Canon G5 X Mark II vs Ricoh GR

The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II and the Ricoh GR are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in July 2019 and April 2013. Both the G5X Mark II and the GR are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an one-inch (G5X Mark II) and an APS-C (GR) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Ricoh provides 16.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon G5 X Mark II		Ricoh GR
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-120mm f/1.8-2.8		28mm f/2.8
20 MP, 1" Sensor		16.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/30p Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 125-12,800 (125 - 25,600)		ISO 100-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 1230k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
30 shutter flaps per second		4 shutter flaps per second
230 shots per battery charge		290 shots per battery charge
111 x 61 x 46 mm, 340 g		117 x 61 x 35 mm, 245 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II and the Ricoh GR? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon G5 X Mark II and the Ricoh GR. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Ricoh GR is notably larger (5 percent) than the Canon G5 X Mark II. However, the GR is markedly lighter (28 percent) than the G5X Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G5X Mark II nor the GR are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G5X Mark II gets 230 shots out of its NB-13L battery, while the GR can take 290 images on a single charge of its DB65 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)		Street Price
1.		Canon G5 X Mark II	111 mm	61 mm	46 mm	340 g	230	n	Jul 2019	899
2.		Ricoh GR	117 mm	61 mm	35 mm	245 g	290	n	Apr 2013	799
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	105 mm	61 mm	41 mm	304 g	235	n	Jul 2019	749
4.		Canon M50	116 mm	88 mm	59 mm	390 g	235	n	Feb 2018	779
5.		Canon SX740	110 mm	64 mm	40 mm	299 g	265	n	Jul 2018	399
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699
7.		Canon G5 X	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799
8.		Leica C-LUX	113 mm	67 mm	46 mm	340 g	370	n	Jun 2018	1,049
9.		Nikon Coolpix A	111 mm	64 mm	40 mm	299 g	230	n	Mar 2013	1,099
10.		Panasonic LX100 II	115 mm	66 mm	65 mm	392 g	300	n	Aug 2018	999
11.		Panasonic ZS200	111 mm	65 mm	45 mm	340 g	370	n	Feb 2018	799
12.		Panasonic GM1	99 mm	55 mm	30 mm	204 g	230	n	Oct 2013	749
13.		Ricoh GR II	117 mm	63 mm	35 mm	251 g	320	n	Jun 2015	699
14.		Sony ZV-1	105 mm	60 mm	44 mm	294 g	260	n	May 2020	799
15.		Sony RX100 VI	102 mm	58 mm	43 mm	301 g	240	n	Jun 2018	1,199
16.		Sony NEX-5T	111 mm	59 mm	39 mm	276 g	330	n	Aug 2013	699
17.		Sony NEX-5R	111 mm	59 mm	39 mm	276 g	330	n	Aug 2012	749
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The GR was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 11 percent) than the G5X Mark II, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G5 X Mark II features an one-inch sensor and the Ricoh GR an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the GR is 219 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon G5 X Mark II offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 16.1 MP of the Ricoh GR. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 4.79μm for the GR). However, it should be noted that the G5X Mark II is much more recent (by 6 years and 2 months) than the GR, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the GR has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Canon G5 X Mark II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G5X Mark II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Ricoh GR are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Ricoh GR are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports		DXO Overall
1.		Canon G5 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
2.		Ricoh GR	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	13.5	972		78
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
4.		Canon M50	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/24p	..	..	..		..
5.		Canon SX740	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
7.		Canon G5 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
8.		Leica C-LUX	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
9.		Nikon Coolpix A	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.4	13.8	1164		80
10.		Panasonic LX100 II	Four Thirds	16.8	4736	3552	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
11.		Panasonic ZS200	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
12.		Panasonic GM1	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60i	22.3	11.7	660		66
13.		Ricoh GR II	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	13.7	1078		80
14.		Sony ZV-1	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
15.		Sony RX100 VI	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
16.		Sony NEX-5T	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	1080/60p	23.6	13.0	1015		78
17.		Sony NEX-5R	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	1080/60i	23.7	13.1	910		78

