The G series has a lithium-ion battery, full manual exposure control, an articulated LCD screen (G7, G9, G10, G15, and G16 have a fixed screen), Raw image format capture (all models except the G7), a lens with a wider maximum aperture than standard PowerShot models, remote capture (except the G11), and faster image processing.

Previous G series models had a fast lens, raw image format capture, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD.

It also has: The G16 offered only minor improvements over the G15, for example: The G1 X was introduced in February 2012 and is the first large-sensor entry in the series as designated by the "X" after the model number.

G1 X was significant that it did not replace the older G12 but created a parallel model in the first time in G-series.

[5] With its maximum aperture over its zoom range being F2.8-5.8, and with its sensor smaller than Canon APS-C sensor, the G1 X camera-lens system can be compared to the APS-C DSLRs using the Canon EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Kit Lens: the G1 X is a little faster (wider aperture) at the wide angle and comparable thereafter, but with a longer zoom.

Released at early 2014, the G1 X Mark II has a 13.1-megapixel (in 4:3 aspect ratio), but still 1.5-inch CMOS sensor as the predecessor, a 24–120 mm (5x) f/2-3.9 relatively a fast zoom lens, for better shallow depth of field throughout the maximum-aperture range, and sharp shots even in low light, a DIGIC 6 processor with capability to take 1080/60p MP4 video shoots.

The Mark III also has a built-in viewfinder and a DSLR-like form factor much similar to the G5 X.

The G5 X Mark II also included a new lens and a pop-up electronic viewfinder that required manual operation like on older Sony RX100 models.

The G7X is Canon's first 1-inch sensor model and boasts 20 megapixels and the DIGIC 6 image processor.

It inherits many characteristics of the previous G-series cameras, including the comparable G1 X Mark II.

[8] This new chip leads to better AF performance, object tracking, reduced ISO noise and higher speed burst shooting.

Some other improvements are that the screen can now flip both up and down, a new grip, tiltable flash, auto functionality for the ND filter, battery charging over USB, and a new timelapse mode.

The G7 X Mark III had mixed reviews due to inconsistent autofocus especially at close range, but it continued to be popular thanks to its portability, ease of use, and pleasant straight-out-of-camera color rendition.

In 2017 Canon updated the G9 X line with the G9 X Mark II offering the new Digic 7 processor, faster operation and built-in RAW processing.

Powershot G series cameras have a standard threaded socket for mounting to a monopod or tripod.

However, the Powershot G series is sensitive to the voltage produced by certain flash units, particularly older designs.

Canon recommends that the maximum trigger voltage be less than 6 volts for any flash or accessory attached to the hot-shoe.