Full Review: Canon G5X

[@manwhalejoe6962]

Its 2020, and I just got a discounted g5x (mark i) as a vlogging and backup camera! I always appreciate your conversational reviews bigheadTake!

[@jackslater8688]

I just got one too.

[@enicolas06]

Best English review for this camera that I have found so far. thanks!!

[@bigheadtaco]

thanks!

[@mannanbellary8468]

Great review

[@midisax]

Great video. I just bought this camera on eBay because of it’s features. The newer iterations of it are less attractive for me for photography.

[@earlfenwick]

Execellent review! There aren't a lot of videos that go in depth on this camera, but you have done a great job of covering all the cogent points in a concise manner. Kudos.. I just bought mine and am very happy with it I wished for waterproofing but hey you can have it all. Other than that I couldn't wish for much more. Panorama , ok maybe , but the iphone is usually with me. The menu system is the best. I cannot abide a confusing menu system. I love that all the items in each category all always visible-nothing to scroll down below the screen. Love that. The Sonys and esp. Olympus bug the heck out of me. I will stick with Canon forever I guess.

[@dirkreitinger8879]

@bigheadtaco @KZbin thanks for your review! I bought the G5X a few days ago and I totally agree with you! I've completely fallen in love with the ergonomic and handling. After adjusting some settings the EVF is very good! IQ wide open is quite poor.

[@danieloherrick6332]

Thanks for another great no-bull video. I have been shooting the Canon G series since the G2 and currently shoot a G16 and X100t. I don't have a G5X but have used one a few times. At first, I hated the control knob on the front but now I like it. Glad to see Canon's G series getting some respect.

[@markriley7472]

Lovely video/review, and you have really shown that this small camera is a very decent, respectable and capable tool and should please a lot of people-even in 2020 and beyond. A drop in price too makes it even more worthy of consideration. I love the fact that it has a fully articulating screen and great viewfinder-a must for me! All cameras lack some features, but the G5X gets the basics just right :)

[@clafphotography]

Thanks a lot for explanations, I just bought this camera and now I am watching your video I just can't wait to shoot with it !

[@bangtwister]

I bought the camera after watching this review and I am very pleased with it as a photographer. I have little interest in the video side of things. Having used it for several days there are a few things I have picked up on. The size is perfect, and I love the viewfinder. The battery is what it is, just buy a spare. The RAW files are as of date not yet recognized by Lightroom..............and finally the camera strap is attached by 2 'bits' of string to the chrome hoops on the camera body........they don't look that strong. However very happy with it.

[@bigheadtaco]

congrats. yes I really enjoyed using the G5X. As for LR, either you have an older version or need to update because the latest version of LR allows you to process the G5X RAW files.

[@chrisridley3504]

down load the free adobe converter to dng files and works loovly

[@jits1]

Thanks for this review. Is it still worth buying in 2018 ? I am mostly shooting stills indoors in lower light. I do own a Sony rx100 mark1. and Sony HX80 and A6000

[@Windeath1969]

Just sold my RX100IV. I just could not get into it. I found the low light performance to be pretty average at best. I'm thinking of replacing it with the Panasonic LX......whatever they may bring out as a replacement for the LX100. The GX5 does look pretty cool though. Another great vid!!!!!

[@ritachun4593]

I'm planning on buying a high-end compact. I'm planning to do videography and street photography with the camera. I'm torn between the fuji x70 and Canon g5x. Help! I really like the fuji colors and concept, but to be honest I think the canon functions are probably better. But, I haven't tried them out, and my opinions are based on my obsessive researching. Please give me some advice! Also, your videos are super helpful and please keep doing your thing.

[@bigheadtaco]

the IQ will be superior on the X70, although OIS and the zoom lens makes a huge difference. Overall the G5X has better features and functions and superior for video. The X70 has the advantage on stills. For the average person I would recommend the G5X, although my guess is there's a new one in the works.

