Keeping the same 24-100mm eq. zoom lens and 20MP sensor as its predecessor, the refreshed Canon G7X II gets an updated exterior design as well as a faster DIGIC 7 image processor. What we get is a faster, more capable premium compact that still captures excellent images across a wide range of ISOs.

Very good image quality, Improved high ISO performance; Improved handling; Faster 8 fps burst mode; Burst rate no longer slows down with RAW files; Improved buffer depth

Soft corners at wide angle; No viewfinder; No 4K video; Mediocre battery life; Sluggish buffer clearing; Continuous AF struggles on fast subjects

With smartphones all but eliminating the existence of the low-cost point-and-shoot camera, manufacturers have pivoted to create pricey, premium pocket cameras that can compete with SLRs on image quality.

Wide aperture zoom lens; 1-inch image sensor; Tilting touch-screen display; Quick autofocus; Raw image capture support; Wi-Fi with NFC

No hot shoe or EVF; Edge softness at wide angle; Occasional autofocus misses; Doesn't support 4K video capture; Omits microphone input

With smartphones all but eliminating the existence of the low-cost point-and-shoot camera, manufacturers have pivoted to create pricey, premium pocket cameras that can compete with SLRs on image quality. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II ($699.99) fits that mold, capturing images with a 1-inch image sensor that does a solid job in dim light, a zoom lens that's rated at f/1.8 at its widest angle, and a metal chassis. It's a strong performer, but one that exists in a very competitive segment of the market. We're going to stick with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III ($598.00 at Amazon) as our Editors' Choice pick—its zoom range isn't quite as ambitious as the G7 X's, but its lens delivers crisper results, and it includes an electronic viewfinder. DesignThe G7 X Mark II ($499.00 at Amazon) doesn't look much different than its predecessor, the G7 X ($584.00 at Amazon) . There are a couple of subtle changes to the body—the EV compensation dial now operates in the same manner as most oth...

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a pricey pocket camera with image quality that goes toe-to-toe with much larger models.

Wide aperture zoom lens; 1-inch image sensor; Tilting touch-screen display; Quick autofocus; Raw image capture support; Wi-Fi with NFC

No hot shoe or EVF; Edge softness at wide angle; Occasional autofocus misses; Doesn't support 4K video capture; Omits microphone input

From the outside, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II prosumer compact camera looks no different from its predecessor that was launched in October 2014.But under the hood, the Mark II has the new and faster Digic 7 image processor, which shows its mettle through faster autofocusing (AF) in low-light...

There was a time when Canon's PowerShot line was the obvious choice for anyone who wanted manual control in a compact camera. However, as manufacturers have abandoned the budget end of the market, too many capable alternatives have surfaced for this to remain the case.

Responsive touchscreen; Pleasing JPEGS straight out of the camera; Sound AF system with effective focus tracking

Lack of built-in viewfinder may discourage some people; Soft results at wider focal lengths; Video capture limited to full HD

When the Canon PowerShot G7 X was released, it didn’t have much in the way of competition. Now, the idea of a pocketable camera furnished with a 1in or Micro Four Thirds sensor, together with raw shooting and plenty of manual control, is a bit less special – and if you’re happy with a...

Responsive touchscreen; Pleasing JPEGS straight out of the camera; Sound AF system with effective focus tracking

Lack of built-in viewfinder may discourage some people; Soft results at wider focal lengths; Video capture limited to full HD

The Canon G7X Mark II sits in Canon's premium range of compact cameras. It's intended to appeal to those who want a device that offers a high level of control and excellent image quality, but slots into your pocket.

Large sensor; Wide aperture lens; Touch-sensitive screen; Wi-Fi

Lack of viewfinder; Short zoom; Macro focusing is tricky

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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