Canon refreshes PowerShots lineup with YouTube-streaming G7X III, G5X II with popup EVF
posted Monday, July 8, 2019 at 9:00 PM EST
Canon G7X III Preview • Canon G5X II Preview
Canon, today, announced updates to two of their most popular PowerShot models, debuting the cosmetically-similar Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III and the redesigned Canon PowerShot G5X Mark II. As with prior generations, both of these models are designed around a common core of specs and features, though it's clear that Canon is positioning these two cameras towards different customers. The G7X III remains compact and pocketable just like its predecessor, whereas the G5X II shaves off a few exterior features, such as removing its center-mounted EVF housing and hotshoe in exchange for handy pop-up EVF, to become a similarly-svelte pocketcam.
In terms of under-the-hood improvements and new features, as mentioned, many of the new updates are shared between both cameras. The updated PowerShot models both sport new 20MP 1-inch-type CMOS sensors with a stacked circuitry design, which allows for faster data readout and overall increased performance. Both cameras are also powered by Canon's latest DIGIC 8 image processor, offer enhanced video recording options such as 4Kp30 and 1080p120, are capable of up to 30fps raw capture, and USB-C ports with USB Power Delivery.
Although the PowerShot G7X Mark III offers a similar array of still-shooting improvements as its G5X II sibling, the G7X III is being marketed heavily as a vlogging camera. Not only does the G7X III offer video recording modes like 4K UHD at 30p, HDR video, 1080p at up to 120fps -- all without any cropping -- the camera also includes the ability to connect directly to YouTube's Live Streaming service via the camera's built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Videographers are able to record and steam live video directly from the camera through YouTube, as well as integrate with YouTube Live scheduling directly in-camera. The camera also supports shooting vertical video, which should be handy for Instagram content. And, of course, the flip-up, front-facing LCD screen is great for self-recording video, and the addition of an on-screen start/stop button makes vlogging much easier.
Meanwhile, the PowerShot G5X Mark II is designed as more of an all-around premium pocketcam, with more still-image-centric amenities and a slightly longer 5x optical zoom lens (the G7X III sticks with a 4.2x optical zoom). At first glance, the G5X II looks much different than its predecessor, with the lack of a center EVF. Instead, the EVF uses a new pop-up design, similar to what's used on a number of Sony RX100-series cameras. The pop-up flash remains but has now been moved into the center of the top deck. Other features include touch and drag AF and a new panoramic shooting mode.
Both cameras are slated to go on sale in August, with the PowerShot G7 X III priced at US$749.99 and the PowerShot G5 X Mark II at US$899.99. For more information about all the specs and new features of the updated Canon PowerShots, click the links below:
• Canon G7X Mark III Preview • Canon G5X Mark II Preview •
