A more-power compact for Canon fans

Bringing its enthusiast compact G series of cameras up to five models, Canon adds the G5 X and G9 X to the G1 X Mark II , G3 X and G7 X . With the same 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor and 24-100mm f1.8-2.8 lens as the G7 X, the G5 X targets basically the same enthusiast photographers, but with a geekier design that includes a high-resolution built-in OLED electronic viewfinder, hot shoe and a flip-and-twist articulated touchscreen instead of the selfier flip-up screen.

Canon's latest trio of consumer compacts (pictures)

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The design is completely different from the G7 X, and let's just say Canon didn't prioritize form over function. It's got a front adjustment dial, a new lift-up flash and -- wait for it -- a built-in grip. And while the movie record button looks like one of those flat, hard-to-press models, at least it's in an easy-to-reach spot on the thumb grip. It incorporates Canon's version of features for improving photos for astrophotographers.

The camera is slated to ship in November for $800 (directly converted, £521, AU$1,090), about $100 more than the G7 X (which currently goes for $700, £400, AU$780).

My take

I really like the photo quality and feature set of the G7 X and the G5 X adds back the exact features that are important for enthusiasts, including the hot shoe, grip and EVF, plus a wired remote release jack. However, it doesn't sound like Canon addressed the biggest issue with the G7 X's insides: poor performance. At its price, it goes up against the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III , though that model's design is more consumer focused. In spirit it matches the Fujifilm X30 , which is about a year old and much less expensive, though. It sounds like it's going to be a decent, if somewhat homely, camera.

Comparative specs

Editors' note: Canon provided few specifications prior to announcement, but in some cases I've made assumptions where they're likely the same as the G7 X specs.