The market for low-cost ultracompact cameras has essentially been absorbed by smartphones, but climb a couple of steps and the activity in this format at the mid and high end remains very healthy. One proof is the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III, which puts a giant APS-C sensor in a small body, along with an articulating screen, a decent lens, 7 fps burst, weather sealing, and WiFi connectivity in just 11 x 8 x 5 centimeters.
Whether you plan to carry a couple of bags full of equipment or just one camera in your pocket, the photographic market has something for you. Of course, when studying formats, you also have to consider the need to make some compromises, either on specs or simply on price. That said, if you are looking for a compact camera, don't mind paying a slight premium, and prefer Canon units, you should take a closer look at the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III, an ultracompact that borrows several things from traditional DSLRs.
Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III: More than just 'casual'
Launched in the last months of 2017, the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III delivers a 24.2-megapixel effective APS-C CMOS sensor, paired with the DIGIC 7 image processor. Its ISO sensitivity extends from 100 to 25,600 without Boost modes, and shutter speed ranges from 1/2000 to 30 seconds. The LCD screen measures three inches, with a resolution of 1.04 million dots, is fully articulating, and has touch support. On the electronic viewfinder side, we find an OLED solution with 2.36 million dots and 100 percent coverage.
It may sound contradictory, but the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III is shaping up to be an ideal camera for 'intense casual' use. Other specialized portals have used the expression 'social camera', and I must admit it fits well. You automatically think of picnics, field days, meetings at the usual Starbucks with a latte in between, or group outings, and in those cases, the flagship ultracompact of the PowerShot series does not disappoint. However, its f/2.8 maximum aperture reminds us that it will need help in more adverse low-light situations. Most likely its built-in flash will see some action, and the hot shoe is definitely welcome. When capturing sports and action, the 7 fps burst with autofocus and its 24-frame JPEG buffer should be enough, as long as the action happens nearby (after all, the lens is 24-72mm).
The interface of the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III is far above what a traditional point-and-shoot usually offers, and an untrained eye will mistake it for a DSLR if you look at it from above. The dedicated dial for controlling exposure compensation is something we would love to see on all cameras, the touch support makes the process of controlling the camera more intuitive and dynamic, and despite the lack of relief on some buttons, they are very well placed. The mode dial holds no surprises: Full Auto, hybrid mode, the 'P - Tv - Av - M' package, video mode, and the special scenes menu define its configuration, but there are also two programmable slots C1 and C2, a layout similar to what we saw on the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS. The rest of the details about modes and scenes appear in the manual, which does not exceed 250 pages.
If we have to talk about a drawback, or rather, a questionable decision by the manufacturer, it is that the video of the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III does not support 4K, which is disappointing given its price tag. Instead, its 1080p60 reaches 35 Mbps, which is not necessarily bad. In fact, it is adequate if you think about vlogging and other short videos uploaded to YouTube, but if you seek more extreme quality parameters in video, our recommendation is to aim your guns at the Sony Alpha a6300. Connectivity, on the other hand, is much more complete. Transferring individual or batch photos via WiFi is very easy, NFC simplifies connections to Android smartphones, and Bluetooth is always on.
[amazon box="B076VBH4HF"]
Accessories for Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III
The latest update tells us that the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III floats at an average close to 1,100 euros. I'll be the first to admit that that value doesn't make it very competitive, but at the end of the day it is the user who will define whether the extra premium is worth it. The good news is that it doesn't put too much pressure on the list of accessories that should accompany it. Our suggestions cover all categories, but if you want to start with something...
Batteries and Power
[magento sku="0712599622,VDTS-4604-CH-0713116009"]
The NB-13L module is one of Canon's humblest, and this is reflected in the PowerShot G1X Mark III with a lifespan of only 200 shots. By adding a compatible Gloxy NB-13L battery, which has the product code "0712599622,VDTS-4604-CH-0713116009", you can automatically double the length of your sessions, and with the Gloxy hybrid 2-in-1 charger for home and car, recharging becomes portable. Also, compatibility with USB charging enables the use of any power pack.
Tripods and Supports
[magento sku="DI3241,0712163592"]
Finding a good tripod for Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is not complicated. Honestly, I think it's the simplest aspect in our accessories list. Traditional models can easily support the 399 grams of the camera (with battery installed), and their prices remain reasonable, so we have no reason to change. Our battle tripod is the standard Gloxy GX-T6662A model, with a maximum load of 10 kilograms and a working height of 1.6 meters. If you need to work in more complex and confined spaces, I'm sure the Clampod Takeway T1 will meet expectations.
Bags
[magento sku="Fancier400a,0714199153"]
Not for nothing do we say that the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is ultracompact. Its exact dimensions are 115 x 77.9 x 51.4 mm, and you can carry it in a pocket large enough, not forgetting that its weather sealing gives an extra layer of protection. Even so, this camera deserves a dedicated bag, and just in case, we are going to recommend two. The first is a veteran of a thousand battles: the Delta 400a Fancier, which you can find under the code "Fancier400a,0714199153". It features a padded interior, adjustable dividers, a front pocket, a very comfortable wide strap, and an unbeatable price. The second is the Vanguard Discover 22, lightweight, robust, with excellent interior design, and plenty of space in case you decide to get a larger camera in the future.
Flashes
[magento sku="0713633211,DI3991"]
Low light? The built-in flash of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III will serve you well, but if that day comes when you need to demand more, it's not a bad idea to have a more powerful ally. That's when the Gloxy brothers appear: The GX-F1000C sits at a professional level, with a guide number of 58, ample controls on its back, diffuser, foot, case, and 20 color gels. Is it too big or do you want to spend a little less? Then let the TR-985 take care of everything. The guide number only drops by four steps, but other than that it has nothing to envy the GX-F1000C. Both can be used in slave mode and use normal AA batteries.
Filters
[magento sku="Fkit37"]
The built-in 24-72mm lens rules out any possibility of installing additional lenses on the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III, but we can't expect that since it's neither a DSLR nor a mirrorless. However, we would be making a serious mistake if we ignored the potential of filters. Fortunately, Gloxy distributes a very convenient three-filter kit, which, besides optimizing our photographs in certain cases, helps protect the lens economically.
The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III has made some compromises, it makes no sense to deny it. The lack of 4K is disappointing, and the battery life is a direct consequence of its format, but both could be tolerated better with an adjustment or two in price. On the other side, we have excellent images thanks to its sensor, guaranteed portability, controls worthy of any DSLR, and solid connectivity. If that's enough for you, and you're a fan of the Canon house, you won't think twice. Good luck!
