I'm a part-time professional photographer, specializing mostly in portrait sessions (senior photos, engagement photos, kids, families, etc.). I consider myself an expert in technique and equipment. Artistically, however, I'm a decent amateur. I don't have the creative eye that many others do. But I know the rules of photography, and am familiar with all the latest technology and products from full-frame 35mm on down to inexpensive point and shoots. I believe I can give a fair and accurate review of the Canon G9x.

The Canon G9x has what they call a 1-inch type sensor. That doesn't mean much other than it is a larger sensor than most point and shoot cameras. The sensor measures 13mmx8mm (rounded to the nearest whole number). This is fairly large for such a small camera. The largest benefit to having this larger sensor is that the camera will perform much better in lower light than a typical point and shoot or a cellphone.

I mentioned a cell phone (such as the latest Apples, Androids, etc.) because these phones take excellent images and video. They are so good, in fact, that the point and shoot camera market is imploding. Sales are. Dropping significantly. The phone allows you to take the photo or video, edit it, and then save and share it...all from one device. What's not to love about that? I use an iPhone 6s Plus and am thrilled with it for my day-to-day needs.

I also use a full-frame Canon 6D and assorted lenses for taking portraits or landscapes when I really want an incredible amount of detail, lots of color, and excellent control on depth of field (choosing which areas of the photo are in or out of focus). My 6D is a professional camera. But I don't enjoy bringing it on vacation unless I am traveling alone specifically for photography.

So if my iPhone and my DSLR each cover my needs, why did I buy the Canon G9x? In simple terms: It takes good photos in a small package, like my phone, but allows me all the same control features of a DSLR. The results or which are pictures that exceed the quality of a cell phone, fall a little short of a DSLR, but brings theme both together quite nicely.

Here's what you get with this camera that a phone cannot match (not yet..give it a couple more years).

1. The sensor is about the size of your thumbnail, unlike a cellphone that has a sensor half thee size of your pinky nail. This enables more light to get in.

2. The camera has an optical zoom that covers from 28mm to about 80mm. This is about the same range as the zoom lens that comes with most DSLRs. A typical Canon Rebel comes with a lens that is 18-55. When compared to the G9x, they both come out to pretty much 28-80mm of range. So the G9x has the width to get group shots and the reach for portraits. It's not going to help if your subject is very far away, however. This camera is for taking pictures of people and places, not birds, air shows, wildlife, etc.

The camera can function automatically, like your cell phone, or you can go as manually as you want in various stages. My favorite setting is TV (time value) because I know my shots won't be blurry if I use a shutter speed that matches my subject. I let the camera choose aperture (which isn't very important on a point and shoot) and ISO.

For those who want to control aperture, that feature is available as well. You can make anything manual or automatic. It's up to you.

The camera can be set to automatically feed photos to your phone wirelessly while you're out and about. You can do it while you take each shot or spend a couple minutes transferring the photos to your phone or tablet while you sit down for a snack. No wifi is needed. The camera and phone communicate directly with each other. The setup process is quick, and the files transfer quickly. It can be quirky, but if you are patient with yourself and the gear you quickly learn how to undo the quirks. From my perspective, the linking of the camera to a phone seems to be monogamous. I believe you have to reset your wireless settings on the camera if you want to transfer to a different device. I found this out yesterday when my brough both my iPad and iPhone on a trip. But again, you'll get used to it and will have your pics on the phone in no time.

Pocketability: This is a very small camera, much smaller than I thought it would be. I don't think anyone will be able to complain about it fitting in a pocket. It's really small. I am a 6.0 man with a very average build and average size hands. The camera is a little more than half the length of my hand. It's tiny.

The thickness is more than your phone (about double the thickness of my iPhone 6splus. The lens adds another thickness similar to an iPhone, so to get an idea of how thick it is, put two iPhones in one pocket.

I personally don't own any clothing that would be a problem. Skinny jeans might be an issue, but then your phone is probably only able to go in the back pocket of your skinny jeans. This would need a little bit of room. However, regular jeans are not a problem at all.

It has a huge list of other features, of course, most of which a phone doesn't have or will fall short in ability: IS, flash, tripod support, sd card, zoom, zoom during video, shutter control, aperture control, iso control, and much more.

Some will be disappointed that the camera doesn't have a movable screen (which helps while at concerts or anyplace you need to raise of lower the camera into odd angles). To me, I prefer NOT to have a movable screen. It keeps the camera thinner and is one less thing to break.

Some will say the lens tightens up too much on the aperture when zoomed. This doesn't bother me because I'm not using it as a portrait camera and don't need a blurry background for my vacation photos.

RAW: The camera can shoot in RAW mode (and jpg at the same time if you want), so that you can pull your files into photoshop or Lightroom, etc. to get the most out of your images when editing. Canon's native software (free) is also fantastic.

Price: This camera is worth the price. I paid $399 and it came with a 32gb SD card. I imagine at some point the camera might be 350, but probably not until the end of summer 2016.

