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These days, compact cameras have become fairly popular not only among photography enthusiasts, but also with the general users. While smartphones can do a good job in most situations, a real camera’s functions and controls can give superior images your phone will never manage to capture.
Canon’s PowerShot G7 X is easily one of the most attractive cameras for vlogging. Its excellent autofocus (AF) system, coupled with image stabilization, a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, and handy flip screen are all useful features for creating digital content.
Its latest member, the G7 X Mark III, builds on the existing G7 X Mark II features, with a few significant tweaks and upgrades to take photography and videography to even greater heights. The camera records at full, uncropped 4K video and can finally plug in an external microphone with the 3.5mm mic port — something that Canon G7 X users have been wanting for a long time.
Priced at $900, it’s not cheap by any means, but it’s still a good price for the quality you can get with this marvelous camera.
Buy the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-Screen/dp/B07TKNCQZL
Design and features
The G7 X Mark III measures only 105 x 60.9 x 41.4 mm, similar to its predecessor, the Mark II camera. It shows off an all-metal body that feels solid, and comes with all of the G7 X series’ external controls.
Lightweight at 304 g, the G7 X Mark III fits easily in your pocket, which is what has made it the choice portable camera since 2019. It has a rectangular shape with a full retracting lens. Despite its compact size, it gives you high-quality shooting that’s an upgrade from your smartphone. Both photography enthusiasts and beginners are catered by the G7 X Mark III — it features both automatic and manual options.
The G7 X Mark III is powered by a one inch sensor, 4.2x optical zoom lens, and a flexible 24-100mm focal length range. Combined, this is enough to capture a variety of subjects, even in low-lit conditions. An aperture range of f/1.8-2.8 turns it into a flexible camera that you can use for portraits and still life photography. Its 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor can capture images at ratios 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 and 1:1 for both jpg and RAW images.
Perhaps the biggest update is with the 4K video shooting, made possible by the improved Digic 8 processor. Unlike Canon’s other cameras, the G7 X Mark III shoots full, uncropped footage. It also supports vertical video recording, which is useful for Instagram stories. Live-streaming to YouTube can be done straight from the camera, without having to use a third-party app.
With the external mic socket and HDMI output, you can really step up your game. Unlike previous models which literally let you just point and shoot, the G7 X Mark III provides more versatility for you to create. However, with no hot/cold shoe found on the G7 X Mark III, there’s no where to safely mount your external mic. You’ll need to buy a separate bracket to secure your microphone.
Buy the UURig Microphone Mount: https://www.amazon.com/UURig-Extension-Microphone-Vlogging-Accessories/dp/B07WH1HY89
The battery can be boosted by USB, which is useful for long shoots where there’s nowhere to charge. The only thing missing from usual camera models is the headphone input socket, which isn’t that useful anyway, since vloggers don’t usually use headphones while vlogging.
Screen and viewfinder
The Canon G7 X’s screen is what appealed to vloggers years before, and it’s still the same today. It tilts all the way forward so you can watch yourself as you vlog.
When placed side-by-side with the previous G7 X Mark II, the Mark III has a larger grip, making it easier to hold. It doesn’t come with a viewfinder, but if you’re transitioning from smartphone to camera, it’s a feature you won’t miss. The touchscreen display at the back flips over 180 degrees, ideal for selfies and vlogging.
A nice addition is the on-screen record button, saving you from awkwardly fumbling for the “record” button at the back of the camera. You can also adjust the focus point by tapping on the screen.
When powering up the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, the rear LCD blinks into life, and powers up in a second. It automatically starts at a focal length of 24mm — the best setting for group photos and shoots in small spaces.
Image quality
The G7 X series has always impressed us with their image quality, and with the G7 X Mark III, that definitely continues.
The camera comes with apertures of f/1,8 and f/2.8 at full telephoto. Its 9-blade aperture helps achieve that stunning bokeh effect. Having a wide aperture allows you to play with a shallow depth of field, while also being able to focus relatively close to your subject. Images display plenty of detail in most conditions; the metering system keeps exposure levels well-balanced, and colors are generally accurate even when using the automatic white balance setting.
Shooting under low light is no problem. Images have a decent amount of noise, but the detail is still there. Aside from being a fantastic vlogging camera, it’s also great as a take-anywhere, travel camera.
The uncropped 4K provides smooth, clear footage with built-in stabilization. On autofocus, it does an excellent job of tracking moving objects. When using it for vlogging, the AF gets your face sharp, though you might need to tap the screen to get the focus right especially when switching from distant to near subjects. Video quality is at 3840 x 21600 pixels at 30/25 fps, and 1920×1080 pixels at 60/50/30/25 fps.
Our verdict
There’s a lot to love about the G7 X Mark III. With superb image quality, this pocket-friendly camera offers powerful capabilities for both photography and vlogging. If you’re looking for an everyday camera, the Mark III is a great upgrade from your smartphone. If you’re a dedicated photographer of film-maker, you’ll still find yourself impressed by the 4K video, audio input, and sharp images. It’s a lot of money for a point-and-shoot camera, so whether or not you buy it depends entirely on its purpose. Overall, it works best as a travel and vlogging camera, but hardcore photographers might enjoy Canon’s DSLRs more.
