Canon has just announced updated models to their popular PowerShot G5 X and G7 X series cameras. While the G5 X II receives refinement through a slimmed down body and enhanced capabilities, the G7 X III takes aim at being the best camera for vlogging.
What’s In Common
These two point-and-shoot cameras feature an updated DIGIC 8 image processor and use a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor with 20.1 megapixels of resolution. The ISO tops off at 12,800, the highest for any PowerShot, and is expandable up to 25,600.
Each has high-speed continuous shooting of up to 20 frames per second with One Shot AF, and 8 frames per second with Servo AF. These cameras can also do 30 .CR3 raw frames per second shooting with an electronic burst including a half second reshooting capability to capture sudden action, however there’s no autofocus in this mode.
On the video side, the new G5 X II and G7 X III cameras can do 4K30p with no crop, and are HDR movie shooting capable. Star Mode receives 4K movie support, and now uses an electronic shutter versus the previous mechanical shutter to reduce camera shake. Frame grabs of 4K video can also be performed in camera.
Other in-camera tools include panoramic imaging with both horizontal and vertical stitching, focus bracketing that was previously seen with the EOS R system, and an improved Wi-Fi settings menu that allows automatic sharing to smartphones or other devices.
Both new PowerShot cameras will be available in black with the G7 X III also offering a black and silver finish.
Canon PowerShot G5 X II
The G5 X II has a completely different form factor than the first model dropping its weight down to 12 ounces (340 grams) with battery and memory card, and is now similar looking to the G7 X series of compact point-and-shoots with a tilting screen, pop-up EVF, and main exposure dial on the front.
This EVF is 0.39 inches, has a 2.36 million dot resolution with 120 fps refresh rate, and features a “Smooth Priority” option. The eye sensor automatically switches between EVF and rear LCD monitor. The 3-inch, 1.04 million dot LCD monitor can tilt 180 degrees up and 45 degrees down and has touch and drag AF capability.
The 5x optical zoom lens is a 35mm equivalent 24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 and has a minimum focusing distance of 2 inches (5 centimeters) at the wide end and 7.9 inches (20 centimeters) and the telephoto end.
Full HD 120p video can be recorded with the G5 X II.
The Canon Powershot G5 X II will be shipping in August 2019 and priced at $899.
Canon PowerShot G7 X III
The size and shape of the G7 X III remains the same as previous generations, weighing 10.7 ounces (304 grams) with battery and memory card inserted. It uses the same 4.2x optical zoom lens that’s a 35mm equivalent to a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8. It also keeps the 3-inch, 1.04 million dot LCD monitor with 180 degrees up and 45 degrees down tilting.
The new G7 X III doubles down on its popularity as a vlogging camera and can now do live streaming straight to YouTube, all in camera. The user pairs the camera to the network or hotspot, can preview their setup before going live, and can even see how many people are watching live right on the display.
The G7 X III also now natively supports vertical video recording for those that produce mobile content for other social media platforms. Along with an updated selfie mode UI and microphone jack, Canon is set to make the G7 X III the go-to vlog camera.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X III will be shipping in August 2019 and priced at $749.
I'm trying to find a reason why these are two separate cameras. Is Canon now releasing a new camera and the incremental update camera at the same time? At least the GX7 III has a mic jack.
Both seem to have the older RX100 sensor. And of them has the same flip-up EVF as the RX100.
Still amazes me there's a market for compacts.
I have one too. It is much better than my smartphone and a lot lighter than my Sony a6400 with 7 lenses.
I LOVE compacts. As a walk-around shooter I support the saying "The best camera is the one you have on you" So, the easier it is to carry around, the more often I'll shoot with it. So far I get the most satisfaction from old 35mm compacts I thrift off of craigslist.
I hear you. I've been through it too, a multitude of 'Ah, this is the one' compact purchases. Last one was the X100F.
Yes, the best camera is the one you have on you, iPhone is that one for me, for now. ;)