[@geekanoids]

Really nice in depth review. Thanks for putting so much effort into the video. Great camera.

[@bigheadtaco]

+Geekanoids thanks Dave, yes it's a great little compact.

[@Arvind04]

Really nice video I think it would be my first camera 📸 I want to start street photography so thank you for this amazing review!

[@LeighBethany123]

Hi! Great review! What video light were you using on the G5X? Thanks

[@paulking8055]

Very good review....just the right balance of tech vs user info. I've had my G5X for about a month and concur with all your views on the model. Subscribed.

[@bigheadtaco]

+Paul King thanks!

[@DesoloZantas]

A microphone connection and c-log, and 24-200mm 1.8-2.8 would make this camera AWESOME

[@bigheadtaco]

the dream...... but at least microphone input... I think that should be standard

[@8stwest]

great review. it is very helpful. btw. what kind of camera do you use making this video? Cause the sound is very clear even taking this outside.

[@bigheadtaco]

I used my iPhone 6S and the Bitplay lens system. I also used the Gora lav microphone to help with audio

[@azizukman]

Best review I have seen of this camera. Thanks for giving the settings you use for best performance.

[@bigheadtaco]

thanks, yes I liked this camera. I highly recommend it for those looking at these compact all-in-one cameras.

[@ChristianBaltazar]

Are you using a mic as well? Sounds too good to be the stock mic on the iPhone 6s.

[@bigheadtaco]

Gora lav mic yes. You can hear it a bit as it rubs underneath my clothes.

[@Dody_dee]

Nice review, thanks. Does the hotshoe have TTL mode for external flash?

[@manwhalejoe6962]

Thank you for the review! I'm curious: if someone offered you one for free, would take one of these G5x's... or a Fuji x30? I saw you reviewed the x30 already. I think the film simulations are beautiful, the x30 has a nice EVF (similar to higher end fujis I think), tilting LCD, and a similar 28-112 f2-2.8 lens. It has a 2/3 inch sensor BUT has the xtrans sensor without the optical low pass filter, so it roughly sounds comparable. Aesthetically the x30 looks better to me, and it sounds like you enjoyed the user experience for the x30 also. Thoughts?

[@bigheadtaco]

free is free. I always give my opinion based on who I think the camera is for. Both the G5X and X30 are great cameras, although the Fujifilm is getting dated. They need to upgrade to a 1" sensor minimum. The smaller sensor point and shoot category is slowly disappearing due to the powerful cameras in smartphones.

[@manwhalejoe6962]

BHT ANSWERED MY QUESTION!!!!!! MY LIFE IS COMPLETE!!!!

[@DustyCowdog]

Hmm... I had a Canon G5x for a few days. It was OK, but I didn't really like the final image quality. I really liked the Canon G1x Mark ii much better. Now I am trying to decide between the G1x Mark ii and the Leica D-lux 109. Tough decision. Thanks for the video....

[@bigheadtaco]

+DustyCowdog if you shoot RAW the files are very workable. I found the JPEGs too processed, especially in lowlight. The G7X mrk II is an improvement, but the issue is the smaller 1" sensor. The D-Lux sensor is bigger, but the resolution is lower due to the cropping. The G1x has a very large sensor with good resolution.

[@salvatoregavrilescu7262]

Thank you for you insights! Helped a lot for my decision!

[@stonew1927]

You didn't talk about focus. Some of the other reviews have mentioned that it's a bit slow. I'm really wanting to purchase this camera but that's a concern I have against it, if it's true. Otherwise, a great review. Thanks...

[@Mohamedahmed331]

I have the Sony RX100 V it's a nice camera. I never thought I'd buy a point and shoot camera but it's the only exception

[@NyaminJamaicaFoodReviews]

i have a G5x as well - best P&S camera for thr money. just wanna know which hotshoe LED you are using in the video as i am in the market to buy one

[@bigheadtaco]

Sunpak 96 LED video light from B&H

[@AdrianCastro-fCMO]

Does the G5X have "clean" HDMI output?

