APS-C Companion: S-series or G7X?

After owning a series of P&S cameras of which the S90 was the latest, I recently picked up an a6000 for something more flexible and capable of challenging shots. Although this'll be my primary camera I'd like to keep a secondary camera that is more pocketable. Overall I was quite happy with my S90, although the G7X seems significantly better in almost every way other than size and weight. As a primary cam I don't think there's any question, G7X all the way. But as a secondary cam, should I keep the S90 until it dies or replace with a G7X? How much pocketability do I lose with the extra 10mm of depth?

The G7x will be very uncomfortable in pants or shirt pocket. In jacket poket it can feel slightly "unbalanced". It work great in a small purse with the wallet.

I have S120 (similar to S90) and G7 X - I`d say it`s pretty much the compromise between size and quality, period.

G7 X has better (up to much better) image quality, especially as amount of light starts decreasing (or you start zooming in), faster lens and bigger (Sony) sensor provide more options for shooting in a wider range of different (not optimal) conditions, better depth of field control helping here as well.

S120 is smaller/lighter, and that`s it - but that can be a huge deal, as well, depending on your personal preference, and even more as you already have a big/primary camera.

I use G7 X almost exclusively - but I`m not taking it out with me as much as I used to take S120 - the latter one used being with me almost all the time, where I now usually "plan" when I`m going to bring G7 X.

So, if you don`t mind the (quite noticeable) size/weight increase that G7 X brings to the table, you`ll definitely enjoy its versatility/quality. Otherwise, S-line (or maybe G9 X) is the only reasonable choice - you`ll (more or less) lack in quality and shooting options, but at least you`ll have a camera with you when needed, without being constantly aware of its presence.

I was in a similar situation. Had an old DSLR that I never carried with me, then got S90 that I took with me everywhere. Then I got Sony A5100 (later upgraded to A6000) and decided to give S90 to a family member because I knew I'd never use it again; A5100 with the kit lens IQ was MUCH better than S90, so I knew I'd make every effort to take A5100 with me, not S90. Your situation is a bit different because you have A6000 which is much bulkier even with a kit lens, though. Then I got G9X, which is the size of S90 and takes much better pictures, and now it's a perfect take-with-me-everywhere camera. And this allowed me to upgrade from A5100 to A6000 (I no longer had to keep A5100 just for its small size).

So, in short:

• I am not sure if you'll remain happy with S90 after you get used to the quality of A6000 (especially with prime lenses!!)
• You might want to consider G9X as a replacement. It has the same sensor/processor as G7X, but the lens is compromised to keep the size small. It's f/2 zoomed in, but very quickly closes down as you zoom up. Also, upon close inspection, G9X images do not seem as sharp as G7X images, when I checked samples images from sites like DPR and Image Resource, but this is NOT based on my own experience because I do not own G7X. If you find yourself taking lots of pictures zoomed up, in low light condition, or portrait style, then I recommand G7X.

As for me, I am very happy with the combination of A6000 and G9X, but still think of G7X and Sony RX100 III every now and then because of their ability to take better pictures in low light when zoomed up, and also I love portraits. But then, I know I would not carry G7X or RX100 III with me everywhere like I do with G9X because they are much thicker and heavier.

In case you are interested, I found a few posts I made in the past, regarding A6000 and G9X:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56844229

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56846227

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56851335

somaguy wrote:

After owning a series of P&S cameras of which the S90 was the latest, I recently picked up an a6000 for something more flexible and capable of challenging shots. Although this'll be my primary camera I'd like to keep a secondary camera that is more pocketable. Overall I was quite happy with my S90, although the G7X seems significantly better in almost every way other than size and weight. As a primary cam I don't think there's any question, G7X all the way. But as a secondary cam, should I keep the S90 until it dies or replace with a G7X? How much pocketability do I lose with the extra 10mm of depth?

Hi,

A small sensor camera doesn't make any sense anymore. Smartphones are much better today so I recommend something like the G7X. If you worry about its size you can also look at the G9X.

depends on what clothes you wear. In jacket or cargo style shorts/pants it's no problem for g7x. Will be a bit of a lump, but so will s90/s120... Albeit a smaller lump.

I carry g7x in a belt loop pouch whenever I go out.

Difficult to suggest because not sure what your needs are as to recommending g7x/g9x/s120. S90 hard to recommend if you've the budget for something better. If you're just using the kit lens on a6000, I'd say get rid of that and go with g7x all the way.

May be this can be usefull for you : http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/canon-g9x/canon-g9x-field-test.htm

0lf wrote:

May be this can be usefull for you : http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/canon-g9x/canon-g9x-field-test.htm

Oh nice, they finally added the Field Test page. Thanks for sharing!

somaguy wrote:

After owning a series of P&S cameras of which the S90 was the latest, I recently picked up an a6000 for something more flexible and capable of challenging shots. Although this'll be my primary camera I'd like to keep a secondary camera that is more pocketable. Overall I was quite happy with my S90, although the G7X seems significantly better in almost every way other than size and weight. As a primary cam I don't think there's any question, G7X all the way. But as a secondary cam, should I keep the S90 until it dies or replace with a G7X? How much pocketability do I lose with the extra 10mm of depth?

I had S95 and now have s100. It is a great camera that I have with me literally all the time: walking, biking, in the car, in the restaurant, anywhere. It has all controls anyone needs and is super compact.

I never take G7x anywhere. I bought it for one and only one purpose: underwater photography (very low light conditions). Most of the time (if not all) G7x stays home unless I am on vacation scuba diving: it is too big and heavy for being every day use.

