The PowerShot G1 X Mark III is the latest in Canon’s series of powerful compact cameras, and it is differentiated by its bigger sensor and comprehensive all-around photographic capabilities.
The G1 X Mark III is the first PowerShot camera to have an APS-C CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 7 engine, resulting in exceptional picture quality, a wide sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600, an impressive continuous shooting rate of up to 9 frames per second, and Full HD 1080p/60 video recording.
Because of the sensor’s architecture, it is also possible to use Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which provides rapid and precise phase-detection autofocus that is beneficial for both still and video applications. Providing a counterbalance to the better sensor design is a flexible 3x zoom lens that spans a 24-72mm equivalent focal length range, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting conditions.
An Optical Image Stabilizer is also included, which helps to reduce the impression of camera shaking, resulting in better pictures when shooting with the camera in hand.
Canon G1 X Mark III
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Apart from enhanced sensor and processing capabilities, the G1 X Mark III has a revised physical design that includes a built-in 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a 3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen for more intuitive control.
There are dedicated knobs on the camera’s body that allow for quick and easy changing of shooting settings and modes, and a pop-up flash and a hot shoe are both included.
Additionally, built-in wi-fi with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless pairing with a mobile device for remote live-view shooting, picture sharing, and image transferring through the cloud.
Even though the G1 X Mark III is the smallest PowerShot G1-series camera to date, it has the giant APS-C sensor, usually found in Canon’s EOS DSLR lineup. There are just a few small cameras with such a vast sensor – the Ricoh GR, for example, has a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor and is one of the best examples.
On the other hand, the Ricoh GR does not have a 3x zoom lens like the Canon G1 X Mark III; instead, it has a fixed 28mm lens (which some users might prefer).
The new Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III measures 115 x 78 x 51mm and weighs 399g, which includes the battery and memory card. This is a significant reduction in size and weight over the previous Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II model, which it replaces.
This camera’s size is remarkably similar to that of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 camera, although the sensor on that camera is smaller (Micro Four Thirds).
As previously stated, the APS-C sensor in the G1 X Mark III should provide better image quality, particularly in low light, as well as greater depth-of-field and enhanced dynamic range, all of which are things that most compact cameras struggle to deliver and are significant reasons why people opt for mirrorless or DSLR cameras instead of compact cameras.
Body & Design
Even though it is the most miniature PowerShot G1-series camera ever made, the G1 X Mark III includes the giant sensor ever made by the series. This sensor is an APS-C sensor, which is more typically seen in Canon’s EOS range of DSLR cameras.
There aren’t many tiny cameras out there with such a vast sensor; one that comes to mind is the Ricoh GR, which has a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor. In contrast to the G1 X Mark III, which features a lens with a 3x zoom, the Ricoh GR employs a lens with a fixed focal length of 28 millimeters (which some users might prefer).
The new Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is notably more compact and lighter than the Mark II model that it succeeds. It has dimensions of 115 millimeters by 78 millimeters by 51 millimeters and weighs 399 grams with the battery and memory card included.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 camera and this one are pretty comparable in size. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 features a more compact Micro Four Thirds sensor. Because it has an APS-C sensor, the G1 X Mark III should deliver better image quality, particularly in low light. Additionally, it should provide a greater depth of field and enhanced dynamic range. These are all features that most compact cameras struggle to deliver, and they are key reasons why people choose mirrorless or DSLR cameras instead.
The G1 X Mark III feels exceptionally well-constructed thanks to its structure, which is a combination of metal and plastic. However, the G1 X Mark III may not be as bomb-proof as its predecessor.
Suppose you’ve used any of Canon’s G-series cameras in the past, including the G5X. In that case, you’ll have no trouble becoming acclimated to this most recent model because the control arrangement is similar to the previous models in the series. The most significant improvement that has been made since the Mark II G1 X is the installation of an electronic viewfinder that is positioned in the middle of the camera.
The G1 X Mark III has an excellent Organic LED EVF with 2.36 million dots, which explains the significant increase in the asking price. The previous model had no viewfinder out-of-the-box (there was just a pricey EVF-DC1 add-on viewfinder instead), forcing you to shoot with it at arm’s length. In contrast, the G1 X Mark III has a viewfinder out of the box, and it’s a viewfinder that.
There is also an eye sensor that can automatically identify when the device has been elevated to the user’s eye, making using the device seem pretty natural and similar to a DSLR camera.
Using a 3x zoom lens, which gives an effective zoom range of 24-72mm instead of the Mark II’s 24-120mm lens, is another necessary modification implemented. This is a logical result of the use of the bigger APS-C sensor.
