The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II Digital Camera is an advanced compact camera featuring a 12.8MP High-Sensitivity 1.5" CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 6 image processor to produce high-resolution still imagery and full HD 1080p video with notable low-light quality and sensitivity to ISO 12800. The sensor and processor work together to form the Canon HS SYSTEM, which helps to improve the image quality of dimly-lit shots by reducing noise and enhancing the overall clarity. Additionally, the processor offers a range of speed-related assets throughout the camera, including a maximum full resolution continuous shooting rate of 5.2 fps for up an SDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory card's capacity as well as a High Speed AF system for maintained sharpness in a variety of shooting conditions.

The built-in Canon 5x optical zoom lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-120mm, covering wide-angle to telephoto length perspectives. A maximum aperture of f/2-3.9 contributes to working in low lighting and, when coupled with the 9-blade diaphragm, helps to isolate subject matter and realize a pleasing out-of-focus quality in shallow depth of field images. Benefitting this lens' coverage is an Optical Image Stabilizer system, which helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake to suit working with longer shutter speeds and greater focal lengths.