Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II vs Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II: A Definitive Large Sensor Compact Showdown

When navigating the crowded waters of premium large sensor compacts from Canon, two models frequently vie for attention among enthusiasts and professionals seeking pocketable performance: the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. Both cameras embody Canon’s dedication to balancing sensor size, versatile optics, and user convenience, but with nuanced trade-offs driven by design goals and generation gaps.

Having extensively tested both models side-by-side - evaluating their sensor architectures, autofocus intricacies, handling dynamics, and real-world imaging capabilities across a variety of photographic disciplines - this comparison will serve as a detailed guide for discerning buyers. Our analysis covers every vital technical specification and practical outcome you’d want before committing, including ergonomics, sensor performance, AF robustness, video prowess, and more.

Designing for the Photographer’s Hands: Ergonomics & Build Quality

Starting with the tactile experience, these two cameras diverge distinctly in their form factors and physical ergonomics, reflecting different target users.

The Canon G1 X Mark II exhibits a substantial, robust chassis - measuring 116 x 74 x 66 mm and weighing approximately 553 grams. This heft and volume contribute to comfortable, secure handling, particularly beneficial for users coming from DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, who appreciate a more substantial grip. Its design accommodates larger fingers well, and the control layout - though featuring no dedicated top screen - prioritizes intuitive physical buttons and mode dials tailored for manual exposure work.

By contrast, the Canon G7 X Mark II is much more compact and travel-friendly at 106 x 61 x 42 mm and 319 grams, making it a pocketable solution for photographers valuing portability without sacrificing image quality. This smaller footprint is immediately evident when handling both cameras simultaneously (see the size-comparison.jpg). While the G7 X Mark II’s body sacrifices some ergonomic bulk, Canon compensates with a well-thought-out grip shape and button placement optimized for one-handed use.

Examining the top controls reveals how Canon tailored the user interface on each model: The G1 X II includes dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, targeting photographers who prefer physical adjustments over menu diving, while the G7 X II incorporates a customizable control ring around the lens and a streamlined mode dial that supports quick switching but leans toward more automated modes.

Neither camera features weather sealing, which limits use in harsher environmental conditions - a consideration critical for landscape and outdoor photographers demanding durability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size vs. Resolution

A major differentiator between these two cameras lies in their sensor specifications, both in technology and dimensionality - a factor that directly impacts image quality, dynamic range, and noise performance.

The Canon G1 X Mark II sports a large 1.5-inch CMOS sensor measuring 18.7 x 14 mm with an effective resolution of 13 megapixels. This sensor is significantly larger than the typical 1-inch sensors found in many compacts and even out-sizes the G7 X Mark II’s sensor by area by more than double, precisely 262 mm² compared to 116 mm². This difference plays a decisive role in light gathering capability and shallower depth of field effects.

In contrast, the Canon G7 X Mark II employs a 1-inch back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor sized 13.2 x 8.8 mm with a higher resolution of 20 megapixels. The latter allows for more detailed captures and cropping flexibility but may deliver slightly elevated noise at high ISO due to smaller photodiode size.

Our side-by-side sensor evaluations affirm that the G1 X II's larger sensor excels in dynamic range - registered at an impressive DxOMark score of 10.8 EV - yielding smoother gradients and richer shadow detail, highly advantageous for landscape and portraiture where nuanced tonal gradations matter. The G7 X II’s sensor, although untested on DxOMark, benefits from the BSI design and modern DIGIC 7 processor that enhances noise reduction and image rendering but cannot quite replicate the inherent tonal latitude afforded by the larger sensor.

Color depth marginally favors the G1 X II, rated at 21.5 bits versus a roughly estimated 20 bits in the G7 X II, resulting in subtle but visually detectable differences in color fidelity, especially under controlled lighting.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Flexibility in Action

Autofocus is a prime performance pillar affecting usability across every photographic genre from wildlife tracking to street candids.

Both models feature a hybrid autofocus system employing contrast detection with 31 focus points. However, neither incorporates phase detection AF, which is generally faster and more reliable in low-light tracking scenarios.

The G7 X Mark II leverages Canon’s DIGIC 7 processor to accelerate AF processing, yielding an impressive continuous shooting speed of 8 fps with continuous AF, beneficial for fast-paced subjects such as sports or wildlife. The G1 X Mark II, with its DIGIC 6 chipset, caps continuous shooting at 5 fps, a respectable but slower cadence. Both cameras support face detection AF, beneficial for portrait and street photography, but neither offers animal eye AF or advanced subject tracking technologies available in newer models.