It is not the fastest lens, especially at the telephoto settings, where utilizing f/5.6 combined with an APS-C sensor could not quite achieve the entirely defocused background appearance you are going for. The lens has an aperture range of f/2.8-5.6. However, the lens does contain nine rounded aperture blades, which ought to at least guarantee that the bokeh will have a pleasing appearance.
In contrast to its predecessor, the G1 X III features a dedicated exposure compensation dial on the top of the camera body. This feature was absent from the G1 X II, but the G1 X III brings it back. However, the ISO speed must still be changed through the menu system (unless you assign it to the lens control dial instead of the zoom function).
Using the core photography features of the G1 X III is a broadly enjoyable and intuitive experience. Given the camera’s overall size, it is no mean feat on the part of the engineers at Canon. The new front control dial, operated by your right forefinger, the rear control wheel, and the lens control ring all work together to make this possible.
With the 3x zoom lens surrounded by the lens control ring, a new front control dial, a generously sized handgrip that can effectively be held with three fingers, and a similarly textured small pad at the back for your right thumb to rest on, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III looks very much like a DSLR that has been shrunk in the wash from the front. Additionally, there is a tiny port for the built-in self-timer/AF assist lamp.
Behind the pop-up flash is a dedicated flash hotshoe, like the one on the company’s DSLR cameras. The pop-up flash is directly above the lens and may be manually lifted. The electronic viewfinder (EVF), which we’ve just spoken about above, can be found in the top-middle portion of the camera and comes with a dioptre control slider for people who use glasses.
You may modify the aperture and shutter speed by combining the smooth, clickless lens control ring, front dial, and rear navigation wheel. Each of these controls can be set to fit your unique style of working, which is impressive for each of the PASM shooting modes.
When manually focusing, the lens control ring can make precise changes. Additionally, the call may be used to fine-tune the focus distance after the autofocus function. Finally, the navigation wheel on the back of the device is the third primary control that can be customized. Despite its small size, it is surprisingly simple to operate.
The shooting mode dial, the pop-up flash, the flash hot shoe, the springy raised nipple-style shutter release button, which is surrounded by a rocker switch for operating the optically stabilized 3x zoom, the small recessed on/off button, and the exposure compensation dial (+-3EV) are all located on the top-plate of the G1 X Mark III.
When using the telephoto end of the zoom range, the slow maximum aperture of F/5.6 is somewhat compensated for by the lens has image stabilization, which provides a four-stop advantage when shooting handheld. This helps make up for the fact that the lens does not have optical image stabilization.
The G1X III sports the latest DIGIC 7 processor, allowing it to power up and get ready for shooting in less than a second. At the same time, the rear LCD begins flashing with life, and the 3x optical zoom lens simultaneously extends from its storage within the body to its widest setting.
The function menu has an option for a 3-stop neutral density filter, which can be turned on or off as needed for landscape photography enthusiasts. Additionally, a horizontal Electronic Level and RGB histogram may be set to assist with composition and exposure, respectively.
In addition to two user-customizable settings, a scattering of scene modes (a total of fifteen), and a video mode, the shooting mode dial has options for automatic capture, hybrid auto-capture, program capture, shutter priority capture, aperture priority capture, and manual capture.
However, the Canon PowerShot can now record at a maximum of 60 frames per second, up from the previous limit of 30 frames per second. However, it can only shoot in 1080p HD rather than the standard 4K resolution. Furthermore, given the size of the sensor, it is unfortunate that Canon did not include a microphone connector in the G1 X Mark III camera. This means that the camera is not the most excellent option for professional video work or vlogging, which is incredibly disappointing, given the size of the sensor.
The G1 X Mark III is equipped with stereo sound, provided by two tiny microphones on either side of the flash-hot shoe. In addition, the 3x optical zoom may also be utilized when the camera is recording video.
Additionally, the G1 X Mark III features an enhanced continuous shooting mode, which, combined with Tracking AF, enables the camera to capture high-quality images of slowly and quickly moving subjects.
You can shoot continuously at seven frames per second with autofocus tracking for as many as 29 full-resolution JPEGs with the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III, or you can take up to 24 full-resolution JPEG shots at nine frames per second with the focus point locked at the first frame. The latter option is more beneficial.
When experimenting with unconventional shooting angles, we were grateful for the versatility of the LCD screen’s ability to tilt. For example, it is possible to tilt it forward 180 degrees to simplify taking selfies and tilt it backward 45 degrees to shoot over the heads of a crowd.
The LCD has a screen size of 3 inches and a resolution of 1040K dots, the same as the previous model. However, unlike the previous model, the LCD can now be rotated about its axis or folded screen-in to the body for additional protection. This feature was first introduced on the original G1 X.
