Canon Powershot G5 X Mark II

Bigger zoom and more petite body

With a 1-inch sensor and a fast zoom lens in a compact body, the PowerShot G5 X Mark II inherits the good qualities of its G5 X predecessor. In terms of focal length, it even goes a step further and now offers a 5x zoom instead of a 4.2x one. This makes the compact camera a versatile travel companion that you can easily slip into your jacket pocket. The most noticeable difference to its predecessor is the electronic viewfinder, which no longer sits in the centre of the body but extends out from the left edge of the body, thus saving space. Despite its compact dimensions, the camera has a relatively large grip bulge, which makes it feel good in the hand.

Contemporary video mode

As befits a modern high-end compact, the G5 X Mark II now also records in 4K resolution. If you’re interested in slow-motion shooting, you can fall back on Full HD at up to 120 frames per second. Also handy for videos is the foldable display, which you can flip up 180 degrees for selfie shots. Some filmmakers will still prefer the full-motion display of the predecessor, which offers a little more flexibility.

What are the weaknesses?

The battery life is relatively short at around 230 shots (measured according to CIPA standards). You should consider buying an additional battery. In addition, the flash shoe of the predecessor is missing, so you have to make do with the small internal pop-up flash. It is also a pity that the camera lacks dust and splash water protection. Especially for travelling and outdoor use, this would have been an advantage and, given the high price, a welcome feature.