Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II Review: introduced with improved autofocus – Faster image processor gives the G7 X legs

Canon is incorporating the latest and most powerful Digic 7 image processor into the PowerShot G7 X Mark II  to improve autofocus and continuous shooting performance. The compact camera, equipped with a 20 megapixel 1″ sensor, is not only supposed to be faster and more precise, but also to be able to focus even at lower contrasts. The continuous shooting speed now reaches eight frames per second without and 5.4 frames per second with autofocus tracking.

This camera is preceeded by the Canon Powershot G7 X and its successor is the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III.

Brief assessment

Pros

• In spite of the compactness reasonably ergonomic housing
• Touch screen can be folded up to 180 degrees
• High speed lens with more zoom range than the competition
• High dynamic range
• High resolution lens in the image center

Cons

• At higher ISO sensitivities little detail and still visible noise
• High edge drop in resolution
• Neither hot shoe nor viewfinder

 

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II combines a 20 megapixel 1″ sensor with a F1.8-2.8-inch 24-100mm zoom in a compact body that now features a small handle. [Photo: Canon]

With an ergonomically improved body, faster image processor and therefore faster autofocus and higher continuous shooting performance, Canon has been pushing the PowerShot G7 X Mark II for a while now. The camera is one of the most popular among our readers, which is only too understandable due to the compact housing, the fast lens and the good equipment at a reasonable price. But what does the G7 X Mark II really do? We’ll find out in the test right below.

The new Digic 7 image processor is used for the first time in the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. It provides a higher continuous shooting rate and faster autofocus. [Photo: Canon]

With two setting rings, the program selector wheel and the exposure correction wheel, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II allows very direct operation. [Photo: Canon]

The rear touchscreen of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II can now be folded not only 180 degrees upwards but also 45 degrees downwards. [Photo: Canon]

4K, on the other hand, isn’t an issue despite the faster processor; the G7 X Mark II continues to film at maximum Full HD resolution. The optical 4.2x zoom with optical image stabilizer, a speed of F1.8 to F2.8 and a small image equivalent focal length of 24 to 100 millimetres is already familiar from the predecessor model. Canon, on the other hand, has slightly optimized the housing with a small hand movement. The exposure-compensation wheel can still be found under the program dial, and it has also remained with the two setting rings, one on the lens (with disengageable click-stop) and the other on the back of the body around the four-way selector.

The rear touch screen measures 7.5 centimetres diagonally and has a resolution of 1.04 million pixels. It can be folded upwards by up to 180 degrees, which not only makes shots close to the ground easier, but also selfies. New is the possibility to fold the screen down 45 degrees for overhead shots. If you don’t want to use the fast autofocus and prefer to focus manually, the focus peaking displayed on the screen will give you the necessary information about where the focal plane is. Thanks to WLAN and NFC, the camera connects to suitable smart devices at the touch of a button or contactlessly and transmits its images to these devices so that they can be shared on social networks or similar. The corresponding app from Canon also allows remote control of the camera including remote release. Since May 2016, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is available in stores at a price of 685 euros, which makes it somewhat more expensive than its predecessor. The Mark II allows itself a bit less energy and now allows 265 instead of the previously meager 220 shots with one battery charge.

Ergonomics and Workmanship

At around 10.5 x 6.5 x 4.2 centimetres, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is pleasantly compact, but with a ready-to-use 315 grams, it weighs in at a respectable amount. This is certainly mainly due to the robust metal housing and of course the fast lens. Although the Canon is no thicker than a comparable RX100 III from Sony, it offers a more zoom-in lens with a slightly longer telephoto focal length (24-100 instead of 24-70 mm 35 mm equivalent) without sacrificing speed (F1.8-2.8). An optical image stabilizer is also built in. In the previous model, we still criticized the case, which was too smooth at the front and thus not very handy, but the new design makes up for that. The Mark II now has a rubberized grip that makes the camera position much safer without the housing growing.

