Why the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a Great Choice for Vloggers and Content Creators in 2025

The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II, released in 2017, remains a compelling compact camera for vloggers and content creators in 2025, particularly in the used market. Praised by sources like TechRadar and Digital Camera World for its “pocketable design” and “solid image quality,” the G9 X Mark II offers a 1-inch sensor, intuitive touchscreen controls, and a sleek form factor. This article explores why the G9 X Mark II is ideal for vloggers and content creators, its key selling points, competitors, target audience, drawbacks, and its cost in Kenyan shillings, drawing on insights from reviews and market data.

Why the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is Great for Vloggers and Content Creators

The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a compact point-and-shoot camera designed for creators who prioritize portability, ease of use, and quality output without the complexity of interchangeable lenses. Its 1-inch sensor, Full HD video capabilities, and user-friendly features make it a practical tool for filming in Kenya’s diverse settings, from Nairobi’s vibrant streets to the scenic beaches of Mombasa. Despite newer models like the G7 X Mark III, the G9 X Mark II’s affordability and performance keep it relevant for budget-conscious creators. Here’s why it shines:

Key Selling Points

1. 20.1MP 1-Inch CMOS Sensor
   The G9 X Mark II’s 1-inch CMOS sensor, paired with the DIGIC 7 processor, delivers sharp, vibrant images and video with good dynamic range and low-light performance (ISO 125–12,800). It outperforms smaller 1/2.3-inch sensors in cameras like the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS, producing high-quality stills for Instagram or thumbnails and clean video for social media. The sensor size balances portability with quality, ideal for creators upgrading from smartphones.
2. Full HD 1080p Video at 60fps
   The G9 X Mark II records Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps, delivering smooth, high-quality footage suitable for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram Reels. While it lacks 4K, its video output is crisp, and features like in-camera time-lapse and manual exposure controls add creative flexibility for vloggers. The built-in stereo microphone provides decent audio for casual use.
3. Canon 28-84mm f/2-4.9 Lens
   The 3x optical zoom lens (28-84mm equivalent) offers a versatile focal range for vlogging, portraits, or travel shots, with a bright f/2 aperture at the wide end for low-light performance and shallow depth of field. Optical Image Stabilization (up to 3.5 stops) ensures smoother handheld footage, making it ideal for casual vlogging or on-the-go shooting.
4. Intuitive Touchscreen Interface
   The 3-inch, 1.04-million-dot touchscreen supports touch focus, shutter release, and menu navigation, making it beginner-friendly. While not fully articulating, the fixed screen is responsive and ideal for framing shots in controlled settings. The touchscreen’s simplicity rivals that of the Sony ZV-1 II, appealing to creators new to cameras.
5. Compact and Stylish Design

• Ultra-Portable: At 206g, it’s one of the lightest 1-inch sensor cameras, perfect for creators filming in Kenya’s urban or travel settings.
• Premium Build: The aluminum body with a faux leatherette finish (available in black or silver) offers a stylish, retro aesthetic.
• Control Ring: A customizable lens control ring allows quick adjustments to settings like aperture or exposure, adding tactile control for creative shooters.

1. Connectivity for Easy Sharing
   Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC enable seamless file transfers to smartphones via the Canon Camera Connect app, simplifying uploads to Instagram or TikTok. The G9 X Mark II also supports remote shooting, enhancing creative flexibility for vloggers.
2. Fast Burst Shooting
   The camera offers 8.2fps continuous shooting (5.3fps with continuous AF), ideal for capturing action for event vlogs or high-quality stills for social media. This outperforms many compacts like the Panasonic Lumix TZ95 in speed.
3. Affordable in the Used Market
   As a 2017 model, the G9 X Mark II is widely available at discounted prices, offering 1-inch sensor quality and compact design at a fraction of the cost of newer models like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III.

Competitors

The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II competes with other compact and entry-level cameras tailored for vlogging. Here are its main rivals:

1. Sony RX100 IV

• Price: ~KES 60,000–80,000
• Pros: 1-inch 20.1MP sensor, 4K 30p video, 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, fast hybrid AF, and pop-up EVF.
• Cons: No mic input, limited 4K recording time (5 minutes), and higher price.
• Best for: Creators needing 4K video and an EVF in a compact body.

