The Canon PowerShot G1 X and G1 X Mark II were the first larger-sensor compact digital cameras to come from Canon; skipping past the number 2, Canon Today announced the Canon PowerShot G3 X, featuring a newly designed CMOS sensor boasting higher resolution, faster image processing, and a long-range zoom lens.
The G3 X’s development was announced at CES back in January, and a prototype was displayed at CP+ in Japan in February, and represents an expansion into long-range zoom cameras with larger sensors for Canon’s popular G series of premium compact digital cameras.
Canon PowerShot G3 X
Key Features
- 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor
- Top ISO 12,800
- 24-600mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-5.6 optical zoom lens
- Tilt-up 3.2-inch touch screen LCD; 1.62 million dot resolution
- 1080p Full HD video up to 60p
- Wi-Fi, NFC
- Compatible with Canon Connect Station CS100
- Optional EVF available
- Star Mode for night sky photography
- Dust and water-resistant
Canon G3 X vs. Canon G1 X Mark II
For the G3 X, Canon has reduced the sensor size from 1.5 to 1 inch but increased the pixel count from 12.8MP to 20MP, relying on the Digic 6 image processor to help reduce noise and handle quick transfer of images. The smaller sensor makes it easier to engineer a longer zoom range lens, and that’s exactly what Canon has done. Unlike the G1X II’s 5x zoom, the G3 X offers a 25x range (24-600mm,35mm equivalent). The widest aperture ranges from f/2.8 at the widest setting to f/5.6 at the longest—only slightly slower than the G1 X Mark II’s lens.
Canon has increased the size of the LCD monitor to 3.2 inches, and it now swivels up over the top of the camera, facing front, to make it easier for users to compose selfies. The company claims a 0.14 second autofocus acquisition time, with 31AF points for more accurate focusing. The camera boasts a 3.9fps burst rate.
The Canon G3 X has WiFi and NFC connectivity with smart phones using Android and Apple operating systems via the Canon Camera Connect app. This also links the camera wirelessly with the Canon Connect Station CS100 https://www.adorama.com/ICACS100.html, which lets you wirelessly transfer and store your images and can store up to 1TB of data.
The G3 X carries over external controls such as a continuous exposure/focus control ring around the base of the lens, an exposure compensation dial, mode dial, front dial and controller wheel, for a wider choice of external manual and automatic controls.
For videographers, the camera captures 1080p HD video in 60, 30 or 24p frame rates. The camera can accommodate an external microphone and headphones, and offers manual control in movie mode.
The Canon PowerShot G3 X will be available from Adorama for $999.
