The Canon PowerShot series has been around for years and produced some superb cameras. One of the best is undoubtedly the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III. This excellent point-and-shoot device offers quality akin to mid-range DSLR cameras but in a much smaller and lighter body.
This is currently the latest iteration of the G1 X series and we are not sure if Canon plans to release a newer model due to its concentration on mirrorless devices, and the upcoming R5 and R6. That being said, it is currently one of the best Canon point-and-shoot cameras available.
In this review we look at the features of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III, its performance, and look at how it shapes up to similar cameras.
Main Features
Looking at its basic specifications, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a powerful point-and-shoot camera. To demonstrate its power we have listed its basic specifications below:
- Size: 115 x 77.9 x 51.4 mm
- Weight: 399g
- Sensor: 24.2MP CMOS Sensor
- Image Processor: DIGIC 7
- Max FPS: 7fps
- Max Video Resolution: 1080p HD at 60p
- Connectivity: WiFi / Bluetooth
- Touchscreen: Yes
The 24.2MP CMOS Sensor is extremely powerful for a point-and-shoot camera. It rivals many of Canons mirrorless devices like the EOS M50, and even the brilliant but slightly aged full-frame EOS 70D.
In addition to its powerful sensor, the G1 X Mark III is capable of recording full HD video at 1080p and can shoot continuous photos at a decent rate of 7fps. It is definitely not lacking when it comes to raw power and capture abilities. We also like the addition of the touchscreen and WiFi connectivity.
Design
This camera undoubtedly looks fantastic. It is a stylish device that is both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. The exterior has a tactile grip on both sides which makes it easy to hold. Furthermore, it is lightweight and compact. As a travel camera, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a great choice.
The read LCD screen is a nice addition. It has full touchscreen functionality and can be flipped and rotated fully. This gives extra flexibility when shooting and recording videos. You can also focus using the touchscreen if you don’t want to use the electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Some people may find the controls a little clumsy. It does have two different top dials on opposite sides of the camera. The exposure dial is on the right, and the program dial is on the left. This is unlike other Canon cameras.
Aside from that, the other controls and dials are simple and easy to use. It has a rear control dial, and the different buttons are easy to access.
Usability
As mentioned above, the top dials are not in standard locations. This may throw some users off, however, the program dial is on the left. As this dial is less used, the location isn’t critical. The main dial that you will use – the exposure dial – is on the right-hand side and within easy reach of your fingers.
The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is comfortable to hold and use. The right-hand finger grip is comfortable and you can hold the camera steadily.
In addition to this, it has a strong autofocus system that uses Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Using either the EVF or LCD screen, you can quickly focus on both stationary and moving objects.
We do like the large EVF. It is centrally located and has a comfortable rubber pad so that it does not put any strain on your face when taking photos. The EVF has a large resolution and gives a clear preview of your shots.
Finally, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III has WiFi connectivity. The WiFi is always on, and you can easily connect to external devices and download photos. This is something every modern camera should have.
The zoom functionality of the effective 24-72mm lens is also easy to use – you can use the 3x zoom which has an optical image stabilizer for enhanced stabilization.
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III vs. Sony a6000
So how does the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III compare with similar cameras on the market? A suitable comparison is the Sony a6000. This is a similar camera that has similar specifications as you can see from the table below:
| Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III | Sony a6000 | |
| Megapixel Count | 24.2MP | 24.3MP |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 | BIONZ X |
| Video Quality | 1080p HD | 1080p |
| Weight | 399g | 344g |
| Dimensions | 115 x 77.9 x 51.4 mm | 120 x 66.9 x 45.1 mm |
| Max ISO | 12,800 | 51,200 |
In terms of basic quality and performance, there is little difference. The Sony a6000 uses the most modern image processor Sony offers, whereas the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III uses the DIGIC 7 which is one step behind.
In addition to this, the Sony a6000 has superior ISO quality and therefore should perform better in low-light situations. That being said, both have 1080p video recording quality, and there is not much difference in size or weight.
The main difference is that the Sony a6000 benefits from Sony E-mount lenses. This gives it much more flexibility than the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III which is limited to its fixed lens only.
Why Should You Purchase the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III?
The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a tough camera to dissect. It offers great image quality and usability, and it rivals many full-frame DSLR cameras in terms of raw quality. That being said, it is limited in its functionality due to it’s fixed lens.
Although it has an effective focal range of 24-72mm, you are still limited and cannot utilize the fantastic range of lenses that Canon provides. In addition to this, it is undeniably expensive. For the same price, you could comfortably purchase a Canon EOS M50 equipped with a standard kit lens, and a wide-angle or telephoto lens too.
It therefore comes down to personal preference and whether interchangeable lenses is an important asset for your needs.
