Canon G5 X MII Review

Name: Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
Brand: Canon

Select a Camera to Compare

Add a Camera for comparison

Main Features

20MP - 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 125 - 12800( expands to 25600)

24-120 mm F1.8-2.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Tilting Screen

2360k dot Electronic viewfinder

30.0 fps continuous shooting

4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video

Built-in Wireless

340g. 111 x 61 x 46 mm

Replaced Canon G5 X

CHECK PRICE

Canon G5 X MII Overview

Launched in July 2019 , Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II is a 20.0MP Large sensor compact camera with a 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, Tilting touch screen and 5.0x zoom 24-120 mm F1.8-2.8 lens. Canon replaced the older G5 X with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II vs Canon G5 X

Canon G5 X MII Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Canon G5 X MII is a member of Canon's PowerShot G X series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

Canon PowerShot G X Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Canon G5 X MII	2019	20.0MP - 1-inch	30.0 fps	111 x 61 x 46mm	340g
Canon G7 X MIII Compare	2019	20.0MP - 1-inch	30.0 fps	105 x 61 x 41mm	304g
Canon G9 X II Compare	2017	20.0MP - 1-inch	8.2 fps	98 x 58 x 31mm	206g
Canon G7 X MII Compare	2016	20.0MP - 1-inch	8.0 fps	106 x 61 x 42mm	319g
Canon G9 X Compare	2015	20.0MP - 1-inch	6.0 fps	98 x 58 x 31mm	209g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
Canon G5 X MII vs G7 X MIII vs G9 X II vs G7 X MII vs G9 X

Canon G5 X MII PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Canon G5 X MII review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Image Stabilization

Articulating Screen

4K (UHD) Video

Touch Screen

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

RAW Shooting

Face Detection Focusing

20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

12.800 Max ISO

1.040k dots LCD Resolution

1/25600s Electronic Shutter Speed

30.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Manual Focusing

Manual Exposure

Timelapse Recording

24mm Wide Angle Lens

Fast 1.80 Lens at Wide

Fast 2.80 Lens at Tele

2360kdot Viewfinder Resolution

AE Bracketing

3.0-stops Built-in ND Filter

Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD Screen

Remote control with a smartphone

UHS-I Memory Card Support

Webcam Functionality

USB Charging

Report a correction

Buy Canon G5 X MII from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No External Flash Shoe

Low Battery Life: 230 shots

Heavy Body: 340

No Environmental Sealing

Report a correction

Canon G5 X MII Physical Specs

Canon G5 X MII weighs 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz) and has external dimensions of 111 x 61 x 46 mm (4.37 x 2.4 x 1.81″). Considering that the average weight of Large sensor compact type cameras is 401g, Canon G5 X MII is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 46mm, it is also quite small, 9mm thinner than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

Large sensor compact Cameras

Canon G5 X MII

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Large sensor compact Cameras

Canon G5 X MII

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Canon G5 X MII with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon G5 X MII Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon G5 X MII, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Canon G5 X MII Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Now let's compare Canon G5 X MII size with the camera that it replaced: Canon G5 X. Canon G5 X MII is 1mm narrower and 15mm shorter than Canon G5 X but it is also 2mm thicker.

Comparison image of Canon G5 X MII and Canon G5 X Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon G5 X MII with its main competitors:

Canon G5 X MII Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs G5 X MII	Thickness	vs G5 X MII
Canon G7 X MIII Compare	304g	36g lighter	41mm	5mm thinner
Sony RX100 VII Compare	302g	38g lighter	43mm	3mm thinner
Canon G1 X III Compare	399g	59g heavier	51mm	5mm thicker
Panasonic LX100 II Compare	392g	52g heavier	64mm	18mm thicker
Canon G5 X Compare	353g	13g heavier	44mm	2mm thinner
Sony RX100 VI Compare	301g	39g lighter	43mm	3mm thinner
Panasonic ZS200 Compare	340g	equal weight	45mm	1mm thinner
Sony ZV-1 Compare	294g	46g lighter	44mm	2mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Canon G5 X MII doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