1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

• Price: ~KES 85,000–95,000
• Pros: 1-inch 20.1MP sensor, 4K 30p video, fully articulating touchscreen, and mic input.
• Cons: No EVF, more expensive, and no IBIS.
• Best for: Vloggers prioritizing 4K and audio support in a compact form.

1. Panasonic Lumix TZ95 (ZS80)

• Price: ~KES 50,000–60,000
• Pros: 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch sensor, 4K 30p video, 30x zoom (24-720mm), and tilting touchscreen.
• Cons: Smaller sensor, no mic input, and less reliable autofocus.
• Best for: Budget vloggers needing a long zoom range.

1. Sony ZV-1 II

• Price: ~KES 90,000–100,000
• Pros: 1-inch 20.1MP sensor, 4K 30p video, 18-50mm f/1.8-4 lens, vlogger-specific features (e.g., Product Showcase), and mic input.
• Cons: No EVF, shorter zoom, and higher price.
• Best for: Dedicated vloggers needing advanced autofocus and audio support.

Who the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is Best For

The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is ideal for:

• Beginner Vloggers: Its intuitive touchscreen, compact size, and Auto modes make it perfect for creators transitioning from smartphones.
• Travel Vloggers: The pocketable 206g body and 28-84mm lens suit creators filming on the go in Kenya’s urban or outdoor settings.
• Social Media Influencers: The Full HD video and vibrant colors cater to creators producing content for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts.
• Hybrid Shooters: The 20.1MP sensor and 8.2fps shooting support creators needing quality stills alongside video for thumbnails or posts.
• Budget-Conscious Creators: Its affordability in the used market makes it accessible for hobbyists or students starting out.

Drawbacks of the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

Despite its strengths, the G9 X Mark II has some limitations:

1. No 4K Video: Limited to 1080p, it lags behind competitors like the Sony RX100 IV or Panasonic Lumix TZ95, which offer 4K, disappointing creators needing higher resolution.
2. No Microphone Input: Lacks a mic input, forcing reliance on the built-in stereo mic, which may not suffice for professional audio needs, unlike the Sony ZV-1 II.
3. Fixed LCD Screen: The non-tilting screen limits vlogging flexibility compared to fully articulating or tilting screens on the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III or Sony ZV-1 II, making selfie-style shots challenging.
4. No Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): Unlike the Sony RX100 IV, it lacks an EVF, relying on the LCD for composition, which can be difficult in bright sunlight.
5. Battery Life: The NB-13L battery lasts for about 235 shots or 35 minutes of video, requiring spares for extended shoots.
6. Fixed Lens: The 28-84mm lens limits versatility compared to interchangeable-lens cameras like the Sony ZV-E10.

Cost in Kenyan Shillings

As of September 9, 2025, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II’s retail price in Kenya varies based on availability, primarily in the used or refurbished market due to its age:

• Camera Only: Approximately KES 50,000–60,000
• Bundle with Accessories (e.g., case, extra battery): Approximately KES 60,000–70,000
  These prices are based on global trends (e.g., $350–$450 USD) converted at an exchange rate of roughly KES 130–140 per USD, factoring in local taxes and import duties. Prices may vary depending on retailers like Jumia Kenya, Canon authorized dealers, or second-hand platforms in Nairobi. Discounts are common due to newer models like the G7 X Mark III.

Conclusion

The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a compact, user-friendly camera for vloggers and content creators in 2025, offering a 20.1MP 1-inch sensor, 1080p 60p video, a 28-84mm f/2-4.9 lens, and a pocketable 206g body. Priced at approximately KES 50,000–70,000 in the used market, it delivers quality performance for creators in Kenya on a tight budget. Its touchscreen interface, vibrant colors, and connectivity make it ideal for travel vloggers, social media influencers, and hybrid shooters producing casual content.

Compared to competitors like the Sony RX100 IV, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, Panasonic Lumix TZ95, and Sony ZV-1 II, the G9 X Mark II excels in portability and affordability but lacks 4K video, audio inputs, and a tilting screen. For Kenyan creators seeking a lightweight, budget-friendly camera for high-quality stills and vlogs, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a reliable, stylish choice that delivers impressive results.

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