G7 X and the Canon G9 X Mark II 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.

Both the G7X and the G9X Mark II have zoom lenses built in. The G7X has a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 optic and the G9X Mark II offers a 28-84mm f/2.0-4.9 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the G7X provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the G9X Mark II. The G7X offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G7X and the G9X Mark II write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of 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 G7 X and Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image 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-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III-stereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Canon M10-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
11.
 
Canon T6iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Sony RX100 III-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony RX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
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Both the G7X and the G9X Mark II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G7X was replaced by the Canon G7 X Mark II, while the G9X Mark II does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the G7X and G9X Mark II can be found, respectively, in the Canon G7 X Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon G9 X Mark II Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon G7 X or the Canon G9 X Mark II – 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.


Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G7 X:

  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (6 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.1 bits more color depth).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.8 vs f/2.0).
  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2014).


Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II:

  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 7 vs DIGIC 6).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.2 vs 6.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 98g or 32 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (235 versus 210) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (24 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 3 months of technical progress since the G7X launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (8 points each). 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.

G7X 08:08 G9X Mark II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G7 X and the Canon G9 X Mark II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera listing 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 or the G9X Mark II. 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 699ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II4/5..4/575/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 529ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III..+ +4/581/1004/5.. Jul 2019 749 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 549ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon G5 X5/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 799ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G9 X3.5/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 529ebay.com
9.
 
Canon M34/5o..75/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2015 679ebay.com
10.
 
Canon M10..........4/5 Oct 2015 499ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T6i5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX100 III5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 May 2014 799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 II5/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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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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 G7 X vs Canon G9 X Mark II

    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 G7 X Canon G9 X Mark II
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 28-84mm f/2.0-4.9
    Launch Date September 2014 January 2017
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 529
    Sensor Specs Canon G7 X Canon G9 X Mark II
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1" Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 13.2 x 8.8 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 15.9 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 2.7x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.41 μm 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 17.18 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 12,800 ISO 125 - 12,800 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 6 DIGIC 7
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 71 65
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.0 21.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.7 12.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 556 522
    Screen Specs Canon G7 X Canon G9 X Mark II
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon G7 X Canon G9 X Mark II
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 6.5 shutter flaps/s 8.2 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon G7 X Canon G9 X Mark II
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Canon G7 X Canon G9 X Mark II
    Battery Type Canon NB-13L Canon NB-13L
    Battery Life (CIPA)210 shots per charge235 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 103 x 60 x 40 mm
    (4.1 x 2.4 x 1.6 in)
    98 x 58 x 31 mm
    (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 in)
    Camera Weight 304 g (10.7 oz) 206 g (7.3 oz)
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