Canon G12 vs Fujifilm X100S

The Canon PowerShot G12 and the Fujifilm X100S are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2010 and January 2013. Both the G12 and the X100S are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/1.7-inch (G12) and an APS-C (X100S) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 10 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 16 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon G12		Fujifilm X100S
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
28-140mm f/2.8-4.5		35mm f/2.0
10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor		16 MP – APS-C sensor
720/24p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 12,800)		ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
2.8" LCD – 461k dots		2.8" LCD – 460k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
1.1 shutter flaps per second		6 shutter flaps per second
370 shots per battery charge		330 shots per battery charge
112 x 76 x 48 mm, 401 g		127 x 74 x 54 mm, 445 g

Check G12 offers at
ebay.com
Check X100S offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G12 and the Fujifilm X100S? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon G12 and the Fujifilm X100S. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X100S can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G12 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X100S is notably larger (10 percent) than the Canon G12. Moreover, the X100S is markedly heavier (11 percent) than the G12. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G12 nor the X100S are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G12 gets 370 shots out of its Canon NB-7L battery, while the X100S can take 330 images on a single charge of its Fujifilm NP-95 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Canon G12	112 mm	76 mm	48 mm	401 g	370	n	Sep 2010	US$ 499	ebay.com
2.		Fujifilm X100S	127 mm	74 mm	54 mm	445 g	330	n	Jan 2013	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
3.		Canon G15	107 mm	76 mm	40 mm	352 g	350	n	Sep 2012	US$ 499	ebay.com
4.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
5.		Canon SX50	123 mm	87 mm	106 mm	595 g	315	n	Sep 2012	US$ 429	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X10	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	350 g	270	n	Sep 2011	US$ 599	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X100	126 mm	75 mm	54 mm	445 g	300	n	Sep 2010	US$ 1 199	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X100T	127 mm	74 mm	52 mm	440 g	330	n	Sep 2014	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X100F	127 mm	75 mm	52 mm	469 g	390	n	Jan 2017	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
10.		Leica X Typ 113	133 mm	73 mm	78 mm	486 g	350	n	Sep 2014	US$ 2 299	ebay.com
11.		Nikon Coolpix A	111 mm	64 mm	40 mm	299 g	230	n	Mar 2013	US$ 1 099	ebay.com
12.		Nikon P7800	119 mm	78 mm	50 mm	399 g	350	n	Sep 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
13.		Olympus E-450	130 mm	91 mm	53 mm	440 g	500	n	Mar 2009	US$ 499	ebay.com
14.		Panasonic FZ150	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	528 g	410	n	Aug 2011	US$ 499	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic G2	124 mm	84 mm	74 mm	428 g	360	n	Mar 2010	US$ 599	ebay.com
16.		Panasonic G10	124 mm	84 mm	74 mm	388 g	380	n	Mar 2010	US$ 499	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic LX5	110 mm	65 mm	43 mm	271 g	400	n	Jul 2010	US$ 499	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The G12 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 62 percent) than the X100S, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G12 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Fujifilm X100S an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X100S is 756 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.6 and 1.5. The sensor in the G12 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the X100S offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 16MP, the X100S offers a higher resolution than the G12 (10MP), but the X100S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 2.07μm for the G12) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the X100S is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 3 months) than the G12, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X100S has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X100S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X100S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G12 are 18.2 x 13.7 inches or 46.3 x 34.7 cm for good quality, 14.6 x 10.9 inches or 37.1 x 27.8 cm for very good quality, and 12.2 x 9.1 inches or 30.9 x 23.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X100S has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon PowerShot G12 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 80-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X100S are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the G12 is build around a CCD sensor, while the X100S uses a CMOS imager. Like most digital cameras, the G12 uses a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. In contrast, the X100S employs a more randomized X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon G12	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/24p	20.4	11.2	161	47
2.		Fujifilm X100S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.3	12.5	1329	75
3.		Canon G15	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	19.9	11.5	165	46
4.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
5.		Canon SX50	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	20.3	11.2	179	47
6.		Fujifilm X10	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.5	11.3	245	50
7.		Fujifilm X100	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	720/30p	22.9	12.4	1001	73
8.		Fujifilm X100T	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.6	12.8	1483	78
9.		Fujifilm X100F	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.9	13.2	1704	81
10.		Leica X Typ 113	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	12.8	1491	78
11.		Nikon Coolpix A	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.4	13.8	1164	80
12.		Nikon P7800	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	21.2	11.7	200	54
13.		Olympus E-450	Four Thirds	10.0	3648	2736	none	21.5	10.5	512	56
14.		Panasonic FZ150	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.4	10.9	132	40
15.		Panasonic G2	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	21.2	10.3	493	53
16.		Panasonic G10	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	21.2	10.1	411	52
17.		Panasonic LX5	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/60p	19.6	10.8	132	41
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the X100S provides a better video resolution than the G12. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Canon is limited to 720/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X100S has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the G12 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G12, the Fujifilm X100S, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon G12	optical	n	2.8 / 461	swivel	n	1/4000s	1.1/s	Y	Y
2.		Fujifilm X100S	2360	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon G15	optical	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.1/s	Y	Y
4.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2/s	Y	Y
5.		Canon SX50	202	n	3.0 / 461	swivel	n	1/2000s	2.2/s	Y	Y
6.		Fujifilm X10	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
7.		Fujifilm X100	1440	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
8.		Fujifilm X100T	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
9.		Fujifilm X100F	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
10.		Leica X Typ 113	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
11.		Nikon Coolpix A	optional	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/2000s	4.0/s	Y	n
12.		Nikon P7800	921	n	3.0 / 921	swivel	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	Y
13.		Olympus E-450	optical	n	2.7 / 215	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.5/s	Y	n
14.		Panasonic FZ150	202	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/2000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Panasonic G2	1440	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	Y	1/4000s	2.6/s	Y	n
16.		Panasonic G10	202	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.6/s	Y	n
17.		Panasonic LX5	optional	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The G12 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X100S comes with a built-in prime. The G12 has a 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 optic and the X100S offers a 35mm f/2.0 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Fujifilm. The X100S offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G12 and the X100S write their files to SDXC cards. The X100S supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the G12 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G12 and Fujifilm X100S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon G12	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Fujifilm X100S	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon G15	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
4.		Canon G16	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Canon SX50	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X10	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Fujifilm X100	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Fujifilm X100T	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Fujifilm X100F	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Leica X Typ 113	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon Coolpix A	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Nikon P7800	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Olympus E-450	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Panasonic FZ150	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Panasonic G2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Panasonic G10	Y	mono / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Panasonic LX5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

