Canon G7X Mark II Review

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Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Resolution:	20.20 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)
Lens:	4.20x zoom (24-100mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	No / LCD
Native ISO:	125 - 12,800
Extended ISO:	125 - 12,800
Shutter:	1/2000 - 15 sec
Max Aperture:	1.8
Dimensions:	4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 in. (106 x 61 x 42 mm)
Weight:	11.2 oz (318 g) includes batteries
Availability:	05/2016
Manufacturer:	Canon
Full specs:	Canon G7X Mark II specifications

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Canon G7X Mark II

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20.20 Megapixels	4.20x zoom	1 inch size sensor

G7X Mark II Summary

Keeping the same 24-100mm eq. zoom lens and 20MP sensor as its predecessor, the refreshed Canon G7X II gets an updated exterior design as well as a faster DIGIC 7 image processor. What we get is a faster, more capable premium compact that still captures excellent images across a wide range of ISOs. The Canon G7X II aimed to address the performance-related shortcomings of the original, and it appears to have accomplished that goal for the most part. There are still some downsides and disappointments, but overall, it's a rather pleasing premium compact camera.

Pros

Very good image quality, Improved high ISO performance; Improved handling; Faster 8 fps burst mode; Burst rate no longer slows down with RAW files; Improved buffer depth.

Cons

Soft corners at wide angle; No viewfinder; No 4K video; Mediocre battery life; Sluggish buffer clearing; Continuous AF struggles on fast subjects.

Price and availability

The Canon G7X II began shipping in May 2016 for an estimated retail price of US$699.99.

Imaging Resource rating

4.0 out of 5.0

Canon G7X Mark II Review

by Jeremy Gray, Zig Weidelich, and William Brawley
Overview originally posted: 02/17/2016

Updates:
05/19/2016: First Shots added
06/02/2016: Performance page added
06/07/2016: Sample Gallery images added
06/29/2016: Field Test added
07/19/2016: Image Quality Comparo and Print Quality added
07/29/2016: Review Conclusion added

Canon's updated PowerShot G7X II takes what made the original G7X so appealing -- a compact form factor, large 1"-type sensor, and versatile 4.2x optical zoom lens -- and introduces a wide array of new features and improvements. While the 20.1-megapixel 1"-type CMOS sensor and 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens are the same, much has changed with the Mark II.

While generally similar in appearance, the Mark II includes numerous changes to the camera body design. There is now a small front grip on the camera. Absent on the G7X much to some users' dismay, the Mark II's new front grip is also rubberized for additional grip and comfort. A second change to the front of the camera is a redesigned front control ring, which now gives users the option to select between smooth or stepped rotation by using a small lever switch located near 4 o'clock position on the control ring.

Moving now to the back of the Canon G7X II, button layout is essentially identical, although some functions on the directional pad have changed. The 1,040K-dot screen can now tilt downward 45 degrees in addition to the 180 degrees of upward movement of its predecessor.

The G7X II includes the same 4.2x optical zoom lens found in the original G7X (and also last year's Canon PowerShot G5X). The 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens with a 9-blade iris diaphragm and optical image stabilization can focus as close as 2 inches (5 centimeters) at 24mm and 1.3 feet (40 centimeters) at 100mm. The 1"-type 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor remains unchanged, although with new processing, image quality is said be improved, particularly at higher ISOs.

The first Canon camera to feature the all-new DIGIC 7 image processor, the G7X Mark II includes a variety of performance improvements. In addition to improved noise performance throughout its ISO 125-12,800 sensitivity range, there is also much faster continuous shooting performance. The Mark II's top burst speed is now rated at 8 fps, up from 6.5 fps on the G7X in One Shot H continuous shooting mode, which locks focus at the first frame. But more importantly, RAW mode is now also rated at 8 fps, a huge improvement over the 1.2 frames per second continuous RAW shooting rate of its predecessor. In Servo H mode, this speed drops down to 5.4 fps, with continuous AF. Additionally, RAW images captured by the G7X II are now 14-bit, rather than the 12-bit RAW files captured by the G7X. This brings the G7X II in line with the G3X, G5X, and G9X PowerShot cameras.

Autofocus performance is said to have been improved as well, particularly with regards to low contrast scenes and subject tracking. A new panning feature has been added as well, allowing users to photograph a moving subject with locked-on autofocus and automatic shutter speed adjustments to create motion blur in the background. Depending on the direction you're panning, the camera's Intelligent Image Stabilizer (IS) will automatically turn on or off.

Primary video features remain unchanged, however, with the Canon G7X II capturing 1080p video at up to 60 fps in MP4 format with stereo sound. Not all is the same, though, as the camera includes a new time-lapse movie feature. Capturing images at preset intervals, the camera automatically combines them into a short time-lapse movie clip.

