A Comprehensive Review of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III – Las Vegas Edition

As a proud owner of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II, I was eager to test out its successor, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. I decided to take this camera on a recent vacation trip to Las Vegas, where I could truly put it through its paces. The G7 X series has been a popular choice for travel photography and vlogging, and with the Mark III version, Canon aimed to improve on the already impressive Mark II. So, did the new version live up to my expectations, and is it worth the upgrade? Let's find out.

Design and Build

At first glance, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III looks strikingly similar to its predecessor. The compact, sleek design remains largely unchanged, and it still features the same 4.2x optical zoom lens with a 24-100mm equivalent focal length and f/1.8-2.8 aperture range. The camera is easy to grip and has a solid build, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel photography.

One of the key differences between the Mark III and Mark II lies in their connectivity options. The Mark III now includes a microphone input, which is a game-changer for vloggers who need better audio quality. Additionally, the Mark III has a USB-C port, allowing for faster data transfer and in-camera battery charging. These are small but significant improvements that make the camera more versatile and user-friendly.

Sensor and Image Quality

Both the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and Mark III are equipped with a 20.1-megapixel, 1-inch-type stacked CMOS sensor. However, the Mark III features the newer DIGIC 8 image processor, promising better performance in low light and faster autofocus.

During my vacation in Las Vegas, I found that the Mark III produced excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. The camera handled the bright, colorful lights of the Vegas Strip as well as the natural lighting of the Red Rock Canyon with ease. The images were sharp, with vibrant colors and a good dynamic range. The improved low-light performance was noticeable, and I was able to capture clean images even in dimly lit environments.

The Mark III also features a built-in Neutral Density (ND) filter, which came in handy when I wanted to take long exposures of the Bellagio Fountains or create a shallow depth of field in bright conditions.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III's autofocus system is a significant improvement over its predecessor, thanks to the new DIGIC 8 processor. The camera locked onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in challenging lighting conditions. The face and eye detection features worked particularly well, ensuring that people were in focus in my vacation shots.

One of the standout features of the Mark III is its burst shooting capabilities. The camera can shoot at 20 frames per second (fps) in continuous mode or 30 fps in the RAW burst mode. This feature allowed me to capture fast-moving subjects like the acrobats in the Cirque du Soleil show or the street performers along the Strip.

Video Capabilities

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III's video capabilities are a considerable upgrade from the Mark II. It now offers 4K video recording at 30 fps and full HD recording at up to 120 fps for slow-motion footage. The 4K video quality is crisp and detailed, and the slow-motion capabilities added a creative touch to my vacation videos.

The addition of the microphone input is another huge plus for vloggers, as it allows the use of external microphones for better audio quality. The camera also supports vertical video recording, which is perfect for those looking to create content for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The built-in image stabilization helped to keep my footage smooth and steady, even when I was walking along the bustling streets of Las Vegas.

The Mark III also introduces live streaming capabilities, allowing you to stream directly to YouTube without the need for additional equipment. This feature is especially useful for vloggers and content creators who want to share their experiences in real-time.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a concern when it comes to travel photography, and the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is no exception. The camera uses the same NB-13L battery as the Mark II, which is rated for approximately 235 shots per charge. While this may not seem like a lot, the addition of USB-C charging allows you to conveniently charge the camera on-the-go using a power bank.

During my Las Vegas trip, I found that the battery life was sufficient for a full day of casual shooting, but I did need to charge it overnight or during breaks to ensure it lasted throughout the day. For more intense shooting sessions or extended trips, I would recommend carrying a spare battery.

Conclusion: Should You Upgrade?

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is an excellent camera that builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor. With improved autofocus, burst shooting capabilities, 4K video recording, and added connectivity options, the Mark III offers significant upgrades that make it an attractive option for travel photography and vlogging enthusiasts.

If you already own the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II, the decision to upgrade will depend on your specific needs. If you're a vlogger or content creator who will benefit from the microphone input, live streaming capabilities, and 4K video recording, the Mark III is definitely worth the investment. Additionally, if you require faster autofocus and burst shooting for your photography needs, the Mark III will be a noticeable improvement.

However, if you're primarily using your camera for casual photography and are content with the capabilities of the Mark II, the upgrade may not be as compelling. The Mark II is still a solid choice for travel photography, and while the Mark III offers some improvements, they may not be significant enough for everyone to justify the additional cost.

