Canon PowerShot G3 X
Announced June 18, 2015
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Canon PowerShot G3 X provides a robust, compact solution for photographers requiring a long-reaching 24-600mm equivalent lens. While it delivers impressive image quality and dynamic range for its class, the absence of an integrated viewfinder and 4K video recording may limit some users.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Strong optical performance across the 24-600mm zoom range
- Excellent image quality and high ISO performance
- Effective color reproduction and dynamic range
- Useful features including a built-in ND filter and tilting display
- Compact and robust physical design
Cons
- Slow autofocus and sluggish RAW file processing speeds
- Lacks an integrated electronic viewfinder
- Optical flaws including geometric distortion and chromatic aberration
- Missing 4K video recording capabilities
- Below average battery life
- Launch price $999.99 (USD)
- Sensor 20.1MP 1-inch
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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All in all, the Canon G3X is an interesting entry into the now-hotly contested large-sensor, long-zoom camera category.
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The Canon PowerShot G3X is Canon's first big zoom, big sensor compact. Traditional super-zoom cameras have a lot to offer but, their typically small sensor size prompts many buyers to migrate upwards to a DSLR or mirrorless.
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I bought one, and it now will be part of my travel kit when I anticipate needing a long lens on the road.
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When Canon first told us it was making a camera with a 1in sensor and 600mm equivalent zoom, it looked really exciting. Sadly, though, the G3 X manages to be rather less than the sum of its parts.
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If you're looking for a camera capable of taking higher quality images than your standard compact camera, and you want as much optical zoom as possible, then the Canon Powershot G3 X certainly delivers.
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The new Canon PowerShot G3 X is a solid super-zoom camera for enthusiast photographers, offering a wealth of options for shooting both stills and video, excellent image quality, speedy auto-focusing, intuitive and configurable handling, and solid construction.
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The Canon PowerShot G3 X is a great compact camera for those who want a long zoom range and large sensor. However, the lack of an EVF and poor RAW shooting speed mean it’s not quite as good as its rivals.
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The Canon PowerShot G3 X couples excellent image quality with a long zoom range, but it really needs a built-in EVF.
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The G3 X delivers SLR-like zoom capabilities in a compact package thanks to its excellent lens and image stabilisation, only falling down when faced with fast-moving subjects.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The PowerShot G3 X is an excellent mega-zoom camera that’s far stronger than the company’s SX series – it makes sense since the SX is designed for casual shooters, while the G-series cameras are for advanced users.
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[C]asual photographers might take a fancy to something like this.
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What there aren’t though is a camera like the G3 X, which combines all of these models into one body that’s useful from the soccer field to the streets of Paris.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
Aside from that, there’s little to complain about; image quality is excellent and movie footage shouldn’t disappoint purchasers.
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The G3 X is a versatile camera with excellent still image quality, decent video quality and a solid, water-resistant build.
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The Canon Powershot G3 X is a prosumer ultra-zoom with efficient manual-controls and a highly capable feature set.
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[T]he Canon G3X is an effective consumer product for casual photographers looking for a compact camera with a good telephoto lens.
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[W]e like the quality of the G3 X, but the limitation of the 1-inch sensors remain.