Its new processor also affords the G7X II the ability to process RAW files in-camera, making it the first PowerShot camera to include this feature. A new Picture Style function from the EOS camera line also makes its way to the G7X II, granting users the ability to control color, contrast, and sharpness in camera.

With the G7X II's dedicated Wi-Fi button, you'll be able to easily share these images using the camera's built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity and companion smartphone app (for iOS/Android). You'll also be able to shoot for longer too as battery life has been improved from 210 shots to 265 shots (355 shots using ECO Mode), using the same NB-13L battery pack. And the Mark II now supports in-camera charging via USB even though it ships with a dedicated charger, however a USB cable is not included in the bundle.

The new and improved PowerShot G7X Mark II builds upon its predecessor adding numerous new features and improving overall performance. The Canon G7X II began shipping in May 2016 for an estimated retail price of US$699.99.

Canon G7X Mark II Field Test

Notable improvements make the G7X II a good compact camera

by Jeremy Gray | 06/29/2016

Following up on 2014's G7X, Canon's G7X Mark II maintains many of the same features, including the sensor and fast 4.2x optical zoom lens, but brings with it a number of improvements to the camera body as well as a new DIGIC 7 image processor (which itself leads to better performance). The premium compact camera has a lot of competition, but delivers good image quality and impressive optical specs. What are its biggest strengths and weaknesses? Let's find out.

While the camera body has seen many improvements since the original G7X, the Mark II is basically just as compact and still lacking a built-in viewfinder. Without adding much bulk or weight, however, the G7X II now includes a small rubberized front grip. This seemingly small change makes it a very comfortable compact camera to hold and use. It's a clear case where a little bit goes a long way. Also new is toggle switch for the lens control ring that switches between smooth and stepped rotation. It's another small detail, but a very handy one; the stepped rotation is ideal for controlling something like aperture changes.

Read our Canon G7X II Field Test

Canon G7X Mark II Image Quality Comparison

Going head-to-head against the competition

by Zig Weidelich | 07/19/2016

Here we have crops from our laboratory Still Life target comparing the Canon G7X Mark II's image quality to its predecessor's, the G7X, as well as to a range of compact enthusiast cameras: the Canon G5X, Panasonic LX100, Panasonic ZS100 and Sony RX100 IV. All cameras in this comparison use 1"-type sensors except for the Panasonic LX100, which uses most of a Four Thirds sensor.

NOTE: These images are from best quality JPEGs straight out of the camera, at default settings including noise reduction and using the camera's actual base ISO (not extended ISO settings). Clicking any crop will take you to a carrier page where you can click once again to access the full resolution image as delivered straight from the camera.

Check out our Canon G7X II Image Quality Comparison

Canon G7X Mark II Print Quality

Off the screen and in your hand

by William Brawley | 07/19/2016

While the Canon G7X Mark II uses the same or very similar 20-megapixel 1-inch-type sensor as well as the same lens as the original Mark I model, it brings an all-new DIGIC 7 image processor to the table. Overall, it does a great job in the print quality department, offering about a print size larger than the G7X at the lower ISOs. At base ISO or ISO 200, the Canon G7X II is capable of crisp, colorful prints at impressives sizes. Even at ISO 800, the G7X II capable of very nice, rather large prints. Despite its pocketable size, the G7X Mark II can still make nice, usable prints up to ISO 6400. But at ISO 12,800, the Canon G7X II, like the original, captures images that are simply too noisy and lacking in detail to make acceptable prints.

Read our Canon G7X Mark II Print Quality Analysis

Canon G7X Mark II Conclusion

Refreshed & refined: The Mark II offers improvements where it counts

by Jeremy Gray |07/29/2016

With improved technical performance and a refined camera body, the DIGIC 7-equipped Canon G7X Mark II takes advantage of its mostly good built-in 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens and very good 20.1-megapixel 1"-type sensor to deliver solid results. Addressing many of the shortcomings of its predecessor, the G7X II is a good compact camera that offers a lot of performance for the price.

Canon G7X II body is improved and more comfortable to use
Among the changes made for the Canon G7X Mark II are some excellent improvements made to the camera body itself. While the general form factor is basically the same, there is now a rubber grip on the front, which we found made the camera more comfortable and easier to hold considering its overall compact size.

Read our Canon G7X Mark II Conclusion

In the Box

The Canon G7 X II retail box includes (may vary by region):

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II digital camera
NB-13L Lithium-ion battery pack
CB-2LH battery charger
WS-DC12 wrist strap
1-Year Limited Warranty

Recommended Accessories

Large capacity SDHC/SDXC memory card. We recommend 16GB as a minimum capacity. Speed Class 10 or higher is required for recording Full HD movies and UHS-I types are supported.
Extra NB-13L battery pack (~US$50)
Camera case