Canon is welcoming a new member to its G-series line of premium compacts, with the release of the PowerShot G3 X Digital Camera. Sitting alongside the G1 X Mark II and G7 X, this model differentiates itself with a long 25x optical zoom, equivalent to 24-600mm in 35mm terms, while still maintaining a portable form factor. Working with the optics are a large 20.2MP 1" High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor and the DIGIC 6 Processor, for high-resolution, low-noise images up to ISO 12800. Also, the lens has a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.6, which allows for imaging in a wide range of scenarios, along with Intelligent IS, for limiting camera shake at longer shutter speeds and focal lengths.
Speed is no issue for the G3 X, with a High-Speed AF system capable of locking focus as fast as 0.14 seconds. It uses 31 AF points for wide coverage in the frame and works wonderfully with a 5.9 fps continuous shooting speed. And, there is no buffer time, so users can shoot continuously for as long as they like.
Operation is benefitted by a selfie-ready tilting 3.2" 1,620k-dot capacitive touchscreen LCD and a continuous control ring on the lens. It also has a physical exposure compensation dial, mode dial, front dial, and controller wheel for intuitively changing settings. The body itself is dust- and water resistant, as well, for keeping it working in hostile weather conditions.
Making this camera appealing for video shooters is a plethora of advanced features that have been implemented in this model. Primarily, it offers full HD 1920 x 1080p video at 60, 30, and 24 fps. Audio is improved with both microphone and headphone jacks for using external devices to record and monitor during recording. Finally, manual control lets users create images as they want, instead of relying on the camera to make decisions for them.
In our increasingly mobile world, the G3 X features built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for connecting directly to an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Users will be able use the Canon Camera Connect app to share images quickly on social networks. This setup also grants compatibility with the CS100 Connect Station for wirelessly transferring and storing images for backup and remote access. Then, to top it all off, a new feature called Star Mode has been added to enhance capture of stars and the night sky. All of these features combine to make one extremely versatile, compact camera.
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Canon has also announced a couple of accessories for the G3 X in the form of the PSC-6200 Deluxe Leather Case for travel and protection, as well as a Lens Hood and Filter Adapter Kit, which will block unwanted light from entering the lens and permits the use of 67mm threaded filters.