Touch focusing and shooting is a feature available on the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III, and it is turned on by default. To disable it, go to the main menu and modify the setting for the Touch Shutter option. After that, the screen transforms into a touch-focus screen that, when you push the Display button to center the AF point, will immediately lock onto the subject wherever you touch the net.
During playing, the touchscreen may be used to modify the magnification of a picture by spreading and pinching two fingers. It can also navigate between images by swiping from side to side, similar to how a smartphone works. In addition, you have the option of customizing the touch sensitivity of the LCD to your preferences by selecting either the Standard or High setting.
The most straightforward approach to setting the AF point is to use the touch screen and tap where you want the AF point to be. You may enter the AF selection choices using the AF point selection button, but using the touch screen is the easiest way to set the AF point. If you wish to use the viewfinder in addition to the touch screen, you may do so by selecting “Touch and drag AF settings” from the main menu. This will allow you to adjust the focus manually.
You can use the entire screen for this, which is a beautiful feature, or you can allocate a section of the screen, for example, the bottom suitable, to allow you to change the AF point. This is especially helpful if your nose or face inadvertently moves the AF point when you do not want it to do so.
A new button on the right-hand side of the camera allows for a speedier connection to a mobile device that has been associated with the camera in the past. In addition, you may share photographs during playback on the G1 X Mark III by pressing the Up button on the navigation pad. This is made possible by the wi-fi capabilities of the device.
Simply entering a nickname for the camera causes five icons to display, each of which may link the G1 X Mark III to a different camera, a smartphone, a computer, a printer, or the internet.
Although the setup for each scenario is relatively straightforward, you will still need a fundamental comprehension of the dynamic protocols. In addition, it is essential to note that to connect the G1 X Mark III to an iOS or Android device, you must download the free and specific Canon CameraWindow software.
The G1 X Mark III wi-fi functionality is also used to tag your images with GPS data recorded by your smartphone (latitude, longitude, altitude, and shooting time) using the Canon CameraWindow app. This replaces a more conventional built-in GPS that would have been included in the camera.
In our experience, GPS is more convenient to build directly into the camera rather than synchronizing it with a separate device. Because of this, the G1 X Mark III does not compete favorably with other cameras on the market that offer this functionality; however, it does avoid the issue of negatively impacting the camera’s battery life.
You can connect it to a compatible internet-enabled device or another NFC-enabled camera by simply tapping them together thanks to the G1 X Mk III’s NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, the same technology used for mobile payments. This technology is the same technology that is used for mobile payments.
Additionally, there is communication through Bluetooth for the first time on a G-series camera. You can operate the camera with this as a low-power alternative to using wi-fi if you so choose. When compared to connecting to the camera’s wi-fi network, it is simpler and quicker to set up and utilize.
Once you have established a connection to the camera via Bluetooth, you can use the Canon Camera Connect app, available as a free download for iOS and Android devices, to directly activate wi-fi settings. You will need to do this to browse images and download images onto your phone.
A button labeled “one-touch movie record” can be found in the top-right corner of the LCD screen. As its name indicates, this button starts recording a video with the current quality and creative settings as soon as it is pressed. Below that is a new button for locking the exposure, and next to it is a button for adjusting the position and size of the AF point while you are shooting. Both of these buttons are located next to each other.
With only a little delay of roughly 0.1 seconds, the G1 X Mark III focuses extremely rapidly in either excellent or poor light and at both ends of the zoom range. This is admirable because it is almost as fast as a DSLR or compact system camera.
Underneath these two sets of controls is a four-way selection or control pad. This pad provides a means of selecting the options for continuous shooting, choosing from the various onboard flash settings, toggling between the different display settings, and activating the normal or the 10cm macro focus modes.
The Q/Set button, typical of Canon’s G-series cameras, may be in the middle of the control ring. When you press this button in the middle while in any of the capture modes, left and right toolbars familiar to Canon users appear on the screen. When you come to rest on a specific setting, a toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen with further possibilities from the range.
An additional set of buttons for picture playback and accessing the main menu can be found in the lower right-hand corner of the backplate. When you press the Menu button, three submenus appear on the screen: the first is the Shooting menu, which is where features such as the AF assist beam and blink detection modes can be toggled on and off; the second is the Setup menu; which is where good options and LCD brightness can be adjusted; and the third is a ‘My Menu’ option for frequently used features. Pressing the Menu button brings up these three submenus.
The HDMI out connector, an optional remote shutter release cable, and a combined USB/AV out connection may all be found on the right-hand side of the camera when seen from the rear.
A lithium-ion battery is required for power, and SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards are needed for picture storage. The bottom of the device features a standard metal screw thread for attaching a tripod and a sliding cover for the compartment containing the battery.
