G16 vs S120

Peter in Canberra wrote:

posting this quickly, if time allows I'll post some comparison images

I have both these cameras acquired used.
Both have 1/1.7in sensors.
Haven't used either of them that much but playing around with comparisons seems that the G16 may produce sharper images? If what I am seeing is real, would this be down to the bigger lens?
I like both cameras. I wish the G16 had the front control ring around the lens like the S120 (and a bunch of other Canon compacts).
Anyone else done such a comparison?
cheers Peter

(I was revisiting them also following contemplating a 1in sensor camera like the G9 X or G7 X)

At the longer end, you will definitely be getting less diffraction from the G series cameras compared to the S series (assuming you are using the G at close to maximum aperture). On a 1/1.7" sensor, you get significant diffraction from around f/3.5 and smaller. The S-series cameras tend to reach this around 60mm equivalent. So you would expect the G series to be a tad sharper at the longer end of the zoom.

Beyond that, from what I've seen, they tend to be pretty closely matched in sharpness. I suspect the Gs have slightly better corners generally and are a bit more contrasty. But yes, any differences are likely due to optics, and it would make sense that the S series are slightly more compromised due to the tiny size. Still very good for pocket cameras though.