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Canon’s PowerShot G7X Mark II packs a 1-inch, 20.1-megapixel sensor into a body small enough to slip into a jacket pocket. When Canon released it in 2016, it quickly became the go-to camera for YouTubers, travel photographers, and anyone who wanted image quality well beyond what a smartphone could deliver without lugging around a big camera bag.
The G7X Mark II shoots stills and Full HD 1080p/60fps video. It has a flip-up touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, and a bright f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens covering 24-100mm equivalent. Even in August 2026, it’s still a solid pick if you find one used or refurbished at the right price.
Here’s how to set it up, configure the settings, and actually get good results out of it.
Canon G7X Mark II Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 20.1 MP, 1-inch CMOS |
| Lens | 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 (equivalent) |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| ISO Range | 125 – 12800 |
| Video | 1080p at 60/30/24 fps (no 4K) |
| Screen | 3-inch touchscreen, tilts up 180 degrees |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, NFC |
| Battery | NB-13L, rated ~265 shots |
| Weight | 319g with battery and card |
| Card Slot | Single SD (UHS-I) |
| Stabilization | Optical IS (lens-based) |
Initial Setup: Battery, Date, and Memory Card
The G7X Mark II ships with a dead battery, so charge it first. Plug the included NB-13L battery into the LC-E12 charger and wait for the light to turn green. This takes about two hours from empty.
Once charged, open the battery/card compartment on the bottom of the camera. Slide the battery in with the contacts facing inward until the latch clicks. Then insert an SD card (label facing the back of the camera) into the slot next to the battery.
Power the camera on by pressing the ON/OFF button on top. It’ll ask for the date, time, and time zone first. Set these correctly so your files have accurate timestamps. Use the touchscreen or the control ring to navigate the menus.
Before shooting, format your SD card through the camera. Go to Menu > Setup (wrench icon) > Format. This creates the right folder structure and clears any old data from the card. A 32GB or 64GB UHS-I SD card is plenty for most people.
How to Use Canon G7X Mark II Shooting Modes
The mode dial on top of the camera gives you access to all shooting modes. Here’s what each one does and when to reach for it.
| Mode | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Auto | Camera controls everything | Quick snapshots, handing camera to someone else |
| P (Program) | Camera sets aperture and shutter speed; you control ISO, white balance, and other settings | General shooting when you want some control |
| Av (Aperture Priority) | You set aperture, camera picks shutter speed | Portraits, controlling background blur |
| Tv (Shutter Priority) | You set shutter speed, camera picks aperture | Action shots, freezing motion |
| M (Manual) | You control everything | Tricky lighting, long exposures, full creative control |
| C1/C2 | Custom presets you save yourself | Quick switching between your favorite setups |
| Movie | Dedicated video mode | Recording video with manual control |
If you’re just starting out, spend some time in Av (Aperture Priority) mode. Set the aperture with the control ring around the lens, and let the camera handle shutter speed automatically. A wide aperture like f/1.8 gives you blurred backgrounds for portraits. Stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 keeps more of your frame sharp for landscapes and group shots.
How to Shoot Photos with the Canon G7X Mark II
With the mode dial set and the camera powered on, here’s the basic workflow:
- Frame your subject using the LCD screen (there’s no viewfinder on this camera).
- Half-press the shutter button to lock focus. You’ll see a green AF box and hear a confirmation beep.
- Press the shutter button all the way down to take the shot.
You can also tap the touchscreen to set your focus point. This is faster than using the buttons, especially when your subject isn’t centered. Tap where you want focus and the camera locks on immediately.
The control ring around the lens is one of the G7X Mark II’s best physical features. In Av mode, it adjusts aperture. In Tv mode, it adjusts shutter speed. In M mode, you can assign it to either aperture or ISO. It’s smooth, responsive, and much more intuitive than pressing buttons.
