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Canon G9 X Mark II vs G7X Mark II

The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II and the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2017 and February 2016. Both the G9X Mark II and the G7X 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 G9 X Mark II
versus
Canon G7 X Mark II
Canon G9 X Mark II   Canon G7 X Mark II
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
28-84mm f/2.0-4.9 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8
20 MP – 1" sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 125-12,800 ISO 125-12,800 (125 - 25,600)
No viewfinder, LCD framing No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
8.2 shutter flaps per second 8 shutter flaps per second
235 shots per battery charge265 shots per battery charge
98 x 58 x 31 mm, 206 g 106 x 61 x 42 mm, 319 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II and the Canon PowerShot G7 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 physical size and weight of the Canon G9 X Mark II and the Canon G7 X Mark II are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. 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 Mark II is only available in black.

Size Canon G9 X Mark II vs Canon G7 X Mark II
Compare G9X Mark II versus G7X Mark II top
Comparison G9X Mark II or G7X 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 G7 X Mark II is notably larger (14 percent) than the Canon G9 X Mark II. Moreover, the G7X Mark II is substantially heavier (55 percent) than the G9X Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G9X Mark II nor the G7X Mark II are weather-sealed.

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. 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 G9 X Mark II 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 206 g 235 n Jan 2017 529ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III 105 mm 61 mm 41 mm 304 g 235 n Jul 2019 749 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX70 127 mm 91 mm 117 mm 608 g 325 n Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.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 G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 699ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 449ebay.com
12.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX100 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 240 g 330 n Jun 2012 649ebay.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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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 G9X Mark II was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 24 percent) than the G7X Mark II, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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.

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. 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 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.

Canon G9 X Mark II and Canon G7 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 G9X Mark II and the G7X 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 a somewhat more recent model (by 10 months) than the G7X Mark II, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-25600.

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.

G9X Mark II versus G7X Mark II 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"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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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 G9 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.912.552265
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458365
4.
 
Canon SX70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1106351
5.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
6.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
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 G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
11.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
12.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
13.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
15.
 
Sony RX100 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.612.439066
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The G9X Mark II and the G7X 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 G9 X Mark II and Canon G7 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 G9 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 8.2/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IIInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 30/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX702360 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
6.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
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 G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony RX100none n3.0 / 1229 fixed 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 Mark II has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the G9X Mark II does not have a selfie-screen.

The Canon G9 X Mark II and the Canon G7 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 G9X Mark II and the G7X Mark II have zoom lenses built in. The G9X Mark II has a 28-84mm f/2.0-4.9 optic and the G7X Mark II offers a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the G7X Mark II 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 Mark II offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G9X Mark II and the G7X 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 G9 X Mark II and Canon PowerShot G7 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 G9 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III-stereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Canon SX70-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
7.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
11.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
12.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
13.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony RX100-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
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Both the G9X Mark II and the G7X Mark II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G7X Mark II was replaced by the Canon G7 X Mark III, while the G9X Mark II does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the G9X Mark II and G7X Mark II can be found, respectively, in the Canon G9 X Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon G7 X Mark II Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon G9 X Mark II and the Canon G7 X Mark II? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II:

  • More compact: Is smaller (98x58mm vs 106x61mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 113g or 35 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (24 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 10 months after the G7X Mark II).


Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II:

  • 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.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (265 versus 235) out of a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2016).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G7X Mark II emerges as the winner of the match-up (7 : 5 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 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.

G9X Mark II 05:07 G7X Mark II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G9 X Mark II and the Canon G7 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the G9X Mark II and the G7X Mark II in practical situations. 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 where reviews by experts come in. 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 G9 X Mark II4/5..4/575/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 529ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III..+ +4/581/1004/5.. Jul 2019 749 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX70..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 549ebay.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 G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 699ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
12.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 429ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX1005/5+ +..78/1004/55/5 Jun 2012 649ebay.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 were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time 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, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. 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 G9 X Mark II vs Canon G7 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 G9 X Mark II Canon G7 X Mark II
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-84mm f/2.0-4.9 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8
    Launch Date January 2017 February 2016
    Launch Price USD 529 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Canon G9 X Mark II Canon G7 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
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 125 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 7 DIGIC 7
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 65 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.9 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.5 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 522 ..
    Screen Specs Canon G9 X Mark II Canon G7 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 Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon G9 X Mark II Canon G7 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 8.2 shutter flaps/s 8 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 G9 X Mark II Canon G7 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 Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Canon G9 X Mark II Canon G7 X Mark II
    Battery Type Canon NB-13L Canon NB-13L
    Battery Life (CIPA)235 shots per charge265 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 98 x 58 x 31 mm
    (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 in)
    106 x 61 x 42 mm
    (4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 206 g (7.3 oz) 319 g (11.3 oz)
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