In live view, both cameras provide responsive touch-focus capabilities, although the G7 X II’s interface feels slightly more refined due to software optimizations and its touchscreen responsiveness, enhancing practical use for quick focus shifts in dynamic shooting.

Handling Diverse Photography Genres

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone Rendering and Bokeh Quality

The larger sensor size and relatively bright f/2.0 aperture at the wide end of the G1 X II’s zoom lend themselves to impeccable subject isolation and creamy bokeh, essential for flattering portraits that emphasize skin tone subtleties and eye sharpness. The G1 X II’s lens, covering 24-120mm equivalent with f/2-3.9 aperture, allows comfortable framing flexibility while maintaining softness in background blur.

While the G7 X II boasts a slightly faster lens at its widest f/1.8 aperture though with a shorter zoom range (24-100mm equivalent, f/1.8-2.8), its smaller sensor inherently produces less pronounced bokeh. The G7 X II’s skin tone reproduction remains excellent thanks to Canon’s color science, but it occasionally shows marginally reduced tonal richness compared to the G1 X II.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Resistance

Landscape shooters will appreciate the G1 X II’s edge in dynamic range and resolution for finely detailed scenic compositions. Despite modest 13MP resolution, the larger pixels translate into excellent highlight retention, shadow detail, and reduced noise in shadow recovery.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, ruling out shooting in dusty or inclement conditions without protective gear - an important consideration for serious landscape photographers.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Burst Rate and Telephoto Reach

The G7 X Mark II, with 8 fps continuous shooting and quicker AF acquisition, is better suited for capturing fleeting moments such as birds in flight or quick sports action. The smaller zoom range (up to 100mm equivalent) limits reach compared to DSLR or mirrorless telephotos but remains respectable for casual wildlife.

Conversely, the G1 X II extends telephoto reach slightly to 120mm equivalent but reduces shooting speed and AF responsiveness, which may hinder capturing rapid action.

Street Photography: Portability and Discretion

For street photographers valuing unobtrusiveness and all-day carry, the G7 X Mark II’s compact size and quieter operation make it a stellar choice. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight encourage spontaneous shooting and portability, though without an integrated viewfinder, composing in bright sunlight can be challenging.

The larger G1 X II, with its bulk and no built-in viewfinder, is less stealthy but compensates with a tilting touchscreen aiding composition from unconventional angles.

Macro and Close-up Photography

Both cameras share a close focusing distance of approximately 5 cm, enabling detailed macro shooting. The G1 X II’s longer zoom range offers greater framing options, while image stabilization present in both bodies assists in hand-held macro work, reducing blur.

Low Light, Night, and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Noise Control

High ISO performance often distinguishes compact cameras in dim environments and astrophotography.

The G1 X Mark II features a higher low-light ISO rating (~ISO 581 per DxOMark) and benefits from its physically larger sensor gathering more light per pixel, producing cleaner images with less aggressive noise reduction up to its maximum ISO 12800 ceiling.

The G7 X Mark II, despite higher resolution, shows comparatively stronger noise suppression algorithms courtesy of the DIGIC 7 processor but reaches practical noise thresholds slightly earlier at high ISO values, sometimes trading detail for cleaner exposures. It offers an extended boosted ISO option up to 25600, though noise at these levels is significant.

Neither camera boasts special astro modes, but manual exposure controls and long exposure times (up to 60 seconds on G1 X II vs. 15 seconds max on G7 X II) support night shooting in experienced hands.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Stabilization

Video remains a strong selling point for the G7 X series.

The G7 X Mark II supports Full HD 1080p recording up to 60 frames per second, delivering smooth motion ideal for casual videography and vlogging. Its optical image stabilization effectively counters handheld shake. Absence of a microphone input does restrict audio customization, making onboard audio quality the practical limit.

The G1 X Mark II records Full HD 1080p only at 30 fps and 720p at 30 fps, offering limited flexibility for slow-motion capture. It also lacks a microphone port and uses an earlier generation stabilizer.

Neither model offers 4K video or advanced video features like log profiles, consistent with their market positioning as compacts optimized for stills and casual video.

User Interface, Display, and Viewfinder Options

Both cameras incorporate a 3-inch, 1040k-dot touchscreen LCD with tilting capability, enhancing framing versatility, especially for low or high shooting angles.