Recommended Photo Settings
| Scenario | Mode | Aperture | ISO | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor portraits | Av | f/1.8 – f/2.8 | 125 – 400 | Shoot at the wide end (24mm equiv) for the smoothest background blur |
| Landscapes | Av | f/5.6 – f/8 | 125 | Use a tripod or flat surface for the sharpest results |
| Low light / indoors | Av or P | f/1.8 | 1600 – 3200 | Keep shutter speed above 1/30s to avoid blur |
| Action / pets | Tv | Auto | Auto | Set shutter speed to 1/500s or faster |
| Food / close-ups | Av | f/2.0 – f/4.0 | 400 – 800 | Zoom in slightly for the best close-focusing distance |
How to Record Video on the Canon G7X Mark II
Video is where the G7X Mark II really earned its reputation. Here’s how to get the best footage out of it.
Press the dedicated movie button (red dot, top-right of the back panel) to start recording from any shooting mode. The camera switches to video recording instantly. Press it again to stop.
For more control, turn the mode dial to the Movie position. This lets you set aperture, shutter speed, and ISO manually before you start recording. In other modes, the camera applies automatic exposure during video.
Go to Menu > Movie Settings to configure your frame size and rate. For general use, 1920×1080 at 30fps is a good default. Switch to 60fps if you want smoother motion or plan to slow footage down in editing. The camera does not record 4K video.
The built-in microphone picks up decent audio for casual clips, but it also picks up wind and handling noise. Enable Wind Filter in the movie settings menu if you’re filming outside. For anything more serious, record audio separately with an external recorder since the G7X Mark II has no microphone input jack.
Vlogging Tips
Tilt the screen up 180 degrees so you can see yourself while filming. The screen locks into position and displays a mirrored view. Touch the screen to move the focus point if needed.
Face tracking works well for vlogging. Enable it through the AF settings, and the camera will follow your face as you move around the frame. In good lighting, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF keeps up without hunting.
Battery life is the G7X Mark II’s biggest weakness for video work. The NB-13L battery lasts about 265 shots or roughly 50-60 minutes of continuous recording. Carry at least one spare battery if you plan on filming for any real length of time.
Wi-Fi and Transferring Photos
The G7X Mark II has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. To transfer photos wirelessly, download Canon’s Camera Connect app (available for iOS and Android).
- On the camera, press the Wi-Fi button (or go to Menu > Wi-Fi Settings) and select Connect to Smartphone.
- Open the Camera Connect app on your phone and follow the pairing instructions.
- Once connected, you can browse and download images directly to your phone.
If your phone has NFC, you can tap it against the NFC logo on the side of the camera to start the connection automatically. Wi-Fi transfer is faster than Bluetooth-based solutions like SnapBridge, and you can transfer full-resolution images without any downsizing.
For bulk transfers, connecting the camera to your computer with the included USB cable is still the fastest option. The camera shows up as a removable drive, and you can drag files directly.
Canon G7X Mark II FAQs
Is the Canon G7X Mark II still a good camera in 2026?
For casual photography and 1080p video, yes. It won’t compete with newer cameras that shoot 4K, but the image quality from that 1-inch sensor holds up well. Used prices have dropped significantly, making it a great value pick for travel, everyday shooting, and vlogging when you don’t need 4K. If 4K video matters to you, look at the G7X Mark III instead.
Does the Canon G7X Mark II shoot RAW?
Yes. You can shoot in RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG. Go to Menu > Image Quality and select RAW. RAW files give you much more flexibility when editing in Lightroom, Photoshop, or Canon’s free Digital Photo Professional software.
Why is my G7X Mark II screen black?
If the screen stays black when you power on, try removing the battery, waiting 30 seconds, and reinserting it. If the problem continues, the camera may need a factory reset through the Setup menu. Lens errors can also cause a black screen; if the lens barrel won’t extend, the camera may need servicing.
See Also
Canon G7X Mark II Portrait Settings
See also: 15 Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners, Canon Cameras with Flip Screen: A Comprehensive Guide, 5 Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras
