Canon Launches Large-Sensor Ultra-Zoom

2015.06.18

Today, Canon unveiled their first large-sensor ultra-zoom. Presumably using the same sensor as their own Canon Powershot G7 X reviewed here recently, the new digital camera becomes the first competitor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000, which also uses a 20 megapixels 1" CMOS sensor.

The new Canon Powershot G3 X provides an even longer 25X optical-zoom, equivalent to 24-600mm with an F/2.8-5.6 variable maximum aperture. This, of course, is more impressive considering the FZ1000 also starts at F/2.8 while reaching 400mm at a maximum F/4 and being much larger and heavier. To further stand-out among its peers, the G3 X is the first weather-sealed large-sensor fixed-lens digital camera, pushing its versatility ahead.

This ultra-zoom is a premium digital camera and offers plenty of direct controls, including dual control-dials, a traditional mode-dial, an EC dial and an optional EVF, sold separately. It offers full manual controls, including BULB mode. The LCD display is unusually large at 3.2" and has a class-leading resolution of 1.6 megapixels. A DIGIC 6 processor lets the G3 X shoot continuously at 5.9 FPS and capture full 1080p HD video at 60 FPS.

The Canon Powershot G3 X is scheduled to be available next month of $999 USD or $1199 CDN. Both Adorama and B&H Photo are already accepting pre-orders.

• Digital Camera