Canon Unveils 2 PowerShot G-Series Cameras with 1-Inch Sensors: Feature-Rich G5X & Slim G9X

Canon tooks the wraps off two new compact PowerShot G-series cameras this morning. Both feature 20.2-megapixel, 1-inch CMOS image sensors but sit in different places in the G-series line. The Canon PowerShot G5 X is a step above the current G7 X, which we reviewed earlier this year. Meanwhile, the Canon PowerShot G9 X is the new entry-level model in the line.

The sort of retro-looking Canon G5 X, which is aimed at advanced amateur photographers, has a built-in, 2.3-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder that’s positioned directly above the lens to make it easier to see through than one on the side. There’s also a three-inch, 1.04 million dot touch panel LCD screen on back. The PowerShot G5 X camera has 4.2x (24-100mm equivalent) optical zoom lens with an aperture range of f/1.8 - f/2.8 and Image Stabilization. The G5 X is 4.4 x 3 x 1.7 inches and weighs 13.3 ounce

The G9 X, meanwhile, is designed as a slim and stylish, bring anywhere-type compact camera. It’s aimed at beginning photographers looking to step up from their smartphone cameras. It has a 3x optical zoom lens (focal length range equivalent to 28-84mm) with a f/2.0-f/4.9 apeture range and Image Stablization. There’s a three-inch LCD touch panel on back.

Both models have built-in WiFi and NFC for wirelessly sharing images and video to social media networks and for printing on compatible wireless printers.

Along with having the same image sensors that can shoot at an ISO range of 125-12,800, both PowerShot G-series cameras are powered by Canon’s DIGIC 6 image processor and can capture full1080p Full HD video at 24p, 30p, and 60p in MP4 format.  

Both the Canon G5 X and G9 X add an enhanced Star Mode feature that’s designed to give you more precise focusing of the night sky. The “Star Trails” mode has also been enhanced to improve the breaks in light between star trails. Suited for a astrophotography, the feature is designed to turn “star movement into a luminous still image,” according to Canon. The “Star Time-Lapse Movie” mode is designed to make “beautiful video clips that show the movement of the stars against a static background of dark space.”’

Both cameras go on sale in November 2015. The Canon G5 X comes in black and will sell for $799.99. The G9 X comes in black or silver. The silver version has a silver top plate and leather tone in a retro style design. It will sell for $529.99.


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