In the almost 4.1 centimetre thick housing, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II even accommodates a fast 24-100mm zoom and thus offers a little more focal length than the equally large competition. [Photo: Canon]

Despite the compact housing and the resulting lack of space, the buttons on the back are surprisingly large and can therefore also be easily operated by men’s hands. As always, the combination of a four-weigher with a rotating ring is somewhat problematic, and gross motorists may inadvertently press a button while rotating. The problem is quite limited on the G7 X, however, and you can get used to the wheel, which is quite grippy. But much nicer is the lens ring. It is large, has a good grip and rests comfortably. If you want to adjust discrete values with it, such as the focal length in steps, the aperture, the ISO sensitivity or the exposure time, you can do so precisely. If, on the other hand, one wants to zoom continuously, then the zoom rocker arranged in a ring around the shutter release button is a good choice. But even with the lens ring it is no problem thanks to the easily disengageable detent. Now the ring runs continuously and silently. Especially when focusing manually, this is much more comfortable. That too has made Canon clever and you can see that practitioners have been at work here in ergonomic design. By the way, when focusing manually, both a focus magnifier and focus peaking are available.

The exposure-compensation wheel, on the other hand, is subject to some criticism, as it may well be accidentally adjusted. After all, the exposure correction wheel only has an effect in the creative programs, so that automatic shooters cannot accidentally spoil their pictures here. Those who want to combine the automatic exposure with the exposure compensation have to switch to the program automatic. On top of the exposure compensation wheel is the smaller program dial, it even offers a custom position to call up preferred shooting settings. The Quick menu also contributes to fast operation, allowing other important recording parameters that do not have their own buttons to be adjusted. The main menu has the usual Canon structure, which may require some familiarization. With eight recording menu pages and four setup menu pages, it barely remains clear. The playback menu only appears in playback mode, in which case the recording menu disappears. Frequently used menu items can also be accessed more quickly thanks to the My-Menu.

Under the program dial of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is the exposure correction wheel. It makes sense to use it not in the fully automatic mode, but only with the creative programs. [Photo: Canon]

The rear screen offers good space utilization in the 3:2 aspect ratio because the image sensor has the same aspect ratio. With a diagonal of 7.5 centimeters and a resolution of 1.04 million pixels, it offers the usual benchmark values and good image quality. It is a touch screen that you can use, but you don’t have to. However, this is very practical for some functions, such as focusing on a specific subject detail with a fingertip. In addition, screen selection areas are offered for some functions, which further simplifies operation. Those who like to take pictures from near-ground or overhead perspectives can fold the screen up or down accordingly, the latter did not work with the previous model. Even a quick selfie is easy to produce thanks to the 180 degree upward folding screen.

However, the Canon does not have a viewfinder. A hot shoe is also missing, so that no external viewfinder can be connected. For a pop-up flash, however, Canon has found room in the housing. With a micro HDMI as well as a micro USB socket, the interfaces are also kept within limits; unfortunately, the USB socket isn’t even suitable for quickly recharging the removable lithium-ion battery in between. With just over 250 recordings, it offers a not too lavish running time. It is charged externally in a charging cradle provided. The rechargeable battery and SD memory card are located in a compartment on the bottom of the camera next to the tripod socket, which is located off the optical axis. This is not practical for tripod operation. The memory card slot easily swallows even large SDHC or SDXC cards.

Unlike the previous model and RX100 competition, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II features a small grip handle with a non-slip cover. [Photo: Canon]

Equipment And Features

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II offers both a fully automatic mode that controls everything automatically, including Scene Recognition, and selectable scene modes so the photographer can choose which automatic mode to use. This makes it possible to take photos even for those who do not like to deal with the “technical” side of photography. But even experienced photographers who want to take a quick snapshot will be happy with the fully automatic mode. Between the scene modes is also hidden the HDR mode, which should be used from a tripod. It captures high-contrast scenes with three different exposures and combines them in such a way that details are still visible in both the brightest and darkest areas. Unfortunately, the HDR mode cannot be used in the creative programs P, Av, Tv and M, so experienced photographers have to resort to the exposure series. Here, however, a maximum of three shots are possible, each with two EV exposure differences, which must be put together on the PC with the appropriate software.

