Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II review – Viewfinder and screen

The G7 X Mark II doesn’t offer a built-in viewfinder, and nor is it possible to use an external one given the lack of a hotshoe, and for some people this is likely to be a deal-breaker. The similarly priced PowerShot G5 X does offer one, although this means it loses pocketability.

Just like the model it updates, the camera’s rear LCD offers a 3in panel with 1.04 million dots. While it continues to be hinged at its top for a 180° rotation, it now features an additional hinge at its base so that it can be tilted downwards by 45° – much like the EOS M3 and PowerShot G1 X Mark II. This makes it easier to view if held above head height. The display extends easily and to some distance from the body, and its default setting shows the scene well in all but harsh light, although brightness can be adjusted over five levels if required.

The screen is as responsive as expected to touch operation, and particularly useful for setting focus. It’s good to see many other options that can be accessed and altered in this manner, and once you appreciate its convenience you will probably end up using it regularly. Many touch controls are small, however, and located close enough to each other that they may discourage larger-fingered users from calling on them too often. There are standard and sensitive options, the latter for use when wearing gloves.