Aaron RitchieThe Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a compact camera built around a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor and a bright 24–100mm-equivalent f/1.8–2.8 zoom lens.
It remains a strong choice for travel, everyday photography, vlogging, and low-light shooting, although its autofocus and video capabilities are dated compared with newer cameras.
Canon G7X Mark II Overview
Canon introduced the G7 X Mark II as an upgrade to the original G7 X, focusing on faster processing, improved continuous shooting, better handling, and stronger overall responsiveness.
The camera uses Canon’s DIGIC 7 image processor alongside a 1-inch-type CMOS sensor. This combination gives it considerably more imaging capability than typical compact cameras and smartphones from its generation.
Its biggest attraction is the combination of a relatively large sensor, bright lens, compact body, and useful 24–100mm focal-length range.
Specifications
| Feature | Canon G7 X Mark II |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1-inch CMOS |
| Effective resolution | 20.1 MP |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| Lens | 24–100mm equivalent |
| Optical zoom | 4.2x |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8–f/2.8 |
| ISO range | ISO 125–12,800 |
| Display | 3-inch tilting touchscreen |
| Screen resolution | Approx. 1.04 million dots |
| Continuous shooting | Up to approx. 8 fps |
| Video | Full HD up to 60 fps |
| Stabilization | Optical/Dual Sensing IS |
| Storage | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi and NFC |
| Battery | NB-13L |
| Weight | Approx. 319g with battery and card |
| Dimensions | Approx. 105.5 × 60.9 × 42.0mm |
Canon’s official specifications confirm the 20.1MP 1-inch sensor, 4.2x optical zoom, 24–100mm equivalent lens, ISO range up to 12,800, and approximately 8 fps maximum continuous shooting.
1-Inch Sensor and Image Quality
The 1-inch sensor is one of the G7 X Mark II’s most important features. It is substantially larger than the sensors traditionally found in basic compact cameras, allowing the camera to capture more detail and produce stronger background separation.
The 20.1-megapixel resolution is enough for detailed photographs, cropping, and normal printing. RAW capture is also available, giving photographers considerably more flexibility when adjusting exposure, highlights, shadows, and color during editing.
In practical use, the camera is particularly good in daylight and reasonably strong in low light. Its bright lens helps compensate for the limitations of the relatively small camera body.
However, the JPEG processing can be aggressive. Independent testing found that Canon’s sharpening and noise reduction can remove some fine detail, particularly as sensitivity increases. RAW files generally provide more room for extracting image quality.
24–100mm f/1.8–2.8 Lens
The built-in lens is arguably the camera’s biggest selling point.
Its 24–100mm equivalent range covers everything from wide-angle landscapes and interiors to portraits and moderate telephoto shots. The f/1.8 maximum aperture at the wide end is especially useful for low-light photography and creating background blur.
At the telephoto end, the maximum aperture drops to f/2.8, which is still relatively bright for a compact zoom camera.
The lens can focus as close as approximately 5cm at the wide end, making the G7 X Mark II useful for close-up subjects as well.
DIGIC 7 Processor
The DIGIC 7 processor was a major upgrade over the original G7 X.
It improves image processing, noise reduction, autofocus behavior, and shooting speed. Most importantly, it allows the G7 X Mark II to shoot much faster bursts than its predecessor.
Canon rates the camera for approximately 8 shots per second in its high-speed shooting mode. Independent testing found it could actually exceed that figure under suitable conditions.
This makes the camera capable of handling quick action better than many older compact cameras.
Autofocus Performance
Autofocus is one area where expectations need to be realistic.
The G7 X Mark II supports One Shot AF, Servo AF, and manual focus. Face detection and tracking are available, and the touchscreen makes it easy to select a subject.
For portraits, street photography, travel, and relatively predictable subjects, autofocus is generally capable.
Moving subjects are more complicated. Independent testing found that the camera’s autofocus could track faces reasonably well, but its continuous subject tracking was not as sophisticated as that of newer mirrorless cameras and premium compact cameras.
For modern sports, fast-moving children, or serious action photography, this is not the camera I would choose.
Burst Shooting
Burst shooting is a genuine strength.
The G7 X Mark II can shoot at approximately 8 fps with focus and exposure locked for the sequence. Servo AF allows continuous focusing while shooting at around 5.4 fps according to Canon’s specifications.
Independent testing also found that the camera could exceed its advertised burst rates. RAW burst performance was dramatically better than that of the original G7 X.
The downside is buffer behavior. After a long burst, the camera can take several seconds to clear the buffer before certain controls become available again.
Tilting Touchscreen
The 3-inch touchscreen is another useful feature.
It has approximately 1.04 million dots and can tilt upward by 180 degrees, making it suitable for selfies and self-recording. It can also tilt downward by 45 degrees, which is useful when shooting from low or unusual angles.
The touchscreen also makes tap-to-focus convenient, particularly for video and casual shooting.
There is no built-in electronic viewfinder, however. You must compose images using the rear LCD.
Video Performance
The G7 X Mark II can record Full HD video, including 1080p at up to 60 frames per second. It also includes a manual movie mode and time-lapse capabilities.
For casual video, travel clips, YouTube content, and basic vlogging, the image quality can still be useful.
But this is where the camera’s age becomes obvious. There is no 4K recording, and modern cameras offer substantially better autofocus, stabilization, microphones, processing, and video formats.
If your primary reason for buying a G7 X Mark II is serious video production, its lack of 4K is a major weakness.
Image Stabilization
The camera uses Canon’s Dual Sensing IS system, which combines information from the image sensor and motion sensors to help reduce camera shake. Canon and independent testing report stabilization benefits of around four stops under suitable conditions.
This is particularly useful with the bright zoom lens when shooting handheld in lower-light environments.
Stabilization cannot freeze a moving subject, though. If the subject is moving, you still need a sufficiently fast shutter speed.
Battery Life
Battery life is acceptable rather than impressive.
Canon rates the G7 X Mark II at approximately 265 shots with the screen enabled under CIPA testing, or about 355 shots when using Eco Mode.
For a full day of travel photography, carrying a spare NB-13L battery is sensible.
The camera also supports in-camera charging when used with the appropriate Canon power accessories.
Size and Handling
The G7 X Mark II is genuinely compact.
It measures approximately 105.5 × 60.9 × 42.0mm and weighs about 319g with the battery and memory card.
Canon also improved the physical design compared with the original model by adding a more substantial grip.
That matters because a compact camera with a large sensor and bright zoom lens can otherwise feel uncomfortable to hold.
The camera is small enough to carry almost anywhere, while still offering physical controls, a control ring, manual exposure options, and RAW shooting.
Connectivity
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allow the camera to connect with compatible mobile devices for transferring images and remote control functions.
For photographers who want to move photos to a smartphone without using a card reader, this remains useful.
However, wireless features are obviously less advanced than those found on many newer cameras.
Canon G7X Mark II Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent 1-inch sensor for a compact camera
- Bright f/1.8–2.8 lens
- Useful 24–100mm equivalent focal range
- Good image quality, particularly in RAW
- Compact and lightweight design
- Tilting touchscreen
- Fast burst shooting
- Built-in optical stabilization
- RAW capture
- Wi-Fi and NFC
- Built-in flash
Cons
- No 4K video
- No electronic viewfinder
- Autofocus is dated
- Continuous subject tracking is limited
- Battery life is only average
- Buffer can cause delays after long bursts
- JPEG processing can be overly aggressive
- Older wireless and video technology
