The latest G series compact camera, the G1 X Mark III, uses the same sensor technology as found in some of Canon’s EOS DSLRs.
Canon’s new flagship G series camera is here and it’s boasting features never seen before in the range. The PowerShot G1 X Mark III retains the compact design of previous models, actually having a smaller footprint than its predecessors, and uses a built-in zoom lens, but the big difference is inside. The G1 X Mark III now uses an APS-C sized CMOS sensor, just as in many DSLRs. The previous model used a 18.7x14mm sensor, and the new, larger 22.3×14.9mm chip should mean a marked improvement in image quality.
The G1 X Mark III has an ISO range of 100-25,600 and an Auto Light Optimizer mode for better shots in high-contrast situations.
The G1 X Mark III’s sensor has a 24.2 megapixel resolution and it’s twinned with Canon’s DIGIC 7 processor, as used in Canon DSLRs like the recent EOS 77D. As for its ISO range, that spans an impressive 100-25,600, and again the larger sensor size and new processor should mean better noise results at higher ISOs. The sensor is also said to deal better with high-contrast situations, using an Auto Light Optimizer feature.
The G1 X Mark III uses a 3in vari-angle touchscreen and a 2.36 million dot EVF.
The G1 X Mark III’s lens is a 3x optical zoom which gives a 35mm equivalent of 24-72mm, so should provide a wide range of options from wide-angle landscapes and architecture to short telephoto portraits. The lens’s maximum aperture is f/2.8 at the wide end, falling to f/5.6 at the long, and it’s said to have a nine-bladed aperture design which should give a smoother look to defocused areas. The lens also uses Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer that’s claimed to give a 4EV advantage, meaning that you should be able to shoot at shutter speeds four stops slower than you’d normally be able to and still get sharp results.
On the rear is a 3in vari-angle, touch-sensitive LCD screen for composition, image review and menu functions, but if you prefer to compose with a viewfinder there’s also a detailed 2.36 million dot OLED EVF.
The 3x optical zoom lens retracts into the slimline, weather-sealed body.
For focusing the G1 X Mark III borrows Canon’s impressive Dual Pixel AF system, which is another feature that brings it into line with the company’s DSLR range; Dual Pixel AF has been proven to offer speedier and more accurate focusing, especially in low-light. It shoots pretty quickly, too, with a top speed of 7fps.
For video, there’s Full HD at up to 60fps, which comes with 5-axis image stabilisation, but no 4K option unfortunately.
As a vari-angle screen the LCD can be flipped over when not in use for greater protection.
At 115×77.9×51.4mm, the camera is smaller than the G1 X Mark II, and lighter, too; it weighs only 399g with battery and card installed. It seems that has not come at the expense of build though, with the camera listing weather sealing that should extend to protection from dust and moisture. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are built in for easier remote control and image sharing.
The G1 X Mark III should be shipping in November with a suggested guide price of around £1150.