Canon Announces Three New Compact Cameras: The G5 X, G9 X, and EOS M10

Canon's latest cameras are compact, but pack a punch (maybe). While some might be compelled to ask themselves about the reasons behind releasing the lackluster EOS M10 at all, the G5 X and G9 X both fit well into Canon's high-end compact lineup with interesting features that might draw the casual shooter looking for something a bit more spectacular than le quotidien.

EOS M10

The EOS M10, as you may have guessed, doesn't interest me much, so I won't spend much time on it. If you want something interesting, go down a couple paragraphs (due diligence dictates that I must address the M10 first, however).

You should know it's Canon's latest mirrorless camera positioned as a cheaper alternative to the recently-released-in-the-U.S. EOS M3. The APS-C M10's 18 megapixels could give it better real-world performance in its ISO range, which is identical to the 24-megapixel M3's ISO 100-12,800, expandable to 25,600. But aside from a negligible six-megapixel gap, it's extremely hard to tell why one might by the M3 over the new M10, the latter of which is just $20 more with a 15-45mm kit lens ($599) than the discounted M3 body only ($579).

They both have the same Digic 6 processor, the same APS-C format sensor, the same 1080p video recording at up to 30 fps, the same 49-point hybrid autofocus system, the same NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities... you get the idea. With the M10 featuring a more compact body at the expense of forgoing a hot shoe (which is realistically impractical on such a small body, especially considering both models also feature built-in pop-up flashes), it's the obvious choice for those interested in Canon's mirrorless system. But it sure feels like we're being shorted with what should have been an M4 and is instead an ever-so-slightly refined and cheaper M3. That's okay for me because I'm not currently looking for such a camera. We just have to wait a while... and waiting is getting very old for the Canon mirrorless holdouts.

G5 X

Now I'm excited. Canon has always done well by its fans with respect to its professional-featured compact lineup, each with one-inch sensors. The G5 X looks like a miniaturized version of some of the latest mirrorless cameras with its retro styling and prism-style electronic viewfinder. A protruding grip adds extra stability while a full-featured combination of hot shoe and built-in flash, articulating touch screen, added control dials, and ISO-12,800-cranking 20-megapixel one-inch sensor round out the G5 X with plenty of reasons to buy if you're in the market for such a camera. While its viewfinder is a great addition, however, some might find it hard to spend $799.99 on the camera when one can get the PowerShot flagship G1 X Mark II with a larger 1.5-inch sensor for $100 less at its current price, let alone considering the two have the same MSRP. Sure, the G1 X "only" has 12.8 megapixels, but who cares when its image quality is so much better thanks to its larger photo sites. No one looking seriously at these cameras needs 20 megapixels. And besides, the G1 X has a slightly greater zoom range of 24-120mm to the G5 X's 24-100mm (35mm equivalent), even if the G1 X stops down a bit more at the telephoto end.

Still, the G5 X is an interesting addition to the segment. It does have 1080p60 over the G1 X's "measly" 1080p30. And its overall design raises my eyebrows enough to wonder if there's some secret sauce between the Digic 6 processor and the 20-megapixel sensor aside from its extra pixels over the G1 X Mark II. Perhaps it's just "that" much more of a pleasure to use. Time will tell.

G9 X

The G9 X is an interesting launch companion to the G5 X, featuring a much more compact body (think: G1 X, again, but even smaller) and the same sensor/processor combination as the G5 X. Aside from an obviously slimmed down zoom range of 24-80mm with the aperture closing to as much as f/4.9 at 80mm, the G9 X should otherwise produce very similar images its big brother. It even manages to keep image stabilization (IS), a manual control ring, the same built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, and even the touch screen (but it doesn't articulate in the G9 X). That's not a bad compromise for a $270 savings.

All three cameras are currently available for pre-order through the links in the article above or below this line.

Canon G5 X ($799.00)

Canon G9 X ($529.00)

Canon EOS M10 (various color and kit options available through link)

One interesting note: for the money, the EOS M10 still has the largest sensor and could easily have better overall performance compared against the other two in this announcement. And it's not even the most expensive option. Maybe it's worth a shot after all...