This time I bring you another premium 1-inch sensor camera, the Canon G7X Mark II announced back in 2016. I am especially curious to see how it compares with its biggest rival – Sony RX100 Mark III I’ve tested before.
Build quality
In terms of design and build quality, the Canon G7X Mark II doesn’t disappoint. Other than having a bit too many screws visible on the outside, the camera’s metal construction exudes solidity.
Ergonomics are solid, considering the compact size of the camera. While the grip might not blow you away, most controls are within easy reach. A notable feature is the ring on the lens housing, which can be customized for various functions. Personally, I’ve set it to quickly adjust ISO values. What I really liked is that you can switch it between smooth and step rotation.
Powering on the G7X Mark II for the first time was a pleasant surprise. It springs to life faster than most non-DSLRs, and that can truly make a difference for some fast action.
User interface, LCD
The user interface is nothing to write home about. Graphically, it’s not the most appealing, and first entry into previews is very laggy. Though, other than that it is pretty responsive.
On the brighter side, unlike the Sony RX100 Mark III, the Canon boasts a touchscreen. You can use it from navigate through settings to changing focus points. Nice.
Image quality
Now, let’s dive into the heart of it all – image quality. The G7X Mark II delivers accurate color science, impressive detail, and the depth characteristic of a 1-inch sensor. The dynamic range is commendable, and things get even better when shooting RAW. Keep in mind, this camera is now 7 years old, so it won’t match the super-fast processing or Auto HDR found in today’s smartphones (not that we have those features today…).
Moving on, the bright 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens offers a touch more reach than the Sony RX100 Mark III (24-70mm). The resulting pictures are truly exciting, with beautiful bokeh that might even outshine Sony’s offering.
That said, most of the time G7X Mark II and the RX100 Mark III are neck and neck. However, one notable difference lies in how they process JPEGs. Sony tends to have slightly softer sharpening algorithms and better noise reduction. A side-by-side comparison would be the needed to settle such comparison, but generally both cameras perform similarly well.
Video quality
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – video quality. To be brutally honest, it falls short by today’s standards. The G7X Mark II lacks 4K support, which is essential for anyone seeking decent-looking videos. For that, you’ll have to consider the G7X Mark III or Sony RX100 Mark VI (or even Mark IV, though with 5-minute recording limit and overheating issues).
Conclusion
All in all, the Canon G7X Mark II proves to be a worthy contender against the Sony RX100 Mark III, boasting comparable build, features, and picture quality. With a bit more zoom on offer, the decision might come down to price. For instance, if you could snag a Sony RX100 Mark IV for the same amount, the allure of 4K (even with a time-limit) might outweigh those extra 30mm. But of course, that’s just my subjective take. If your budget allows, you might also explore options like the Panasonic LX100 Mark II with a slightly larger sensor or the Sony RX100 Mark VI (and up) with more zoom.