Why the G9X, when there are other cameras that do so much more? The simple answer is that this is the least expensive of all the cameras with this size sensor. At the top end is the Sony RX100, mark 4. It's $950. It has a lot more features and can outperform the G9x in many ways, but it has the exact same size sensor. In 90% of situations the cameras will perform equally. But the Canon is 1/3 the price of the Sony, and it's incredibly small compared to the competition.

If you can afford a couple hundred more, I would recommend going for the G7X or G7X mark II, but if you want a camera that won't make you feel guilt on the price, and one that you can truly put in your pocket, the G9X is a big winner.

My biggest praise of this camera: It does extremely well in low light. I am thrilled with the photos I'm getting, and I'm confident I can take photos indoors and print them at 11x14 without a worry, and in good light could print poster size prints. It's a great camera, and the first point and shoot I've decided to keep. I purchased and returned several others because those tiny sensor on most point and shoots just don't get great quality photos in anything but perfect conditions.

I really don't see how anyone can go wrong with this camera at the sub-400 dollar price.

Camera’s LCD screen failed after 3 and a half months of careful use! Too old manufacturer (Canon) can’t service any longer - and outside the 30 day warranty! And my local camera shop couldn’t diagnose the issue either…over $700 spent - not right!

I own a dozen different point and shoot Canon powershot cameras. Mainly in the Elph line, but also the 510HS and SX700HS. When this G9X was announced, I decided to pre-order because of the reviews of the G7X, the 1 inch sensor, and the size. I also wanted to step up to more of a proper camera, and had been considering the S120. I have only had it a day, but comparing the photos it takes to the Elph and other cameras, I am glad I picked it up. It's small enough that I will use it and even though I usually always use the program mode even in the entry level powershot cameras because they tend to over expose and wash out the images in auto, the front wheel and different shooting modes on the G9X are also very useful and quick to learn to use. Great camera

UPDATE 11/1/15

Have had a chance to use this camera now in a variety of different lighting conditions and even with a middle of the road field range I really like this camera. The raw and super fine images are exceptional compared to the lower priced powershot cameras. Impressed at the photos when reviewing them in original size mode in any image software with the detail that is captured. I am very satisfied with results I am getting with this camera. The larger sensor also seems to handle indoor and lower light situations better than my other lower cost powershot compacts.

UPDATE 11/21/15

Picked up a Canon EOS Rebel SL1 DSLR on a sale from Canon. It's an amazing camera. However, now seeing what an entry level DSLR can do, I am even more shocked at the results of the G9X, with about 1/4 the sensor size. Shooting raw in both cameras, there are differences in the results, but there are more similarities in image quality. Big difference in portability. The 1" sensor in the G9X does one heck of a job.

I'll give a shorter version of my full detailed review I'll be posting on my blog, here first.

As the camera industry caters more to enthusiasts and pro's, it's been playing catch up to a rapidly declining market. Canon's powershot division has had a lot of hits over the last decade or so, and has been the dominant force for a choice in a serious compact camera. Sony made huge headway with the RX100 series, and thus Canon and Nikon both have responded with 1" sized sensor enthusiast compacts- the new sensor size seems to be the predominant choice for capable compact cameras.

Canons's G9X though, is sort of in a class of its own. It holds the title for being the smallest and lightest camera with a 1" sized sensor. And while small and light, it somehow magically is able to not feel like a fiddly bar of soap like many ultra compacts tend too. It handles surprisingly nicely and feels like a premium product in every way. For the first time the market has a truly pro grade ultra compact capable of really amazing image quality. The G7X and RX100 series cameras largely filled this role, but are a little larger and heavier for putting in the pocket which I've avoided- plus I prefer using the G9X to both cameras as it feels and operates in a much more refined manner. The trade offs in lens brightness or zoom range imho, are minimal for what you gain.

I originally dismissed the G9X because of its reliance on its touch screen and a lack of external controls when it was launched. That turned out to be a huge mistake I freely admit. Canon has refined the handling experience of the G9X with the use of the touch screen in a nearly perfect unified fashion. The screen works in conjunction with the controls in many respects (especially the front control ring) making it a pleasure to use in real life. I'm impressed with how Canon incorporated it seamlessly.

Image quality is excellent from the lens and sensor both, and its got plenty of features and polished little attributes that just make you fall in love with using it. A centered to the lens metal tripod mount is another nice touch- truly Canon had pros and enthusiasts in mind when they designed it. Build quality is better than I've read and expected, its tightly engineered and all metal, the grip is just enough to keep it secure, the eyelet strap does not dig into the shooting hand, and there are more surprise touches I'll let you discover yourself. As a stand alone camera or a compliment to a DSLR, the G9X gets my highest recommendation, and is one of the nicest surprises I've reviewed in quite some time.

Bring it with you everywhere pocket power that compliments your phone. For the serious photographer, it might just be the best alternative to the sub par smart phone camera out there.

-Carl Garrard

I purchased this originally for an old friend who is having problems handling his DSLR due to health problems; I wanted to find a high quality alternative to bulky body, lenses, case, etc. Sadly, I think he has given up all hope of doing photography and consequently I have this neat little camera.

Pros:

- SMALL. Really easy to stuff in a pocket.

