Skip to main content
  • Design & Usability

  • Features

  • Conclusion

  • Design & Usability
  • Features
  • Conclusion

With 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel sensors and top-of-the-line Digic 6 processors, the right stuff to go toe-to-toe with just about any competitor in their category. However, each model is distinctly designed for a different shooter in mind.

In the case of the G5 X, it scratches an enthusiast's itch who's looking for a more portable camera. With all the controls and capability of an entry-level DSLR, the G5 X is an interesting new option for those who prefer greater control over their shots.

Design & Usability

Equal parts Nikon V3 and Olympus Stylus

Taking design cues from other successful cameras, Canon's PowerShot G5 X has a lot to like right out of the box. Unlike the G7 X and G9 X, the G5 X boasts more pro-styled controls and features. Though the internal specs are roughly the same as the aforementioned cameras, the big selling point of the G5 X is its design.

The first big difference you notice is the hump on the top of the camera. Not only does it host a hot shoe—something most G-series cameras lack—but it hides a 2.34m-dot electronic viewfinder and a small flash. Though a little overkill for a point and shoot, it's something enthusiasts will enjoy, specifically because it rewards you for shooting the G5 X much like you would a DSLR.

Once the G5 X is in your hands, it's fairly easy to hit all the controls. You never really feel like it's going to be easy to drop, thanks to the contoured grip. And the overall weight isn't anything to balk at. For granular controls, there are control rings around the rear D-pad, on top of the grip, and ringing the lens on the front. Additionally, the virtual menu system that's accessed through the articulating LCD is easy to navigate.

A photo of the Canon PowerShot G5X taken at Photo Plus in New York City.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Chris Thomas

As the camera boasts, the G5X has decent image stabilization.

Under the hood is the same 20.2-megapixel sensor with a Digic 6 processor found on the other G-series cameras. Though the physical forms of each camera are starkly different, the guts are about the same. Unsurprisingly, the G5 X takes its 24-100mm (full-frame equivalent) f/1.8-2.8 lens right from the established G7 X. This is good news, because such a wide aperture allows you take shots with great depth of field like a high-end camera would—but in a point and shoot.

Unfortunately, the similarities continue on to places where we'd like to see improvement, too. For example, the G5 X uses the same NB-13L power cell as other Canon point and shoots, leaving it only able to take 210 snaps before giving up the ghost. Though you can charge the battery in-camera and with the included wall charger, you're going to need more than one battery to last you a full day of shooting.

{{ photo_gallery "design" }}

Features

A G-series camera with a few extra goodies

The G5 X boasts similar features to just about every G-series camera, outside of where its external design diverges from the norm. The camera has the same 30sec-1/2000th sec range of shutter speeds, same in-lens image stabilization, and same range of ISO speeds (125-12,800). Though that might make the G5 X sound pedestrian it really isn't—it's just that the G-series cameras are built upon many of the same building blocks because they're rock-solid.

A photo of the Canon PowerShot G5X taken at Photo Plus in New York City.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Chris Thomas

Rubber on the rear of the camera gives you a sure-handed grip.

Unlike every other G-Series camera in the lineup, the G5 X has a fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD on the back of the body, a huge boon to videographers and shooting at off angles. Though this isn't a pro's tool by any means, the G5 X can shoot respectable 1080p/60p video without any trouble.

Additionally, the inclusion of the hot shoe on top of the camera opens the door for all sorts of accessories. For example, you might appreciate an LED array, a microphone, or even a more powerful flash on top of your camera in certain situations—and the G5 X can handle it.

A photo of the Canon PowerShot G5X taken at Photo Plus in New York City.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Chris Thomas

The G5X boasts a wide aperture throughout its zoom range.

While the spec sheet lists the G5 X's burst speed at 5.9 shots per second, that's imperceptibly slower than the other G-series models. Additionally, the ability to shoot in RAW is nothing to shake a stick at either—though most shooters won't really have a want or need for this feature, for those looking to make their shots shine in post this is essential.

If you're looking for a camera that can upload your snaps to Facebook or Instagram in short order, good news: the G5 X boasts NFC/WiFi pairing through Canon's mobile app. Though it's not a perfect system, it's about as straightforward as they come. Once you've ported pictures from your camera to your mobile device, you can upload them straight to your social media platform du jour.

Conclusion

A decent midrange step for the G-series

Though there's been a lot of ink spilled over the G-series amongst photography circles, the reason is that there's a lot to talk about with these point and shoots. It seems that Canon isn't content to let this segment of its market dry up without a fight, and as a result the company's been pushing out a host of higher-horsepower cameras.

While there's plenty to like about the G5 X with its pro-style controls and accessibility, consumers might balk at the pricetag. Though the G5 X definitely falls in line with similar cameras in terms of price vs. specs, not many are going to want to shell out $799.99 for a camera that has its work cut out for it against options like the somewhat older Sony RX10 and the Panasonic FZ1000. Considering these cameras offer quite a bit more for an extra C-note or less, the G5 X might be a tough sell when it hits shelves in November 2015.

A photo of the Canon PowerShot G5X taken at Photo Plus in New York City.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Chris Thomas

The lens dominates the front of the camera.

Camera prices fluctuate, so we're willing to give the G5 X a pass here, as cost may not be that big of an issue come the holidays—or later. After all, this camera is much lighter and slimmer than its nearest competition—if you discount its fellow G-series shooters. Really, this is a camera for someone who likes the hardware of the G-series point and shoots, but wants a more pro-style control scheme. Beyond that, there's very little to make the case over the G7 X, which has near-identical guts for $200 less.

I suppose that's not a bad position to be in when your nearest competition is your own cameras, but the G5 X might get lost in the shuffle a bit, and that's a shame. I suspect that shooters who like the Nikon 1-series will greatly enjoy the G5 X, as it removes the need for collecting lenses in favor of a fixed one that isn't half bad. Though the marketing surrounding the G-series and the 1-series cameras are wildly different, they are more similar than you'd expect.

Meet the tester

Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas

Staff Writer, Imaging

@cthomas8888

A seasoned writer and professional photographer, Chris reviews cameras, headphones, smartphones, laptops, and lenses. Educated in Political Science and Linguistics, Chris can often be found building a robot army, snowboarding, or getting ink.

See all of Chris Thomas's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Shoot us an email

Up next