Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II Review: Compact and Efficient

Canon’s PowerShot G5 X Mark II boasts an electronic viewfinder while positioning itself just below the higher-end G1 X Mark III (which features a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor). Like its predecessor, the G5 X Mark II uses a 1-inch, 20 MP sensor, now paired with a Digic 8 processor. This upgrade enables 4K/30 fps video recording and faster burst shooting up to 20 fps without autofocus tracking. There’s also a new Raw Burst mode at 30 fps, from which full-resolution images (Raw or JPEG) can be extracted.

Handling and Key Features

Retractable Viewfinder and Compact Form

Inspired by Sony’s RX100 series, Canon replaces the old protruding viewfinder with a pop-up, periscopic EVF. As a result, the body is notably slimmer than the original G5 X. It measures about 110.9 × 60.9 × 46 mm—easily slipping into a coat or bag pocket, though it’s slightly larger than certain competitors. The tilt-only rear screen replaces the fully articulating one found on the previous G5 X, saving space yet losing some flexibility.

Updated Zoom Range

The G5 X Mark II’s 24–120 mm f/1.8–2.8 (35 mm equivalent) zoom sets it apart from both its predecessor and the G7 X Mark III, which top out at 100 mm. While some competitors, such as Sony’s RX100 VI/VII or Panasonic’s TZ200, offer longer zooms, Canon’s approach keeps the lens brighter overall.

Improved Speed and Raw Burst

Thanks to the Digic 8 processor, the camera delivers:

• 4K video at 30 fps
• Full HD up to 120 fps (slow motion)
• Continuous shooting up to 20 fps (One Shot AF), or 8 fps with Servo AF
• Raw Burst mode at 30 fps (with electronic shutter, no AF tracking)

Design and Handling

Removing the chunky top-mounted EVF has helped slim down the camera. The pop-up electronic viewfinder is a plus for bright shooting conditions, though it’s not fully automatic—after toggling a lever, you must pull the eyepiece up to activate it. In exchange, you still get a built-in pop-up flash. The comfortable grip, dedicated exposure dials, and a quick-access Wi-Fi button add to the user-friendly layout.

Canon also replaced the fully articulating screen with a tilting design (180° upward, 45° downward). This compact solution helps maintain the camera’s reduced height, but it’s less convenient for vertical shooting. The touchscreen interface is otherwise excellent—responsive, clear, and easy to navigate.

Lastly, the lens ring is customisable but feels somewhat loose. We’d have preferred a firmer click for more precise control.

Performance

Autofocus and Burst

Sharing the same sensor and processor as the G7 X Mark III, the G5 X Mark II is similarly quick:

• Start-up: Among the fastest in its class
• AF: Particularly fast, though it lacks eye-detection and sometimes struggles with subject tracking
• Burst: Up to 20 fps in single AF mode, dropping to 8 fps with Servo tracking

The Raw Burst mode hits 30 fps, capturing up to 64 images. Images can then be extracted in full-resolution Raw or JPEG. Once the buffer is full, a brief pause is required to process.

Image Quality

Sensor and Lens Performance

Equipped with a 1-inch, 20 MP sensor, the G5 X Mark II behaves like many modern compacts in its category: noise is visible from around ISO 400 at 100% magnification but remains acceptable through ISO 1600.

Its 24–120 mm f/1.8–2.8 lens stands out for brightness and good overall sharpness, even at the wide end. Softness is minimal, typically noticed only at 120 mm edges. Metering and dynamic range are reliably handled; integrated picture styles (including black and white) and a decent built-in flash expand creative options.

Video Mode

New to the G5 X line, 4K at 30 fps and Full HD up to 120 fps provide fresh flexibility. However, the lack of a mic jack (found on the G7 X Mark III) may disappoint vloggers. Autofocus can be a bit hit or miss in video, occasionally requiring manual screen taps to lock onto faces.

Rolling shutter effects are present—typical of small-sensor compacts—yet not worse than other cameras in its class.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact design with a retractable electronic viewfinder
• Bright, tilting touchscreen
• Simple Wi-Fi shortcut
• Mechanical/electronic shutter options
• Fast autofocus and quick raw bursts
• Stabilised, bright zoom lens (24–120 mm)
• Good overall image quality
• 120 fps Full HD slow motion

Cons

• No weather-sealing
• No fully articulating screen
• Lens control ring is slightly loose
• Inconsistent subject tracking
• Limited battery life (~200 shots)
• No mic input

Conclusion

Canon’s updates to the G5 X Mark II make it slimmer and more responsive, retaining a pop-up EVF and offering strong image quality. If you’re prioritising a built-in EVF and a 24–120 mm bright zoom in a truly pocketable compact, it’s a compelling choice. Those heavily into video might favour the G7 X Mark III for its microphone port or look at Sony’s RX100 VII—though that’s pricier with a dimmer lens. Ultimately, the G5 X Mark II remains well thought out for still photography, delivering speed and usability in a pocketable form.