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Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X MII Comparison

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Nikon P500

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Nikon P500
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Canon G1 X II

13 MP | 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) CMOS Sensor

Canon G1 X II
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Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X II Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Nikon P500, which was introduced in February 2011 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Canon G1 X II, which was introduced in February 2014 is a Large Sensor Compact camera with a 13.0MP 1.5-inch sensor. As you can see, P500 is 3 years older than G1 X MII. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon P500 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-02-09
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 160 - 3200
  • 23-810 mm F3.4-5.7 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • 1 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 240fps High-Speed Video
  • 494g. 116 x 84 x 103 mm

Canon G1 X II Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2014-02-12
  • 13MP - 1.5-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • 24-120 mm F2.0-3.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 553g. 116 x 74 x 66 mm
  • Replaced Canon PowerShot G1 X Compare

Nikon P500 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix P510. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix P510 vs Nikon Coolpix P500
Nikon Coolpix P510 vs Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

Canon G1 X II was replaced by Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III vs Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III vs Nikon Coolpix P500

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix P500 over Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
Viewfinder
Electronic vs Electronic (Optional) Better framing and control
Weight
494 g vs 553 g 59 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide
23mm vs 24mm 1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
810mm vs 120mm 690 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
36× vs 5x more flexible focal coverage
Flash Coverage
8.0m vs 6.8m 1.2m longer range


Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II over Nikon Coolpix P500
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs None Better connectivity
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs No Better for flash photography
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
RAW Support
Yes vs No Better image quality
Max Sensor Resolution
13 MP vs 12 MP 8% more pixels
Max ISO
12.800 vs 3.200 300% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points
31 vs 9 22 more focus points
LCD Screen Resolution
1.040k dots vs 921k dots 12% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/1500s faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting
5.0fps vs 1.0fps 4 fps faster
Battery Life
240 shots vs 220 shots 20 more frames with a single charge
Max Aperture - Wide
2.00 vs 3.40 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
3.90 vs 5.70 faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area
20.17µm2 vs 2.34µm2 761% larger pixel area
Built-in ND Filter
3.0-stops vs No Use larger aperture under strong light
NFC Connection
Yes vs No Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix P500 and Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Adjustable LCD Screen
Tilting vs Tilting Flexible shooting positions
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
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide
23mm vs 24mm Very good wide angle coverage
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix P500 and Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
AE Bracketing
No vs No Not good for multi-exposure HDR
Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X II: 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 P500 and Canon G1 X II side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon P500 has external dimensions of 116 x 84 x 10 mm (4.57 x 3.31 x 4.06″) and weighs 494 g (1.09 lb / 17.43 oz) (including batteries). Canon G1 X II has external dimensions of 116 x 74 x 66 mm (4.57 x 2.91 x 2.6″) and weighs 553 g (1.22 lb / 19.51 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II.

Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X II Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II.

Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X II Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II.
Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X II Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon P500 is 59g lighter than the Canon G1 X II but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

P500
G1 X MII
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

P500
G1 X MII
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix P500 nor Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II 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 Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Both cameras feature Tilting screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels.
Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X II: Sensor Comparison

Nikon P500 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor. On the other hand, Canon G1 X II has a 13.0MP 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 6 processor.

Below you can see the P500 and G1 X MII sensor size comparison.

Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X II Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II Cameras


As seen above, Canon G1 X II has a 9.3x Larger sensor area than Nikon P500. 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 P500 vs Canon G1 X II Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon P500 features a 23-810 mm F3.4-5.7 36× zoom lens whereas Canon G1 X II features a 24-120 mm F2.0-3.9 5x zoom lens.

Nikon P500 has 1mm wider coverage than the Canon G1 X II. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.00, Canon G1 X II is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon P500 has 690mm longer reach than the Canon G1 X II. However, with a max aperture of f3.90, Canon G1 X II is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

P500
G1 X MII
Widest - Samsung WB2200F
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

P500
G1 X MII
Longest - Nikon P1000
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

P500
G1 X MII
Fastest - Olympus 1
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

P500
G1 X MII
Fastest - Sony RX10 III
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon P500 and Canon G1 X II 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 P500 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G1 X II for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Read the details
Large 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 13.0MP
Optional External Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Street Photography

GOOD

Canon G1 X II for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Large 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Optional External Viewfinder
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G1 X II for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
810 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1500s
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.70
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
1 Cross Type Focus sensors
31 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Fast Lens at Tele: f3.90
Optional External Viewfinder
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
120 mm Tele Lens
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Poor Battery Life: 240 shots
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G1 X II for Daily Photography

GOOD
35.2X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
494g
Body Thickness 103mm
Read the details
Large 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
5.0X Optical Zoom
553g
Body Thickness 66mm
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon G1 X II for Landscape Photography

POOR
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Large 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) sensor
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 13.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon P500 vs Canon G1 X II: 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 P500 and Canon G1 X II, 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 P500 and Canon G1 X II scores compare:

Nikon P500
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #50 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #556 out of 1223 in all Cameras
Canon G1 X II
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #29 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #246 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Canon G1 X II is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon P500 in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Nikon P500
Nikon P500
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Canon G1 X II
Canon G1 X II
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Canon G1 X II vs Nikon P500 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix P500 Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
Brand Nikon Canon
Announced 2011-02-09 2014-02-12
Body Type SLR-like (bridge) Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Size 1/2.3-inch 1.5-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 18.7 x 14 mm
Area 28.07mm2 261.80mm2
Megapixels 12 megapixels 13 megapixels
Max Resolution 4000 x 3000 4160 x 3120
Max Native Light sensitivity 3,200 ISO 12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 160 ISO 100 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 31
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 23-810 mm (36×) 24-120 mm (5x)
Max Aperture F3.4-5.7 F2.0-3.9
Macro Focus Range 1cm 5cm
Screen
Type Tilting Tilting
Size 3" 3"
Resolution 921k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic (optional)
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/1500s 1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 8.00 m 6.80 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps 5.0 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 None Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 494g 553g
Dimensions 116 x 84 x 103mm 116 x 74 x 66mm
Battery Life 220 shots 240 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 58
DxO Color Depth not tested 21.5
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 10.8
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 581
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