The ever popular PowerShot got a new iteration in fall of 2019: the Canon PowerShot G7 X III. The Canon PowerShot G7 X III features all of the things we loved about the PowerShot lineup, like its compact size and its excellent video, but it also features all new specs that make this camera even more popular with vloggers.
The PowerShot lineup was never really supposed to be aimed at videographers. Canon never marketed any of its cameras towards this crowd, but that didn’t stop vloggers from realizing that the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II had everything they could possibly need, including a great autofocus system and image stabilization.
This same group of photographers quickly realized that the Canon PowerShot G7 X III hit all of the same marks for them.
This isn’t to say that we should discount the Canon PowerShot G7 X III for its stills capabilities. Rather, it’s an argument that this camera is surprisingly versatile.
In this Canon PowerShot G7 X III review we will dive into exactly why the Canon PowerShot G7 X III is so perfect for videographers and we will also discuss what you can expect while shooting stills with it.
Canon PowerShot G7 X III Specs
The Canon PowerShot G7 X III specs are nothing short of impressive. For starters, this camera features a 20MP 1”-type CMOS sensor. This sensor is paired with a Digic 8 processor, which means your images are going to be way better with this camera than any of the cameras in the same lineup that came before it.
As this is a compact camera that is recommended for people transitioning from a smartphone, it features a fixed 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens. This lens comes equipped with a 3-stop ND filter, which is excellent for taking landscape photographs.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X III also features 4K video capabilities at up to 30p or Full HD video capabilities at up to 60p. For videographers, the touchscreen tilts up 180 degrees or tilts down 90 degrees. This means you won’t have any problems shooting videos of yourself.
Other Canon PowerShot G7 X III Specs Include:
- 20MP 1” CMOS sensor
- 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens
- 4K video capabilities at up to 30p or Full HD video capabilities at up to 60p
- 8fps burst mode with AF, 30fps raw burst mode
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
- 235-shot battery life
Canon PowerShot G7 X III Body & Design
The Canon PowerShot G7 X III design almost exactly mimics the design of the camera that came before it in the lineup.
It comes with a screen that you can tilt all the way up for shooting selfies and vlogs. It comes with a slightly changed top plate that is now plastic (the G7 X II used all metal).
One odd thing about its design that is important to point out is that it doesn’t come with an electronic viewfinder. A lot of photographers were expecting the G7 X III to use an electronic viewfinder since other similar Canon cameras do. This is not the case yet.
You’ll also find yourself using the touchscreen all of the time because there are very few physical buttons on the camera. This isn’t a frustrating shooting experience, though, because the touchscreen is one of the most responsive to date in Canon’s lineup.
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Canon PowerShot G7 X III Build & Handling
I have to say that the Canon PowerShot G7 X III is a little disappointing when it comes to its handling, if only because of its low battery life.
A 235-shot battery life isn’t enough for people who are serious about getting into photography. But, possibly more importantly, a 235-shot battery life translates to very little shooting time if you’re purchasing this camera for its video capabilities.
Now, if you’re going to be shooting in 4K this won’t be a huge deal because the camera is unable to record 4K clips longer than 9 minutes and 59 seconds, but if you’re hoping to shoot in Full HD with this camera for extended periods of time, like while you’re traveling, then I suggest you have a second and possibly third backup battery.
Otherwise the Canon PowerShot G7 X III handling is exactly what you’d expect. The camera is compact, so it is easy to carry around everywhere with you. It comes with a very steep mini-grip on its front, but you should still expect to consistently shoot with a wrist strap for the camera’s safety.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X III build is pretty sturdy, which is reflected in the price point. The camera is made out of the same material that its predecessors are and it measures 4.13” x 2.4” x 1.61”. It weighs a measly 0.67 lbs.
If you’ve ever shot with other cameras in this lineup, you can essentially expect the Canon PowerShot G7 X III to be built in the exact same way. Canon understands that they built a great camera with the G7 X II and likely aren’t planning on changing anything about it in the near future except to update its specs.
Canon PowerShot G7 X III Video Performance
Since the Canon PowerShot G7 X III is more or less designed for vloggers, I figured it would make sense to pull my video test from a vlogger.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X III video performance test above is from AMaeTV. Alicia, the vlogger behind AMaeTV, did find some problems with the Canon PowerShot G7 X III. I’ll outline them here.
For starters, she felt that it was a difficult camera to use straight out of the box. She was trying to film her daughter in slow motion, but was unable to find the 120p setting on the camera while messing around with the menu out in the field. Given the fact that she previously owned a G7 X II, I think this is important to point out for anyone thinking the transition will be seamless.
Another problem that she had was that, despite the better autofocus specs, she said that the autofocus system wasn’t working as good for her as the one in her older PowerShot model. Of course, she also pointed out that this problem was an easy fix for vloggers on the older model because they could go in and add their face into the facial recognition settings. While the Canon PowerShot G7 X III doesn’t currently have this option, she hypothesizes that it could be made available in the future.
However, she also noticed some things that she liked about the video. For instance, she said that the in-camera image stabilization was as good as it was in her G7 X II, which is to say it is really, really good.
Canon PowerShot G7 X III Price
Given the fact that the Canon PowerShot G7 X III does do a lot for being a compact camera, I suppose we could expect the price to reflect this.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X III price, if you’re planning on buying it new, is $650 right now. But, if you’re looking to save some money and purchase a used Canon PowerShot G7 X III then you can do so on MPB.
As of the writing of this article, MPB isn’t stocked with any models. However, they rotate through hundreds of products every day, so you can check their Canon PowerShot G7 X III page regularly. You could end up with a camera in like new condition, with its original packaging, and get hundreds of dollars off.
And, for more information about why we recommend MPB to our readers, you can learn all about them in the learn more links below.