G9X vs. G9X ii for an elderly person?

ecm · Dec 14, 2017

Quick question to all you G9X and G9X ii users out there - would this camera be OK for an elderly person? Unfortunately I live remotely and don't have the opportunity to see the camera for myself.

The person in question is somewhat digital-camera savvy, and is coming from one of Canon's small A-series cameras; she didn't like that she had to plug the A-series in to charge it, and she didn't like the tiny controls or tiny viewscreen. She also didn't like the 10X zoom, she's used to fixed-lens or minimal zoom cameras, and I think would be perfectly happy with the 28-84mm range of the g9x series.

She's definitely a point-n-shoot type, just wants pictures, doesn't care at all about video. She does care about how the camera looks, I think she'd love the pseudo-retro look of the silver and leatherette model.

I'm looking at the G9X because it's bigger, but still pocket-able; it has the touch screen controls that I think would be easier for her to see - she'd use them minimally, but still would want the option. The zoom range is good for her, and I think it'd be a step up in usability, especially the G9X ii with improved startup and shot-to-shot.

So, am I overlooking something? Is the G9X ii "faster/better enough" that it's worth the extra $60? Is there a better camera (in this price range) that'd be a better choice? Please let me know your opinion!

Greg OH · Dec 14, 2017

The g9X (I or II) are the smallest 1" sensor compacts made. You might want to consider something larger like the G1X (any version). Or, the SX60 HS. Yes, it has a huge zoom range, but also a large grip. Or, an SL2. She doesn't need to change lenses.

mcshan · Dec 14, 2017

I have a new G9X Mark II. I'm older and have shown it to some casual shooter friends who happen to be over 70. I must stress these are regular folks and NOT camera buffs. They all had trouble with the touchscreen, both seeing it and working with it. The camera has features they would never use. For my friends my older Canon G15 is a dream come true. Okay it has a smaller sensor but the photos are really nice. Hand it to them and they have it all figured out soon enough. I have never had trouble handing my old G1X to anybody no matter how old or inexperienced they are.

Simply put: great camera but not always user friendly for older folks.

Good luck in camera choices. There are plenty out there.

Greg OH · Dec 14, 2017

How about an SL1 or SL2 with the 18-55? Large enough to hold. Large controls. Moderate zoom range. Little to no need to use the touch screen. Superior IQ to everything else mentioned so far. Moderate cost. A viewfinder like the cameras of old.

Yes, its interchangeable lens, with many, many options. But, you don't need to use those features. Green mode.

hemingray · Dec 14, 2017

ecm said:
<snip>

ecm said:
She's definitely a point-n-shoot type, just wants pictures, doesn't care at all about video. She does care about how the camera looks, I think she'd love the pseudo-retro look of the silver and leatherette model.

ecm said:
<snip<

So, the key element above says "yes", probably to either. I have the Mark II and love it for it's pocketability. It does great, I'm really happy with it in all regards.

Given the above, the intelligent auto mode is going to be perfect almost all of the time (though I am a program mode lover, I have learned to just like the auto mode for my purpose here - always with me, available for quick shots).

As I get older, I increasingly don't like to have to fuss with things. Once you get the hang of the menu structure with the touchscreen, it's not bad. If you want "small", this is a great choice.

(I don't have experience with the original G9X, but DPReview notes that a number of things corrected make the Mark II a better camera. See the review just posted today (Dec. 14)

damian5000 · Dec 14, 2017

mcshan said:
I have a new G9X Mark II. I'm older and have shown it to some casual shooter friends who happen to be over 70. I must stress these are regular folks and NOT camera buffs. They all had trouble with the touchscreen, both seeing it and working with it. The camera has features they would never use. For my friends my older Canon G15 is a dream come true. Okay it has a smaller sensor but the photos are really nice. Hand it to them and they have it all figured out soon enough. I have never had trouble handing my old G1X to anybody no matter how old or inexperienced they are.

Simply put: great camera but not always user friendly for older folks.

Good luck in camera choices. There are plenty out there.

But certainly the g15 has features they'd never use as well. All of the dials and buttons likely just as, if not more confusing than touch.

Set the g9x to auto and forget it. Swipe left and right to review images, L shape to delete... I think easy as it gets.

If eager to learn more, the features are there.

G9X an excellent choice IMO.