Both the G12 and the X100S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G12 was replaced by the Canon G15, while the X100S was followed by the Fujifilm X100T. Further information on the features and operation of the G12 and X100S can be found, respectively, in the Canon G12 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X100S Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon G12 or the Fujifilm X100S – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G12:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 44g or 10 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (370 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (62 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2010).

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X100S:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (16 vs 10MP), which boosts linear resolution by 29%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60p vs 720/24p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 1.1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.8).
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 3 months of technical progress since the G12 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X100S is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 9 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G12 and the Fujifilm X100S place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G12 or the X100S. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Canon G12	4/5	+	..	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2010	US$ 499	ebay.com
2.		Fujifilm X100S	5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
3.		Canon G15	4/5	+	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	US$ 499	ebay.com
4.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
5.		Canon SX50	3/5	+ +	..	72/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	US$ 429	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X10	..	..	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2011	US$ 599	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X100	3/5	..	..	75/100	4/5	5/5	Sep 2010	US$ 1 199	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X100T	5/5	+	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X100F	5/5	+	3.9/5	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
10.		Leica X Typ 113	3.5/5	..	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Sep 2014	US$ 2 299	ebay.com
11.		Nikon Coolpix A	4/5	+	..	75/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	US$ 1 099	ebay.com
12.		Nikon P7800	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
13.		Olympus E-450	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Mar 2009	US$ 499	ebay.com
14.		Panasonic FZ150	3/5	+ +	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	US$ 499	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic G2	..	..	..	72/100	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2010	US$ 599	ebay.com
16.		Panasonic G10	3/5	..	..	70/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2010	US$ 499	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic LX5	4/5	+	..	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2010	US$ 499	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

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