[@hualee1138]

wow, a long review! nice to see you test this strong DC~ it's also good to see Canon Canada let you lend for such a long time :)

[@bigheadtaco]

+李承樺 yes considering this was the first time working with them, they were pretty good to me. It also helps this was an older camera and there was no waiting list for it :-) but I do appreciated their flexibility with me

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

Great camera still in 2019 ..Such a shame not putting in a microphone jack.. who knows why they do these things?!

[@virgincoconutoilsite]

I have the G3X and G7X - I picked the G3X due to reach and because it was the smallest in that class - of course no EVF built in - but I got the external one and it is Ok - I mainly use LCD anyway - but sometimes in sunny weather one needs EVF - I do also have the LX100 and RX100 & RX100m4 and Lumix ZS100 and the X20 and the Oly Stylus 1 - I do not much self video so the articulated LCD not a must - I prefer Flip for stills - but I love the idea of flipping to protect LCD - I wish they could make one that does both :) I think the EVF hump is a bit overkill for this size camera - similar to my Stylus 1 - the G7X so much more compact - It is nice to see it has Touch LCD and shutter - and I like that lens reaches to 100mm - at F2.8 zoomed and it does not stop down to fast like the RX100/RX100m4 - My gripe is that the G7X G5X G3X are limited in features - I compare it to my Lumix ZS100 - which I mostly use when - I always take it everywhere - Loaded with features - 4k and not just for 3-5min like the RX100m4 :) - Full Touch - Post Focus - Soft Fn keys - has electronic shutter - 5axis image stabilization - and more compact then the G5X - of course the LZ100 is 25-250mm F2.8-5.9 - so yes lens not as bright - but super nice zoom length - I do like the menu system so much more in the Lumix ZS100 - of course the G5X has a larger EVF but I think most use the LCD and just EVF in those super sunny situations - so I prefer to keep body more compact - The ZS100 is pocketable vs the G5X only in large jacket pockets - The ZS100 and the GX3/5/7 all use a 1 inch Sony sensor - for me Canon seems to produce a bit softer images VS the Lumix ZS100 produces a bit sharper images - of course in RAW one can modify in Post - but even in JPG I find the Canon's a bit soft I wish there was a way to set contrast and sharpness - in the ZS100 one can even use Vivid which is noticeably even more sharp and contrasty Bottom line the G3/5/7 are good cameras - they are lower priced then the competition and rightly so as they do not offer 4k and some other features - I was thinking of getting the G55X but after I got my Lumix ZS100 I just don't think I need it - the ZS100 is just a fantastic all-around small pocketable compact - yes if I need that F1-F2.8 for night stuff I might crap the RX100m4 or the G7X - but with the ZS100 and its 5 axis IS one can really shot down to 15th or even slower so at F2.8 and with the multi shot stacking the results are surprisingly good - of course the G7X and the RX100/M4 provide a bit more Bockeh between 24-100mm but the ZS with its 250mm lens can produce decent Bokeh as well but not the same focal range - for the money I think the G7X and the G5X are ideal for families - decent focus speed - decent in low light for such a small camera - with good video in HD - My G7X has better microphones than my RX100 and RX100m4 - so yes for bloggers the G5X is ideal - they just have to sink audio in post from a audio recorder as there is no Mic in - Nice review -

[@bigheadtaco]

sorry for the late reply. Thanks for your concise review. Yes I agree that the G7X and G5X are the best bang for buck cameras. I still want external mic input because for vloggers who constantly start and stop video in short bursts. Syncing 20-30 clips in post is very time consuming, as well as starting and stoping recording on two separate devices. Thanks again and sorry again for the late reply.

