Compact Camera up a Notch – Advent of the PowerShot G7 X!
A new member, the PowerShot G7 X, has been added to the PowerShot G series. Despite the compact body, it is built in with a 1" CMOS sensor and shooting functions comparable to those of the PowerShot G1 X Mark II. In this article, I will introduce the sophisticated body together with some actual photos. (Reported by: Keita Sasaki)
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Compact Body Packed with a Bright Lens and the Latest Technologies
Newly added to the lineup of the PowerShot G series is the "PowerShot G7 X", which comes with a compact body and a 1" CMOS sensor, and is lavishly packed with shooting functions that are comparable to those of the PowerShot G1 X Mark II. However, being small is not the only feature of this camera. It boasts a texture that matches well with adults just like a fountain pen. To test the true power of the PowerShot G7 X, I went out on a trip with it. The camera of a smartphone might suffice if you simply want to create a record of your trip, but if you are looking for some new discoveries of your own, then a camera is recommended to help add a little special touch to your shoot. The PowerShot G7 X, I feel, is able to offer such a sense of exclusivity and satisfaction.
A: (W) 103mm
B: (H) 60.4mm
C: (D) 40.4mm
A 1" CMOS sensor is built into the compact body with dimensions of (W) 103mm × (H) 60.4mm x (D) 40.4mm.
A bright lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8 and a focal length of 24 to 100mm in the 35mm format. The bright f-number at the telephoto end is also good for photographic expression that makes use of bokeh effects.
The strap mount on the two sides are built into the body at an angle to minimise the amount of protrusion.
A diamond knurl pattern is incorporated to create a sophisticated feel as well as to enhance operability. The red line adds a sense of exclusivity to the G series.
The Tilt-up touch screen can be rotated up to 180º for taking selfies. The movement is smooth, and the LCD screen cover also has a fine texture.
The bottom of the LCD screen cover is treated to prevent slipping, while providing a firm finger hold to allow the LCD screen to be moved easily.
Self portraits, commonly known as "selfies", are stirring a new boom. With an angle of view equivalent to 24mm in the 35mm format, you can include both yourself and a wide background easily.
The controller ring, which can be turned to alter the feature, clicks comfortably into place and is easy to operate.
The grip for resting the right thumb provides a firm hold, giving reassuring support while you are holding the camera.
On the right side of the body is a button for connecting the camera to a smartphone at a single touch. It comes with a thin line which adds an accent to the overall design.
The built-in pop-up flash allows you to set the flash to [Auto], [On], [Slow Synchro] or [Off], while the timing of the flash can also be set to [1st-curtain] or [2nd-curtain].
Exposure compensation is assigned with a separate dial. Compared to the Mode Dial at the top, this dial is tighter so there is no worry that it will be turned accidentally.
PowerShot G7 X - The Perfect Travel Companion
There is no fixed definition for "travel". To me, its greatest appeal is the process of discovering places I like without relying on information from guide books and the Internet. To go on a carefree trip, it is best to carry as little baggage as possible, so the PowerShot G7 X, which has a compact body and performance as powerful as an SLR camera, makes an ideal companion.
The lens has an angle of view equivalent to 24 to 100mm in the 35mm format, and the maximum aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8 is also fairly bright. Although there are other cameras of the same class with the same degree of brightness at the wide-angle end, not many of them are as bright at the telephoto end while maintaining a wide angle of view from 24 to 100mm. Moreover, the 1" CMOS sensor is considerably large compared to conventional compact digital cameras. The combination of a large diameter lens with a large image sensor helps to widen the scope of photographic expression such as with the use of bokeh. It is a must-have item for adult travellers.
An ND filter is also built in, which reduces light intensity up to three stops, thereby enhancing the degree of flexibility when you want to create blur intentionally in your photographic expression in the day. In the examples, both the photo of the adult and kid sharing an umbrella and the shot through the train window were captured with the ND filter applied and the shutter speed slowed down. For shutter speeds around this level, it might be possible to stop down the aperture even when you are shooting on a slightly cloudy day. However, with the use of the ND filter, you can create a soft ambience without having to stop down the aperture too much. Meanwhile, the preset white balance settings are also identical to those on the SLR models, so you can easily produce an amber tone to bring out the melancholy mood by selecting [Shade] while photographing in the day.
FL: 36.8mm (equivalent to 100mm in 35mm format)/ Program AE (1/100 sec., f/4, -1EV)/ ISO 125/ WB: Auto
I was lucky to chance upon a little girl in her red outfit.
FL: 36.8mm (equivalent to 100mm in 35mm format)/ Shutter-priority AE (1/20 sec., f/4, ±0EV)/ ISO 125/ WB: Shade
The umbrella makes a good accent on this drizzling day. However, I felt that the umbrella alone was not enough, so I waited for the train to pass by before releasing the shutter.
FL: 36.8mm (equivalent to 100mm in 35mm format)/ Aperture-priority AE (1/200 sec., f/2.8, +0.3EV)/ ISO 500/ WB: Auto
While I was travelling on a train, a men's watch came into sight from the side of the seat. A beautiful blur is created with the aperture opened up almost fully at the telephoto end.
FL: 8.8mm (equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format)/ Star Trails (30 sec., f/2, -0.7EV)/ ISO 125/ WB: Star
I selected the "Star" scene (SCN) mode to capture the star trails. My plan was to carry out the shoot for 30 minutes, but daybreak came after 20 minutes and I had to end the session earlier than intended.
By using the "Star" scene mode, you can easily produce portraits with stars in the background (Star Portrait), a nightscape together with the starry sky (Star Nightscape), the movement of stars through the sky (Star Trails), or a movie of the stars' movement (Star Time-Lapse Movie) without any professional knowledge. Of course, a tripod would be needed for photographing the stars, but a small one suffices considering the compact size of the camera. The shutter time lag is short, so you can capture moving objects at the right timing, while the rear LCD screen can be rotated up to 180º for selfies. There are still so many other features that I am unable to introduce in this article. You are encouraged to try them out yourself by carrying this compact camera with you on an actual trip.
FL: 8.8mm (equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format)/ Program AE (1/1,250 sec., f/2.2, -0.3EV)/ ISO 125/ WB: Auto
At this very moment, it felt as if I had heard the sound of the temple bell. One of the greatest joys of photography is the ability of convey such nuances through a photo.
FL: 8.8mm (equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format)/ Program AE (1/60 sec., f/2.8, +2.7EV)/ ISO 250/ WB: Auto
I took this low-angle shot with the Tilt-up touch screen. Light entering the building helped to effectively convey the presence of this historical architecture.
FL: 36.8mm (equivalent to 100mm in 35mm format)/ Program AE (1/80 sec., f/2.8, -1.3EV)/ ISO 800/ WB: Shade
The light of a small lamp in a back alley. At dusk, you will encounter scenes that you cannot find in the day. By making a second trip back to the same place at a different time of the day, you might just chance upon such photo opportunities.
FL: 8.8mm (equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format)/ Program AE (1/30 sec., f/2.8, ±0EV)/ ISO 125/ WB: Auto
Onomichi Suido in the morning. With the high level of humidity after a long rain and clouds that started to appear in the sky, I was able to capture this morning scene with a soft ambience.
Born in 1969 in Hyogo. Street photographer. After graduating from a photo academy, Sasaki worked at a rental studio and as a photographer assistant before becoming independent. His main activities include writing articles and producing photographic works for magazines.
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