Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II review: The G7 X Mark II is a good choice when you're ready to step up to better photos

I like the Canon G7 X, one of the company's 1-inch sensor enthusiast compacts -- the one without the viewfinder -- but that model just can't keep up when it comes to speed. Given that its successor, the G7 X Mark II, is fundamentally the same camera (albeit with some important enhancements), it's not surprising that I like the Mark II as well. But while the $700 (£570, AU$950) camera improves on the earlier model in some respects, the admittedly better performance still lags in places.

8.0

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

$700 at B&H Photo-Video

$900 at Amazon

The Good

The Canon PowerShot G7 X II is nicely designed with good photo quality for its class, and improves noticeably over the earlier model.

The Bad

Still lags behind the competition with respect to features and some aspects of performance.

The Bottom Line

Performance improvements raise the G7 X Mark II's grade to excellent, as long as you're not looking for a lot of frills.

Good where it counts

The Mark II's photo quality is a definite improvement over the original, and it does have improved noise at higher ISO sensitivities. Since raw images don't have noise reduction applied, they aren't affected, but I think the JPEG processing is generally better in the newer model. The video looks good too, with less jumping in the continuous autofocus.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II full-resolution photo samples

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A processor update brings with it faster startup and an increased continuous shooting speed we clocked at 5.6 frames per second with autofocus and autoexposure. And it's also faster to focus in low-contrast conditions, as Canon claims. Its biggest holdup is when it needs to process images, such as taking a couple of consecutive nonburst shots or doing HDR. However it does start up a little faster than big-name competitors. And it's fast enough for slowish action, such as the occasional kid, pet or jumpshot.

Better design

Canon has added a much-needed grip, which makes single-handed shooting more comfortable, and a flip-up/tilt-down touchscreen display that adds a lot more flexibility. Also, there's now a switch on the front to silence the otherwise clicky control ring (for operation while shooting video) and the display not only flips up for selfies, but can also tilt down. The changes have made the camera slightly larger and heavier than before, but not by much.

It incorporates a few more features, including in-camera raw-to-JPEG conversion, time-lapse movie and an image stabilization mode for panning shots (so it only stabilizes vertical movement). It also adds Picture Styles, the image-control presets formerly only available in the dSLRs. That's important given Canon's tendency to apply too much saturation in reds and high contrast by default; these give you an easier way to render more neutral photos and videos. That said, there's less leeway in the images produced with the small sensor than with the dSLRs -- for instance, when it comes to sharpening or dynamic range.

And of course, Canon brings it up to date with Wi-Fi and NFC; and the Canon Connect app works pretty well and offers a reasonable set of remote shooting and downloading controls.

Despite the added features, though, it still trails behind competitors for video capabilities, breadth and depth of filters, a hot shoe and other frills.

Conclusion

A big improvement in all respects over the original G7 X, the Mark II doesn't quite catch up to competitors when it comes to features or speed, but it's fast and feature-filled enough that it's a good choice if you're looking to step up from a phone or older compact.

Comparative specifications