Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II Digital Camera, Silver {20.1MP}

Canon's smallest 1-inch compact, built for pockets not camera bags.

The G9 X Mark II packs a 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor into a body measuring 98 x 58 x 31mm and weighing 206g. That size puts it in a category of one: no other traditionally styled 1-inch compact gets this small. The DIGIC 7 processor handles the sensor's output well, and the 1-inch format delivers good dynamic range and low noise at higher ISOs, with RAW support giving you room to work in post. Burst shooting tops out at 8.1 fps with focus locked, which is quick for a camera this size.

The 28-84mm equivalent f/2 lens opens wide enough at the short end for indoor shooting and low-light street work. The touchscreen-forward interface mirrors smartphone logic: tap to focus, swipe through settings, pinch to zoom. A control ring around the lens handles aperture, shutter speed, or ISO depending on your mode. Wireless connectivity covers 802.11b/g/n, NFC, and Bluetooth, with full smartphone remote control. For travel photographers who want one small camera that shoots RAW, handles manual exposure modes, and fits in a shirt pocket, the G9 X II makes a straightforward case for itself.

Who It's For

Street photographers who shoot wide and close will find the f/2 maximum aperture and 5cm minimum focus distance genuinely useful for the 28mm end of this lens. Casual travelers who refuse to carry a bag benefit directly from the 206g weight and shirt-pocket dimensions. Social photographers and family documentarians will appreciate the face-detection tracking and 8.1 fps burst rate for keeping moving subjects sharp at gatherings. Smartphone upgraders who want RAW files and manual exposure control without learning a new interface will find the touchscreen-driven UI familiar from day one.

Key Features

• 20MP BSI-CMOS 1-inch sensor with DIGIC 7 processor
• 28-84mm f/2-4.9 equivalent lens with 3x optical zoom
• RAW and JPEG capture with manual exposure modes
• 31-point contrast-detect autofocus with face tracking
• 8.1 fps burst shooting up to 20 frames
• 3-inch 1,040,000-dot touchscreen with live view
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth with smartphone remote control
• 235-shot battery life, USB in-camera charging

FAQ

How does the G9 X Mark II compare to larger 1-inch compacts like the Sony RX100 series?

The G9 X II is smaller and lighter, but pays for that in lens speed. At the telephoto end (84mm), the aperture closes to f/4.9, versus f/2.8 on the RX100 V-a meaningful difference for low-light work and depth-of-field control. The RX100 also starts at 24mm instead of 28mm, giving you wider framing options.

Can you shoot RAW on this camera?

Yes, the G9 X II shoots uncompressed RAW files alongside JPEG, so you have full editing latitude in post.

Is the autofocus reliable for tracking moving subjects?

The 31-point contrast-detect system keeps faces in focus consistently, even in low light at 5 fps with continuous AF enabled. It's responsive for general shooting, though you can't quickly jump between faces without tapping the screen or panning.

How's the battery life?

Plan on 235 CIPA shots per charge-it's weak for a full day of shooting. Bring a spare battery or use the in-camera USB charging. The external charger in the box helps if you want to top off a spare while you're out.

What's the burst rate and buffer capacity?

You get 8.1 fps with focus locked or 5 fps with continuous AF for just over 20 shots before the buffer fills. The camera becomes unresponsive until the buffer clears, which takes time.

Does it have an external microphone jack for video?

No. The camera has a built-in stereo mic and mono speaker, but no audio input or headphone ports. It's fine for casual video, not for serious sound work.

What wireless features does it support?

802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth with full smartphone remote control via the Canon app. You can transfer or stream images to your phone or share directly to social media.