Canon G3X Review: Taking on the RX10 and FZ1000, the G3X still has some catching up to do

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posted Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 2:46 PM EST

 
 

The Canon G3X is the "Big C's" answer to not only the Sony RX10-series but also the Panasonic FZ1000. The category for high-powered, enthusiast-grade zoom cameras with 1-inch-type sensors is heating up. Admittedly, this is a rather niche category -- big zoom, big sensor and lots of manual controls  -- but for a while the Sony RX10 was the only game in town. Now three companies populate this growing niche. 

We've completed our full review of this popular new camera, along with our detailed image quality comparisons and print quality analysis. Our full-range of lab-based optics, exposure and performance test results have now been published as well.

All three (now four) of these models use a similar 20.2 megapixel, 1-inch-type CMOS sensor. Where the Canon G3X differs in this fight is sheer optical zoom capability. The G3X out-reaches the Sony RX10-series and the Panasonic FZ1000 with a 25x optical zoom (24-600mm-equivalent) lens. 

 
600mm equivalent (220mm), f/5.6, 1/400s, ISO 160, Auto Mode

Optically, the lens on the G3X is quite good, as is the camera's overall image quality and high ISO performance -- especially with RAW files. However, we ran into some disappointing performance issues that dampened our spirits a bit with this camera. Head on over to the full Canon G3X review, or jump right to our Canon G3X conclusion, to see if the G3X's pros outweigh the cons for your needs and shooting style.

 
142mm equivalent (51.9mm), f/5.0, 1/800s, ISO 800, Auto Mode

Canon G3X ReviewCanon G3X Conclusion

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