Canon’s biggest camera news at CES 2017 is the new PowerShot G9 X Mark II. To be fair though, Canon’s CES news is always underwhelming.
The G9 X Mark II looks to be another good camera from Canon. It adds a DIGIC 7 processor and delivers up to 8fps RAW image capture. Canon also says it has improved subject tracking and scene detection. Additionally, the G9 X Mark II gets Bluetooth capability for easier pairing.
Other features, like underwhelming video specs, are simply carryovers from the original G9 X. In a vacuum, the Mark II looks like a great camera. Compared to the rest of the market though? Meh.
Key features of the G9 Mark II include:
- 20.1MP 1″ High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 3x Optical Zoom f/2-4.9 Lens
- 28-84mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
- Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
- Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth
- Extended ISO 12800 and 8.2 fps Shooting
- Dynamic IS and Time-Lapse Video Function
- In-Camera Raw Conversion, Picture Style
The G9 X Mark II ships in February for $529. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
Or, you could save $100 and get an original G9 X for $429. Or, you could save $130 and get a Sony RX100 for $398 or spend $19 more and get a RX100 II with a hotshoe for $548. Or, step up to 4K and a much faster lens in the Panasonic LX10 for $697.
There are just so many better bangs for your buck than the Canon G9 X Mark II. It seems like Canon puts just enough into the camera to make you raise an eyebrow . . . and then you look around at the competition and roll your eyes.
Canon could own the premium compact market (after finally getting into the 1″ sensor market) but it appears to be making the same mistakes it has made in the DSLR and mirrorless realm for so many years. Other manufacturers (Sony/Panasonic) that don’t have the market share and decades of brand loyalty are taking risks that are paying off by converting new users. The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is yet another reminder that the next generation (of humans, not tech cycles) will change the landscape of the imaging market.