Introduction and features
In the past, Canon has had a lot of success with its PowerShot G-series and PowerShot S-series of compact cameras, but in recent times models like the 12.2Mp Canon G16 have started to seem a bit too bulky and ugly. Both it and the sexier PowerShot S120 (which has the same sensor) lack in the sensor size department when compared with the likes of the Sony RX100 II and Sony RX100 III.
The new Canon PowerShot G7 X gives photographers an alternative option when looking for a small camera as back-up to their SLR. Inside its sleek exterior, which is a pretty close match for the S120’s, is a new 20.2-million-pixel, 1-inch sensor and a Digic 6 processing engine. This puts it above the G16 and S120, but below the Canon G1 X Mark II (which has a 1.5-inch type or 18.7×14.0mm sensor) in the PowerShot range.
As a compact camera, the G7 X has a fixed lens and Canon has plumped for an 8.8-36.8mm optic, which is equivalent to a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens in 35mm terms. This is a nice versatile range that will be appreciated by keen photographers as it allows for cramped interior shots, flattering portraits and a little telephoto reach. The fact that the lens has a nine-blade aperture will also be popular as this should create smoother bokeh (background blur).
The wide maximum aperture is also good news as this allows greater control over depth of field and fast shutter speeds to be used in comparatively low light. There’s also a 3-stop Images Stabilization (IS) system to help combat camera shake in low light.
It’s worth noting that the widest aperture is only available at the shortest focal length and the aperture closes to a still-wide f/2.0 as soon as the focal length is adjusted and it’s not long before it drops to (a still very useful) f/2.8.
As the Canon G7 X is designed to appeal to enthusiast photographers, it’s possible to shoot in manual, aperture priority or shutter priority mode, but there are also automatic options for less experienced photographers. Images may also be saved in raw or JPEG format (or both simultaneously) and sensitivity, aperture and shutter speed may be controlled manually when shooting Full HD video (at up to 60p).
In recognition of the selfie phenomenon the 1,040,000-dot LCD screen on the back of the camera can be tipped up through 180 degrees for easy viewing while facing the camera lens. And, like the S120, the G7 X’s screen is also touch-sensitive so you have a choice of using the shortcut buttons or the screen to control the camera. Unfortunately, there’s no viewfinder, so the screen is the only option for composing and reviewing images.
There is, however, Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless transfer and quick image sharing, along with NFC technology to speed up connection to NFC-enabled smartphones and tablets. The camera can also use a smartphone’s GPS system for geotagging images.
Sensitivity may be set in the range ISO 100-12,800 with the full range being available in auto mode; the maximum continuous shooting rate is 6.5 frames per second (fps) though the focus is set at the start of the sequence. The rate drops to 4.4 fps with continuous autofocusing. Up to 692 images can be shot in a sequence.
Other specification highlights include Creative Shot mode, a small pop-up flash, Star mode for capturing the night sky and star trails automatically, HDR mode for increased dynamic range and Hybrid Auto mode, which captures a snippet of video footage with every still and then creates a movie at the end of the day.
Build and handling
Although it’s a G-series camera the G7 X looks more like the S120 than the G16 or G1 X Mark II – it’s much sleeker in appearance than other G-series models. At 103×60.4×40.4mm and 304g it’s also just a little bigger and heavier than the S120 (100.2x59x29mm and 217g).
The new camera looks and feels like a high quality model, and there are subtle new design flourishes in the form of a flash of red at the base of the shutter release button and a mode dial on the top-plate.
Unlike the S120, the G7 X’s mode dial sits above an exposure compensation dial with settings running in the range +/-3EV. Both are within easy reach of the thumb and forefinger and it means exposure can be adjusted very quickly.
There’s also a control ring around the lens and in the default set-up this is used to set aperture, but it can be quickly changed to adjust sensitivity, manual focus, white balance, focal length, dynamic range, shadow correction and aspect ratio, along with an option selected by the photographer.
The control layout on the back of the G7 X is the same as the S120’s, and the navigation controls are also shortcut buttons to access the flash and macro shooting options. A high quality scroll wheel surrounds these buttons to speed up menu navigation and setting selection, but selections can also be made with a touch on the screen.
The G7 X feels great in the hand, is small and neat enough to fit in a jacket pocket and has a great control arrangement, so it’s easy to adjust settings quickly. The only disappointment is the lack of a viewfinder. I’m looking forward to seeing how the screen stands up to bright ambient light when we get a full production sample in for testing. The screen on the pre-production sample that I used before the camera was announced provided a detailed, bright view in relatively overcast conditions.
Performance
We have been very impressed with Canon’s compact cameras and although the G7 X uses a new sensor I’m optimistic about the quality of the images it will produce. The larger size sensor and higher pixel count in comparison with the G16 and S120 should enable the new camera to capture more detail without lots of noise being introduced at higher sensitivity settings. Time and testing will tell.
The autofocus (AF) system in the pre-production sample that I used was fast and accurate, but we will test the system fully when we get a production sample in. The same goes for the white balance and metering, although we know from past experience that Canon usually produces very capable systems.
Early verdict
The compact camera market is tough at the moment, but that’s great news for the consumer as manufacturers are being pushed to create even better cameras with more features. Consumers are also much better informed these days and many appreciate the benefit of having a physically larger sensor; it creates a stronger signal which means less noise and greater dynamic range, as well as giving more control over depth of field.
We will have to wait until we’ve fully tested the G7 X before we can be certain, but it looks like a great little camera for enthusiasts who want something that they can slip into a jacket pocket to take better images than they can with their smartphone. It looks set to offer strong competition against the Sony RX100 II, although the latter currently holds the edge with its built-in viewfinder (although it’s rather clunky to deploy).
The wide maximum aperture means that safe hand-holding shutter speeds can be used even in relatively low-light (this is backed-up by image stabilisation) and there’s plenty of creative potential.
The only nagging doubt is the lack of a viewfinder. Granted there are many compact cameras around that only allow images to be composed on the LCD screen, but viewfinders are becoming more common again now and they are usually the electronic type that show the impact of camera settings.
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