- I was a big fan of the old G9 because of the awesome raw output, particularly with Macro. This does well but you really need to be in manual focus mode to get the most out of it.

- Quality images - yep, raw files where you are shooting 3200 ISO or lower are excellent. I noticed that the jpgs are really over noise-cleaned above ISO 1600, but the effect is still pretty pleasing if you aren't shooting for large print.

- Wireless works great to pair up with Android Canon Connect, remote shooting and file transfer

- Menus are familiar to Canon shooters and simpler than Sony, Nikon or Fuji (have tried multiples of all three)

- nice use of the ring control in manual mode for shutter speed or aperture settings

- shooting manual with auto ISO really gives you some excellent results creatively while not driving you crazy trying to meter down every shot

Cons:

Remote shooting with Surface Book - I haven't been able to get this working. I installed the DPP but it is asking for what I believe is the old Canon Zoombrowser (awful) software. At this point, there should be a similar app to the Android "Canon Connect" that makes it easy to pair up.

Touch screen for fat fingers - if the screen was phablet sized it wouldn't be an issue, but I found myself fat fingering menus...at least I knew what it was supposed to do (familiar to Canon shooters)

I am a professional photographer so I am pretty picky about the gear I buy, and I have to say this little camera is quality and gives me great pleasure when I'm not packing gobs of gear around. Turns out, this G9X is a worthy upgrade from my already favorite G9.

Great camera! It's not a perfect camera by any definition, but it's a great camera for what I'm looking for. Before i go to some details, I just want to point out that i'm just a camera enthusiast with some basic knowledge of camera hardware and image composition. I'm, by no mean, an expert in camera review. These are simply my observation and opinion for the general purpose I use the camera for (i.e. FB, website photo and occasional print out of 18" or smaller size photos).

I have Sony RX100 v1 to v3 cameras. Love them all, mainly the IQ of the 1" sensors. The only issue with these Sony are the size. They are small enough to fit into my pocket, but not very comfortably. I also have the Canon S95-S120. I love these cameras also for their size and manual options, however, their IQs are nothing compare to the RX100s. I have wished for a camera that is about the size of the S series, but have the same IQ as the RX series. Well, this G9X is IT.

Now, as I mentioned, the G9X isn't a perfect camera. 28mm wide angle might be a little turn off for some people. In this case, it's OK for me (as the original RX100 is 28mm wide as well and it has been my go-to camera for many years for IQ/size trade-off). Also, at wide angle, the G9X is a little soft in the corner, but still superior comparing to the S series over all (this is simply my observation, I didn't do pixel to pixel comparison here). Touch screen menu take a some time to get used to, but not bad once you are familiar with it. Flash is not as strong as the RX series, but is still good and comparable with the S series. WB can be a bit better in in-door lighting situations.

Over all, I have the camera for about a months. Tried it out at in-door dinner party, outdoor garden, snowboarding trip. I'm very happy with the pictures it took so far.

The camera cost too much money compared to a second hand one. The camera arrived scratched and with peeling paint, missing a part that covers the camera that is simply broken and did not come with the camera. Overall the camera looks very bad. The camera did not come with anything else, even though it was written that it would come with additional things like a wrist strap, battery pack, warranty card and more.

I am so excited about this little (tiny!) camera. I immediately went outside and started testing it out: bright light, macro, low-light, shadow, depth of field/bokeh, indoors, pet running around like a banshee, and it's allllllll gooooood! This camera is very small though, and I almost felt like I was going to drop it a couple times, and I don't love that there isn't a photo review button on the back, but otherwise this thing is amazing. I have a nicer DSLR, but it's heavy to lug around so I ponied up for this little guy and we're going to take beautiful travel photos together :).

**Quick Update** After looking deeper at all the menus and features I found the photo review button on the top of the camera. The menus are easy to use and set up as well (didn't even need to look at the giant user manual it came with.) I do feel like I need to get either a screen protector or solid travel case for this camera since everything is done via touch screen and it will definitely get beat up as soon as you start using it since it covers almost the entire back of the camera. I am still very happy after researching small point and shoot cameras for about a year. Not that it matters much, but I love the old-school look of the silver and brown and I paired it with a cool leather camera strap I got from Etsy that makes this camera look completely vintage. Luckily this camera isn't just a pretty face, it also takes some pretty crispy photos as well. Each of these photos is straight out of the camera - no editing. Tapping the screen to pick your point of focus to take macro photos is so easy! I can't say enough about how great this little camera is.

Love this camera. Takes great pictures!

Excelente cámara pero creo que la G7 es un poco mejor. Esta tiene menos zoom y menos apertura y hasta donde he leído las mismas funciones

L’appareil photo était bien celui illustré mais il manquait la dragonne et le chargeur de la batterie n’était pas celui illustré et était de piètre qualité. De plus, le langage programme de l’appareil était le chinois et générait une difficulté additionnelle pour son utilisation. Attention, le contenu n’incluait pas le guide d’utilisation. Ne pas faire affaire avec ce vendeur qui n’est pas honnête dans ses réponses à la demande de retour/remboursement.

The camera has exceeded my expectations, especially the low light and star shooting mode

Bought this camera for scuba diving... great pictures and movies