I've shot many weddings and have a canon 5d MK2 and some fine L glass. I'm for the most part, retired now but the wife and I take a yearly cruise with the family and I always drag the wedding camera and lens with me for some great memories.

This camera was bought to replace my Canon G11. I normally used the LCD which folded out and was fully articulated. The G1X MarkII has an LCD that tilts and nearly provides the same flexibility. The rest of the camera is outstanding. I also purchased the filter adapter and the Lens Hood.

We like the lithium ion battery as you can recharge it (big savings on purchasing batteries). It takes really sharp, clear photos. Loads of extra features for the money.....directions are clear & concise.....really happy with this purchase~~~

Great for usage in the dark or low light conditions

It could have come with more pixels

This camera has been a HUGE disappointment. The pictures are blurry, low resolution crap that can be outdone by my iPhone. Anything with the slightest movement makes for a messy, worthless picture. It shot badly straight out of the box. Many of them are washed out and grainy.

The pitch for this camera of DSLR-like performance yet compact portability, is that same one that most rivals make for their similarly priced compact system cameras upon which the lens in use can be swapped.

Solid aluminium build; Larger than average sensor; Tilting touch LCD

Bulkier than rivals; Quite pricey; Viewfinder costs extra

Just like its predecessor, the Canon G1 X Mk II is one of the most powerful compact cameras on the planet. It's true that it's pretty hefty, that the zoom range is still fairly limited and that the video is fairly underwhelming compared to some rivals (this isn't a particularly versatile camera –...

Large sensor; Fast f/2.0 maximum aperture; Tilting touchscreen

No viewfinder; Limited video options

Faster, leaner, meaner: the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II represents a considerable overhaul to the series. It's an entirely different beast compared to its predecessor and we salute it for that.

DSLR quality images; sturdy build; great new lens; physical lens control rings; autofocus speed and macro focus improvements; considerable customisation

Super expensive; now no viewfinder for the price; autofocus not ample for professional continuous AF; some controls seem fussy; a bit chunky; widest aperture no good for macro wide-angle shots

Rewind to the year of the millennium and it was the PowerShot G1 that sparked the creation of Canon's G series – a camera out to appeal to photographers who desired more sophisticated control than your average point-and-shoot compact without the cumbersomeness of a heavy DSLR.

Canon has made some much needed improvements to the G1X Mark II, but it still occupies a slightly strange space. A great backup camera to your DSLR, it won't fit in your pocket.

We've been looking forward to the arrival of the Canon G1 X Mark II ever since we reviewed the original Canon G1 X two years ago. It packed a large sensor and zoom lens into a magnesium alloy body that was littered with manual controls, and was just about small and light enough to fit into pockets.