Why the Canon PowerShot G5 X is the Ultimate Compact Camera for Photographers

If you're a photographer in need of an excellent compact camera with advanced features and performance that can even rival DSLRs, the Canon PowerShot G5 X is definitely worth considering. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the G5 X's technical specs, its features that make it stand out from other compact cameras, and why it's becoming a favorite among photographers.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot G5 X article cover photo

Key Features

Sep 11 2015

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1″
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight353g
MSRP$799USD

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Overview of the PowerShot G5 X

As a photographer, having a compact camera that's easy to carry around while also delivering high-quality images is a must-have. That's why the Canon PowerShot G5 X has been making ripples in the photography industry for its exceptional performance, tech specs, and unique features. Its 20.2 MP CMOS sensor, 4.2x optical zoom lens, built-in ND filter, and fast autofocus are just some of the reasons this camera is so popular. Not only that, but its sleek design, easy-to-use interface, and intuitive controls make it a joy to use. In this blog, we'll dive deeper into the capabilities of the Canon PowerShot G5 X and why it's the compact camera of choice for many photographers.

Canon PowerShot G5 X Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot G5 X camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Versatile 20.2-megapixel sensor
Fast f/1.8-2.8 lens
1080p full HD video recording
Fully articulated touchscreen
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
Excellent low light performance
Large ergonomic grip
4.2x optical zoom

Cons

Expensive compared to other compact cameras
Heavy and bulky design
Limited zoom range
No 4K video support
Slow autofocus in low light
No built-in viewfinder
Battery life could be better
Limited manual control customization options

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot G5 X

Weather sealed
Dimensions112 x 76 x 44mm
Weight353g
Thickness44mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot G5 X is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution1,040k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,040k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot G5 X very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

PowerShot G5 X includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon PowerShot G5 X has a 20MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Canon PowerShot G5 X has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Sep 11 2015

Announced

125 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor1″
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution5472 x 3648 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

62 / 102

Color Depth

21.4 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.3 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

471 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon PowerShot G5 X camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the PowerShot G5 X is below average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1″

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life210 shots
Battery ModelNB-13L
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot G5 X supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon PowerShot G5 X uses the NB-13L model of battery pack. This is rated for 210 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon PowerShot G5 X has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Canon PowerShot G5 X boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon PowerShot G5 X includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 31 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon PowerShot G5 X?

The Canon PowerShot G5 X features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot G5 X weather sealed?

No the PowerShot G5 X does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot G5 X announced?

The Canon PowerShot G5 X was announced on Sep 11 2015

Does the Canon PowerShot G5 X have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the PowerShot G5 X does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon PowerShot G5 X?

The PowerShot G5 X has a native ISO range of 125-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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