[@tonda215654]

hi, i am looking for this kind of camera is there something better around you would recommend me today? should i wait for mark II? thanks

[@aronisink1]

So many knock Canon for not being as innovative with 4k like Sony and Panasonic for... One thing I like about Canon they make a well built camera that has great ergonomics..

[@bigheadtaco]

+george aronis yes, and also their firmware and menu system is very mature and stable.

[@KevinMphotography]

+george aronis yea. I'm a photographer so I could care less what video the camera has...never a selling point for me.

[@khronokraze]

great video. I agree about the pros and cons of tilting and fully articulating screens.. there really isn't a perfect solution. I think as primarily a stills shooter and you like doing street and discreet shooting, the tilting works best.. the articulating screen has more possibilities and usage.. especially for selfie and being able to do low and high angle shooting in portrait orientation. If video and the extended profile when you flip out the screen for any angle, then articulating screen is your best friend. The new Pentax K1 rear lcd is interesting design.. kind of inbetween tilt and full articulate.. mechanically, it looks cool, but many fear it's overly complicated and prone to problems.. but, many people who've used Pentax will back up Pentax as having great weather sealing and super sturdy build. anyways, the full articulating screen that flips out and around (like on this Canon G5X) is still probably the most versatile design. I like that the touch screen is more fully utilized as oppose to other cameras.. X70 seems underutilized as well as Olympus's OM-D & new Pen-F cameras. Panasonic seems to be maybe the next best for touch screen technology on a camera. Going quickly to your talk about 3x2 & 4x3 aspect ratios.. Interesting that Fuji uses 3x2 on all their digital cameras, which is great, but their Instax technology, which is booming, uses 4x3 to print.. you would think they would have kept the 3x2.. But, I guess because of the instax film layout having that larger white border on one end (for the developing chemicals), polaroids are technically better shot in portrait orientation so you keep that heavy border on the bottom and thus, as you say, 4x3 aspect ratio is better for portraits. Anyways, end up cropping off the top and bottoms of my original image when you send from Fuji to Instax to print.

[@bigheadtaco]

+Wing Yip I'm looking forward to review the new Pentax K1 and the unusual but very flexible articulating screen. I wish someone would either make a square sensor or a wide 16:9 sensor, just for some variety. The 3:2 is the most natural for myself, but I know 4:3 and 5:4 are also popular aspect ratios. The Instax needs the borders since that's where the chemicals are stored before being squeegee'd across and create the image.

[@Yates__]

7:30 You're sure Canon will put 4K into the next iteration of the G5X? Don't bet on it. 4K is like Kryptonite to Canon.

[@bravia67]

Thanks for the review. Will buy it. The EVF is much more robust and faster than the RX100 V. Thats why I will get it.

[@bigheadtaco]

Yes the EVF on the G5 X was quite impressive for a small point and shoot. I also like the fact it's built in, encouraging you to use it more than having to pop up an EVF

[@samham3901]

Great useful videos.. thanks 😊 well done

[@XPIEXBUNNYX1]

Would you prefer the g5x or the g7x mark ii for photography

[@bigheadtaco]

I prefer the G5x because of the EVF and the flash hotshoe, but you can't deny the compactness of the G7x for point-and-shoot style photography

[@ragnhildaasheim4930]

Which has better AF when recording? Do you know? From what I've seen in G7x reviews, the AF can be bad..

[@Monkeyshaman]

I really liked the G7* that I got with bags and bags of batteries for a little less than 20$ What killed it for me was the horrible ISO range and terrible finder coupled with lack of plasticity in editing. This is high on my goof space secondary market list, like above a leica. *G9 they both take the same filter lens cover thing.

[@mudgie069]

Great review as always. It's just a shame the battery life is shockingly bad (around 200 photos). If it had been closer to 320-350 would be much more appealing.

[@ZeeVlogs]

What camera did he use to record that video

[@randallhaugen3219]

Awesome Camera!