Ultimately, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a fantastic camera that delivers in terms of performance, image quality, and video capabilities. Whether you're new to the G7 X series or considering an upgrade, the Mark III is an excellent choice that won't disappoint.

Pros:

Compact design: The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III maintains the compact, sleek design of its predecessor, making it easy to carry and perfect for travel photography and vlogging.

Improved autofocus: The Mark III's autofocus system, powered by the DIGIC 8 processor, is fast and accurate, ensuring sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Burst shooting capabilities: With 20 fps continuous shooting and 30 fps RAW burst mode, the Mark III is excellent for capturing fast-moving subjects and action shots.

4K video recording: The addition of 4K video recording at 30 fps provides crisp, detailed footage, making it ideal for content creators and vloggers.

External microphone input: The inclusion of a microphone input allows for improved audio quality, which is essential for vlogging and video production.

USB-C charging: The USB-C port enables faster data transfer and convenient in-camera charging, allowing for on-the-go charging with a power bank.

Built-in ND filter: The integrated Neutral Density filter is a useful feature for shooting in bright conditions or achieving long exposures and shallow depth of field effects.

Cons:

Battery life: The battery life is rated for approximately 235 shots per charge, which may not be sufficient for extended shooting sessions or longer trips. Carrying a spare battery is recommended.

Cost: For existing Mark II users, the cost of upgrading to the Mark III may not be justified unless the new features are essential for their specific needs.

Limited improvement in image quality: Although the Mark III offers better low-light performance and faster autofocus, the overall image quality is not a drastic improvement over the Mark II. Users primarily focused on casual photography may not find the upgrade compelling.

Lack of viewfinder: The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III does not include a built-in viewfinder, which some photographers prefer for composing shots in bright conditions.

No weather sealing: The camera is not weather-sealed, so extra care is required when using it in adverse weather conditions or dusty environments.

Fast Facts about the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III:

• Sensor: 20.1-megapixel, 1-inch-type stacked CMOS sensor.
• Processor: DIGIC 8 image processor.
• Lens: 4.2x optical zoom lens with a 24-100mm equivalent focal length and f/1.8-2.8 aperture range.
• Autofocus: Improved autofocus system with face and eye detection.
• Burst shooting: 20 fps continuous shooting and 30 fps RAW burst mode.
• Video: 4K video recording at 30 fps, full HD recording up to 120 fps for slow-motion footage.
• Connectivity: Microphone input, USB-C port for charging and data transfer, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
• Live streaming: Direct live streaming to YouTube without additional equipment.
• Battery life: Approximately 235 shots per charge (NB-13L battery).
• Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.6 inches (105 x 61 x 41 mm).
• Weight: Approx. 10.7 oz (304 g) including battery and memory card.

Here are some useful resources and links to learn more about the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III:

1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Official Product Page:
   https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/point-and-shoot-digital-cameras/advanced-cameras/powershot-g7-x-mark-iii
2. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III User Manual:
   https://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/5/0300031805/01/psg7x-m3-nm-im3-en.pdf
3. DPReview - Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Review:
   https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-g7-x-mark-iii-review
   Digital Camera World - Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Review:
4. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/canon-powershot-g7-x-mark-iii-review
   Photography Blog - Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Review:
5. https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_powershot_g7_x_mark_iii_review
   B&H Photo Video - Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Overview:
   https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1495353-REG/canon_3637c001_powershot_g7x_mark_iii.html

Here is a list of some popular accessories and gadgets for the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III available on Amazon:

Screen Protector:

(PCTC Screen Protector for Canon G7X Mark III): https://amzn.to/3MUSvK1

Extra Battery and Charger:

(BM Premium 2-Pack of NB-13L Batteries and Dual Battery Charger for Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III): https://amzn.to/3GLcdUj

Memory Card:

(SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Card): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9DVLBB/

Camera Case:

(MegaGear MG1821 Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, G7 X Mark II Ultra Light Neoprene Camera Case): https://amzn.to/3KDiJhc

Mini Tripod:

(Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod): https://amzn.to/41yWy2t

Camera Strap:

(Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap): https://amzn.to/41x9RAG

External Microphone:

(Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone): https://amzn.to/3mFHT70

Vlogging Accessories:

(Ulanzi PT-13 Vlogging Cold Shoe Plate for Canon G7 X Mark III): https://amzn.to/3L7UfhI