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Jul 18, 2018 15:07:25   #
retap
 
Trying to decide between a Canon G9X and a Lumix ZS70 for travel. Any suggestions??

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Jul 18, 2018 15:18:11   #
AlohaJim Loc: Retired. Hawaii >> N. Arizona.
 
retap wrote:
Trying to decide between a Canon G9X and a Lumix ZS70 for travel. Any suggestions??

The biggest and most obvious differences between the two cameras are zoom range (Lumix 720 mm vs Canon 84mm) and sensor size (Canon 1" vs the smaller Lumix 1/2.3).
So only you can decide which is more important to your needs. Zoom range or image quality.
An alternative would be the Sony RX100 MKIV with a 1"sensor and a max. 200m zoom.
j

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Jul 18, 2018 15:37:28   #
Cos1
 
Buy the Sony A6500 it takes great pictures and is easy to use.the quality of photos will be much better than Panasonic

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Jul 18, 2018 15:38:25   #
PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA
 
AlohaJim wrote:

An alternative would be the Sony RX100 MKIV with a 1"sensor and a max. 200m zoom.


or Lumix DC-ZS200 (1" sensor, 24-360mm lens)

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Jul 18, 2018 15:41:40   #
rcarol
 
AlohaJim wrote:
The biggest and most obvious differences between the two cameras are zoom range (Lumix 720 mm vs Canon 84mm) and sensor size (Canon 1" vs the smaller Lumix 1/2.3).
So only you can decide which is more important to your needs. Zoom range or image quality.
An alternative would be the Sony RX100 MKIV with a 1"sensor and a max. 200m zoom.
j


Or the Panasonic Lumix ZS-100 which also has a 1" sensor and 25-200mm full frame equivalent lens

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Jul 18, 2018 15:44:24   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
My preference is to have at least a 200mm focal range on any camera. If you can zoom between 28-200mm, it should be satisfactory. You can get that with one lens on a DSLR, and on a Bridge/pocket camera. You will generally get a longer focal range on a 1/2.3" sensor, rather than the larger size 1" sensor. That's a choice you'll have to make though. Good luck.

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Jul 18, 2018 15:51:02   #
insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida
 
I am assuming you are looking at the Canon G9X II ?? You do realize the Canon has only a 3x optical zoom??

In any case, here is a comparison of the two cameras: https://cameradecision.com/compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS70-vs-Canon-PowerShot-G9-X-Mark-II

Good luck with your final choice. Use it in good health.

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Jul 18, 2018 16:13:24   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
That's right... the Canon uses a 1" sensor which is relatively large for a camera of this type, but limits the range of focal lengths possible.

The Lumix ZS70's 1/2.3" sensor is 28 sq. millimeters with 20 million pixel sites crowded onto it. That's more than 700,000 pixel sites per sq mm.

The Canon G9X's 1" sensor is more than 4X larger with 116 sq. mm. It's also a 20MP camera, so there are a little less than 173,000 pixel sites per sq mm.

Larger sensors that are less crowded and able to use bigger individual pixel sites generally make for better image quality. The larger sensor is less prone to heat build up and cross-talk between pixels, which makes for less "noise" in images, so can be used at higher ISOs to be able to shoot in lower light conditions. Large individual pixels also are generally able to capture more fine detail, which is more apparent with larger prints (or if more cropping is done to images). The Canon G9X has an ISO range of 125 to 12800 (expandable to 25600). The Lumix ZS70's ISO range is 80-3200 (expandable to 6400). In both cases, you might not find the highest avail. ISOs to give acceptable image quality (it's a subjective thing)... but basically the Canon camera has a two stop advantage, which means it should be possible to shoot in 1/4 the light level needed for the Panasonic.

Conversely, lens focal length range is more limited with larger apertures. To compare lenses on cameras a with a wide variety of different size sensors, we often use "35mm film/full frame" equivalents. In this case the Canon camera's zoom is equivalent to FF 28 to 84mm (it's actual focal length is 10.2-30.6mm, with the 2.7X "lens factor" of a 1" size sensor).... moderately wide angle to short telephoto. The Panasonic offers a much wider range, especially the telephoto end of it's zoom, with FF equivalent of 24 to 720mm (it's actual focal length is 4.3-129mm, with a 5.6X lens factor from the 1/2.3" size sensor).... slightly wider to much more powerful telephoto. This would typically make the Panasonic a better choice for small, distant subjects such as wildlife... so long as it's in good light.

Lens apertures are also different. The Canon's zoom has a fairly large, bright f/2 (wide) to 4.9 (tele) aperture. The Panasonic's zoom aperture is f/3.3 (wide) to f/6.4 (tele). Both cameras have image stabilization, to help reduce image blur from camera shake.... but it is MUCH more difficult to counteract movement with a powerful 720mm equivalent telephoto than it is with a very modest 84mm equivalent! (More crowded sensors are also more susceptible to camera shake.)

Functionally, the Canon G9X does not have a viewfinder. You have to rely upon the LCD screen on the rear to compose your images. That can be difficult to see in bright light. (Note: Canon G5X and G1X Mark III models have a built-in electronic viewfinder. Earlier G1X and G3 models can optionally be fitted with an EVF-DC1 or EVF-DC2 viewfinder. G9X and G7X models have no viewfinder nor any means of adding an optional one.)

The Panasonic ZS70 has a built-in electronic viewfinder, in addition to the LCD screen on the rear of the camera. Either can be used to compose images.

The G9X is smaller and lighter than the ZS70.

