A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon M10 vs G9X

The Canon EOS M10 and the Canon PowerShot G9 X are two digital cameras that were announced in October 2015. The M10 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the G9X is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (M10) and an one-inch (G9X) sensor. The M10 has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the G9X provides 20 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon M10
versus
Canon G9 X
Canon M10   Canon G9 X
Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF-M mount lenses 28-84mm f/2.0-4.9
17.9 MP – APS-C sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600) 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
4.6 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
255 shots per battery charge220 shots per battery charge
108 x 67 x 35 mm, 301 g 98 x 58 x 31 mm, 209 g
logo
Check M10 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check G9X offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS M10 and the Canon PowerShot G9 X? 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.

ad

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon M10 and the Canon G9 X. 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.

The M10 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the G9X is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, silver).

Size Canon M10 vs Canon G9 X
Compare M10 versus G9X top
Comparison M10 or G9X 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 is notably smaller (21 percent) than the Canon M10. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the M10 nor the G9X 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 M10 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the M10 gets 255 shots out of its Canon LP-E12 battery, while the G9X can take 220 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-13L power pack. The power pack in the G9X 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 would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

scroll hint
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 M10 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 301 g 255 n Oct 2015 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G9 X 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 209 g 220 n Oct 2015 529ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 206 g 235 n Jan 2017 529ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T6 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 485 g 500 n Mar 2016 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G5 X 112 mm 76 mm 44 mm 353 g 210 n Oct 2015 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon M3 111 mm 68 mm 44 mm 366 g 250 n Feb 2015 679ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 699ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T5 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 449ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
11.
 
Canon M 109 mm 66 mm 32 mm 298 g 230 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
12.
 
Canon T3i 133 mm 100 mm 80 mm 570 g 440 n Feb 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon 1 J4 100 mm 60 mm 29 mm 232 g 300 n Apr 2014 549ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A5000 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 269 g 420 n Jan 2014 449ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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. 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon M10 features an APS-C sensor and the Canon G9 X an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the G9X is 65 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon M10 and Canon G9 X sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the G9X offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 17.9 MP of the M10. 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 2.41μm versus 4.31μm for the M10). It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation.

The resolution advantage of the Canon G9 X implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G9X 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 Canon M10 are 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The M10 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS M10 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot G9 X are ISO 125 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the M10 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the G9X uses a BSI-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.

M10 versus G9X MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
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 M10 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.475365
2.
 
Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.349563
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.912.552265
4.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
5.
 
Canon T6 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.778166
6.
 
Canon G5 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.347162
7.
 
Canon M3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.811.8116972
8.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
9.
 
Canon T5 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
10.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
11.
 
Canon M APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.282765
12.
 
Canon T3i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.579365
13.
 
Nikon 1 J4 1-inch 18.2 5232 34881080/60p20.810.742653
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
15.
 
Sony A5000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.813.0108979
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the G9X provides a faster frame rate than the M10. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the M10 is limited to 1080/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The M10 and the G9X 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 adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon M10 and Canon G9 X along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
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 M10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.6/s Y n
2.
 
Canon G9 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 6.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 8.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
5.
 
Canon T6optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon G5 X2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon M3optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
8.
 
Canon G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon T5optical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon SL1optical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
11.
 
Canon Mnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.3/s n n
12.
 
Canon T3ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon 1 J4none n3.0 / 1037 Fixed Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony A5000none n3.0 / 461 tilting n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding
The M10 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 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Canon G9 X 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the M10 and the G9X 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.

ad

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 EOS M10 and Canon PowerShot G9 X and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
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 M10-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon T6Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon T5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon SL1Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon MYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Canon T3iYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon 1 J4-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A5000-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
padding

Both the M10 and the G9X have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The M10 was replaced by the Canon M100, while the G9X was followed by the Canon G9 X Mark II. Further information on the features and operation of the M10 and G9X can be found, respectively, in the Canon M10 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon G9 X Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon M10 or the Canon G9 X – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS M10:

  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • 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.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (255 versus 220) on a single battery charge.


Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G9 X:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 17.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 6%.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.9 EV of extra DR).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 4.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the M10 necessitates an extra lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (98x58mm vs 108x67mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the M10).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G9X emerges as the winner of the match-up (10 : 7 points). 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.

M10 07:10 G9X

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon M10 and the Canon G9 X place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Travel-Zoom 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 incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the M10 or the G9X perform in practice. 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 adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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.

scroll hint
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 M10..........4/5 Oct 2015 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G9 X3.5/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 529ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II4/5..4/575/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 529ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T64/5o4/573/1004/54/5 Mar 2016 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G5 X5/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon M34/5o..75/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2015 679ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 699ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T53/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 449ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
11.
 
Canon M3/5+....4/54/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
12.
 
Canon T3i3/5o..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon 1 J43/5......4.5/54/5 Apr 2014 549ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A50003/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 449ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

logo
Check M10 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check G9X offers at
ebay.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 your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Canon M10 vs Canon G9 X

    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 M10 Canon G9 X
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF-M mount lenses 28-84mm f/2.0-4.9
    Launch Date October 2015 October 2015
    Launch Price USD 499 USD 529
    Sensor Specs Canon M10 Canon G9 X
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 332.27 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.8 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 17.9 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3456 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.31 μm 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 5.39 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 125 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor DIGIC 6 DIGIC 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 65 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.2 21.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.4 12.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 753 495
    Screen Specs Canon M10 Canon G9 X
    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 M10 Canon G9 X
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.6 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer 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 M10 Canon G9 X
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in NFC built-in
    Body Specs Canon M10 Canon G9 X
    Battery Type Canon LP-E12 Canon NB-13L
    Battery Life (CIPA)255 shots per charge220 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 108 x 67 x 35 mm
    (4.3 x 2.6 x 1.4 in)
    98 x 58 x 31 mm
    (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 in)
    Camera Weight 301 g (10.6 oz) 209 g (7.4 oz)
    logo
    Check M10 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check G9X offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon M10 vs Canon G9 X