Canon G5 X MII Sensor and Photography Features

Canon G5 X MII has a 20.0MP 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 8 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. G5 X MII has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to 25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Canon G5 X MII is not the highest resolution 1 inch Sensor camera. Nikon 1 J5 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon G5 X MII vs Nikon 1 J5 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Canon G5 X MII's 1-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Canon G5 X MII Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Canon G5 X MII Lens

Canon G5 X MII features a 24-120 mm F1.8-2.8 5x zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end, while 120mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

Wide Coverage

Large sensor compact Cameras

G5 X MII

Widest - Canon G1 X II

Average

Telezoom

Large sensor compact Cameras

G5 X MII

Longest - Panasonic ZS200

Average

Providing a max aperture of f1.80 at 24mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end. Even better, having an aperture of f2.80 on tele end, this lens is exceptionally fast through out its range.

Max Aperture at Wide

Large sensor compact Cameras

G5 X MII

Fastest - Panasonic LX10

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Large sensor compact Cameras

G5 X MII

Fastest - Leica Q

Average

G5 X MII is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon G5 X MII's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Canon G5 X MII LCD and Viewfinder

Canon G5 X MII has a Tilting 3.00" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Canon G5 X MII will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of G5 X MII's LCD screen are Vloggers and any video creators who are working in a single-person setup.

G5 X MII has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 2,360kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

Canon G5 X MII Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Canon G5 X MII features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. Canon G5 X MII's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our G5 X MII. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect G5 X MII to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB port.

Canon G5 X MII also features USB charging capability which let's you charge your camera via a usb cable without removing the battery.

Canon G5 X MII Battery

Canon G5 X MII is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a battery life of 230 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Large sensor compact type cameras is 303 shots, Canon G5 X MII has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend G5 X MII owners to invest in some extra batteries.

Battery Life Comparison in Large sensor compact Cameras

Canon G5 X MII

Min

Average

Max

Leica X Vario with its 450shots is the model with longest battery life among Large sensor compact cameras. Check the comparison of Canon G5 X MII vs Leica X Vario or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

Canon G5 X MII Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Canon G7 X MIII Compare	3840 x 2160	235shots	Yes	Yes	No
Sony RX100 VII Compare	3840 x 2160	260shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canon G1 X III Compare	1920 x 1080	200shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Panasonic LX100 II Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	Yes	No
Canon G5 X Compare	1920 x 1080	210shots	Yes	No	Yes
Sony RX100 VI Compare	3840 x 2160	240shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Panasonic ZS200 Compare	3840 x 2160	370shots	Yes	Yes	No
Sony ZV-1 Compare	3840 x 2160	260shots	Yes	Yes	No

Canon G5 X MII Video Features

With Canon G5 X MII, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. This means that Canon G5 X MII provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some rare 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the common standard in consumer video world.
It is also a big step up from its predecessor Canon G5 X which has a max video resolution of 1920 x 1080 only. If you are thinking of upgrading your G5 X and shoot a lot of video, this is a big factor to consider in favor of G5 X MII.

G5 X MII has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Canon G5 X MII doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Large sensor compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

Canon G5 X MII Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Canon G5 X MII can shoot continuously at max speed of 30.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. G5 X MII also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/25600s. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

Flash

Unfortunately G5 X MII doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

Focusing

Canon G5 X MII features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

Canon G5 X MII also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Canon G5 X MII Good for?

In this section, we review and score Canon G5 X MII in 5 different photography areas.

