Computer Shopper - UK (2019-12)

ISSUE 382|COMPUTER SHOPPER|DECEMBER 2019

Speakingof controlling ISO,the G5 XMark II
ranges from ISO 125 all the wayuptoISO 25,600,
which is some goingfora1.0-type sensor.
At the lower endof that range,image quality is
exemplary.‘DSLR-like’iso nly aslight exaggeration
but, shooting in the G5XMark II’s Raw mode,we
returned sharp,clear images with absolutely loads
of detail. Ramping up the ISO returned extremely
impressive results. Assuming you don’t wantto
crop,you’ll find littleto differentiateimages
between the lowest ISOof 125 and ISO 1600–a
roughly five-stop range.AtI SO 3200 and beyond
images degradefast; noise is chunkyand
produced desaturated images with bland colours
and poor detail. ISOs 12,800 and 25,600, as
expected, areforuse in emergencies only.
Stay in the G5XMark II’s sweet spot, and
there’s loadsto like.Not least is its abilityto
shoot upto 30fps. Unsurprisingly,this comes with
some compromises, not leastalengthy wait while
the camera sorts the data you’ve just thrown at
it. It’s handyforthose lookingto catch split-
second moments; the G5XMark II saves about
20 frames before you push the shutter,soe ven if
your reactions aren’tfast enough, you stand a
good chanceof capturing the moment anyway.
These bursts are saved as grouped files from
which Raw (or JPEG) files can be extracted on
the camera. If you’d rather useatraditional
burst mode,you can do so.The G5 XMark II
shot astill impressive 21.5fpsforalittle under
2.5 seconds, making thisacapable camerafor
sporting types,even if the reachof the lens
doesn’t quitematch up.

SHARP EYES
Autofocus performance is excellent, withface
recognition and subject tracking working well in
our tests. Forthose partialto manualfocus the
option is there,but focus pushesforwards and
backwards very slowly,soy ou’ll need your subject
to be stock stillto use it. Focus peaking isauseful
inclusion, but only works in manualfocus mode.
The PowerShot G5XMark II has received a
good kick in the pants when it comesto its
video modes. 4K is welcome if inevitable,with
25fps the onlyavailable frame rate. Full HD can
be shot at 50 or 100fpsforaslow-motioneffect,
and in ourtests, quality was excellent. There’s an
automatic timelapse builder,which shoots still
files then collates them intoafinished video.

An integrated ND filter allows youto shoot

longer shutter speeds when it’s bright.

The tilting, flipping monitor on the back

allows youto shoot selfie videos, which will be

appreciatedby vloggers and, all in all, the G5 X

Mark II isamore than capable video performer

foracompact. Don’tforget that at this price

it’s competing with some arguably better

alternatives, not least theFujifilm X-T30

(Shopper378), which will shoot cinema 4K at a

wider rangeof frame rates onabigger sensor,

throughawider rangeof lenses.

LITTLE EMPEROR

Ultimately,the PowerShot G5XMark II is very

good foracompact, and that’s notto damn with

faint praise.Its still images are outstanding at a

much wider rangeof ISOs than we’d expect, and

it’s impressive that it can shoot quality 4K video

in suchacompact body.It’s convenient as well,

and its low 340g weight gives italot of appeal.

We like the physical controls, which will allow

experienced photographersto get it set up as

theylike,and we also like both the big rear

monitor and convenient EVF,which make the

camera easyto use.

If you’re afteracamera about the sizeof a

box of matches, and want the best possible

image quality and control, the G5XMark II is

probably it, not least becauseof the big price

difference between it and its Sony rival, the

RX100 VI. If you’re preparedto to leratemore

weight andamore cumbersome body,inevitably

you’re better advisedto opt foraDSLR, but

meet the G5XMark II on its ownterms and it

might be the best compact cameraever made.

You’ll haveto decide if that cuts the mustard.

AƎѰe SteѰe˪ͯo˪

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Seepage84f orperformancedetails

SENSORRESOLUTION20.1 megapixels•SENSOR SIZE

13.2x8.8mm•FOCALLENGTHMULTIPL IER2.7x•

VIEWFINDERElectronic(2.36million dots)•LCDSCREEN3in

(1.04million dots)•VIEWFINDERMAGNIFIC ATION

(35mm-EQUIVALENT ,COVERAGE)1x,100%•WEIGHT340g•

DIMENSI ONS61x111x46mm•WARRANTYOneyearRTB•

DETAILSwww.canon.co.uk•PARTCO DEG5XMarkII

SPECIFICATIONS

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