The Canon PowerShot range of cameras features a multitude of different point-and-shoot designs. For beginners and general photography, there is the SX range, like the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS. For more advanced photography and utility, there are models like the Canon PowerShot G3 X. This point-and-shoot camera has greater features and quality, and also a better quality lens.
The G range of PowerShot cameras are generally higher quality, and could be suitable for those who want to take their photography seriously. They could even suit professional usage in some cases. The G3 X is a mid-range model in this series and offers a great mix of technical features, design, and usability. In this guide we review the Canon PowerShot G3 X and see what it has to offer.
Main Features
As mentioned, the Canon PowerShot G3 X is not the top range model in this series. That is generally held as the Canon PowerShot G1 X MK III. Regardless, the G3 X still has an excellent set of features and you can see its main technical specifications below:
- Size: 123.3×76.5×105.3mm
- Weight: 733g
- Sensor: 20.2MP CMOS
- Image Processor: DIGIC 6
- Max FPS: 5.9 fps
- Max Video Resolution: 1080p HD at 60p
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Image Stabilization: Yes
One thing to remember about Canon point-and-shoot cameras is that they do not have interchangeable lenses. If you want flexibility in your choice of lenses, you must purchase a Canon mirrorless camera, or Canon DSLR camera.
The Canon PowerShot G3 X has a 25x optical zoom lens that provides a focal distance of 8.8-220mm (or a 35mm equivalent of 24-600mm). This provides great coverage and means you can shoot ultra-wide angle through to super-telephoto. The zoom can be enhanced further using the ZoomPlus feature, which boosts the optical zoom to 50x.
This quality point-and-shoot camera also has built-in image stabilization. This reduces camera shake for up to 3.5 stops and uses intelligence dynamic IS. Essentially this means that you should easily be able to keep the camera and your compositions steady for clear end results.
Design
The Canon PowerShot G3 X looks amazing and has a design that is similar to traditional Canon DSLR cameras. It is bulkier and heavier than other Canon point-and-shoot cameras like the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS, however, overall it is still quite compact and easy to carry.
The lens is also bulky and sticks out much further than other point-and-shoot lenses. This is because it has improved quality and offers greater sharpness and maximum aperture. The right-hand side of the camera has a large finger grip, and the rear features a quality LCD touchscreen.
There is no EVF, so you must use the touchscreen for compositions. Also, the camera has a straightforward top panel that features both a program dial, and an exposure control dial. There is also a slot for an external flash. For greater flexibility, the LCD screen can be turned 180-degrees so that you can use it for portraits and selfies easily.
Overall, the Canon PowerShot G3 X looks great. It is a stylish point-and-shoot camera that has an ergonomic design.
Usability
For general photography and videos, the camera is relatively easy to use. However, it is a little more complex than basic Canon models like the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS. This is because of the additional exposure dial, but also the larger variety of available shooting modes.
If you want to learn more about photography, this is a great camera as you can use different shooting modes like aperture priority and shutter priority. The buttons on the rear panel are relatively easy to use, and the camera menus are self-explanatory too, but there are also tooltips if you are unsure.
In terms of image quality, the 20.2MP sensor performs well. Combined with the high-quality lens and the maximum aperture of f/2.8, you have great control over your photos and can produce some excellent end results. This camera also has improved autofocus compared to older PowerShot models.
It performs better in low-light situations and offers greater flexibility due to a maximum ISO range of 12,800. You can turn on live GPS tracking on your photos, which is useful if you want to remember specific locations where you took photos.
Canon PowerShot G3 X vs. Canon PowerShot G5 X MK II
There are many models in the PowerShot range to choose from and it can be confusing. To help, we have compared another camera in the G range, the Canon PowerShot G5 X MK II. This is another high-quality point-and-shoot camera that has a slightly different build and set of features. You can see a comparison of the main features below:
| Canon PowerShot G3 X | Canon PowerShot G5 X MK II | |
| Megapixel Count | 20.3MP | 20.1MP |
| Video Quality | 1080p, 60p | 4K HD |
| Weight | 733g | 340g |
| Dimensions | 123.3×76.5×105.3mm | 110.9×60.9x46mm |
| Max ISO | 12,800 | 12,800 |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
As you can see, there is a large difference in size. The G5 X MKII is much smaller and lighter. It offers better-quality video recording and a better maximum aperture.
In contrast, the PowerShot G3 X has a touchscreen, whereas the G5 X MK II has a basic LCD screen that can be flipped or tilted. Also, the Canon PowerShot G3 X has a better-quality lens that has a greater optical zoom and overall focal range.
These two cameras are both great options, but we feel that the G3 X is the better choice for photography, whereas the G5 X MK II is the better choice for videos.
The Canon PowerShot G3 X Is a Great Camera for Advanced Photography
This is a quality point-and-shoot camera that offers more than the basic Canon PowerShot models. It has a design that is similar to traditional DSLR cameras with some advanced functionality.
Using this camera, you can create excellent quality photos but also experiment with different photography techniques. It is a well-rounded model and certainly worth the price tag.
