Canon teased in February it was working on developing a compact camera with a 25x optical zoom and a one-inch-type sensor to add to its G-series line-up. The firm has now revealed more details about the 20-megapixel PowerShot G3 X which will be released in July and offers a massive 24-600-mm equivalent lens. The enthusiast-focused camera will also boast a tilting LCD touchscreen and a hot shoe.
The PowerShot G3 X is all about its lens, it covers a whopping 24-600-mm equivalent which means it has massive zoom potential. However, a variable maximum aperture of F2.8-5.6 means it will have limited uses at longer telephoto lengths. The chances are you'll hit the F5.6 maximum aperture well before you get to the 600-mm equivalent focal length. When shooting at those lengths, users will at least be able to make use of the image stabilization to help smooth out the inevitable wobbles.
Inside the new shooter there's a one-inch-type 20-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor. This is the same size as those used in the Nikon 1 series like the J5 or the Sony RX100 IV, and much bigger than typically found on fixed lens cameras with big zoom like the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS. This should ensure better image quality, especially in lower light situations, and thanks to the DIGIC 6 processor with iSAPS technology, the G3 X has an ISO range of 125 to 12,800 to allow use in a variety of lighting conditions.
The camera can also shoot at a reasonable speed of 5.9 fps (frames per second) or 3.2 fps with autofocus. A 31-point AF system with features including Face Detection and Object and Face Select and Track should ensure fast and reliable focusing. On the video front, Full HD 1080p video recording is also possible at 60/50/30/25/24 fps and the camera has jacks for a microphone and headphones, which are a must if you want to ensure quality audio, too.
Physically the camera is relatively compact, given its specifications, but it's not going to be vying with the Sony RX100 IV for a spot in your pocket. It measures 123.3 x 76.5 x 105.3 mm (4.6 x 3 x 4.1 in) and weighs 733 g (25.8 oz) and features a chunky grip along with manual controls and control dials which should keep enthusiasts and settings-tinkerers happy. Other design features of note include a built-in flash alongside a hot shoe.
The rear the camera benefits from a tilting rear screen 3.2-inch touchscreen with 1,620,000 dots. However, it lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder, with the optional (and bulky) add-on EVF-DC1 coming with a hefty US$250 price-tag.
The PowerShot G3 X is said to be weather sealed, with Canon choosing to describe it as equivalent to the EOS 70D rather than provide any specific details. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make it easy to both share images or control the camera remotely.
The Canon PowerShot G3 X will be available next month priced at $1,000.
You can check out a promo video for the new camera below.
Product page: Canon PowerShot G3 X
