Reasons to choose PowerShot G9
Released in 2007, PowerShot G9 has about 42 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 320 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Canon PowerShot G9
vs Canon PowerShot SD550
VS
Sensor area
42 mm²
PowerShot G938 mm²
PowerShot SD550- Area ratio
- 1.12:1
- Absolute difference
- 5 mm²
- Relative difference
- 12.1%
The PowerShot G9 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
PowerShot G9MetricPowerShot SD550
12.1 MPEffective pixels7.1 MP
7.53 × 5.64Sensor7.11 × 5.33
1.87 µmPixel pitch2.31 µm
3.51 µm²Pixel area5.34 µm²
28.49 MP/cm²Pixel density18.74 MP/cm²
4.6Crop factor4.87
—Maximum video—
320 gWeight185 g
MultiMedia, SDHC, Secure DigitalStorageSD/MMC card
Canon Lithium-Ion Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion NB-3L battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The PowerShot G9 has the larger sensor area. The PowerShot SD550 has the lighter body. The PowerShot G9 has the higher effective resolution. The PowerShot G9 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose PowerShot SD550
Released in 2005, PowerShot SD550 has about 38 mm² of sensor area, 7.1 MP effective resolution, and a 185 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.