In regards to M1 vs M2, I still have the G7XM1 and performance wise it's fine for me. I don't need fast RAW burst or rapid shot to shot, I think your friend is unlikely to require or appreciate that added performance as well.

mcshan · Dec 14, 2017

Hi, Thanks for the friendly post. We don't agree but I love a friendly discussion. Maybe I know the wrong old people! Thanks again.

Lightgreen · Dec 14, 2017

ecm said:
Quick question to all you G9X and G9X ii users out there - would this camera be OK for an elderly person? Unfortunately I live remotely and don't have the opportunity to see the camera for myself.

The person in question is somewhat digital-camera savvy, and is coming from one of Canon's small A-series cameras; she didn't like that she had to plug the A-series in to charge it, and she didn't like the tiny controls or tiny viewscreen. She also didn't like the 10X zoom, she's used to fixed-lens or minimal zoom cameras, and I think would be perfectly happy with the 28-84mm range of the g9x series.

Compared to an A series, the G9X / II is as close as you're going to get in size but give more punch.

ecm said:
She's definitely a point-n-shoot type, just wants pictures, doesn't care at all about video. She does care about how the camera looks, I think she'd love the pseudo-retro look of the silver and leatherette model.

It's cool, agreed.

ecm said:
I'm looking at the G9X because it's bigger, but still pocket-able; it has the touch screen controls that I think would be easier for her to see - she'd use them minimally, but still would want the option. The zoom range is good for her, and I think it'd be a step up in usability, especially the G9X ii with improved startup and shot-to-shot.

G9X II is quite a bit faster then the G9X (original) both in startup and shot-to-shot, and, autofocus.

ecm said:
So, am I overlooking something? Is the G9X ii "faster/better enough" that it's worth the extra $60? Is there a better camera (in this price range) that'd be a better choice? Please let me know your opinion!

Absolutely, $60 for the speed, no brainer. Faster startup, faster autofocus, faster shot-to-shot and slightly better IS (I believe it's a 1/2 stop improvement)

Have you considered the refurbished Canon direct? They're often new, overstock, that have been returned from a retailer IE new, that is they're RTV (return to vendor), not bought and returned. Many folks will vouch that most things Canon refurb are either new white/brown box, or like new with low shutter counts on the higher end gear.

ecm said:
--
Quot homines tot sententiae - "As many opinions as people".

DPR just did a review on the G7X II as well, if you want a bit more oomph, but a bit bigger, it's a good option, also refurbished Canon direct on a decent sale at the moment.

The G9X II is going to be the closest thing in form factor though to an A series, see the size comparison below, which if you hover over each camera, also gives you the physical dimensions and weight.

http://j.mp/2jVgZ7k

Island Golfer · Dec 14, 2017

The quality of the images from either will suffice for her. However, if she is anything like my 95 year old mother, don't even consider a touch screen device. If I give my mother anything that has a button to push, she'll push it (repeatedly, when it doesn't respond the way she believed it should). The result will be her telling you that it doesn't work. Get something simple, and as totally automatic as possible; and make your life easier. --
truview

damian5000 · Dec 14, 2017

mcshan said:
Hi, Thanks for the friendly post. We don't agree but I love a friendly discussion. Maybe I know the wrong old people! Thanks again.

I think perhaps they just didn't get a proper chance or instruction. Or perhaps you were going into beyond the basics of review and delete?

Give me 2 minutes with any person, elderly or not, who's still got their wits, and we'll have those 3 basic moves down.

Lightgreen · Dec 14, 2017

mcshan said:
I have a new G9X Mark II. I'm older and have shown it to some casual shooter friends who happen to be over 70. I must stress these are regular folks and NOT camera buffs. They all had trouble with the touchscreen, both seeing it and working with it. The camera has features they would never use. For my friends my older Canon G15 is a dream come true. Okay it has a smaller sensor but the photos are really nice. Hand it to them and they have it all figured out soon enough. I have never had trouble handing my old G1X to anybody no matter how old or inexperienced they are.

Simply put: great camera but not always user friendly for older folks.

Good luck in camera choices. There are plenty out there.

You know, I might agree. I've seen the G1X, the original, once in the wild (in public), a wonder to see. I had to trouble the (elderly) gentleman who had it to see and touch.

Something to be said about a traditional OVF, and very simplistic approach to things. It's got superior IQ to a G15 or G16 too.