You already have big(er) camera a6000, so why do you need another big one?

nafik wrote:

somaguy wrote:

After owning a series of P&S cameras of which the S90 was the latest, I recently picked up an a6000 for something more flexible and capable of challenging shots. Although this'll be my primary camera I'd like to keep a secondary camera that is more pocketable. Overall I was quite happy with my S90, although the G7X seems significantly better in almost every way other than size and weight. As a primary cam I don't think there's any question, G7X all the way. But as a secondary cam, should I keep the S90 until it dies or replace with a G7X? How much pocketability do I lose with the extra 10mm of depth?

I had S95 and now have s100. It is a great camera that I have with me literally all the time: walking, biking, in the car, in the restaurant, anywhere. It has all controls anyone needs and is super compact.

I never take G7x anywhere. I bought it for one and only one purpose: underwater photography (very low light conditions). Most of the time (if not all) G7x stays home unless I am on vacation scuba diving: it is too big and heavy for being every day use.

You already have big(er) camera a6000, so why do you need another big one?

Similar story (recently went from an S90 to the G7x) but slightly different perspective: Yes, the G7x is bigger and heavier but if you are willing to carry it in a case on your belt or in cargo pants or jacket pockets, putting up with the bulge, your payback will be image quality especially in low light that the S series (as much as I loved my S90) can't match. I often take mine out of its hard case and put in a small zip-lock bag which protects it from scratches and weather and then slip it into a large pants or even bike jersey pocket and have it with me almost everywhere.

Good luck with your decision!

somaguy wrote:

After owning a series of P&S cameras of which the S90 was the latest, I recently picked up an a6000 for something more flexible and capable of challenging shots. Although this'll be my primary camera I'd like to keep a secondary camera that is more pocketable. Overall I was quite happy with my S90, although the G7X seems significantly better in almost every way other than size and weight. As a primary cam I don't think there's any question, G7X all the way. But as a secondary cam, should I keep the S90 until it dies or replace with a G7X? How much pocketability do I lose with the extra 10mm of depth?

I had S95 and now have s100. It is a great camera that I have with me literally all the time: walking, biking, in the car, in the restaurant, anywhere. It has all controls anyone needs and is super compact.

I never take G7x anywhere. I bought it for one and only one purpose: underwater photography (very low light conditions). Most of the time (if not all) G7x stays home unless I am on vacation scuba diving: it is too big and heavy for being every day use.

You already have big(er) camera a6000, so why do you need another big one?

Are you sure you're not getting G7X confused with something else? The G7X is not a big camera in any sense.

I'd say the G7X is still pocket-able but not as comfortably. I actually do pocket it in my jeans but you won't be able to crouch.

Against the S90 you'd gain low light IQ and a wider 24mm lens @3:2 native AR. Usage may be better with tilt screen & touch screen, more control rings and probably slightly faster AF.

The G7X with its 1" sensor also has noticeable bokeh ability though limited to small objects like head shots, macros, etc.

Phone pairing via NFC or WiFi (the G7X can act as an access point) is also neat for posting photos at the moment.

damian5000 wrote:

somaguy wrote:

After owning a series of P&S cameras of which the S90 was the latest, I recently picked up an a6000 for something more flexible and capable of challenging shots. Although this'll be my primary camera I'd like to keep a secondary camera that is more pocketable. Overall I was quite happy with my S90, although the G7X seems significantly better in almost every way other than size and weight. As a primary cam I don't think there's any question, G7X all the way. But as a secondary cam, should I keep the S90 until it dies or replace with a G7X? How much pocketability do I lose with the extra 10mm of depth?

I had S95 and now have s100. It is a great camera that I have with me literally all the time: walking, biking, in the car, in the restaurant, anywhere. It has all controls anyone needs and is super compact.

I never take G7x anywhere. I bought it for one and only one purpose: underwater photography (very low light conditions). Most of the time (if not all) G7x stays home unless I am on vacation scuba diving: it is too big and heavy for being every day use.

You already have big(er) camera a6000, so why do you need another big one?

Are you sure you're not getting G7X confused with something else? The G7X is not a big camera in any sense.

I do not have all that many cameras to be confused. And I own them long enough to finally remember what they are.

G7x is not big at all, but big enough for me in comparison with my S100 (S90 before)that fits in my shirt pocket with room to spare (not that I carry it there). G7x is 110g heavier, and overall bigger.

Is it better? Yes to some extend. Do I get better pictures? Probably not, but underwater where light is low a bigger censor and faster lens make a difference (sometimes).

Was it worth spending $700 for a camera and $400 for housing? Of course not. But I wanted to have a spare setup in case S100 dies, and decided to splurge.

This was shot with S90:

Shot with Canon S90

This with G7x:

CanonG7x

None of them great, but both cameras got the shot.

Keep the S90 until it dies. You might convince yourself that it's just a little bigger, but that'll make the difference between carrying it and not.

Then, get a G9X or whatever is equivalent at that time.

I had an S90 and I still miss it, even after having several other camera that were ALMOST as small, hence the purchase of the G9X.

my s90 is still a keeper - ref: my reply to "The s90 keeps pumping out"

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57300256

same dilemma as you - waiting to read more reviews of the G7X MII but also tempted with the G5x even though bigger

funny you mentioned flexibility of the A6000 ( i pulled the trigger on the NEX6 w/ 16-50kit lens) and I find the s90 still being the more versatile camera - pocketable, better macro, faster lens, better color rendition and tonality

I'm very disappointed with NEX6 - poor AF( that i'm sure they addressed in your version), terrible LCD screen display, horrible menu interface, better ISO performance negated by rapid ISO ramping)

I suspect the mirror slap of the NEX also contributes to poor misses due less than sharp images ( i know most might attribute it to the kit zoom)

End of the day I shoot what I want with the my s90 and I nail my shot much easier.