The ZS70 gets more shots per battery charge than the G9X.

You might find some other things informative here:

https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/g9x-mark-ii/vs/panasonic/zs70/

P.S. It doesn't really matter much whether you are looking at Canon G9X or G9X Mark II.... they are almost identical in all the above respects. The older model can still be found used... for about $20 less (big whoop!). Lens and sensor appear the same. The main difference is that the Mark II has been upgraded with a newer processor that allows it to have a bit faster overall performance. https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/g9x/vs/canon/g9x-mark-ii/
AlohaJim wrote:
...An alternative would be the Sony RX100 MKIV with a 1"sensor and a max. 200m zoom.

PHRubin wrote:
or Lumix DC-ZS200 (1" sensor, 24-360mm lens)

Well sure... Either of those would be great if you don't mind spending $800 instead of $400!
Cos1 wrote:
Buy the Sony A6500...

Another good possibility.... only $1600 with 18-135mm zoom (27 to 203mm FF equivalent)... not to mention almost 4X the size and weight of the G9X!

(The problem with asking for recommendations on a forum is that you get them! Many folks are only too happy to recommend the camera THEY bought.... regardless what you were asking about.)

If you had that kind of money to spend...

...I'd point out the Canon G1X Mark III, which uses an even larger APS-C size sensor (similar to what the A6300 uses) AND has a built in electronic viewfinder, yet still is a relatively compact, non-interchangeable lens (equivalent to 24-70mm f/2.8-5.6), "point n shoot" camera... but costs a bit over $1000.

...Or the Canon G3X with EVF-DC1 Viewfinder combo on sale for $900 (reg. $1300)... 1" sensor, 24-600mm f/2.8-5.6 equivalent lens, hot shoe for accessory flash and more.

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Jul 19, 2018 05:53:14   #
johneccles Loc: Leyland UK
 
I have the Lumix XS70 and use as a second camera, it takes excellent images and easily fits into a small pocket, so I would recommend you buy one. I have looked at the Canon G9X and it seems to be a very good camera so it's a matter of price that will help you to decide.

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Jul 19, 2018 06:41:58   #
dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida
 
rcarol wrote:
Or the Panasonic Lumix ZS-100 which also has a 1" sensor and 25-200mm full frame equivalent lens

Yes, rcarol, the ZS100 has a 10x lens and a 1" sensor and many tricks in its sleeve. But I will say that some of the cameras with small sensors 1/4 that size do an amazing job [Canon SX50 for example]... The laptop computers contained within these small cameras is amazing and the resulting photos truly beyond that which the people with $5000 camera equipment dare know about. Camera choices are compromises... size, price, sensor, etc... a balancing act. I have the 40# bag of DSLR plus lens, but a 24/7 [you call point and shoot !!] fits in your jacket pocket... light weight, there when the of-the-moment occurs.

I am a researcher by profession [ok retired] and by nature... I decided on a Panasonic ZS100 based on watching evaluations and reading a lot of reviews. OK bought one and spent a bit more. There are two attachments for filters, one physical the other magnetic... both excellent I bought the mechanical [LensMate]. A 406 page manual, a 400 page how to book and you tube many videos. The ZS100 out ranks the ZS200 because of the Zoom and other factors. Yes the Sony is great but Much0$ more. PS: Trump increased the price of the ZS100 by $150 last weekend!! But I was able to find one for $500 [Gray import New]... $550 was typical [eg Best Buy], now $700 is the going price ! Yikes. who pays the Trump Tariffs... we do. Ouch !

[No that is not a political Troll, it is a statement of Camera pricing] I could have driven 7 miles to Best Buy and had one for $550 then Monday the price was $700... too late Don you knew the prices were going to jump...

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Jul 19, 2018 06:57:43   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Some comparison sites -

(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

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Jul 19, 2018 07:31:59   #
ggenova64
 
I use Sony!

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Jul 19, 2018 08:32:55   #
martyaron
 
I own the zs70 I took it on safari in Tanzania
It took great photos The long telephoto lens came in handy
You can also take selfies
On this type of trip, size and weight is critical, and the sz70 fits this metric
Its a great travel camera Only negative, not good in low light

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Jul 19, 2018 08:36:41   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
retap wrote:
Trying to decide between a Canon G9X and a Lumix ZS70 for travel. Any suggestions??


I would go with the one with a pop up viewfinder and the most focal range. The pop up is nice because when your outside it is difficult to see the back screen, the pop up really helps here. And the focal range is another factor.
For example, my go to travel camera is the Sony HX90V, because it has a pop up viewfinder (small but you get the hang of it quickly) and has a 24-750 mm Zeiss lens (I used Zeiss lenses on my Hasselblad, excellent results). The flash on this camera does automatic fill flash and works very well for night scenes as well.
SO, must haves for me are a pop up viewfinder and a wide range zoom lens.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

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Jul 19, 2018 09:42:08   #
zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas
 
AlohaJim wrote:
The biggest and most obvious differences between the two cameras are zoom range (Lumix 720 mm vs Canon 84mm) and sensor size (Canon 1" vs the smaller Lumix 1/2.3).


Agreed. Also the Canon G9 X does not have a viewfinder. I own the Canon G9 X as a second camera and I love its outstanding image quality--but sometimes wish it had a better zoom range. I sometimes leave my grown-up camera at home and just take the G9 X on trips. It is very small and easily fits into any pocket--shirt, pants. I also think that looking at the Sony RX100 with all its incarnations is good advice.

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