The G7 X Mark II features a more responsive touchscreen interface and improved menu structure courtesy of the DIGIC 7 firmware enhancements, facilitating efficient operation for both seasoned and novice users. The presence of a touch autofocus capability further streamlines focusing.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, though the G1 X II offers an optional external EVF accessory - useful for bright daylight compositions.

Battery Life and Storage: Efficiency and Practical Considerations

The G7 X Mark II slightly edges out in battery performance with an estimated 265 shots per charge compared to 240 for the G1 X II, providing a modest advantage for travel or extended shooting sessions.

Both utilize proprietary battery packs (NB-13L for G7 X II, NB-12L for G1 X II) and single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots supporting UHS-I standard in G7 X II for quicker write speeds - important when shooting RAW bursts or Full HD video.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Quality

The G1 X Mark II’s 5x zoom covers an equivalent focal length of 24-120 mm with an aperture range of f/2.0-3.9, offering excellent versatility from wide-angle landscapes to moderate telephoto portraits and close-ups. Its lens is optimized for sharpness with relatively low distortion for a compact zoom.

The G7 X Mark II’s 4.2x zoom spans 24-100 mm at f/1.8-2.8, making it slightly faster at the wide end, beneficial in low light, but with a more restricted telephoto reach.

For users prioritizing low-light shooting and shallow depth of field effects, the G7 X Mark II’s brighter aperture for the initial zoom steps provides a clear advantage, although the larger sensor of the G1 X II balances this advantage in overall image quality.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras sport built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and remote control via companion apps, facilitating quick sharing and tethered shooting.

Physical connectivity ports include HDMI output and USB 2.0 for wired connection; however, no microphone or headphone jacks limit video production flexibility.

Price-to-Performance: Value Across Different Budgets

At launch, the Canon G1 X Mark II commanded a steep price point around $799, reflecting its large sensor and advanced control set; it remains pricier on the used market.

The Canon G7 X Mark II retails near $699, lowering the entry barrier for users seeking a balance between image quality, compactness, and modern processing speed.

Given the feature sets and user profiles, the G1 X II offers superior image quality and dynamic range optimal for static subjects and large prints, while the G7 X II delivers better video capabilities, higher burst rates, and portability at a more approachable cost.

Real-World Photography Samples and Image Quality Verdict

Canon G1 X II front Canon G1 X II screen back Canon G7 X MII front Canon G7 X MII screen back

Side-by-side image comparisons reveal the G1 X II’s photographs benefit from richer color depth, cleaner shadows, and smoother gradients, especially in controlled lighting portraits and landscapes. The G7 X II excels in sharper details due to higher resolution and better noise control at moderate ISO, with a slightly punchier contrast rendition.

Both cameras produce excellent JPEG outputs straight from camera, but the G1 X II’s RAW files offer more latitude for post-processing, a big plus for professionals.

Summary of Overall Performance and Final Scores

In a holistic performance rating, the Canon G1 X Mark II scores highly for image quality and handling, whereas the G7 X Mark II garners praise for responsiveness, video, and portability.

Genre-Specific Strengths: Which Camera Excels Where?

Who Should Choose the Canon G1 X Mark II?

For photographers prioritizing the highest image quality in a relatively compact body and who often shoot controlled or static subjects such as portraits, landscapes, and studio work, the G1 X II stands apart. Its larger sensor and broader zoom reach provide notable advantages in rendering subtle tonal transitions and subject isolation.

Who Should Consider the Canon G7 X Mark II?

The G7 X II caters best to photographers and content creators who value portability, rapid autofocus, and video capabilities in a pocketable form factor - ideal for street, travel, casual wildlife, and event photography. Its brighter lens at the wide end and faster burst rate suit users frequently shooting action or videos under diverse lighting.

Final Thoughts

Both the Canon G1 X Mark II and Canon G7 X Mark II represent pinnacle examples of large sensor compact cameras from the mid-2010s, fulfilling unique niches with Canon’s hallmark quality and usability.

By carefully weighing your shooting preferences, preferred workflows, and portability needs - as well as your budget - you can confidently select the camera that delivers the best balance of performance and practicality for your photographic pursuits.

This comparison has drawn on extensive hands-on testing and industry-standard measurement tools, combining detailed technical insights with practical usage perspectives to empower your next camera purchase.