The Canon PowerShot G5X Mark II is a high-end compact with a 1in sensor, 5x / 24-120mm zoom, popup viewfinder, tilting touchscreen, fast bursts and 4k video. Announced in July 2019, it replaces the three year old PowerShot G5X and adapts its design to become closer to Sony's popular RX100 series.

A reinvention of the series, with its eyes firmly set on the prize: take-on the Sony RX100. In many respects the Canon succeeds, with a robust feature set and decent image quality in this newly designed form. However, its fairly simplistic autofocus system isn't the best going.

Far smaller build than original model; Pop-up viewfinder rivals Sony RX100 series; Decent lens focal and aperture range; Adds 4K video shooting capabilities; Impressive image quality from new 1-inch sensor

Larger scale than Sony RX100 competitor; Autofocus lacks the complexity of some rivals; Loses vari-angle LCD of previous model (it's tilt-angle instead; Rotational lens ring feels plasticky; Loses some detail at full zoom

The PowerShot G5 X Mark II is quite a different proposition to the existing G5 X, and with its new EVF it's arguably the closest rival to Sony's RX100 models to date. It feels great in the hands and is responsive in use, and the EOS-style interface makes for great operation.

Feels very well put together; Responsive and fast AF; EOS-style menu system; Grip makes for excellent handling

EVF needs to be pulled back before use; Lens control ring feels somewhat hollow; Expensive next to Sony RX100 III and IV

Awesome picture quality, manual controls can be a bit complicated for beginners, but that's why it has "Auto" mode :-)

Compact

Complicated

It's a little pricey, but the G5X Mark II is one of the best compact cameras you can buy and a genuine step up from your smartphone camera. Its handling, electronic viewfinder, optical zoom, burst shooting and all-round image quality are impressive, even if it does lack the video-centric features of its G7X Mark III cousin. The lack of phase-detect autofocus does puts it behind the latest Sony RX100 models, and it's a shame there's no microphone input or fully articulating touchscreen. However, if you're looking for a mini version of your Canon DSLR or mirrorless camera to take out on day trips, then the G5X Mark II's versatility and image quality make it one of the best options around.

Good image quality throughout the zoom range; Genuinely pocketable; Useful pop-up EVF; Shoots uncropped 4K video;

No phase-detect autofocus; No microphone input; Lacks the G7X Mark III’s YouTube livestreaming;

The Canon PowerShot G5 X II manages to blend its capable core with some useful features, great handing, a fine build and a strong level of control. It's an enjoyable camera to use, but it can't be said to stand out against key competitors. Should its price fall, however, it will be far more appealing for the enthusiast looking to travel light.

Very good image quality overall; High-quality build and attention to detail; Good handling for such a small body; EVF is nice and clear;

Lens is soft at wider apertures; 4K videos good but not too competitive; Battery life could be better; Somewhat pricey next to rivals

The new PowerShot G5 X Mark II is fast, small and powerful...

Improved 5x zoom lens; Pocketable dimensions; Powerful 4K video capture

No mic socket; Pop-up EVF could be tiresome; Lacklustre fine detail

"Good for a compact" might end up written on the G5 X Mark II's tombstone. To be sure, its still images are outstanding at a much wider range of ISOs than we'd expect, and it's impressive that it can shoot quality 4K video in such a compact body.

Convenient; take-anywhere build; Great image quality; Excellent EVF

Very expensive; Non-interchangeable lens

Sometimes you just gel with a camera and the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II is one of those cameras for me. I love it. It’s small enough to slip in a jacket pocket yet has a viewfinder built-in, an excellent control arrangement and a flip-up touchscreen.

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