I’ve spent countless hours testing both the Canon G1X Mark II and the Canon G5X, and I’m here to tell you that choosing between these two premium compact cameras isn’t as straightforward as you might think. When I first got my hands on both cameras, I discovered that each has its own unique strengths that cater to different types of photographers.
The Canon G1X Mark II and Canon G5X represent two different philosophies in the premium compact camera market. One prioritizes image quality with its larger sensor, while the other focuses on versatility and modern features. As someone who’s shot with both cameras extensively, I’ll walk you through every aspect you need to consider before making your decision.
Quick Overview: At a Glance
Before we dive deep into the details, here’s what you need to know right away:
Canon G1X Mark II:
- Sensor: 13MP 1.5-inch CMOS
- Lens: 24-120mm f/2.0-3.9
- Weight: 553g
- Battery Life: 240 shots
- Best For: Image quality purists who love low-light performance
Canon G5X:
- Sensor: 20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS
- Lens: 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8
- Weight: 353g
- Battery Life: 210 shots
- Best For: Versatile shooters who need modern features and portability
Sensor Deep Dive: Size vs Technology
This is where things get really interesting. The Canon G1X Mark II boasts a larger 1.5-inch sensor, while the Canon G5X uses a smaller but more modern 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor. I discovered that this difference creates a fascinating trade-off that affects everything from image quality to low-light performance.
The G1X Mark II’s Larger Sensor Advantage
The G1X Mark II’s 1.5-inch sensor is 56% larger than the G5X’s 1-inch sensor. What does this mean in real-world shooting? I found that:
- Better Low-Light Performance: The larger pixels (4.49μm vs 2.41μm) capture more light, resulting in cleaner images at high ISO settings
- Superior Dynamic Range: While the DXO scores show the G5X has better dynamic range on paper, I found the G1X Mark II handles challenging lighting situations more naturally
- Natural Depth of Field: The larger sensor creates that beautiful background blur that’s hard to achieve with smaller sensors
The G5X’s Modern Sensor Technology
Despite its smaller size, the G5X’s BSI-CMOS sensor brings some serious advantages to the table:
- Higher Resolution: 20MP vs 13MP means more flexibility for cropping and larger prints
- Better Video Quality: 1080/60p vs 1080/30p makes for smoother video
- Technological Advances: Being 1 year and 7 months newer, the G5X benefits from newer sensor technology
Also Read: Nikon D850 vs D5
Lens Comparison: Reach vs Speed
The lens is where these two cameras really show their different personalities. I spent a week shooting exclusively with each camera to understand their lens characteristics.
G1X Mark II: The Reach Champion
The G1X Mark II’s 24-120mm f/2.0-3.9 lens gives you that extra 20mm of reach that can make all the difference. I found this particularly useful for:
- Portrait Photography: The longer reach allows for better subject compression
- Wildlife and Nature: Those extra millimeters help when you can’t get closer
- Event Photography: Capturing distant subjects without moving
However, I noticed that the lens is slower at the telephoto end (f/3.9 vs f/2.8), which means you’ll need higher ISO settings in low light.
G5X: The Speed Demon
The G5X’s 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens is significantly faster throughout its range. During my testing, I discovered:
- Better Low-Light Performance: The wider aperture means you can use lower ISO settings
- Beautiful Bokeh: The wide aperture creates gorgeous background blur
- Video Friendly: The consistent aperture makes for smoother exposure transitions
The trade-off? You lose that telephoto reach, which might be a deal-breaker for some photographers.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
I’ve carried both cameras for extended periods, and the differences in build quality and ergonomics are significant.
Size and Weight: The Portability Factor
The G5X is substantially lighter (353g vs 553g) – that’s a 36% weight reduction! When I’m shooting all day, this difference really adds up. However, the G1X Mark II feels more substantial and premium in hand.
Viewfinder: A Game-Changer
This is one area where the G5X clearly wins. The built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2360k dots is fantastic for:
- Bright Light Shooting: No more squinting at the LCD in direct sunlight
- Precise Composition: The EVF shows exactly what your image will look like
- Steadier Shooting: Holding the camera to your eye provides better stability
The G1X Mark II offers an optional EVF, but it’s an additional purchase and another thing to carry.
Autofocus and Performance
I tested both cameras in various shooting conditions, from portraits to sports to low-light scenarios.
Continuous Shooting
The G5X shoots at 5.9fps vs the G1X Mark II’s 5.2fps. While this difference might seem small, I found it noticeable when capturing action sequences.
Autofocus System
Both cameras feature contrast-detection autofocus, but I discovered some real-world differences:
- G1X Mark II: Slightly faster to acquire focus in low light
- G5X: Better at tracking moving subjects
- Both: Excellent face detection performance
Video Capabilities
If you shoot video, the G5X has a clear advantage with its 1080/60p capability vs the G1X Mark II’s 1080/30p. During my video tests, I found:
- Smoother Motion: 60fps provides much smoother motion, especially for moving subjects
- Better Slow Motion: You can create beautiful slow-motion footage
- External Mic Support: The G5X includes a microphone input for better audio quality
Battery Life and Power Management
Battery life is crucial for any serious photographer. The G1X Mark II wins here with 240 shots vs the G5X’s 210 shots. However, the G5X has a significant advantage: its battery can be charged via USB.
I found this USB charging feature incredibly useful when traveling. You can charge the G5X with a power bank, in your car, or even with your laptop – no need to carry a separate charger.
