Canon G9 X Mark II vs SX710

The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II and the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2017 and January 2015. Both the G9X Mark II and the SX710 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an one-inch (G9X Mark II) and a 1/2.3-inch (SX710) sensor. The G9X Mark II has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the SX710 provides 20.2 MP.

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		Canon SX710
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
28-84mm f/2.0-4.9		25-750mm f/3.2-6.9
20 MP, 1" Sensor		20.2 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 125-12,800		ISO 80-3,200
No viewfinder, LCD framing		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 922k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
8.2 shutter flaps per second		6 shutter flaps per second
235 shots per battery charge		230 shots per battery charge
98 x 58 x 31 mm, 206 g		113 x 66 x 35 mm, 269 g

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 SX710 HS? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon G9 X Mark II and the Canon SX710. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The G9X Mark II can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the SX710 is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, red).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon SX710 is notably larger (31 percent) than the Canon G9 X Mark II. Moreover, the SX710 is markedly heavier (31 percent) than the G9X Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G9X Mark II nor the SX710 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G9X Mark II gets 235 shots out of its NB-13L battery, while the SX710 can take 230 images on a single charge of its NB-6LH power pack. The power pack in the G9X Mark II can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along 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.

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 G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529
2.		Canon SX710	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	230	n	Jan 2015	349
3.		Canon 2000D	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	475 g	500	n	Feb 2018	449
4.		Canon SX70	127 mm	91 mm	117 mm	608 g	325	n	Sep 2018	549
5.		Canon 77D	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	540 g	600	n	Feb 2017	899
6.		Canon 200D	122 mm	93 mm	70 mm	453 g	650	n	Jun 2017	549
7.		Canon M100	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	302 g	295	n	Aug 2017	499
8.		Canon G7 X Mark II	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699
9.		Canon SX420	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	195	n	Jan 2016	299
10.		Canon SX620	97 mm	57 mm	28 mm	182 g	295	n	May 2016	279
11.		Canon SX720	110 mm	64 mm	36 mm	270 g	250	n	Feb 2016	379
12.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
13.		Canon SX700	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	250	n	Feb 2014	349
14.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699
15.		Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449
16.		Sony HX99	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	449
17.		Sony HX95	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	429
Notes: 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 manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The SX710 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 34 percent) than the G9X Mark II, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G9 X Mark II features an one-inch sensor and the Canon SX710 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the SX710 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 G9X Mark II has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the SX710 offers a 4:3 aspect.

In terms of chip-set technology, the G9X Mark II uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 7) than the SX710 (DIGIC 6), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the SX710 offers a slightly higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 20 MP of the G9X Mark II. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.18μm versus 2.41μm for the G9X Mark II). Moreover, it should be noted that the G9X Mark II is much more recent (by 2 years) than the SX710, 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 SX710 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

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 SX710 HS are ISO 80 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522	65
2.		Canon SX710	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon 2000D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	11.9	1009	71
4.		Canon SX70	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Canon 77D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.3	971	78
6.		Canon 200D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.4	1041	79
7.		Canon M100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.5	12.9	1272	78
8.		Canon G7 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
9.		Canon SX420	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/25p	..	..	..	..
10.		Canon SX620	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Canon SX720	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
12.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495	63
13.		Canon SX700	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
14.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556	71
15.		Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
16.		Sony HX99	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
17.		Sony HX95	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	..	..	..	..

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).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The G9X Mark II and the SX710 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G9 X Mark II, the Canon SX710, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2	Y	Y
2.		Canon SX710	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/3200s	6.0	Y	Y
3.		Canon 2000D	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
4.		Canon SX70	2360	n	3.0	922	swivel	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
5.		Canon 77D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
6.		Canon 200D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
7.		Canon M100	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.1	Y	n
8.		Canon G7 X Mark II	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	8.0	Y	Y
9.		Canon SX420	none	n	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5	Y	Y
10.		Canon SX620	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/2000s	2.5	Y	Y
11.		Canon SX720	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/3200s	5.9	Y	Y
12.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
13.		Canon SX700	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/3200s	8.5	Y	Y
14.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5	Y	Y
15.		Canon S120	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1	Y	Y
16.		Sony HX99	638	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
17.		Sony HX95	638	n	3.0	922	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G9X Mark II has a touchscreen, while the SX710 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The Canon G9 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 G9X Mark II and the SX710 have zoom lenses built in. The G9X Mark II has a 28-84mm f/2.0-4.9 optic and the SX710 offers a 25-750mm f/3.2-6.9 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the SX710 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 G9X Mark II offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G9X Mark II and the SX710 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.

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 SX710 HS 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 Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
2.		Canon SX710	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
3.		Canon 2000D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon SX70	-	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
5.		Canon 77D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon 200D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
7.		Canon M100	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
8.		Canon G7 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon SX420	-	mono	mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon SX620	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon SX720	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
13.		Canon SX700	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Canon S120	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Sony HX99	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
17.		Sony HX95	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y

The G9X Mark II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the SX710 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SX710 was succeeded by the Canon SX720. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon website.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Canon G9 X Mark II better than the Canon SX710 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 7 vs DIGIC 6).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.2 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• 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/2.0 vs f/3.2).
• More compact: Is smaller (98x58mm vs 113x66mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 63g or 23 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 2 years after the SX710).

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/3200s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• 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 affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (34 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2015).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G9X Mark II is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 6 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G9 X Mark II and the Canon SX710 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 G9X Mark II or the SX710. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], 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	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529
2.		Canon SX710	..	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2015	349
3.		Canon 2000D	..	o	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449
4.		Canon SX70	..	+ +	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Sep 2018	549
5.		Canon 77D	4.5/5	..	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899
6.		Canon 200D	4/5	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549
7.		Canon M100	3/5	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Aug 2017	499
8.		Canon G7 X Mark II	4.5/5	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699
9.		Canon SX420	..	..	..	..	3/5	Jan 2016	299
10.		Canon SX620	..	..	..	..	4/5	May 2016	279
11.		Canon SX720	..	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	379
12.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
13.		Canon SX700	..	+ +	..	4/5	4/5	Feb 2014	349
14.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699
15.		Canon S120	..	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449
16.		Sony HX99	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	449
17.		Sony HX95	..	..	..	..	..	Aug 2018	429
Notes: (+ +) 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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon G9 X Mark II vs Canon SX710

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.

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