• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 210.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon G9 advantages over Pentax S12

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • More telephoto lens reach
    210 mm vs 111 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Pentax S12 advantages over Canon G9

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    23 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    130g vs 364g
    Lighter weight

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Canon G9

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax S12

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax A40

Canon G9
Pentax A40
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • RAW file ability
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Pentax A40

Pentax S12
Pentax A40
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax S12 vs Pentax A40

Compared to Nikon S600

Canon G9
Nikon S600
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $179
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Nikon S600

Pentax S12
Nikon S600
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $179
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Pentax S12 vs Nikon S600

Compared to Samsung SL310

Canon G9
Samsung SL310
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • RAW file ability
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Samsung SL310

Pentax S12
Samsung SL310
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax S12 vs Samsung SL310

Compared to Samsung TL34HD

Canon G9
Samsung TL34HD
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • RAW file ability
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Samsung TL34HD

Pentax S12
Samsung TL34HD
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out

Compare Pentax S12 vs Samsung TL34HD

Compared to Nikon S710

Canon G9
Nikon S710
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $380
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon G9 vs Nikon S710

Pentax S12
Nikon S710
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $380
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More pixels

Compare Pentax S12 vs Nikon S710

Compare Other Cameras?