This is when things really start to get interesting! Almost two years have passed since Sony revolutionized the small camera industry by incorporating a 1″-type sensor into a camera that was really pocketable.
The Cyber-shot RX100 had a similar appearance to one of Canon’s S-series high-end compact cameras, but it had a sensor that was 2.8 times bigger, resulting in a significant improvement in image quality.
Amazingly, Sony has managed to remain undefeated in this area for more than two years, during which time it has ability to release two further iterations of the RX100 compact camera system.
Adding an electronic viewfinder and a more consistently brilliant (although shorter) zoom to the RX100 III allowed it to go even farther ahead of the competition. With the introduction of Canon’s PowerShot G7 X, the company’s practically undisputed dominance comes to an end.
More: Best Memory Cards for Canon G7 X
From most perspectives, the Canon PowerShot G7 X resembles the S120, which was the company’s previous pocketable flagship. Both have a rounded appearance, a matte black surface, and no grip, but that’s where the similarities end.
The G7 X boasts a more substantial-feeling metal shell, a tilting LCD, and a more ornate (and aesthetically pleasing) top plate than the G7. But I’ll get to it in a minute.
The AF illuminator on the G7 X is the only feature that stands out on the camera aside from the lens. The back of the camera is somewhat more crowded, thanks to the typical PowerShot control layout, which features a rear dial that surrounds the four-way controller.
The I/O ports, which are described in further depth on the following page, are located on the right side, along with a ‘Mobile Device Connect Button,’ which brings up the Wi-Fi menu.
The lens is set to its maximum telephoto zoom here. The button for the pop-up flash, as well as the NFC contact point, are located on the other side of the phone’s body.
Canon PowerShot G7 X specifications
| Body type | Compact |
|---|---|
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5472 x 3648 |
| Other resolutions | 5472 x 3080, 4864 x 3648, 4320 x 2880, 4320 x 2432, 3840 x 2880, 2304 x 1536, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 720 x 480, 720 x 408, 640 x 480 |
| Image ratio w:h | 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 21 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 6 |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 125-12800 |
| White balance presets | 8 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Super fine, fine |
| File format | JPEG (EXIF v2.3)Raw (Canon CR2, 12-bit) |
| Image parameters | ContrastSharpnessSaturationRed/Green/BlueSkin tone |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24–100 mm |
| Optical zoom | 4.2× |
| Maximum aperture | F1.8–2.8 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4x) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 5 cm (1.97″) |
| Macro focus range | 5 cm (1.97″) |
| Number of focus points | 31 |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT-LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 40 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Exposure modes | AutoHybrid AutoProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManualCustomMovieCreative FiltersSceneCreative Shot |
| Scene modes | PortraitSmart ShutteStarHandheld Night SceneUnderwaterSnowFireworks |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 7.00 m |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, on, slow synchro, off |
| Continuous drive | 6.5 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 0r 10 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Videography notes | Also has star time-lapse. miniature effect, and digest modes |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | image sharing via Canon Image Gateway |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NB-13L lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 210 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 304 g (0.67 lb / 10.72 oz) |
| Dimensions | 103 x 60 x 40 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.57″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes (star time-lapse) |
| GPS | None |
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