Battery life is a little worse than the previous model, with approximately only 200 shots from a full charge; therefore, you will need to budget for at least one spare battery or use the new ECO mode, which extends battery life back up to the 240 shots that the G1 X II offered. Both options are available on the camera.
Suppose you are traveling and do not have easy access to a power outlet. In that case, you may take advantage of a new function that allows you to recharge the camera using a smartphone charger compatible with the USB port or external battery packs that are USB compatible.
Quality of the Image
The SuperFine JPEG option at 24 megapixels was used to capture each sample photographs in this study. This setting results in an image that is around 10 megabytes in size on average.
Still, photographs captured with the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III are exceptionally high quality. Images were arrested without any noise while the ISO was between 100 and 800, but noise began to appear when the setting was increased to 1600. While ISO 3200 and 6400 have more noticeable noise, they are still quite workable, and even the fastest settings of ISO 12800 and 25600 don’t suffer too terribly.
The G1 X Mark III did an excellent job of handling chromatic aberrations. The only visible instances of limited purple fringing effects are those with high contrast and generally occurring at the frame’s edges.
Even though there is noticeable vignetting at 24 millimeters, the built-in flash performed admirably indoors, preventing red-eye and providing adequate exposure overall. In addition, the night snapshot came out well thanks to the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and its use of the Bulb mode, which were sufficient for most after-dark photographs.
The anti-shake feature performs really well when shooting with the G1 X Mark III handheld in low-light circumstances or when using the telephoto end of the zoom range. Likewise, the macro performance is satisfactory, allowing you to focus on the subject as little as 10 centimeters away.
When the sharpening setting was set to the default, the pictures came out a little soft right out of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III. Therefore, for the best results, you should perform additional sharpening in an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you can change the setting directly in the camera.
The various Picture Controls make it simple to alter the appearance of your JPEG photographs, while the Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone Priority settings assist you in extracting more detail from the shadow and highlight regions of the picture.
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III Specifications
| Body type | Large sensor compact |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 26 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary Color Filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-25600 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| CIPA image stabilization rating | 4 stop(s) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (Canon 14-bit CR2) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (Equiv.) | 24–72 mm |
| Optical zoom | 3× |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8–5.6 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4x) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 10 cm (3.94″) |
| Macro focus range | Ten reviews.94″) |
| Number of focus points | 49 |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shuView speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual |
| Scene modes | Panoramic ShotPanningStarHandheld NightGrainy B&WSoft FocusFish EyeArt BoldWatercolor PaintingToy CameraMiniature EffectHDRUnderwaterFireworks |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash Range | 9.00 m (at Auto ISO) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, on, sl0w synchro, off |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleContinuousSelf-timer remote |
| Continuous drive | 9.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 35 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 24 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 24 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 30p / 8 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (wired or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Built-in |
| Battery description | NB-13L lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 200 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 399 g (0.88 lb / 14.07 oz) |
| Dimensions | 115 x 78 x 51 mm (4.53 x 3.07 x 2.01″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Conclusion
Currently, there isn’t much competition for Canon’s PowerShot G1 X Mark III digital camera. It includes a vast APS-C-sized sensor, is compact enough to be carried in a pocket, and comes with a zoom lens that is permanently attached and has a focal range that can accommodate a variety of situations.
To put it another way, throughout the past few years, many cameras have satisfied the requirements of two of those three categories, but the Canon is the only one that meets all the needs.
You may see that Canon has put all of its eggs in the basket of the G1 X III. Look at the list of “printed at the top of this page. However, the end product is a remarkably well-built and tiny camera with a lot going for it.
It can produce images of excellent quality, and the focus and performance are of a very high standard. The controls have been thoughtfully designed. However, we do have some concerns. Specific compact cameras, such as the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V, provide a similar picture quality in various settings and conditions.
The excellent overall compactness of the camera is partially attributable to the lens. But there have been some concessions made.
And indeed, when one considers “pros” and “cons,” it might be challenging to express the ultimate weight of particular elements included on either list. This is especially significant in this case because, sadly, the lens of the G1 X III is mainly responsible for our negative impressions of the camera’s performance.
It is correct that the lens helps achieve the camera’s remarkable overall compactness. However, trade-offs had to be made, which can no longer be ignored. Most notably, the maximum aperture was reduced.
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III Price
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III FAQs
When did the Canon G1X Mark III come out?
In 2017, Canon announced the G1X Mark III as its newest camera.
Is Canon G1X Mark III waterproof?
While the Canon G1X Mark III is not submersible, it is weather-sealed to protect it from the elements.
Is Canon G1 X Mark III a mirrorless camera?
Mirrorless cameras like the Canon G1 X Mark III don’t have any mirrors.
How old is Canon G1 X Mark III?
The Canon G1 X Mark III will be approximately six years old in the year 2023.