Canon G3 X Review

Name: Canon PowerShot G3 X
Brand: Canon

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Main Features

20MP - 1' BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 125 - 12800( expands to 25600)

24-600 mm F2.8-5.6 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3.20" Tilting Screen

5.9fps continuous shooting

and FHD at 60fps Video Recording

Built-in Wireless

733g. 123 x 77 x 105 mm

Weather Sealed Body

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Canon G3 X Overview

First introduced in June 2015 , Canon PowerShot G3 X is a 20.0MP Large Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1' (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather sealed body, Tilting touch screen and 25.0x zoom 24-600 mm F2.8-5.6 lens.

Canon G3 X Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Canon G3 X is a member of Canon's PowerShot G X series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

Canon PowerShot G X Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Canon G5 X MII Compare	2019	20.0MP - 1″	30.0 fps	111 x 61 x 46mm	340g
Canon G7 X MIII Compare	2019	20.0MP - 1'	30.0 fps	105 x 61 x 41mm	304g
Canon G9 X II Compare	2017	20.0MP - 1'	8.2 fps	98 x 58 x 31mm	206g
Canon G7 X MII Compare	2016	20.0MP - 1'	8.0 fps	106 x 61 x 42mm	319g
Canon G9 X Compare	2015	20.0MP - 1'	6.0 fps	98 x 58 x 31mm	209g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
Canon G5 X MII vs G7 X MIII vs G9 X II vs G7 X MII vs G9 X

Alternative Model names found for Canon PowerShot G3 X: G3X, G 3X and G 3 X.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon G3 X PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Canon G3 X review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

NFC Connectivity

Image Stabilization

Articulating Screen

External Flash Shoe

Full HD Video

Touch Screen

Electronic (Optional) Optional Viewfinder

RAW Shooting

Face Detection Focusing

20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

12.800 Max ISO

31 Focus Points

Large 3.20" Screen

1.620k dots LCD Resolution

5.9fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Manual Focusing

Manual Exposure

External Microphone Port

External Headphone Port

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

24mm Wide Angle Lens

600mm Good Tele Lens

25.0X Optical Zoom

Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide

Good Low Light ISO - 521

AE Bracketing

3.0-stops Built-in ND Filter

Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD Screen

Remote control with a smartphone

UHS-I Memory Card Support

Tiltable Flash

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Buy Canon G3 X from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Built-in Viewfinder

Heavy Body: 733

Slow Lens at Tele: f5.60

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Canon G3 X Physical Specs

Canon G3 X weighs 733 g (1.62 lb / 25.86 oz) and has external dimensions of 123 x 77 x 105 mm (4.84 x 3.03 x 4.13″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, Canon G3 X is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 105mm, it has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

DSLR-Like Cameras

Canon G3 X

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Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR-Like Cameras

Canon G3 X

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Canon G3 X with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon G3 X Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon G3 X, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Canon G3 X Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon G3 X with its main competitors:

Canon G3 X Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs G3 X	Thickness	vs G3 X
Sony RX10 IV Compare	1095g	362g heavier	145mm	40mm thicker
Canon SX70 HS Compare	608g	125g lighter	117mm	12mm thicker
Panasonic FZ1000 II Compare	808g	75g heavier	132mm	27mm thicker
Canon G5 X Compare	353g	380g lighter	44mm	61mm thinner
Panasonic FZ300 Compare	691g	42g lighter	117mm	12mm thicker
Panasonic FZ1000 Compare	831g	98g heavier	131mm	26mm thicker
Sony RX10 III Compare	1051g	318g heavier	127mm	22mm thicker
Panasonic FZ2500 Compare	915g	182g heavier	135mm	30mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Canon G3 X has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Canon G3 X will serve you well.

Canon G3 X Lens

Canon G3 X features a 24-600 mm F2.8-5.6 25x zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 600mm.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

G3 X

Widest - Samsung WB2200F

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

G3 X

Longest - Nikon P1000

Average

With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f5.60.

