Head-to-Head: Canon PowerShot G15 vs Nikon Coolpix P7700

Personally, although I own one, I am a little disappointed with the colour of the RX100. My latest acquisition is an Olympus EM 5 which not only smokes the colour of the Sony to my taste, but completely outperforms my Lumixes. And for overall IQ I like the G1X more than either as long as I am not shooting action or macros. Every camera brings different compromises. There's a place for the G15 too, particularly in its price range. I really do get tired of these "my camera is the best" competitions.

By size and price, the Sony RX100 is both more expensive and smaller than either the G15 and P7700. The RX100 really has no direct competition at this point. These two cameras from Nikon and Canon have long been rivals, so they're an obvious match.

The G15 has a faster effective aperture at telephoto, a viewfinder, a hotshoe, external control dials, and the ability to work within a Canon system by using flashes and the same kind of RAW output. A review comparing the RX100 to the G15 would likely show better image quality, but at the expense of usability.

You can certainly choose the RX100 as one of your options in the comparison widget, so it is not like there is some conspiracy to keep the truth hidden.

I find the RX100's price expensive...which they deserve because there is no competition. There is no competition for the RX100 because the manufacturers have been complacent with the traditions of the serious compact market and no one doesn't want to drastically outdo the other so that innovation comes in small increments.

At this price point, an extra $250 is a lot of money. I already own expensive large sensor cameras. I don't need another fairly expensive camera to take along when I want something smaller. The P7700 is a far more capable all-around camera than the RX100 too. The tradeoff in image quality is easy to accept given both the price and feature difference.

They also have slower lenses unless you pay a LOT more money. An f2.8 micro four thirds zoom lens alone is almost double the price for which I can pick up the G15.

When you find an ILC bundled with a 28-200mm F2-F4 lens for $400, let me know.

actually I think that micro 4/3 and mirrorless are overpriced as the hot new thing! You can buy a better performing DSLR for less, with far larger mechanical complexity. I will get a mirrorless at some point, when the price is right.

Personally I am done with Fuji after the X10 debacle.

Barney, you owe me a keyboard.

@Camerosity, apart from the trivia about the heritage... who could conceivably care about heritage? What matters is the performance of both. And it is really bad for both!

I actually think the heritage of most point and shoots, even the more expensive ones, are the contractors who develop certain sub-assemblies: zoom gears; focusing modules; the battery/card chambers and doors; the joystick dials; etc.

camerosity, according to this article, Jeff Keller has seen and extensively reviewed the Coolpix 990, way back in 2001:
http://www.dcresource.com/specials/C3030Z_vs_CP990/

I own several DSLR's but I always keep one of these handy, in the car, in my briefcase, my backpack... they are really handy. I'm getting the Fuji X20, however, which has no shutter lag, good viewfinder and about the same zoom. The shutter lag on these ones is pitiful

The trouble with mirrorless compacts is that they have one common problem - the bigger sensors take away the fun of what the Powershot G (not the G1X) series - 1cm macro. Bigger sensor may translate to better image quality but at the expense of a very useful 1cm macro capability especially for food photography. The G15 has a CMOS sensor that my G11 doesn't but it lacks a flip out LCD which is critical. I'm hoping there's a G16 with better low light sensor and a flip-out LCD.

it's an entertaining read but not at useful to me. i also don't see the point of these cameras nowadays. first, if i wanted nice handling cameras for larger hands, i'd just go with cheap previous generation DSLRs for ~$400 with kit lens.
small and pocketable, the LX7 or XZ-2 with ND filters.
in the middle in terms of handling and image quality are mirrorless, such as the E-PM2 and NEX 3n for approximately the same prices, again.

times has changed and Canikon has to innovate. at least start with a one inch sized sensor since the RX100 is pretty much enjoying and comfortable up there.

The G10 was the highest resolving compact in the world and superb at low ISO

Just goes to show there is no accounting for personal taste. I think the P7700 is one of the ugliest cameras I have ever seen. G15 looks better, but still not great. They are both more function over form, that is for sure.