Skip to main content

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Brings Sensibility to Point-and-Shoots

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
In the world of the point-and-shoot camera, the low-end models seem to be disappearing much faster than their higher-quality, more expensive brethren. Granted, the upper range offers more than most phone cameras can provide and adds an extra dimension of quality and finish to the photos that appear on your preferred social network.

We had the opportunity to spend some time with the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II, a point-and-shoot camera that definitely approaches that realm with a 20.1 megapixel sensor and $650 price tag.

When we review a camera like this, we look at it more from the basic, “get up and go” point of view. (Our brother site, Digital Trends, can go into far more educated detail about cameras than we ever could.) We took the G7 X Mark II out on a few press trips to see how it would stand up to the rigors of a journalist’s travel schedule (and carry-on bag).

Two things are immediately noticeable at first glance: Turned off, it’s similar in size to a smaller point-and-shoot and it’s certainly on the heavier side. Part of this is thanks to the wide range 8.8x-36.8x lens tucked into its frame with 4.2x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

As with other cameras in its range, it features an LCD screen that tilts up, down, and out for a variety of shooting angles without sacrificing coverage. The three-inch display (with a touch screen) offers a good amount of viewing real estate for large framing shots.

On the PowerShot’s auto mode, picture quality is rather respectable. Corners are sharp, whites/colors are balanced, and detail comes in vividly. The camera captures depth especially well when framing outdoor landscape shots.

The PowerShot also has a variety of pre-set modes meant to optimize the photo depending on the settings. We found that the weather settings such as “Shade” and “Daylight” really made a difference when scoping out details later, shifting natural light to benefit natural features of whatever we were focusing on.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Photo by Geoff Nudelman Photo by Geoff Nudelman

As for transport, the body fits nicely into a small electronics pouch, but is a bit heavy at over 11 ounces, with battery and memory card. However, you’re likely only going to need one battery for several days; we were impressed with longevity over multi-day use and only a quick recharge required between four- and five-day trips. Its sturdy frame should stand up nicely to any jostling in your daypack too.

When it comes time to transfer those photos, built-in Wi-Fi helps, but you’re better off connecting via a USB cable or memory card reader straight to your computer. Canon’s “iMAGE GATEWAY” online library is meant as a one-stop shop for photo collection, but the system is slow and clunky compared to iPhoto or other photo archiving options. Transferring takes some time and is difficult to work with once you’re ready to bring those photos back to your home photo library.

Point-and-shoots might not be high on your holiday list, but Canon’s PowerShot G7 X Mark II definitely warrants a look as an investment gift. It offers advanced photo capabilities in a tight package and certainly will last through many years of use. Just be sure to match it up with your computer, so you’re not left waiting and waiting to enjoy all those great photos.

Editors' Recommendations

Loving March Madness? 10 basketball documentaries you need to stream
These documentaries about basketball tell the stories behind the world's greatest NBA stars
best basketball documentaries to stream bird and magic

Basketball is a worldwide phenomenon in 2023. The sport that started as a desperate idea from Canadian-American physical education teacher James Naismith has evolved into a cultural touchstone for kids and adults alike all over the planet as well as an excellent workout. Some of the most famous celebrities on Earth have played basketball, from Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to LeBron James and Magic Johnson. The vibrant personalities and stories behind these prominent basketball figures have led to keen public curiosity about their upbringings, their struggles, and their internal triumphs.

This is where documentary filmmaking comes into the equation. With the influx of streaming on platforms such as Netflix and HBO Max, basketball fans have been able to binge their educational movies about the NBA and college basketball for many years now. The market for these documentaries continues to grow, and it seems more basketball players and coaches are getting their own films. It's time to look at 10 of the best documentaries about basketball you can get your hands on right now!

Read more
The 22 best Netflix movies to stream right now
These are the best movies to stream on Netflix
Netflix logo on tv with red back lighting

Although it's now only one big player in an even bigger streaming market, Netflix still manages to crank out plenty of stuff to keep its users subscribing. That glut of content is great if all you want is to never get bored, but it can make it difficult to figure out which things are actually worth your time, and which aren't. If that's your goal, we've got you covered. This list is a combination of great Netflix original movies, and great movies that Netflix is currently housing on its service. What unites these movies, though, is that they are the very best that Netflix currently has to offer.
If you're looking for films to watch on some of Netflix's competitors, we've also found the best Amazon Prime movies, the best Hulu movies, and the best Disney+ movies.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Read more
Best podcasts: These are the insightful, engaging shows to listen to
Bored? These are the best podcasts to listen to

Finding a good podcast can be a bit like finding a great vinyl record at the music store. In other words, there are so many good options it can be dizzying and daunting. Worry not, we've engineered a great list of some of the most engaging podcasts out there, worthy of your time and attention.

Interested in a good music podcast? By all means, take that deep dive into Dolly Parton land. Love a true crime podcast? Great, get cozy and be prepared to be a little startled. Here, we're looking at the best overall podcasts that are equal parts engaging and insightful. That could mean one hosted by a great conversationalist like Marc Maron or even one that spotlights individual trees.

Read more