If the OP wasn't indicating the person was already coming from an A series IE already tiny, I'd suggest the same, a good condition G1X original, is an excellent choice for the greatest generation folks. The AF is a bit slow though as I understand it has the same performance as my former EOS M. So not recommended if you're shooting anything moving, but otherwise, fantastic choice.

The pros to a G15/G16/G1X (original) are simplicity and OVF, and the G1X in particular, is going to clean the G9X II's clock indoors with it's 1.5" sensor and fast-er lens.

The cons to them are weight, size, and slow AF.

Not a bad recommendation for older folks. Depends on the person really.

I feel the G9X II is the safer choice given the OP can't see either in person, even though the G1X original is wayyyy cooler. I dunno though, the OP did say she didn't like the tiny button and touchscreen. The G1X / G16 are good options as they have an OVF, and big buttons, they just don't go in a pocket like the A series does. The G1X and G16 should have better AF then any of the A series, but, not nearly as instant as the G9X II though, so I dunno, maybe?

This is useful for comparing the size, weight, and bulk of say the what the OP's colleague has now, and the contenders...

http://j.mp/2kuYYwl

mcshan · Dec 14, 2017

Hi, No way. I tried but they just couldn't get it. One was a long (!) retired ophthalmologist and he was the worst. Sadly age takes many things away. Old is old.

mcshan · Dec 14, 2017

Thank you Lightgreen for getting it. I enjoyed your post and agree. My friends are old (OLD) and don't text or do anything close to it. They all hate iPhones and most things modern. Eyesight and dexterity are not what they used to be. As I noted the G9X II is a great camera but there are much better choices for senior/seasoned citizens.

I appreciated the sizes chart! Thanks again.

PS Enjoy that G1X III !

damian5000 · Dec 14, 2017

mcshan said:
Hi, No way. I tried but they just couldn't get it. One was a long (!) retired ophthalmologist and he was the worst. Sadly age takes many things away. Old is old.

My elderly uncle, who has Down's Syndrome can do this. I guarantee you, if they still have their wits, it would be no problem for me to teach them within minutes.

Henry Richardson · Dec 15, 2017

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-g9-x-mark-ii-review

KeepCalm · Dec 15, 2017

Henry Richardson said:
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-g9-x-mark-ii-review

--
Henry Richardson
http://www.bakubo.com

Is an elderly person going to be really desperate for ultimate lens sharpness to the exclusion of everything else which is essentially the basis of this review.

Best to view the DPR review as a technical review for technicians which will always miss the point of this camera.

And the realities of battery life in compacts perpetually flummoxes reviewers coming down from their usual DSLRs with battery grip so nearly every review seems baffled that you can only get 250 or so images per battery or thereabouts.

mcshan · Dec 15, 2017

God bless him always. Often their life expectancy is short. All good wishes.

David5833 · Dec 15, 2017

mcshan said:
I have a new G9X Mark II. I'm older and have shown it to some casual shooter friends who happen to be over 70. I must stress these are regular folks and NOT camera buffs. They all had trouble with the touchscreen, both seeing it and working with it. The camera has features they would never use....

Simply put: great camera but not always user friendly for older folks.

Good luck in camera choices. There are plenty out there.

I agree completely. I bought one for my wife to use last summer. She has no problem using her IPhone and her IPad, but needs help with the G9Xii. I have used it several times also. I hate the touchscreen. The icons are too small, the options on the screen are too close together, the locations of the many menus are confusing, and very little of its operation seems intuitive. I have no trouble operating a smartphone or advanced DSLRs like my current D810 and D7200.

The lack of a viewfinder is a PITA, especially in bright light (it helps if you can figure out how to get into the menus and crank up the screen brightness to the max), and it just isn't user friendly in many ways.

I disagree with the recent DPR review's conclusion about lens performance...the IQ we have been getting with this camera is excellent and it works fine in AUTO as a simple point and shoot, but I can certainly see how some people would find it challenging regardless of age.

agingpunk · Dec 15, 2017

David5833 said:
The lack of a viewfinder is a PITA, especially in bright light (it helps if you can figure out how to get into the menus and crank up the screen brightness to the max),

David5833 · Dec 15, 2017

agingpunk said:
agingpunk said:

The lack of a viewfinder is a PITA, especially in bright light (it helps if you can figure out how to get into the menus and crank up the screen brightness to the max),

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