Canon’s first compact camera to be equipped with an APS-C size sensor, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III, is the new PowerShot G-series flagship camera. We take a closer look. (Reported by: Makoto Suzuki (Digital Camera Watch))

 

APS-C compact zoom camera with a surprisingly small body

The PowerShot G1 X Mark III is equipped with an APS-C-size 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and 24–72mm-equivalent zoom lens. More than anything, it is the body size that attracts attention. This camera is even more compact and lightweight than its predecessor, which touted a 1.5-inch sensor that was smaller in area than the APS-C. In terms of looks, you could say that rather than a typical APS-C camera, it more closely resembles a compact camera with a 1.0-inch sensor, for which the focus is on operability, or perhaps even a camera with a 1/1.7-inch sensor and a high magnification zoom.

Another key point to note is that the PowerShot G1 X Mark III is the first compact camera to employ Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which is being progressively used on EOS-series cameras. Boasting comfort close to that offered by higher-end models, this gives the PowerShot G1 X Mark III a big advantage when users are selecting a second camera to go with their DSLR.

The PowerShot G1 X Mark III is capable of close-up photography. Able to shoot from a distance of 10cm at the wide-angle end and 30cm at the telephoto end, it gives you complete freedom when it comes to tabletop photography and food photography.

 

The camera weighs just 399g with the battery and SD card inserted, so it can be said that Canon has achieved its aim of making the camera weigh less than 400g. Despite its small size, the camera packs in an admirable 24.2 effective megapixels out of a total of 25.8 megapixels. Canon could have trimmed the periphery of the sensor in order to make the camera more compact, but it has not resorted to that. Rather, it seems to have maximized its use of the APS-C sensor area.

The lens has a real focal length of 15-45mm, which is equivalent to the EOS M standard zoom lens EF-M15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM at 35mm-film equivalent.

 

 

User-friendly dials, built-in flash, and a vari-angle LCD monitor

The PowerShot G1 X Mark III is equipped with 3 dials: A control dial with directional buttons on the rear, a front dial located on the right side, and a continuous ring at the base of the lens. It is also equipped with a standalone mode dial with lock mechanism, as well as a built-in flash.

The LCD monitor is a 3-inch, 1.04 million dot Vari-angle screen that supports touch operations. The EVF is approximately 2.36 million dots. Automatic switching is possible with the eye sensor. You can also mount an EOS flash in the hot shoe.

 

 

Customisable ring and buttons

You can assign features such as zoom, step zoom and MF as well as parameters such as ISO speed and white balance to the continuous ring at the base of the lens. Zoom operations can also be performed using the lever on the same axis as the shutter button.

 

You can even assign various functions to the Movie button as a function button.

 

“Touch & Drag AF" brings enhanced customisability to existing operating styles by combining EVF shooting with touch panel operations.

 

The camera uses an NB-13L battery, which is the same battery used on pocket-sized PowerShot G-series cameras such as the PowerShot G7 X Mark II and PowerShot G9 X Mark II, and can be used for up to around 200 shots. The battery can be recharged at the micro USB terminal. 

The PowerShot G1 X Mark III also supports the latest communication features, such as Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/NFC.

Note: The camera shown in the photos is a prototype, so specifications may differ from the released product.

 

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