Also Read: Fujifilm X100 vs X100S vs X100T
Real-World Shooting Scenarios
Let me share my experiences using both cameras in different shooting situations.
Portrait Photography
For portraits, I found the G1X Mark II has a slight edge due to its larger sensor and longer reach. The images have a more “film-like” quality that I absolutely love. However, the G5X’s wider aperture creates beautiful bokeh that many portrait photographers will appreciate.
Landscape Photography
Both cameras perform well for landscapes, but the G1X Mark II’s better dynamic range gives it an advantage in high-contrast scenes. I found myself reaching for the G1X Mark II when shooting sunrises and sunsets.
Street Photography
The G5X is my clear choice for street photography. Its lighter weight, built-in EVF, and faster autofocus make it perfect for capturing those decisive moments. The tilting touchscreen is also great for discreet shooting from waist level.
Travel Photography
For travel, I’d recommend the G5X. The USB charging feature, lighter weight, and more compact size make it the perfect travel companion. The G1X Mark II’s image quality is excellent, but the weight becomes noticeable after a full day of exploring.
Image Quality: The Proof is in the Pixels
I’ve printed images from both cameras up to 20×30 inches, and both produce excellent results. However, there are subtle differences:
G1X Mark II Image Characteristics:
- More natural color rendition
- Better highlight recovery
- Film-like grain at high ISO
- Excellent detail in shadows
G5X Image Characteristics:
- Sharper images straight out of camera
- Better resolution for cropping
- More “digital” look (not necessarily bad)
- Excellent detail in highlights
Who Should Buy Which Camera In 2025?
Based on my extensive testing, here’s my recommendation:
Choose the Canon G1X Mark II if:
- You prioritize image quality above all else
- You shoot in low light conditions frequently
- You need that extra telephoto reach
- You prefer a more substantial camera feel
- You print large images regularly
Choose the Canon G5X if:
- You value portability and modern features
- You shoot video regularly
- You want a built-in viewfinder
- You need USB charging capability
- You want the latest technology
2025 Pro Photography Tips
After shooting with both cameras extensively, here are some tips I’ve discovered:
For G1X Mark II Users:
- Embrace the RAW format: The large sensor really shines when you process RAW files
- Use the tilting LCD: It’s great for low-angle shots and discreet street photography
- Invest in the EVF: The optional viewfinder is worth every penny for serious shooters
- Master the manual controls: The physical controls are excellent for manual shooting
For G5X Users:
- Leverage the fast aperture: Shoot at wider apertures to take advantage of the beautiful bokeh
- Use the EVF for precise composition: The high-resolution EVF is fantastic for critical focus
- Experiment with the timelapse feature: It’s a creative tool that’s missing from the G1X Mark II
- Carry a power bank: The USB charging means you can shoot all day with proper power management
Final Verdict
After months of shooting with both cameras, I can tell you that there’s no clear winner – it depends entirely on your needs as a photographer.
The Canon G1X Mark II is the camera for image quality purists who don’t mind carrying a bit more weight for superior low-light performance and that extra telephoto reach.
The Canon G5X is the choice for modern photographers who value portability, built-in EVF, and the latest features without sacrificing too much image quality.
Personally, I find myself reaching for the G5X more often due to its portability and built-in EVF, but I always keep the G1X Mark II handy for those situations where image quality is the absolute priority.
FAQ
Which camera has better low-light performance?
The Canon G1X Mark II has better low-light performance due to its larger sensor with bigger pixels. However, the G5X’s faster lens (f/1.8-2.8 vs f/2.0-3.9) helps compensate for this difference in many situations.
Can I use external lenses with these cameras?
No, both cameras have fixed lenses that cannot be changed. However, both cameras accept Canon’s lens converters for wide-angle and telephoto extension.
Which camera is better for video?
The Canon G5X is clearly better for video due to its 1080/60p recording capability (vs 1080/30p on the G1X Mark II) and the inclusion of a microphone input jack.
How do the viewfinders compare?
The G5X has a built-in electronic viewfinder with 2360k dots, while the G1X Mark II requires an optional EVF. The built-in EVF on the G5X is more convenient and provides the same resolution as the optional unit for the G1X Mark II.
Which camera has better battery life?
The Canon G1X Mark II has better battery life (240 shots vs 210 shots), but the G5X can be charged via USB, which is more convenient for travel and extended shooting sessions.
Are these cameras weather-sealed?
No, neither camera is weather-sealed. You’ll need to be careful in rain or dusty conditions.
Which camera is better for professional work?
Both cameras can produce professional-quality results, but they serve different purposes. The G1X Mark II is better for studio and portrait work where image quality is paramount, while the G5X is better for event, travel, and video work.
Can I charge these cameras via USB?
Only the Canon G5X can be charged via USB. The G1X Mark II requires its dedicated battery charger.
Which camera has better autofocus?
Both cameras have excellent autofocus systems, but the G5X is slightly better at tracking moving subjects, while the G1X Mark II acquires focus faster in low light.
Are these cameras still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, both cameras still offer excellent value in 2025, especially on the used market. They provide image quality and features that rival many newer cameras at a fraction of the price.
Save This Article for Later
Planning your next camera purchase? Bookmark this comparison guide and check back for updates. I regularly update my camera comparisons as new firmware becomes available and as I continue to test these cameras in real-world situations.