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Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X Comparison

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Nikon AW120

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon AW120
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Canon G9 X

20 MP | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Canon G9 X
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Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Nikon AW120, which was introduced in February 2014 is a Waterproof camera with a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Canon G9 X, which was introduced in October 2015 is a Large Sensor Compact camera with a 20.0MP 1-inch sensor. There is 20 months difference between AW120 and G9 X so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger G9 X, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon AW120 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2014-02-07
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • 24-120 mm F2.8-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 7 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 240fps High-Speed Video
  • Built-in Wireless
  • Built-in GPS
  • 213g. 110 x 66 x 26 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Replaced Nikon Coolpix AW110 Compare

Canon G9 X Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2015-10-12
  • 20MP - 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 12800
  • 28-84 mm F2.0-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 6.0 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 209g. 98 x 58 x 31 mm

Nikon AW120 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix AW130. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix AW130 vs Nikon Coolpix AW120
Nikon Coolpix AW130 vs Canon PowerShot G9 X

Canon G9 X was replaced by Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II vs Canon PowerShot G9 X
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II vs Nikon Coolpix AW120

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix AW120 over Canon PowerShot G9 X
GPS
BuiltIn vs None track your location
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting
7.0fps vs 6.0fps 1 fps faster
Battery Life
350 shots vs 220 shots 130 more frames with a single charge
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 28mm 4 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
120mm vs 84mm 36 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
5x vs 3x more flexible focal coverage


Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G9 X over Nikon Coolpix AW120
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
RAW Support
Yes vs No Better image quality
Max Sensor Resolution
20 MP vs 16 MP 25% more pixels
Max ISO
12.800 vs 6.400 100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Resolution
1.040k dots vs 921k dots 12% higher resolution screen
Weight
209 g vs 213 g 4 g lighter
Manual Exposure
Yes vs No better exposure control
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs No creative shooting
Max Aperture - Wide
2.00 vs 2.80 faster lens at wide
Flash Coverage
6.0m vs 5.2m 0.8m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
5.82µm2 vs 1.76µm2 230% larger pixel area
NFC Connection
Yes vs No Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix AW120 and Canon PowerShot G9 X
Wireless Connection
Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution
921k dots vs 1.040k dots High resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
7.0fps vs 6.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs Yes Remote control your camera with a smartphone
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix AW120 and Canon PowerShot G9 X
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
AE Bracketing
No vs No Not good for multi-exposure HDR
Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X: 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 Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon AW120 has external dimensions of 110 x 66 x 26 mm (4.33 x 2.6 x 1.02″) and weighs 213 g (0.47 lb / 7.51 oz) (including batteries). Canon G9 X has external dimensions of 98 x 58 x 31 mm (3.86 x 2.28 x 1.21″) and weighs 209 g (0.46 lb / 7.37 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X. Canon G9 X is 12mm narrower and 8mm shorter than Nikon AW120 but it is also 5mm thicker.

Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X.

Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X.
Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Canon G9 X is 4g lighter than the Nikon AW120 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

AW120
G9 X
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

AW120
G9 X
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X'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.
Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X: Sensor Comparison

Nikon AW120 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Canon G9 X has a 20.0MP 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 6 processor.

Below you can see the AW120 and G9 X sensor size comparison.

Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X Cameras


As seen above, Canon G9 X has a 4.1x Larger sensor area than Nikon AW120. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon AW120 features a 24-120 mm F2.8-4.9 5x zoom lens whereas Canon G9 X features a 28-84 mm F2.0-4.9 3x zoom lens.

Nikon AW120 has 4mm wider coverage than the Canon G9 X. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.00, Canon G9 X is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon AW120 has 36mm longer reach than the Canon G9 X. Both cameras has a max aperture of f4.90 at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

AW120
G9 X
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

AW120
G9 X
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

AW120
G9 X
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

AW120
G9 X
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X 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.

Nikon AW120 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Canon G9 X for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon AW120 for Street Photography

GOOD

Canon G9 X for Street Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Nikon AW120 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon G9 X for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Wireless Connection
120 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Unknown Focus Points
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Wireless Connection
Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
84 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Nikon AW120 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Canon G9 X for Daily Photography

GOOD
Compact Body
Environmental Sealings
213g
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
209g
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
3.0X Optical Zoom
Read the details

Nikon AW120 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon G9 X for Landscape Photography

POOR
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Built-in GPS
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon AW120 vs Canon G9 X: 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 Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X, 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 Nikon AW120 and Canon G9 X scores compare:

Nikon AW120
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #60 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #492 out of 1225 in all Cameras
Canon G9 X
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #5 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #269 out of 1225 in all Cameras

Canon G9 X is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon AW120 in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Nikon AW120
Nikon AW120
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Canon G9 X
Canon G9 X
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Canon G9 X vs Nikon AW120 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix AW120 Canon PowerShot G9 X
Brand Nikon Canon
Announced 2014-02-07 2015-10-12
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Size 1/2.3-inch 1-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
Area 28.07mm2 116.16mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 20 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 5472 x 3648
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 125 ISO 125 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 n/a n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 24-120 mm (5x) 28-84 mm (3x)
Max Aperture F2.8-4.9 F2.0-4.9
Macro Focus Range 1cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 3"
Resolution 921k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 5.20 m 6.00 m (at Auto ISO)
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps 6.0 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 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 213g 209g
Dimensions 110 x 66 x 26mm 98 x 58 x 31mm
Battery Life 350 shots 220 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS Built-in None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 63
DxO Color Depth not tested 21.5
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 12.3
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 495
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