Canon G5 X MII for Portrait Photography

Canon G5 X MII has a score of 51 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
No External Flash Shoe

Read the details of how we scored Canon G5 X MII for Portrait Photography

Canon G5 X MII for Street Photography

Canon G5 X MII has a score of 88 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen

Image Stabilization
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Canon G5 X MII for Street Photography

Canon G5 X MII for Sports Photography

Canon G5 X MII has a score of 43 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 30.0fps
Wireless Connection
Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Image Stabilization
Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80

RAW shooting capability
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
120 mm Tele Lens
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 230 shots
No External Flash Shoe

Read the details of how we scored Canon G5 X MII for Sports Photography

Canon G5 X MII for Daily Photography

Canon G5 X MII has a score of 75 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.

RAW shooting capability
5.0X Optical Zoom
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor

340g
Body Thickness 46mm

Read the details of how we scored Canon G5 X MII for Daily Photography

Canon G5 X MII for Landscape Photography

Canon G5 X MII has a score of 43 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability

Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Canon G5 X MII for Landscape Photography

Canon G5 X MII Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Canon G5 X MII compares with other Large sensor compact cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Canon G5 X MII alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Canon G5 X MII

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon G5 X MII amongst Camera Decision readers.

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Compare

Canon G5 X MII Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Canon G5 X MII with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon G5 X MII's price range.

Canon G5 X MII Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Canon G5 X MII has an Overall Score of 68/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II is ranked #14 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #192 out of 1230 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#192 out of 1230 in All Cameras
#14 out of 61 in Compact Cameras
#10 out of 63 in Large sensor compact Cameras.
#12 out of 44 in 1 inch Sensor Sensor Cameras.
#80 out of 173 in Cameras with Selfie friendly Screen

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions about Canon G5 X MII

Does the Canon G5 X MII have Image Stabilization?
Does the Canon G5 X MII have RAW support?
Does the Canon G5 X MII have Weather Sealing?
Does the Canon G5 X MII have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Canon G5 X MII?
What is the Sensor Size of Canon G5 X MII?
is the Canon G5 X MII a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Canon G5 X MII have Touch Screen?
Does the Canon G5 X MII have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon G5 X MII?
What is the Weight of Canon G5 X MII?
What are the Dimensions of Canon G5 X MII?

Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Canon
Model	Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
Announced	2019-07-09
Body Type	Large sensor compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	24-120 mm (5x)
Max Aperture	F1.8-2.8
Macro Focus Range	5cm
Screen
Screen Type	Tilting
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	1,040k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	2,360k dots
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/2000s
Max Electronic Shutter Speed	1/25600s
Continuous Shooting	30.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	7.50 m
Flash Modes	Auto, on, slow synchro, off
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size	1-inch
Sensor Dimensions	13.2 x 8.8 mm
Sensor Area	116.16mm²
Sensor Resolution	20 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	5472 x 3648
Max Native ISO	12,800
Max Boosted ISO	25600
Min Native ISO	125
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Video Features
Video Resolutions	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 120 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
Max Video Resolution	3840 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	340g
Physical Dimensions	111 x 61 x 46mm
Battery Life	230 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible)
Storage Slots	1

Most Popular Large sensor compact Cameras

Sony RX1R II
42 MP | Full frame Sensor| 35 mm

Panasonic ZS100
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor| 25-250 mm

Leica Q2
47 MP | Full frame Sensor| 28 mm

Sony RX100 VII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor| 24-200 mm

Canon G1 X III
24 MP | APS-C Sensor| 24-72 mm

Fujifilm X100F
24 MP | APS-C Sensor| 35 mm

Panasonic LX100 II
17 MP | Four Thirds Sensor| 24-75 mm

Leica Q
24 MP | Full frame Sensor| 28 mm

Latest Compact Cameras

Sony ZV-1
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-70 mm

Fujifilm X100V
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | 35 mm

Sony RX100 VII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-200 mm

Canon G5 X MII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-120 mm

Canon G7 X MIII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-100 mm

Leica Q2
47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm

Leica Q2 Monochrom
47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm

Nikon A1000
16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 24-840 mm