[@frankyule4592]

What is the best flash for this camera

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Wrong about the shotgun mic. The G5X has no audio input jacks

[@techytech1907]

I have this camera and I have found the camera shuts down after 3.99gb file size has been reached when recording video. Is this a Canon limitation or is there a setting to remove this restriction. Thanks.

[@TheMajorBlock]

Without level field comparison, which camera would you suggest? Canon g5x or sony rx100 mkIV?

[@bigheadtaco]

+TheMajorBlock for most the Sony RX100 mk IV is the 'better' camera. However, if you want a full-time EVF, or if you need a hotshoe, then the G5X is your camera. Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses though.

[@glockman9c]

Thanks

[@j.adanga9787]

Fantastic review, thankyou

[@cylurian]

What camera did you use to shoot this? thx

[@bigheadtaco]

I shot this video with my iPhone 6S and bitplay Snap!Pro case and standard wide lens.

[@ubercurious]

Hey Take! What's that super-groovy bag you're carrying?

[@bigheadtaco]

+ubercurious as per my previous video unboxing of the ZKIN camera bags: kzbin.info/www/bejne/op60lWNup5KofKcm50s

[@ubercurious]

+bigheadtaco thanks!

[@DamianBrown]

Ah no, i thought it had a standard mic jack... back to the drawing board or the g3x (i have an 80D but a smaller camera with 1080p/ 3.5 jack/ flip screen with decent face tracking video would be sweet)

[@bigheadtaco]

yes it seems that all the manufacturers have decided not to build a camera that vloggers want: compact form factor, wide angle lens with image stabilization, forward facing screen (with touch control), external microphone input. the G5X comes the closest out of any manufacturer for me. The RX100 series is the highest spec'd, but that's not everything.

[@DamianBrown]

Crazy huh. I'm not convinced either by the RX. The G3X seems ok. Thanks for replying dude. Keep up the hard work

[@basaraj]

Great review. Bought one.

[@toeamuda]

i know both quite different but the price is about same in my country, how about canon g5x vs x70 for beginner? is the IQ worth the lose evf and articulating screen sorry for bad english

[@bigheadtaco]

+toeamuda I believe most beginners aren't use to an EVF anyway, but use the LCD back to compose images. The IQ difference is significant. For the same price the X70 is a better value, although the zoom and OIS on the Canon is great

[@KevinMphotography]

Nice video...Surprised the Iphone video is so nice as well.

[@topseda]

Is it okay to buy it October 2019?

[@kaeru_sami]

I used to have it, it's still a great camera!

[@topseda]

@@kaeru_sami Why did you switch?

[@MrY0utuber]

hi! is this camera good for street photography?

[@bigheadtaco]

any camera can be used for street photography. I use my iPhone and it works great. This camera is definitely fast enough and has a wide enough lens to do it. It's also quiet, which is a big feature.

[@twagn]

Can you auto bracket?

[@Marcbrownpictures]

G5X or X70? Great video's btw.

[@bigheadtaco]

for video, the G5X. Images the X70. For all around, that's a tough one. If image quality is of the highest priority, then the X70. However, if you want features and functions, the G5X has the upper hand. Overall performance (except for image quality) again the G5X has the upper hand.

[@Marcbrownpictures]

I'm a Canon guy that's always salivated over Fujifilm, but in too deep with lenses. That said, the G12 served me well for travel...but is long in the tooth. I dig the X70. I shoot lots of both video and stills...but it's a home movie camera. And X70 seems fine. The film filters honestly seem amazing on it. I need to hold them both and test 'em out. The X70 lens makes the stabilization for video a moot point as long as your reasonable stable. It's wide enough that it shouldn't matter. Thanks again. I'll follow up when I decide just for fun.

[@egorzakharova8004]

can you please test the canon powershot g3x

[@alexdelgado7671]

It has some way to put an external microphone?

