Dano Loc: North Carolina

Lately I've been loaning out my G16 to take "snapshots" for some of our work events. Always takes great images, but the camera is getting beat up, so I'm looking for an alternative camera for company use. (I also hate loaning out any of my personal equipment). I've tried several of the Canon SX series cameras, but have been unhappy with their low light performance (much of our work is indoors without a flash). Right now I'm considering the G9x Mark II (not the original G9 which had some issues) and would love to hear if anyone has had experience with this camera. And please remember, this would be used primarily for "snapshots" in relatively low light environments (classrooms) and not intended as an alternative to a dslr. Budget is also an issue (a refurbished G9x II with a 1-yr warranty runs ~$350). Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

There are a lot of advanced point & shoot cameras out there but for $350.00, it would probably have to be a used or refurbished model. Canon G series cameras are good low light shooters along with Sony and Panasonic. The Canon SX series cameras are bridge cameras along with the Nikon P series, they are not noted for their low light shooting. Your best bet would be to look at review's of different compact cameras, in the review's they will tell you how they perform in low light. Good luck.

Dano Loc: North Carolina

Thanks for the thoughts. I always rely on reviews, specs and user comments as a starting point, but am often disappointed with how they translate into practice. I think it's probably due to the "class" of cameras that are being compared. As you pointed out, the SX series is good for what it is, but the G series is built differently (as an example, there were numerous user comments re how great the SX620 is in low light... but it didn't even come close to meeting my expectations... which I know is completely unfair since I'm comparing it to a G16). That's why I was really hoping for some UHH input. I've looked at Sony & Panasonic, but the Canon seems to be the most reasonably priced (and I'm a long time Canon user... so a bit skewed in that direction). From what I can tell, the G9x II seems to have similar performance characteristics to the G16 but with a more "consumer oriented" form factor and interface. Thanks again for the input and I'll give Sony & Panasonic another look!