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

G3 X

Fastest - Sony RX10 III

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

G3 X

Fastest - Olympus 1

Average

G3 X is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon G3 X's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Canon G3 X Sensor and Photography Features

Canon G3 X has a 20.0MP 1' (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. G3 X has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to 25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Canon G3 X is not the highest resolution 1 inch Sensor camera. Nikon 1 J5 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon G3 X vs Nikon 1 J5 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

Canon G3 X DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon G3 X sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 63 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon G3 X here.

Let's look at how the size of the Canon G3 X's 1' sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Canon G3 X Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Canon G3 X LCD

Canon G3 X has a Tilting 3.20-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1,620k dots. Tilting screens are more photography oriented while Fully articulated screens are highly preferred by videographers. The Canon G3 X's 3.20" screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Canon G3 X will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of G3 X's LCD screen are Vloggers and any video creators who are working in a single-person setup.

G3 X doesn't have a built-in viewfinder but an optional external viewfinder is available. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Bridge camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 (Lumix DMC-FZ2000) (Compare) or Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II (Compare).
Alternatively, check here the list of all Bridge cameras with viewfinder..

Canon G3 X Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Canon G3 X features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n with NFC) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. With its NFC feature, G3 X can communicate with devices such as smartphones which are also equipped with this technology by simply touching each other.One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our G3 X. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect G3 X to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Canon G3 X Battery

Canon G3 X is powered by NB-10L battery which provides a battery life of 300 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR-Like type cameras is 353 shots, Canon G3 X has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend G3 X owners to invest in some extra batteries.

Battery Life Comparison in Large Sensor Superzoom Cameras

Canon G3 X

Min

Average

Max

Sony RX10 III with its 420shots is the model with longest battery life among Large Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Canon G3 X vs Sony RX10 III or take a look at Longest Battery Life Bridge cameras list.

Canon G3 X Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Sony RX10 IV Compare	3840 x 2160	400shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canon SX70 HS Compare	3840 x 2160	325shots	Yes	Yes	No
Panasonic FZ1000 II Compare	3840x2160	350shots	Yes	Yes	No
Canon G5 X Compare	1920 x 1080	210shots	Yes	No	Yes
Panasonic FZ300 Compare	3840 x 2160	380shots	Yes	No	No
Panasonic FZ1000 Compare	3840x2160	360shots	Yes	No	Yes
Sony RX10 III Compare	3840 x 2160	420shots	Yes	No	Yes
Panasonic FZ2500 Compare	4096 x 2060	350shots	Yes	No	No

Canon G3 X Video Features

With Canon G3 X, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon G3 X will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

G3 X has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Canon G3 X also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Canon G3 X a very suitable camera high quality videography.

Canon G3 X Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Canon G3 X can shoot continuously at max speed of 5.9 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

Flash

G3 X has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

One neat feature that we like about G3 X's built-in flash has is that the flash head can be tilted upwards manually using your finger, which can be used to bounce the flash light and create a more pleasing lighting on your subject. It is not a very strong flash so the ceiling/wall or the surface you use for bouncing must be relatively close to the camera.

Focusing

Canon G3 X features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 31 points to choose from.

Canon G3 X also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Canon G3 X Good for?

In this section, we review and score Canon G3 X in 5 different photography areas.

Canon G3 X for Portrait Photography

Canon G3 X has a score of 53 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability

External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Canon G3 X for Portrait Photography

Canon G3 X for Street Photography

Canon G3 X has a score of 76 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.

Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Image Stabilization

Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability
Medium sized Body
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Canon G3 X for Street Photography

Canon G3 X for Sports Photography

Canon G3 X has a score of 53 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.

