The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a step in the right direction for Canon and features many improvements over its predecessor. It also features a zoom lens that’s even more ambitious than the Sony RX100, which may earn it a distinctive place in our best point-and-shoot camera list. You’ll just have to visit it to find out! Get our recommendation of the best digital camera with this review.
Why We Like It – Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Camera is easy to use and features image capture that can compete with some entry-level DSLRs, like the Canon EOS Rebel T5, and that’s really saying something. It does a good job in low light, with an optical zoom lens rated at f/1.8, and Full HD image quality.
- Upgraded Digic image processor
- 22 raw files continuous shooting
- Wide aperture zoom lens
- Doesn’t Support 4K
- Not Waterproof
- Zoom lens still not the biggest available
Performance
The buffer on the G7 X is quite good for a compact camera and manages 19 raw+JPG, 22 raw images, or 32 JPGs before slowing. The Canon G7X Mark II also has a continuous shooting speed of 8fps. You can shoot in full HD with the G7X Mark II, as you can with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS, but the 4K image quality isn’t supported on either model.
The G7X Mark II does have an upgraded control layout for video mode and video recording compared to previous models. While it lacks 4K video capabilities, the addition of full HD video recording and an improved physical interface for controlling video make the G7X Mark II a capable option for video alongside its strong still photo abilities.
However, the one-inch sensor on the Mark II captures crisp and clean images and offers very good high ISO and low light performance. If you like Canon cameras but need something a little more budget-friendly, consider the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS Point and Shoot Camera.
Related: See our Canon PowerShot G3 x review
Design
The Canon Powershot G7 X may look the same as its predecessor, but G7 X Mark II’s lens control ring can now be set to operate with or without click stops. The PowerShot G7X Mark II also has a solid zoom range (4.2x) and still produces high-quality images when zoomed in a bit. While other cameras with a smaller-type sensor may be able to zoom in more, up to 30x (or 40x like the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS), images can become blurry or dim quickly and this won’t happen with the Canon G7 X. Still, if you are looking for massive optical zoom, consider the Nikon Coolpix B500 Point and Shoot Camera which offers 40x optical zoom.
Even at full zoom, it maintains good photo quality thanks to the combination of its 20.1MP 1-inch sensor and advanced image processing. You can tweak image quality settings like dynamic range based on your shooting conditions to optimize for detail and sharpness in highlights and shadows. Overall, the G7X Mark II delivers excellent image quality and dynamic range, with the versatility to zoom while still producing sharp images with premium photo quality.
Value
Although marketed at photographers, the G7 X II became popular with vloggers because of an excellent AF System and 24-100mm (equivalent) f/2.8-1.8 lens. Wi-fi is built into the G7 X Mark II and the Canon Camera Connect App allows you to copy images and videos to Android or iOS devices, change the focal length, adjust focus, and much more. Unfortunately, the Canon PowerShot isn’t Waterproof, so consider the Olympus Tough TG-6 Point and Shoot Camera if you need to shoot underwater.
The app also enables RAW conversion and uploading directly to social media. In addition to WiFi, the G7 X Mark II offers excellent physical controls like the touchscreen LCD, which allows for intuitive aperture control and focal range selection. All these features come in a highly compact size, making the G7 X Mark II a versatile package for photography and content sharing on the go.
Related: Check out the Canon PowerShot G16 review
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Wrap Up
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II delivers some impressive performance updates while still keeping the familiar outward design of its predecessor. There are some instances where it can use a little more updating, waterproofing and 4K video capture immediately come to mind, but the Canon PowerShot G7 Mark II is, overall, an impressive camera for a fair price.
