Canon Powershot G5X and Canon Powershot G7X Mark II are both compact fixed-lens cameras offering a 20-MP resolution and 1-inch sensor. However, the G5X is about 13% more expensive than the G7X, so one may wonder whether the price increase is worth it or not. We’ll compare Canon Powershot G5 X vs G7X Mark II below to answer the question.
Key points from the comparison:
- Canon Powershot G5X comes with an EVF and swiveling LCD for better framing
- Canon Powershot G5X is from an older generation and has been around for longer
- Canon Powershot G7X Mark II has more compact dimensions and a newer, faster processor
- Canon Powershot G7X Mark II is from a newer generation, despite being a lower-class model
- In general, choosing G7X Mark II will give a better value than choosing G5X
Canon Powershot G5 X vs G7X Mark II: Body
In terms of dimensions, the two Canon cameras here are not very different from each other. Canon Powershot G5X measures 44 x 112 x 76 mm and weighs 353 grams without the battery and lens. Meanwhile, Canon Powershot G7X Mark II measures 42 x 106 x 61 mm and weighs 319 grams, also without the battery and lens. Read also: Fujifilm X E4 vs X100V.
So, we can conclude that the G5X is a little bit bigger and heavier than the G7X Mark II, but the difference is quite trivial. You will find both of them to be compact and easy to carry around. Both are ideal for vacation trips, as they won’t be difficult to fit into your luggage or backpack. However, keep in mind that these cameras are not weather-sealed, so you have to be careful when carrying them in rain or sandy wind.
Both G5X and G7X Mark II have metallic bodies with textured rubber surfaces. As a result, both cameras offer reliable ruggedness and excellent, solid grip. Even the control knobs are made of metal, so they feel durable and precise.
However, talking about the control knobs, we can indeed notice that the G5X comes with two dials for quick access to various settings, whereas the G7X Mark II only has one. Furthermore, the G5X has an electronic viewfinder (EVF) as well as a swiveling, tilting display screen. The G7X does not have an EVF, and the display screen can only tilt up or down.
| Canon Powershot G5 X | Canon Powershot G7X Mark II | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 4.43 x 1.74 x 3.01 inches | 1.65 x 2.4 x 4.15 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 13.3 ounces | 1 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
Canon Powershot G5 X vs G7X Mark II: Feature
Each of these compact cameras is equipped with a Canon 4.2X zoom lens. It has an aperture of f/1.8 in the wide-angle mode, and f/2.8 in the fully zoomed mode. This is quite a versatile lens that works really well in various situations.
As mentioned above, Canon Powershot G5X comes with two very attractive features: an eye-level EVF and a fully swiveling, tilting LCD display screen. Serious photographers often prefer using an EVF because it will virtually allow them to see exactly what the image sensor is seeing, hence allowing better, more precise framing. Meanwhile, a display screen that can be adjusted to be seen from any angle is always handy for taking shots from unconventional angles.
Another thing that makes G5X interesting is the hotshoe. Although there is an internal flash available, the hotshoe will enable you to attach a more reliable and more powerful external flash to the camera. You can also use the hotshoe to connect a radio trigger or a light meter. G5X already has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC to allow a wireless connection to your smartphone.
On the other hand, Canon Powershot G7X Mark II does not have an EVF, and the display screen only tilts vertically. There is a pop-up flash, but there is no hotshoe. On the positive side, the image quality of the display screen is good. Things look accurate and detailed. Also, you can always use the built-in Wi-Fi or NFC to connect your smartphone to the camera in order to use it for remote viewing and control.
Canon Powershot G5 X vs G7X Mark II: Continuous Shooting
The fact that G5X comes with more features makes sense because it was designed to stand in a higher class. However, let’s not blunder into forgetting the fact that it comes from an older generation, so it still uses an older image processing engine, DIGIC 6. On the other hand, G7X Mark II may be designed to stand in a lower class, but this is a newer model with a newer, faster image processing engine, DIGIC 7.
One of the main advantages that G7X Mark II offers is the better continuous shooting performance. It has more processing power, so it can easily take up to 32 JPEG shots in one burst. In comparison, the G5X can only take up to 8 JPEG shots in one burst, so the difference is quite significant. Additionally, the G7X Mark II can perform RAW continuous shooting at a rate of 8 fps, which is very good, versus the G5X’s 0.8 fps.
We also notice that the G7X Mark II has less shutter lag. There is less delay between when the shutter is pressed and when the shot is saved. It can focus and capture a shot more quickly. This is often very important for sports and nature photographers, so that they won’t miss those perfect frames and moments.
Canon Powershot G5 X vs G7X Mark II: Image Quality
The image quality of Canon Powershot G5X is very much comparable to Canon Powershot G7X Mark II. This is due to the fact that each of them works with a 1-inch image sensor. Other cheaper compact cameras often work with smaller image sensors. A 1-inch image sensor is typically what you find in a more serious camera, and it is important for better low-light performance, more accurate color depth, and wider dynamic range.
That said, in some cases, Canon Powershot G7X Mark II can actually deliver slightly better noise performance and color accuracy. This is somewhat noticeable when comparing their shots from low-light environments. The G7X Mark II’s shots have a little bit less noise.
Last but not least, both cameras here can shoot 1080p videos at 60 fps. But Canon Powershot G5X lacks the ability to shoot at 24 fps. This feature has been added to the G7X Mark II, and it is nice for creating a cinematic, movie-like video.
Canon Powershot G5 X vs G7X Mark II
In general, Canon Powershot G7X Mark II is more recommended. It has a newer processing engine that allows significantly better continuous shooting performance and slightly improved image quality. However, if you absolutely must have an eye-level electronic viewfinder or a hotshoe, Canon Powershot G5X can be a viable alternative.