Canon G9 X vs YI M1

The Canon PowerShot G9 X and the YI M1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2015 and September 2016. The G9X is a fixed lens compact, while the M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an one-inch (G9X) and a Four Thirds (M1) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the YI 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		YI M1
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
28-84mm f/2.0-4.9		Micro Four Thirds lenses
20 MP, 1" Sensor		20.2 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 125-12,800		ISO 100-25,600
No viewfinder, LCD framing		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
6 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
220 shots per battery charge		450 shots per battery charge
98 x 58 x 31 mm, 209 g		114 x 64 x 34 mm, 281 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G9 X and the YI M1? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon G9 X and the YI M1 is provided 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the YI M1 is notably larger (28 percent) than the Canon G9 X. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G9X nor the M1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G9X has a lens built in, whereas the M1 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 M1 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, 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. 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 G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
2.		YI M1	114 mm	64 mm	34 mm	281 g	450	n	Sep 2016	349
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529
4.		Canon SX730	110 mm	64 mm	40 mm	300 g	250	n	Apr 2017	399
5.		Canon SX420	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	195	n	Jan 2016	299
6.		Canon SX620	97 mm	57 mm	28 mm	182 g	295	n	May 2016	279
7.		Canon G3 X	123 mm	77 mm	105 mm	733 g	300	Y	Jun 2015	999
8.		Canon G5 X	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799
9.		Canon M10	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	301 g	255	n	Oct 2015	499
10.		Canon SX610	105 mm	61 mm	27 mm	191 g	270	n	Jan 2015	249
11.		Canon SX710	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	230	n	Jan 2015	349
12.		Canon 1200D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449
13.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699
14.		Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449
15.		Fujifilm X-A3	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	339 g	410	n	Aug 2016	399
16.		Nikon 1 J5	98 mm	60 mm	32 mm	231 g	250	n	Apr 2015	399
17.		Nikon 1 J4	100 mm	60 mm	29 mm	232 g	300	n	Apr 2014	549
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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. 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G9 X features an one-inch sensor and the YI M1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the M1 is 94 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 2.0. The sensor in the G9X has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the M1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 20.2MP, the M1 offers a higher resolution than the G9X (20MP), but the M1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 2.41μm for the G9X) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the M1 is a somewhat more recent model (by 11 months) than the G9X, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The Canon PowerShot G9 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the YI M1 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-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	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495	63
2.		YI M1	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522	65
4.		Canon SX730	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
5.		Canon SX420	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/25p	..	..	..	..
6.		Canon SX620	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
7.		Canon G3 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.4	12.3	521	63
8.		Canon G5 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
9.		Canon M10	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.2	11.4	753	65
10.		Canon SX610	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Canon SX710	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
12.		Canon 1200D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
13.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556	71
14.		Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
15.		Fujifilm X-A3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
16.		Nikon 1 J5	1-inch	20.7	5568	3712	4K/15p	21.1	12.0	479	65
17.		Nikon 1 J4	1-inch	18.2	5232	3488	1080/60p	20.8	10.7	426	53

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the M1 provides a better video resolution than the G9X. 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. The G9X and the M1 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, the YI M1, 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	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
2.		YI M1	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2	Y	Y
4.		Canon SX730	none	n	3.0	922	tilting	n	1/3200s	5.9	Y	Y
5.		Canon SX420	none	n	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5	Y	Y
6.		Canon SX620	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/2000s	2.5	Y	Y
7.		Canon G3 X	optional	n	3.2	1620	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
8.		Canon G5 X	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
9.		Canon M10	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.6	Y	n
10.		Canon SX610	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/2000s	2.5	Y	Y
11.		Canon SX710	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/3200s	6.0	Y	Y
12.		Canon 1200D	optical	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
13.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5	Y	Y
14.		Canon S120	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1	Y	Y
15.		Fujifilm X-A3	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
16.		Nikon 1 J5	none	n	3.0	1037	tilting	Y	1/4000s	60.0	Y	n
17.		Nikon 1 J4	none	n	3.0	1037	Fixed	Y	1/4000s	60.0	Y	n

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G9X has one, while the M1 does not. While the built-in flash of the G9X is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Canon G9 X and the YI M1 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G9X and the M1 write their files to SDXC cards. The G9X supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the M1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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 and YI M1 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	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		YI M1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
4.		Canon SX730	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
5.		Canon SX420	-	mono	mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Canon SX620	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Canon G3 X	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon G5 X	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon M10	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon SX610	-	-	-	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon SX710	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Canon 1200D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Canon S120	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Fujifilm X-A3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Nikon 1 J5	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Nikon 1 J4	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-

It is notable that the M1 has a hotshoe, which makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun. The G9X does not feature such an accessory-socket.

The M1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of YI. In contrast, the G9X has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the G9X was succeeded by the Canon G9 X Mark II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and YI websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Canon G9 X better than the YI M1 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G9 X:

• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the M1 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (98x58mm vs 114x64mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the M1).
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2015).

Arguments in favor of the YI M1:

• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced 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 video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (450 versus 220) out of a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (11 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the M1 emerges as the winner of the match-up (11 : 9 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro 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 and the YI M1 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G9X or the M1 perform in practice. 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 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	3.5/5	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
2.		YI M1	..	..	69/100	..	..	Sep 2016	349
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529
4.		Canon SX730	..	+	..	4/5	4/5	Apr 2017	399
5.		Canon SX420	..	..	..	..	3/5	Jan 2016	299
6.		Canon SX620	..	..	..	..	4/5	May 2016	279
7.		Canon G3 X	3.5/5	+	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	999
8.		Canon G5 X	5/5	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799
9.		Canon M10	..	..	..	..	4/5	Oct 2015	499
10.		Canon SX610	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	249
11.		Canon SX710	..	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2015	349
12.		Canon 1200D	3/5	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449
13.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699
14.		Canon S120	..	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449
15.		Fujifilm X-A3	..	..	74/100	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2016	399
16.		Nikon 1 J5	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2015	399
17.		Nikon 1 J4	3/5	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Apr 2014	549
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. 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, 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon G9 X vs YI M1

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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