Canon G16 vs Canon G15 Comparison

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Canon G16

12 MP | 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Canon G15

12 MP | 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) CMOS Sensor

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Canon G16 vs Canon G15 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing G16 and G15, two Small Sensor Compact cameras by Canon. Both Canon G16 and Canon G15 cameras have 12.0MP 1/1.7-inch sensors. Canon G16 was introduced to market in November 2013 and Canon G15 was launched in September 2012. There is 14 months difference between G16 and G15 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger G16, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Canon G16 and Canon G15 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Canon G16 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2013-11-25

12MP - 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 80 - 12800

28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (tunnel) viewfinder

12 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

240fps High-Speed Video

Built-in Wireless

356g. 109 x 76 x 40 mm

Replaced Canon PowerShot G15 Compare

Canon G15 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2012-09-17

12MP - 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor

ISO 80 - 12800

28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (tunnel) viewfinder

2 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

240fps High-Speed Video

352g. 107 x 76 x 40 mm

Replaced Canon PowerShot G12 Compare

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Canon G16 and Canon G15 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G16 over Canon PowerShot G15

Wireless Connection	Built-In vs Eye-Fi Connected	Better connectivity
Continuous Shooting	12.0fps vs 2.0fps	10 fps faster
Battery Life	360 shots vs 350 shots	10 more frames with a single charge
Timelapse Recording	Yes vs No	creative shooting
Color Depth	21.0 vs 19.9	higher color depth
Dynamic Range	11.7 vs 11.5	higher dynamic range
Low Light ISO	230 vs 165	better High ISO performance
Smartphone Remote	Yes vs No	Remote control your camera with a smartphone

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G15 over Canon PowerShot G16

Weight	352 g vs 356 g	4 g lighter
Built-in ND Filter	Yes vs No	Use larger aperture under strong light

Common Strengths of Canon PowerShot G16 and Canon PowerShot G15

Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
External Flash Shoe	Yes vs Yes	Better for flash photography
Viewfinder	Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Optical)	Better framing and control
RAW Support	Yes vs Yes	Better image quality
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution	922k dots vs 922k dots	High resolution screens
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure	Yes vs Yes	better exposure control
Max Aperture - Wide	1.80 vs 1.80	Fast lenses at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	2.80 vs 2.80	Fast lenses at tele
AE Bracketing	Yes vs Yes	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR

Common Weaknesses of Canon PowerShot G16 and Canon PowerShot G15

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
Optical Viewfinder Type	Tunnel type vs Tunnel type	View is not through the lens

Canon G16 vs Canon G15: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Canon G16 and Canon G15 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon G16 has external dimensions of 109 x 76 x 40 mm (4.29 x 2.99 x 1.57″) and weighs 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz) (including batteries). Canon G15 has external dimensions of 107 x 76 x 40 mm (4.21 x 2.99 x 1.57″) and weighs 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Canon G16 and Canon G15.

Comparison image of Canon G16 and Canon G15 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Canon G16 and Canon G15.

Comparison image of Canon G16 and Canon G15 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon G16 and Canon G15.

Top View Comparison image of Canon G16 and Canon G15 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Canon G15 is 4g lighter than the Canon G16 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

G16

G15

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

G16

G15

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Canon PowerShot G16 nor Canon PowerShot G15 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Canon G16 and Canon G15's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Canon G16 vs Canon G15: Sensor Comparison

Both Canon G16 and Canon G15 have 1/1.7-inch sized 12.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the G16 and G15 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon G16 and Canon G15 Cameras

Canon G16 and Canon G15 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

DxOMark Sensor Scores

Both Canon G16 and Canon G15 sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, G16 has scored 54, 8 points higher than G15.

Model	Overall	Color Depth	Dynamic Range	Low-light ISO
Canon G16	54	21.0 bits	11.7 Evs	230 ISO
Canon G15	46	19.9 bits	11.5 Evs	165 ISO

Canon G16 vs Canon G15 Lens Specs Comparison

Canon G16 and Canon G15 features 28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 5× zoom lenses so they have the same focal range and light collecting ability.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 28mm and have the same max aperture of f1.80 at this focal length. Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 140mm and have the same max aperture of f2.80 at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

G16

G15

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

G16

G15

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

G16

G15

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

G16

G15

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Canon G16 and Canon G15 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Canon G16 and Canon G15 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Canon G16 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G15 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Canon G16 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Canon G15 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Read the details

Canon G16 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon G15 for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Wireless Connection
Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80
140 mm Tele Lens
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80
140 mm Tele Lens
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Read the details

Canon G16 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Canon G15 for Daily Photography

GOOD

RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
356g
Body Thickness 40mm
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
352g
Body Thickness 40mm
Read the details

Canon G16 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon G15 for Landscape Photography

POOR

RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Canon G16 vs Canon G15: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Canon G16 and Canon G15, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Canon G16 and Canon G15 scores compare:

Canon G16

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #7 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #274 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Canon G15

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #23 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #384 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Canon G16 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Canon G15 in all criteria except one: Portability. But the size difference between these cameras are negligible in real world so it is not a big disadvantage for Canon G16.

Canon G15 vs Canon G16 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Canon PowerShot G16	Canon PowerShot G15
Brand	Canon	Canon
Announced	2013-11-25	2012-09-17
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	BSI-CMOS	CMOS
Size	1/1.7-inch	1/1.7-inch
Dimensions	7.44 x 5.58 mm	7.44 x 5.58 mm
Area	41.52mm²	41.52mm²
Megapixels	12 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	4000 x 3000	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	12,800 ISO	12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	9	9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	28-140 mm (5×)	28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F1.8-2.8	F1.8-2.8
Macro Focus Range	1cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	922k dots	922k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Optical (tunnel)	Optical (tunnel)
Viewfinder Coverage	80%	n/a
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/4000s	1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	7.00 m	7.00 m
Max Flash Sync	1/2000s	1/2000s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	12.0 fps	2.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	356g	352g
Dimensions	109 x 76 x 40mm	107 x 76 x 40mm
Battery Life	360 shots	350 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Optional	None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	54	46
DxO Color Depth	21.0	19.9
DxO Dynamic Range	11.7	11.5
DxO Low Light ISO	230	165
	Report a correction	Report a correction