Environmental Sealings
31 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
External Flash Shoe

Image Stabilization
600 mm Tele Lens
RAW shooting capability
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.9fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Average Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Canon G3 X for Sports Photography

Canon G3 X for Daily Photography

Canon G3 X has a score of 69 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Environmental Sealings
25.0X Optical Zoom
RAW shooting capability
Medium size Body

Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
733g
Body Thickness 105mm

Read the details of how we scored Canon G3 X for Daily Photography

Canon G3 X for Landscape Photography

Canon G3 X has a score of 40 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability

Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Canon G3 X for Landscape Photography

Canon G3 X Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Canon G3 X compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Canon G3 X alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Canon G3 X

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon G3 X amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Canon G3 X Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Canon G3 X with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon G3 X's price range.

Canon G3 X Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Canon G3 X has an Overall Score of 69/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Canon PowerShot G3 X is ranked #5 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 20 Bridge), and ranked #170 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#170 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
#5 out of 113 in Top Ranking Bridge Cameras
#4 out of 10 in Top Ranking Large Sensor Superzoom Cameras
#4 out of 44 in Top Ranking 1 inch Sensor Sensor Cameras
#75 out of 183 in Top Ranking Cameras with Selfie friendly Screen
#1 out of 10 in Lightest Bridge Cameras with 1 inch Sensor sensor(733g)
#67 out of 191 in Top Ranking Cameras with Tilting Screen

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions about Canon G3 X

Does the Canon G3 X have Image Stabilization?
Does the Canon G3 X have RAW support?
Does the Canon G3 X have Weather Sealing?
Does the Canon G3 X have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Canon G3 X?
What is the Sensor Size of Canon G3 X?
is the Canon G3 X a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Canon G3 X have Touch Screen?
Does the Canon G3 X have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon G3 X?
What is the Weight of Canon G3 X?
What are the Dimensions of Canon G3 X?

Canon PowerShot G3 X Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Canon
Model	Canon PowerShot G3 X
Announced	2015-06-18
Body Type	SLR-like (bridge)
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Number of Lenses
Lens Focal Range	24-600 mm (25x)
Max Aperture	F2.8-5.6
Macro Focus Range	5cm
Screen
Screen Type	Tilting
Screen Size	3.20"
Screen Resolution	1,620k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic (optional)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/2000s
Continuous Shooting	5.9 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	6.80 m (with Auto ISO)
Flash Modes	Auto, on, slow synchro, off
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	63
DxO Color Depth	21.4
DxO Dynamic Range	12.3
DxO Low Light ISO	521
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size	1'
Sensor Dimensions	13.2 x 8.8 mm
Sensor Area	116.16mm²
Sensor Resolution	20 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	5472 x 3648
Max Native ISO	12,800
Max Boosted ISO	25600
Min Native ISO	125
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	31
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	733g
Physical Dimensions	123 x 77 x 105mm
Battery Life	300 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	NB-10L
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Storage Slots	1

Most Popular Large Sensor Superzoom Cameras

Panasonic FZ2500
20 MP | 1″ Sensor| 24-480 mm

Sony RX10 IV
20 MP | 1″ Sensor| 24-600 mm

Panasonic FZ1000
20 MP | 1″ Sensor| 25-400 mm

Panasonic FZ1000 II
20 MP | 1″ Sensor| 25-400 mm

Canon G3 X
20 MP | 1' Sensor| 24-600 mm

Sony RX10 III
20 MP | 1″ Sensor| 24-600 mm

Sony RX10 II
20 MP | 1″ Sensor| 24-200 mm

Sony RX10
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor| 24-200 mm

Latest Bridge Cameras

Leica V-Lux 5
20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 25-400 mm

Nikon P950
16 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor | 24-2000 mm

Panasonic FZ1000 II
20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 25-400 mm

Nikon B600
16 MP | 1/2.3" Sensor | 24-1440 mm

Canon SX70 HS
20 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor | 21-1365 mm

Nikon P1000
16 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor | 24-3000 mm

Sony RX10 IV
20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 24-600 mm

Panasonic FZ80
18 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor | 20-1200 mm