Canon PowerShot G9X: Slim, straightforward and takes excellent pictures - the Canon G9X is a recipe for success.

Slim, straightforward and takes excellent pictures - the Canon G9X is a recipe for success.

Back in 2009, Canon revitalised the enthusiast compact camera market with the PowerShot S90, a pocket-sized model with lots of external controls, raw format recording and above-average image quality.

Slim; pocketable design; Good image quality from 1in sensor; Well-implemented touchscreen

Unambitious lens; Limited physical controls; Unreliable autofocus in low light

A change in how review loans are authorised is the reason that there has been an interregnum since the last review from me. Hopefully now I can get back to telling you about the latest offerings from this iconic name in cameras and more.

A change in how review loans are authorised is the reason that there has been an interregnum since the last review from me. Hopefully now I can get back to telling you about the latest offerings from this iconic name in cameras and more.

Photographers pay a premium for compact cameras with 1-inch image sensors-Sony's most expensive pocket model, the RX100 IV , sells for close to $1,000. Canon is attempting to slash the price of entry with the $529.99 G9 X, but it's still a significant purchase, and its performance is likely to...

Sharp lens; 1-inch image sensor; Very compact; Lens control ring; Touch-sensitive LCD; Fun Creative Shot mode; Wi-Fi

Limited zoom range; Narrow telephoto aperture; Largely touch-based control system; Slow when shooting Raw; Video tops out at 1080p30

Photographers pay a premium for compact cameras with 1-inch image sensors—Sony's most expensive pocket model, the RX100 IV ($898.00 at Amazon) , sells for close to $1,000. Canon is attempting to slash the price of entry with the $529.99 G9 X, but it's still a significant purchase, and its performance is likely to disappoint serious photographers who prefer to shoot in Raw. If you're a JPG shooter or a casual shutterbug with deep pockets it's worth a look, but spending more on a camera like the Canon G7 X is a better use of your paycheck. Our Editors' Choice for premium compacts is still the RX100 III, but its price tag makes it a tough sell for budget-minded photographers. DesignThe G9 X ($499.00 at Amazon)  is surprisingly small given its 1-inch image sensor. It measures just 2.3 by 3.9 by 1.2 inches (HWD) and weighs 7.4 ounces. The Sony RX100 II, which shares the same 20-megapixel BSI sensor, is just a little larger and heavier (2.3 by 4 by 1.5 inches, 9.9 ounces). We received a...

The Canon PowerShot G9 X is the smallest camera you can get with a 1-inch image sensor, but it has a limited zoom range and is very slow when shooting in Raw format.

Sharp lens; 1-inch image sensor; Very compact; Lens control ring; Touch-sensitive LCD; Fun Creative Shot mode; Wi-Fi

Limited zoom range; Narrow telephoto aperture; Largely touch-based control system; Slow when shooting Raw; Video tops out at 1080p30

What makes a great small camera? For some, it must have comfortable controls. For others, it must actually fit comfortably in a pants pocket. We're so picky! Canon's two new high-end compacts have two different beautiful exteriors that almost make me forget their few shortcomings.

With an incredibly slim and small form factor, fast performance and ultra-responsive touch panel, the Canon PowerShot G9X is a brilliant imaging companion to have on the go. The 1-inch sensor gives you excellent image clarity and details, and although the small lens is a deterrent, you possibly have...

Incredibly light and compact; Fast shutter mechanism; Accurate autofocus; Intuitive touch panel; Very easy to use and set up; Easy to operate WiFi synchronisation

More focus on touchscreen takes time to get used to; Very limited zoom range; Slightly unreliable image stabilisation; Irregular power button

While it is not your everyday point-n-shoot camera, the ultra-compact Canon PowerShot G9 X features the same compact size and ease of use as any other Canon PowerShot model. What makes the G9 X really stand out is its excellent 3x optical zoom lens and larger, 1-inch CMOS image sensor that help to...

Scene Recognition and Program modes are accurate and produce pleasing images; Dedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to record; DIGIC 6 image processor helps produce 6.35fps burst capture; Captures pleasing exposures; with good color; Intelligent IS helps keep the camera steady in low-light...

Some noticeable noise in all images; which is surprising considering the larger image sensor; Lack of 4-way controller slows the changing of camera settings; Not able to choose a single creative shooting mode; Built-in flash charges very slowly; slowing the shooting process in low-light; Very...