Canon PowerShot G11 vs Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot G11 and the Canon PowerShot G5 X, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot G11 was introduced in December 2009 and Canon PowerShot G5 X was introduced in September 2015. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot G11 Highlights

      • 10 MP 1/1.7-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.80" 461k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 1.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Canon PowerShot G5 X Highlights

      • 20.2 MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 31 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,040k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • 2,360k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 5.9 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot G11 and Canon PowerShot G5 X.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,360k dot
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 47
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No IP Streaming
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   DxO Overall Score - 62

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G11

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G11 over Canon PowerShot G5 X.

      Canon PowerShot G11 vs Canon PowerShot G5 X
      Lower Native ISO 80 vs 125
      Reachs More Telephoto 140 mm vs 100 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 5x vs 4.2x
      Min Macro Focus Distance 1 cm vs 5 cm
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G11.

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G5 X

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G5 X over Canon PowerShot G11.

      Canon PowerShot G11 vs Canon PowerShot G5 X
      Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs 1-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixel vs 20.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 12,800
      More Powerful Processor DIGIC 4 vs DIGIC 6
      Max Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 vs 5472 x 3648
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 9 vs 31
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 28 mm vs 24 mm
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.8 vs f/1.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/4.5 vs f/2.8
      Touch Screen vs
      Larger Screen 2.80" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 461k dot vs 1,040k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 15 sec vs 30 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 1.1 fps vs 5.9 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 169 vs 471
      Higher DxO Color Depth 20.4 vs 21.4
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.1 vs 12.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 47 vs 62
      Higher Video Resolution 640 x 480 vs 1920 x 1080
      Speaker vs Mono
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz) vs 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G5 X.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot G11 Canon PowerShot G5 X
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO3,20012,800
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFully ArticulatedFully Articulated
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Micro
        Light375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz)353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot G11 Canon PowerShot G5 X
        Small Sensor1/1.7-inch1-inch
        Low Video Resolution640 x 4801920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot G11 has a 2.80" screen with 461k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot G5 X has a 3.0" screen with 1,040k dot resolution. Both have Fully Articulated screens. Fully articulated screen makes cameras selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting. Canon PowerShot G5 X also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Canon PowerShot G5 X) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

      Image cannot be displayed Image cannot be displayed

      Canon PowerShot G11 and Canon PowerShot G5 X with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot G11 has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinderCanon PowerShot G5 X has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dot resolution. magnification and Canon PowerShot G5 X has 100% coverage magnification.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G11 features a 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200. Canon PowerShot G5 X features a 20.2 megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800.

      Canon PowerShot G5 X has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot G11 is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2048, 2816 x 2112, 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot G5 X is equipped with DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 5472 x 3080, 4864 x 3648, 4320 x 2880, 4320 x 2432, 3840 x 2880, 2304 x 1536, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 720 x 480, 720 x 408, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G5 X has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC

      Cameras have Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot G11 has an HDMI and Canon PowerShot G5 X has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot G11 comes with NB-7L battery pack and Canon PowerShot G5 X comes with NB-13L battery pack with battery life of 210 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot G11 has a single SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card card slot. Canon PowerShot G5 X has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G11, and up to 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G5 X. Canon PowerShot G11 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps. Canon PowerShot G5 X can shoot continuously up to 5.9 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m on Canon PowerShot G11 and 7.00 m at Auto ISO on Canon PowerShot G5 X. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G11.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot G11 body has dimensions of 112 x 76 x 48 mm (4.41 x 2.99 x 1.89") and Canon PowerShot G5 X body has dimensions of 112 x 76 x 44 mm (4.41 x 2.99 x 1.73"). Canon PowerShot G11 weighs 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz) and Canon PowerShot G5 X weighs 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz).

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      112 mm

      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      112 mm

      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot G11 and Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G11 and Canon PowerShot G5 X for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      72
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      78
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,360k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,360k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Small Sensor
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Small Sensor
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot G11 and Canon PowerShot G5 X and give them scores of 63 and 74 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      74

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 47
      GOOD
      75
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 62

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      GOOD
      77
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps

      Video

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      POOR
      41
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      82
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,360k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      76
      •   No IP Streaming
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot G11

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      POOR
      51
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz)
      POOR
      40
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.