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| The G5X.2 is very versatile. It can be reconfigured in a few moments from landscape settings to close ups and do a good job with both. |
Over the last few years Canon has released a
succession of boring, underspecified models which have received their share of
criticism on this blog.
Now we have the G5X.2
which comes as a welcome improvement over Canon’s previous Powershot compacts
with much improved performance and usability.
In fact I am finding I actually enjoy using this camera
which is not something I could say about most of the many compacts I have used
over the years.
Setup Phase
This follows standard current era Canon practice. The menus
have enough items for this type of camera without being too long or complex.
The graphical user interface is excellent as is navigation with the touch
screen or D-pad.
There are plenty of options for user assignment of dial and
button functions without this becoming overwhelming.
There is no separate video menu.
I think all the camera makers need to revisit their menu
structure and move away from the camera/wrench/custom style of layout to more
photographer relevant submenus like exposure/focus/image….etc.
Setup phase score 11/15
Prepare Phase
This is decently well done with plenty of access points on
the Mode Dial, Q Menu and D-pad for this type of camera.
However Canon is stuck in the past with its implementation
of the Q Menu which has items down each side of the screen. This makes for
un-necessarily slow navigation if one is using the D-pad. Worse, none of those items can be selected by
the user.
There is a Custom mode position on the Mode Dial but there
is only provision for one such mode which is limiting.
Prepare phase score 10/15
Capture Phase, Holding
The G5X.2 has a well positioned mini handle and thumb
support allowing the user to hold it comfortably and securely without the need
to purchase any kind of accessory handle.
Holding score 13/20
Capture Phase, Viewing
There are positives and negatives here.
On the positive side there is a good quality monitor screen
and a good quality EVF. Both of these give a nice clear, sharp view of the
subject. The monitor swings up/down and is decently usable outdoors in bright
light. So the basic ingredients are there and work well.
However there are several issues which diminish the viewing
experience, each minor but they do add up.
The fully articulated monitor of the G5X.1 has gone. For
some this will not be a problem but others have complained on user forums.
The presentation of camera data on the monitor (overlaid) is
different from that in the EVF (beneath the preview image) and the EVF data
display in landscape orientation is different from that in portrait
orientation.
Unlike most other cameras the AF area frame does not gain
bounding arrows when it is active and able to be moved. Instead active status
is indicated by a Menu icon bottom left and a Set icon bottom right. One can
get accustomed to this but the process requires an extra cognitive step.
In Continuous Drive and Servo AF the AF area frame does a
Cheshire Cat impersonation and disappears from view which is slightly
disconcerting.
The EVF is of the pop-up-pull-out-push-back-push-down type
like Sony RX100 models. The advantages of this are
a) you get an EVF
b) the camera body maintains the same low profile as one
without an EVF.
The disadvantages are
a) the whole pop-up thing gets tedious after a while
b) no eyecup can be fitted to block stray light from getting
into the viewfinder.
Viewing score 10/20
Capture Phase,
Operating
The G5X.2 is one of the more enjoyable compacts to operate
providing a good level of control for the enthusiast/experienced user.
The principal tasks of Capture Phase can be carried out
while looking through the viewfinder and without having to greatly disrupt grip
with either hand.
The clicky lens control ring has a positive action and the
rear control dial is serviceable.
The exposure compensation dial is decently serviceable
although I find I have to be careful to avoid moving the stacked Mode Dial at
the same time.
The touch screen implementation is very good. Many
operations can utilise the touch screen. Moving the AF area is positive and
easy. In use the touch screen can be accessed by both thumbs.
Operating score 16/25
Review Phase
The G5X.2 does all the things I expect of an enthusiast
camera in Review Phase. Scrolling and navigating from one image to the next
whether zoomed or not is positive and easy.
The only thing missing is the one-touch-to 100% jump at the
focus point, a feature which Sony cameras do have.
Review score 5/5
Total score 65/100
Comment
This is a good score for a general purpose compact.
The G1X.3 scores a bit higher at 68 with a more accessible
EVF, front dial and fully articulated screen.
The only compacts to score higher have been the Ricoh
GR2/GR3. But these are quite specialised niche models with a single focal
length lens, fixed monitor and no EVF which I suspect would make them less
appealing to most users than the more versatile G5X.2.
I rate the user experience of the G5X.2 convincingly better
than any of the Sony RX100 models.
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| The G5X.2 has a good close-up mode which readily enables hand held wildflower pics even on a windy day as here. |
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