[@bigheadtaco]

the proper way to record audio is to use an external device like a Zoom H1 and sync the audio in post. The problem with that is the constant start and stop recording of a vlogger. It would be a nightmare. Hopefully Canon will start installing 1/8" input in the next gen. It's one of the those things that everyone wants, but very few manufacturers give. It's a bit silly really.

[@JN-uc6zw]

does the lcd screen turns off automatically when u use the view finder?

[@bigheadtaco]

Yes it does

[@philo2808]

really good vid, tanx.

[@KandyRedCoi]

its time for a compact shoot out 👍

[@jerbienmanawatao3879]

do a review of Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR and vs f1.4

[@bigheadtaco]

I'll let someone like DPReview or Image Resource do it. I don't like taking pictures on a tripod of brick walls. I will definitely review the new lens, but not a side by side with the older but faster lens. The advantage of the new is that its lighter, smaller and cheaper. IQ should be slightly better due to the second aspherical element, but I'm sure the difference will be negligible. What ever that difference is, DPReview will catch it :-)

[@alanpeterson2160]

Great review. Does anyone have trouble pressing the red video button by accident ?

[@bigheadtaco]

I hate the little red button, not just on the Canon, but any camera. it's too small, too hard to press on purpose, and often pressed by accident too. Yes....

[@KitchenOnTheLeft]

I thought the g5x didn't have an audio input?

[@bigheadtaco]

it doesn't. It's the one thing it needs to become a great video camera for vloggers or anyone who wants a entry level video camera to make videos with.

[@KitchenOnTheLeft]

bigheadtaco this would literally be the perfect vlogging camera if it had a mic input.

[@shields702]

great video

[@stevelink21]

Greetings, BigHeadTaco! Very nice video as always! As a Fujifilm X-T3 landscape and product photographer, I am extremely pleased with the image quality I get from this camera, combined with the stellar, sharp Fujinon XF optics. However, I am researching a small, light "travel camera", as I don't want to expose my X-T3 system to the vagaries of landscape photography in a beach/ocean setting. For that very limited, occasional use, I was considering such cameras as this Canon G5X, Sony a6300, Panasonic Lumix LX100 II, or Sony RX100V. My MAIN criteria are image SHARPNESS and detail retention, and ability to retain such detail when possibly printed to 20x24". Plus, I'd like to keep total budget to under $1000. And, FYI, I'm a 100% stills guy, so don't shoot video. Based on this, which system would you recommend for maximum sharpness/compact form factor? Thank you!

[@bigheadtaco]

The X-T3 is a weather sealed body though. If you want something small and tough and WR, how about the waterproof cameras from Olympus, Fujifilm and Pentax? IQ is just average, but at least your camera is protected.

[@stevelink21]

@@bigheadtaco Thanks for the reply sir! Regarding "waterproof" quality, that's not as important to me as Stills Image Quality, particularly SHARPNESS and detail rendition. I know the lens on the G5x is supposedly pretty good, albeit with some optical compromises, so would you consider image quality good and comparable to an APS-C sensor camera, or the Sony RX100?

[@sithkunprom2026]

your content is very useful and informative but please put some sample videos and pictures as you are talking. Your overall presentation is quite boring. I mean, we clicked on camera review and we need to SEE what it can do.

[@bigheadtaco]

I'm sorry, are you complaining I don't have enough sample pictures? Because I've inserted a few in this video. Also, I shot an entire series (4 videos) using the G5X as a vlogging camera.

[@iLuveKatsup]

It's interesting that those stairs lead to a brick wall.

[@bigheadtaco]

+Clyde Siazon yes, I chose it for that reason, so no one would accidentally walk into my shot. I guess it's an old exit they closed

[@chrisridley1210]

v good

[@jespencer7805]

Unusual steps that go nowhere?

[@inoname99]

Is a very good camera, the item or function you would like to add, how much ore are you willing to pay? Speak up can hardly hear you, why don't you buy all the other cameras. You are somewhat insulting to Canon when you bring the others cameras. Speak Up!