The two control wheels make it quick and easy to adjust the recording parameters in the creative programs. In addition, a live exposure preview and a live histogram ensure that the exposure can be assessed before the picture is taken. If you like to work in bright light with an open aperture for a shallow depth of field, you will quickly reach the limits with the fastest shutter speed of 1/2,000 seconds. Canon has thought of this and has given the lens a swing-in neutral density filter. It reduces the light by three f-stops. Flowing effects, for example of water, can also be achieved by using the aperture that can be closed until F11. If desired, the G7 X also swings the filter in automatically. By the way, the filter also helps to reduce diffraction blur, because you can work with F4 instead of F11, for example.

Those who like to flash, however, do not get their money’s worth so much. As already mentioned at the beginning, the G7 X Mark II doesn’t offer a flash shoe. In addition, the integrated pop-up flash with a guide number of five does not exactly have a lot of power. You don’t even have to think about wireless flash control. Standard features such as flash at the end of the exposure instead of at the beginning, long time synchronization and flash exposure correction are of course available. There is even a manual flash output control, but only in three unspecified levels. But here, too, there is a restriction, because this only works in manual exposure mode. Theoretically, it would be possible to trigger slave flash units because the measuring pre-flash is missing. But you don’t necessarily have to resent Canon’s poor flash equipment, as the camera is primarily designed for compactness, so compromises have to be made. It also has a fast lens. By the way, if you want to try to indirectly brighten up a scene a little bit despite the low power, you can pull the flash back a little bit with your finger, which makes it fire towards the ceiling.

One of the improvements of the G7 X Mark II concerns the faster processor Digic 7, which among other things is supposed to provide a quicker autofocus. In our laboratory measurement there was no sign of this. As with the previous model, a little more than a quarter of a second passes from the time the shutter release button is pressed to the actual recording. Actually, the autofocus is even a few milliseconds slower, but this makes up for the shorter shutter release delay. This makes snapshots a little better after focusing. Only 0.05 seconds elapse before the release.

Canon lags a little behind the competition when it comes to the video function. 4K is not to be thought of. In Full-HD resolution, there are liquid 60 frames per second for this, but those who wish can also film at 50, 30, 25 or 24 frames per second. However, the refresh rates are tied to the video system selected in the setup menu. With PAL there are 50 or 25 frames per second, in NTSC either 60, 30 or 24 frames per second. The PowerShot adjusts the autofocus and exposure during movie recording. Thanks to the video recording button, the G7 X is always ready to shoot. Turning the program dial to video mode opens up more possibilities, such as manual exposure control for filming or a time-lapse function. By the way, the sound reaches the video track via the integrated stereo microphone. The refocusing is so quiet that it is practically not audible. The zoom runs significantly slower, but makes (very quiet) noises. The image stabilizer also works well.

Unfortunately, the tripod thread of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is both outside the optical axis and too close to the memory card and battery compartment. [Photo: Canon]

The metal housing of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II has a plastic insert for the WLAN antenna. The flash must be unlocked manually. [Photo: Canon]

Some editing options are available in playback mode. Not only can images be rotated or cropped, but filters can also be placed over them. Those who have taken raw pictures can also convert them into a JPEG in the camera. If desired, you can make your own settings to adjust brightness, white balance, noise reduction and other parameters. Thanks to the built-in WLAN and the active NFC tag, which even works when the camera is switched off, the recordings can be transferred to smartphones or tablets. With the help of the app from Canon, the camera can also be remotely controlled, including live image transmission.

Image quality

Many years ago, Sony started a revolution with the RX100, as we now know. Until then, the image quality of compact cameras was not considered particularly good and anyone who wanted high image quality had to resort to a system camera. But the 1″ sensor, which is relatively large for a compact camera measuring 13.2 by 8.8 millimetres, changed that and ensures that today, especially with such compact cameras, manufacturers can still make good profits and even grow. Also equipped with a fast lens and a 1″ sensor, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II promises the same high image quality as a system camera.

