The Canon PowerShot G5 X was recently launched in October 2015, adding to the diverse range of the Canon digital compact cameras family. The PowerShot G5 X caught my attention and interest with a built-in electronic view finder (EVF) for the photographer. I had a chance to hold it my hands for a few minutes when I visited Canon Singapore new office recently at the Galaxis. It’s compact and fits into my hands, with a pretty firm grip and the EVF is a big draw factor for me.
I am planning to review the Canon PowerShot G5 X in the near future and share my thoughts, views and review on the Canon PowerShot G5 X. There is an idea inside my mind that I would want to try, just street photography with the Canon PowerShot G5 X and see how it performs and turns out. Of course, there would also be my routine photography equipment review workflow too.
Let me share with you more on the Canon PowerShot G5 X from the press release information below –
Canon announced the launch of the PowerShot G5 X to its PowerShot G series line of premium digital compact cameras. Designed for the advanced user and amateurs who take their photography seriously, it is the first PowerShot G series model with a built-in EVF for brilliant image and colour reproduction and a large 1.0” 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor that renders higher sensitivity for superior image quality. The ergonomics of the user interface has also been thoughtfully designed for photographers’ ease of use.
“The PowerShot G5 X will delight serious photographers with its built-in EVF, which enables the photographer to focus on image composition and be assured of their desired photographic outcomes, particularly when lighting conditions are not ideal,’’ said Edwin Teoh, Assistant Director, Consumer Business Marketing, Canon Singapore. “The PowerShot G5 X also reflects Canon’s imaging prowess in developing compact yet high-performance cameras and the high attention to detail results in a user friendly interface that enables expert control.’’
Photo Courtesy of Canon Singapore
Vivid image quality at all times
The large 1.0’’ high sensitivity CMOS sensor with the powerful DIGIC 6 image processor creates Canon’s HS (High-Sensitivity) system with high ISO speed of 12800 to deliver vivid images with crisp details even when shooting in low light conditions.
The PowerShot G5 X uses a 24-100mm (35mm equivalent) 4.2x optical zoom lens, which provides a good range of coverage in varied shooting scenarios. This versatile range covers wide-angle shots for group photography, in enclosed spaces and even telephoto range to get closer to distant subjects.
The circular 9-blade composition and large apertures of f/1.8-2.8 on the PowerShot G5 X also enables beautiful bokeh effects in macro photography. The camera’s Auto ND filter ensures that the appropriate brightness is achieved enabling the photographer to focus on capturing the moment.
Photo Courtesy of Canon Singapore
Heightened visibility with High-Resolution EVF
The built-in EVF has a high resolution of 2.36 million dot OLED similar to the colour gamut of a computer monitor. With richer colour fidelity, photographers will find greater enjoyment in image composition. The EVF reflects exactly what is seen by the camera sensor, thus reflecting a true image representation of what the photographer sees.
The EVF was optimally designed with the eyepoint of 22 mm to make it comfortable even for bespectacled users. The exceptional clarity of the EVF with a high speed display mode for moving subjects ensures a highly accurate preview of the final composition with minimal discrepancies in colour.
When shooting in a bright sunny environment, the EVF gives clear visibility as it is not affected by glare. When the EVF is in operation, the perceptive system automatically disables the LCD screen. This makes it convenient for the photographer to use in a dark environment such as a concert hall or museums, as the EVF makes it possible to shoot confidently without the use of the LCD screen. Particularly helpful for capturing key moments in dim lighting conditions, switching to the high-speed display mode (actual display rate 120 fps) enables swift refresh on the EVF to help the photographer smoothly capture the subject’s motion with minimal lag.
Thanks to fellow photographer / techie guru, Joe Teh of Techie Lobang for posing with the Canon G5 X
Maximum control at your fingertips
The PowerShot G5 X features a design iconic of the premium G series with high build quality. The metal exposure compensation and main dials are minutely engraved with grooves for easy toggling between modes and settings for better control. The front grip is embossed with a leather-like finish, providing users with a firm grip. The simplicity of its design carries over to its operability, with a control ring to complement the touch panel. Users may carry out SLR-like operations and various adjustments such as zooming, by rotating the control ring while supporting the lens barrel.
The bulb exposure feature provides the user with greater control over shutter timings, which can be highly useful when capturing the light trails of cars, fireworks and night scenes. The vari-angle touchscreen LCD also offers the flexibility of shooting for selfies, and low or high angle shots.
Creative expressions with Advanced Movie Functions
The PowerShot G5 X is adept at creative avenues of expressions, with the ability to record 1080p Full HD videos (at 24p and up to 60p in MP4 format). Movie editing functions enables even richer storytelling. Story Highlights automatically chooses a series of photos or video clips and puts them together with effects, automated editing and even background music for a livelier dimension.
The Short Clip Movie feature on the PowerShot G5 X helps photographers capture a series of 4 to 6-second movie snippets with different play back speeds – normal-speed, fast motion, action replay or slow motion for stylistic effects.
Connectivity for a social photography experience
Enjoy the flexibility of sharing favourite shots with the Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity functions. Via Canon iMAGE GATEWAY (CiG), an online cloud storage, pictures can be uploaded and shared directly to popular social networks from the camera.
In addition, the Canon Camera Connect app allows users to remotely control camera functions such as zoom, focus, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and aspect ratios via their smart devices. This is particularly useful for group pictures, unusual angles in tight spaces or shooting nature from a safer distance.
For the first time in the PowerShot G Series line, alongside charging via the battery charger supplied, the convenience of in-camera USB charging[1] is now also available and thus giving users more options in ensuring their cameras are always powered up.
Pricing and Availability
The PowerShot G5 X will be available at Canon authorised distributors and dealers at a recommended retail price of $999.
Product Specification
PowerShot G5 X
Dimensions: Approx. 112.4 x 76.4 x 44.2mm
Weight: Approx. 377g
Lens: 4.2x optical zoom IS
Focal length: 24-100mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture: f/1.8-f/2.8
Image sensor: 20.2 mega-pixel 1-inch type CMOS sensor
Imaging processor: DIGIC 6
Maximum video quality: Full HD 24p/25p/30p/50p/60p
EVF: 0.39-inch approx. 2.36 million dots
LCD: 3” (approx. 1.04 million dots) vari-angle touch panel
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC
Battery type: NB-13L
[1]Compact Power Adaptor (CA-DC30) for USB charging is sold separately
* Information courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy Public Relations *