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the G5X Mark II provides a higher video resolution than the GR. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Ricoh is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the G5X Mark II has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the GR relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the GR can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the GV-1. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G5 X Mark II, the Ricoh GR, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon G5 X Mark II	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	30	Y	Y
2.		Ricoh GR	optional	n	3.0	1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	30	Y	Y
4.		Canon M50	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	10.0	Y	n
5.		Canon SX740	none	n	3.0	922	tilting	n	1/3200s	10.0	Y	Y
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	8.0	Y	Y
7.		Canon G5 X	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
8.		Leica C-LUX	2330	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
9.		Nikon Coolpix A	optional	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/2000s	4.0	Y	n
10.		Panasonic LX100 II	2764	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/4000s	11.0	n	Y
11.		Panasonic ZS200	2330	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
12.		Panasonic GM1	none	n	3.0	1036	fixed	Y	1/500s	5.0	Y	n
13.		Ricoh GR II	optional	n	3.0	1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
14.		Sony ZV-1	none	n	3.0	922	swivel	Y	1/2000s	24.0	n	Y
15.		Sony RX100 VI	2359	n	3.0	1229	tilting	Y	1/2000s	24.0	Y	Y
16.		Sony NEX-5T	optional	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/4000s	10.0	n	n
17.		Sony NEX-5R	optional	n	3.0	920	tilting	Y	1/4000s	10.0	n	n

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G5X Mark II has a touchscreen, while the GR has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the G5X Mark II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon G5 X Mark II and the Ricoh GR both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The G5X Mark II is equipped with a zoom lens, while the GR comes with a built-in prime. The G5X Mark II has a 24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 optic and the GR offers a 28mm f/2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Ricoh. The G5X Mark II offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G5X Mark II and the GR write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II and Ricoh GR and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon G5 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
2.		Ricoh GR	Y	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	-	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon M50	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
5.		Canon SX740	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Canon G5 X	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Leica C-LUX	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Nikon Coolpix A	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Panasonic LX100 II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
11.		Panasonic ZS200	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
12.		Panasonic GM1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
13.		Ricoh GR II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Sony ZV-1	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
15.		Sony RX100 VI	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
16.		Sony NEX-5T	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony NEX-5R	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-

It is notable that the G5X Mark II offers wifi support, while the GR does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The G5X Mark II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the GR has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the GR was succeeded by the Ricoh GR II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Ricoh websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Canon G5 X Mark II better than the Ricoh GR or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 16.1MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.8 vs f/2.8).
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Reflects 6 years and 2 months of technical progress since the GR launch.

Reasons to prefer the Ricoh GR:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 95g or 28 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (290 versus 230) out of a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (11 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in April 2013).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G5X Mark II is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G5 X Mark II and the Ricoh GR place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the G5X Mark II and the GR in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)			Street Price
1.		Canon G5 X Mark II	4/5	+	82/100	..	4/5	Jul 2019	899
2.		Ricoh GR	5/5	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2013	799
3.		Canon G7 X Mark III	..	+ +	81/100	4/5	..	Jul 2019	749
4.		Canon M50	..	+	79/100	..	3.5/5	Feb 2018	779
5.		Canon SX740	..	+	..	4/5	4/5	Jul 2018	399
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	4.5/5	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699
7.		Canon G5 X	5/5	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799
8.		Leica C-LUX	..	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2018	1,049
9.		Nikon Coolpix A	4/5	+	75/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	1,099
10.		Panasonic LX100 II	4.5/5	+	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	999
11.		Panasonic ZS200	..	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	799
12.		Panasonic GM1	3/5	+	78/100	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	749
13.		Ricoh GR II	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	699
14.		Sony ZV-1	4/5	..	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	May 2020	799
15.		Sony RX100 VI	4.5/5	+ +	83/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2018	1,199
16.		Sony NEX-5T	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	699
17.		Sony NEX-5R	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2012	749
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

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Specifications: Canon G5 X Mark II vs Ricoh GR

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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