Canon PowerShot G3 X Review: A Versatile Camera for Capturing High-Quality Images

The Canon PowerShot G3 X is an impressive camera that packs a powerful punch when it comes to capturing high-quality images. This versatile camera offers a range of impressive features including a 25x zoom lens, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 20.2-megapixel sensor. So, if you're looking for a camera that can help you capture stunning photographs, the Canon PowerShot G3 X is certainly worth considering.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot G3 X article cover photo

Key Features

Jun 18 2015

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1'
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight733g
MSRP$999USD

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Overview of the PowerShot G3 X

In today's world, capturing beautiful images has become easier than ever thanks to the innovative developments in camera technology. If you're looking for a powerful camera that can help you take your photography to the next level, the Canon PowerShot G3 X is definitely worthy of your attention. From its high-quality sensor to its impressive zoom lens, the PowerShot G3 X is a versatile camera that is suitable for a wide range of photography needs. So, let's delve deeper into the features and capabilities of this camera to find out what makes it stand out from the crowd.

Canon PowerShot G3 X Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot G3 X camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
25x Optical Zoom
Excellent Image Stabilization
Dust and Weather Resistant
Fast Autofocus
Good Low Light Performance
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
Easy to use interface
Vari-angle LCD Screen
RAW image capture

Cons

Expensive
Limited Video Recording Features
No Viewfinder
Slow Continuous Shooting Mode
Heavy and Bulky
Fixed Lens
No 4K Video
No Touchscreen
Limited Battery Life
Limited ISO Range

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot G3 X

Weather sealed
Dimensions123 x 77 x 105mm
Weight733g
Thickness105mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot G3 X camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the PowerShot G3 X is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic (optional)
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution1,620k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 1,620k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot G3 X not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

PowerShot G3 X includes a electronic (optional) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon PowerShot G3 X has a 20MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Canon PowerShot G3 X has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jun 18 2015

Announced

125 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor1'
Extended ISOnull - 25600
Max resolution5472 x 3648 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

63 / 102

Color Depth

21.4 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.3 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

521 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon PowerShot G3 X camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the PowerShot G3 X is below average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1'

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Battery Life300 shots
Battery ModelNB-10L
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot G3 X supports SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon PowerShot G3 X uses the NB-10L model of battery pack. This is rated for 300 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon PowerShot G3 X has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Canon PowerShot G3 X boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon PowerShot G3 X includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 31 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon PowerShot G3 X?

The Canon PowerShot G3 X features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot G3 X weather sealed?

Yes the PowerShot G3 X does have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot G3 X announced?

The Canon PowerShot G3 X was announced on Jun 18 2015

Does the Canon PowerShot G3 X have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the PowerShot G3 X does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon PowerShot G3 X?

The PowerShot G3 X has a native ISO range of 125-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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