Upgrade Your Photography with the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II: A Comprehensive Review

Learn about the advanced features and exceptional performance of the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II, a camera that blends stunning image quality with intuitive controls for photographers of all levels.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 09 2019

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1″
SensorStacked BSI-CMOS
Weight340g
MSRP$899USD

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Overview of the PowerShot G5 X Mark II

As a photographer, it's essential to have a camera that can keep up with your vision and creativity. The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II is a premium compact camera that boasts a range of advanced features and outstanding performance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this review, we'll take a closer look at what makes the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II a standout camera. From its 20.1-megapixel sensor to its fast autofocus and intuitive controls, we'll explore the features and performance that make this camera a must-have for your photography arsenal. So, whether you're a pro or just starting, read on and discover why the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II is worth the investment.

Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II 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

High image quality
Compact and portable
4K video capabilities
Good low-light performance
Touchscreen interface
Fast autofocus
Image stabilization
Good dynamic range

Cons

Limited zoom range
Not weather-sealed
Expensive
Small sensor size
No external microphone jack
Limited battery life
No built-in GPS
Not compatible with interchangeable lenses

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II

Weather sealed
Dimensions111 x 61 x 46mm
Weight340g
Thickness46mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II 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 TypeTilting
Screen Resolution1,040k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,040k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

PowerShot G5 X Mark II 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 Mark II has a 20MP sized Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jul 09 2019

Announced

125 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor1″
Extended ISOnull - 25600
Max resolution5472 x 3648 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, 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 Mark II is excellent

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 card (UHS-I compatible)
Battery Life230 shots
Battery ModelNB-13L
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II supports SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible) 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 Mark II uses the NB-13L model of battery pack. This is rated for 230 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 Mark II has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II 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 Mark II includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null 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 Mark II?

The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II features a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II weather sealed?

No the PowerShot G5 X Mark II does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II announced?

The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II was announced on Jul 09 2019

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

Yes the PowerShot G5 X Mark II 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 Mark II?

The PowerShot G5 X Mark II has a native ISO range of 125-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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