Canon has introduced the PowerShot G1 X Mark II. I’ve long been a fan of Canon PowerShot G-series cameras, so the launch of a G-series with an APS-C is something special.
A PowerShot with an APS-C or full-frame sensor has long been discussed on internet forums, so it’s not that big a surprise to see the ubiquitous EOS 80D 24MP APS-C sensor with dual pixel AF applied to this flagship PowerShot. The lens is a effectively a 24-70mm f/2.8-5.6 IS 3x zoom, so you can expect a great shallow depth of field look than other PowerShot cameras that have smaller sensors.
I like the look of the camera, and the range of dials and controls that are accessible on the outside of the camera. This sure beats having to press the menu button every few shots to change a setting. I’m pleased to see the hotshoe, and mentions of Speedlite capability in the specifications sheet, it will be good to confirm if this is full Speedlite RT system compatible since you are more likely to use the camera for stills…
Video: I initially thought this might be a great vloggers camera, but it has no 4K video and lacks a mic input and headphone socket.
With the indicated price point, you’ll need to make a decision over this or the larger more capable EOS 80D DSLR.
Canon unleashes its best ever PowerShot G series camera – the landmark PowerShot G1 X Mark III
Canon today announces the latest addition to its PowerShot G range, the flagship PowerShot G1 X Mark III. Replacing the G1 X Mark II, it’s a killer combination of Canon’s EOS DSLR image quality with the handling and compact size of a PowerShot. With a new, precision, 3x optical lens, an APS-C sensor and Canon’s premium DIGIC 7 processor, this camera is versatile enough to be used for high-quality street photography, all the way up to documentary-style storytelling.
Superb image quality, rapid speed
Perfect for today’s enthusiast photographer seeking DSLR quality in a compact form, this camera’s small size makes it ideal for subtly capturing boundless moments whilst on the move. Leveraging an exceptional sensor, similar to the one seen in the EOS 80D, and with capabilities to shoot in an ISO range of 100 to 25,600, it can flexibly capture quality images in a range of conditions. From high contrast scenes, such as indoor environments where detail, clarity and low image noise are critical, to low contrast scenarios, such as a foggy day, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III can always deliver a superb image. The DIGIC 7 processor provides premium image quality straight from the camera, with a reduced need to edit thanks to Auto Lighting Optimiser and Diffraction Correction, which featured in the EOS-1D X Mark II.
Whether you’re shooting portraits or macro close-ups, the built-in 3x zoom lens boasts a versatile 24 – 72 mm (35 mm equiv.) focal range and a close-focusing distance of just 10 cm, so you can cover an impressive range of photography genres with a single lens. A shallow depth of field is created via the APS-C sensor combined with a large f/2.8 – 5.6 aperture. The PowerShot G1 X Mark III’s lens has been meticulously designed for the sensor in the camera and as such, can reduce potentially unwanted image artefacts that can ruin shots, such as glare. The lens’ 9-bladed aperture can also render pleasing background blur and circular ‘bokeh’, minimising busy backgrounds and adding impact to your subject.
With the first inclusion of Dual Pixel CMOS AF in a Canon compact camera, you can focus rapidly on impromptu moments. The 4-stop Image Stabilisation (IS) adapts and steadies the camera in any active shooting environment, such as a carnival or in the crowd at a music festival, and provides additional confidence when shooting in low light. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers precise and rapid focus in just 0.09 seconds, giving the level of responsiveness, speed and confidence needed for capturing a spontaneous shot at a moment’s notice.
Beautiful handling and stable shooting
The PowerShot G1 X Mark III boasts EOS handling in the compact body of a PowerShot model. This camera not only feels good to use, but its features enable a familiar DSLR level of instinctiveness and control, alongside the ability to customise it for your own use. The PowerShot G1 X Mark III comprises a central, built-in Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), which has been optimised to deliver a high-resolution view via a 2.36 million dot Organic EL display. Whether an action shot or a family portrait, with Touch and Drag Auto Focus (AF) you can take control of the shot by intuitively setting an AF point, providing you with the ultimate confidence to comfortably capture a sharp image.
Compact and lightweight, at just 399 grams, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III is 14.8 mm thinner and approximately 16 per cent smaller than the G1X Mark II, which is superb for saving space in your luggage whilst travelling, or as a tiny addition to your kit bag. Those familiar with Canon’s EOS cameras will love the PowerShot G1 X Mark III’s operation and control features. From the Lens Control Ring through to the shutter release, Canon users will feel comfortable and at ease using this camera.
For the more adventurous photographer, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III features weather sealing for durable performance in challenging conditionsi and as an increased level of protection against dust and moisture. It is Canon’s only digital camera with an APS-C sensor that can be twinned with an optional waterproof casingii, to enable the PowerShot G1 X Mark III to be used underwater up to a depth of 40 m (130 feet) – great for creative deep water photography projects.
Expanded creative options, advanced connectivity
The PowerShot G1 X Mark III supports the hassle-free capture of Full HD 60p movies in MP4 with smooth, stable filming underpinned by 5-axis Advanced Dynamic IS and Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Dynamic IS corrects and steadies video footage when shooting on the move, whilst Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables the creation of cinematic ‘focus pulls’. While featuring the familiar time-lapse movie function, for the first time in a Canon compact camera the PowerShot G1 X Mark III also includes a panoramic mode. With the simple push of a button, and horizontal or vertical movement of the camera, you can effortlessly capture amazing, high-quality panoramic images with the greatest detail.
You can enjoy extended shooting time, thanks to the PowerShot G1 X Mark III’s Eco Mode, which enables the battery to last up to 25 per cent longer. Alternatively, you can conveniently recharge the camera on the go through the USB port’s smartphone charger or USB compatible battery packs.
The PowerShot G1 X Mark III is packed with a range of connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi and Dynamic NFC, to easily connect with compatible smart devices through a single tap. The camera can even be woken from standby remotely through a Bluetooth®iii enabled smartphone, which acts as a low-powered Bluetooth®iv remote. Full manual control, via Wi-Fi, offers a live preview of an image on your smart device, which is perfect for monitoring and capturing wildlife, without disruption, in their natural habitat.
Pricing and availability
The PowerShot G1 X Mark III will be available from November 2017 with an SRP of £1149/€1399.
i To maximize the camera’s dust- and drip- resistance, keep the terminal cover, memory card/battery cover, and all other covers firmly closed. This camera is designed to be dust- and drip- resistant, in order to help prevent sand, dust, dirt, or water that falls on it unexpectedly from getting inside, but it is impossible to prevent dirt, dust, water, or salt from getting inside at all
ii Waterproof Case WP-DC56
iii The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Canon Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Requires smart device to be equipped with Bluetooth version 4.0 (or later). Also requires smart device to be using operating system iOS 8.4 (or later) or Android 5.0 (or later)
iv Always-on connection between smart device and camera via Bluetooth® requires initial set up with Canon Camera Connect app. Stability of the Bluetooth® connection depends on model of smart device and other environmental factors. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth® SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Canon Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Compatible smart device requires Bluetooth® version 4 (or later) and running iOS 8.4 (or later) or Android 5.0 (or later) with latest Canon Camera Connect app installed (available from Apple App Store or Google Play store)