In terms of 20 by 30 centimeter prints, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II offers high image sharpness from centre to corners at all measured apertures and focal lengths. Edge darkening, at a maximum of 0.5 EV or 25 percent, is just as negligible as distortion, which is very low at less than one percent barrel shape in wide angle and is no longer present at all at longer focal lengths. Even color fringes with less than half a pixel in maximum do not play a practical role. However, if you look at the resolution of the 20 megapixel sensor with 50 percent edge contrast (MTF50), some weaknesses become apparent. In the image center, Canon still achieves a very high resolution of 50 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) in 35 mm equivalent and more (56 lp/mm maximum at 50 mm F2.8) at all focal lengths. At the edge of the picture the story looks quite different. In the wide angle there are just 30 lp/mm in it. This not only means a fairly high edge drop of 40 percent, but also that the image corners become softer when printed larger than 20 by 30 centimeters. With a medium focal length of 50 millimeters corresponding to 35mm, 45 lp/mm are reached at the edge of the image, but for this, one has to stop down to F4 or F5.6. This is also our recommendation for high-resolution, uniformly sharp photos: 50 mm and F4 or 5.6, because at open aperture it is only 36 lp/mm. At tele focal length a maximum of 41 lp/mm is reached, and only at F8. Actually already above F2.8 the resolution-reducing diffraction starts, but at telephoto focal length only above F8 it allows a lower resolution than the resolution increase by the fading. F8 and F11 should actually be used rather sparingly on the G7 X Mark II, as the resolution drops noticeably here.

But the 1″ sensor is not only “famous” for its high resolution, but also for its good noise behavior even at higher sensitivities; at least if the camera manufacturer has well adjusted the image processing. For example, some 1″ cameras still offer a decent image quality with acceptable resolution and low noise even at ISO 800 or 1600. To make a long story short: The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is not included. The signal-to-noise ratio starts at ISO 125 with a still acceptable 40 dB, but above ISO 800 the critical level of 35 dB is undershot. While Canon has a good grip on color noise, the brightness noise increases steadily above ISO 400 and becomes slightly visible at ISO 1,600 at the latest. But much more important is the corresponding texture sharpness, with which the resolution of finest details is measured at all sensitivities. Above ISO 200 the measured value drops steeply. Already at ISO 400, slight losses are measurable and visible, but the image quality is still quite sufficient. But at the latest from ISO 800 on, the images are visibly soft and above ISO 1.600 practically only noisy mud. This means that the Canon is a good two f-stops behind the best 1″ sensor cameras, which can still deliver acceptable image quality up to ISO 1,600.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II only has Micro-HDMI and Micro-USB interfaces, a remote release connector or a microphone jack is not available. [Photo: Canon]

With 265 shots, the small lithium-ion battery of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II offers just enough stamina. The memory card compartment, on the other hand, also swallows really large SDXC cards. [Photo: Canon]

After all, the G7 X Mark II offers a very high input dynamic range, with only a slight drop from twelve f-stops at ISO 125 to ISO 800 with eleven f-stops, and thus remains at the highest level. Only above ISO 3.200 does the value drop below the still good ten aperture stops. The tone curve is very steep for crisp image reproduction. The initial tonal range drops over the sensitivities similarly steeply as the texture sharpness. The critical value of 160 brightness levels is undercut above ISO 800. Colors, on the other hand, are reproduced by Canon with exceptional precision. Even the strongest deviations are still tolerable at low sensitivities. At higher sensitivities, the color deviation becomes somewhat more pronounced, but is only just above the still tolerable value. The manual white balance is sufficiently accurate and even the color depth is pleasingly high. Up to ISO 800, over four million colors are differentiated, up to ISO 3,200 there are still a good two million colors. According to laboratory measurements, the small pop-up flash leads to a significant brightness drop of two f-stops or 70 percent. Thus, it is recommendable to turn the zoom a little for illuminated image corners.

Conclusion

On the outside, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a very successful camera. It offers a robust and handy housing with compact dimensions and yet packs even a slightly larger zoom than the competition without sacrificing light intensity. The autofocus and the camera in general work fast, the handling is easy to understand and really important functions are not really missed, except maybe a flash shoe or a viewfinder. The picture quality is somewhat disappointing, though. Especially in the wide angle, the lens, which is not so sharply edged, is not even the biggest problem, but the image quality, which plummets above ISO 400, is the main one, as one simply expects more from a 1″ sensor. Despite increasing noise, the resolution of details is not as good as it should be. Only in raw format can experts tickle something out of it. For the everyday photographer who wants to take good quality pictures even in low light, the fast lens is the only thing left on the credit side.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Datasheet