Alongside the announcements of the new Canon 5Ds models, Rebel T6i and T6s, Canon also dropped the news that it is developing another 1″ sensor format camera – the PowerShot G3 X.
The camera will be equipped with a 25x optical zoom that offers a 24-600mm zoom range (35mm equivalent). The upcoming Canon PowerShot G3 X will follow the recently-introduced Canon PowerShot G7 X, which was the first Canon camera to sport a 1″ sensor.
The photo released for the G3 X reveals indications of built-in WiFi and NFC, which has been a trend in recent Canon consumer models. Additionally, it appears to have a tilting LCD, built-in flash and possible a mic input and headphone output.
The only worrisome point I see is the lens size, based on the larger 1″ sensor it is using. It appears to be a little on the small side for a fast aperture like the constant f/2.8 on the Sony RX10 or the f/2.8-4 aperture range on the Panasonic FZ1000.
If the G3 X sports a f/5.6 or f/6.3 at the long end, that could be a real downer. Frankly, I would rather see less reach at the long end as a tradeoff for a constant f/2.8 zoom lens. Of course, Canon hasn’t released details for the lens, so we may be pleasantly surprised with what it ends up being.
No word on when the camera will be available for sale, but later this year is probably more likely than an extended absence. Will that be enough to hold off those looking toward the Sony RX10 or the Panasonic FZ1000?
[…] some commenters have helpfully pointed out, the camera in the photo is the Canon G3 X, which Canon announced the development of back in February (somehow we missed this one). It will pack a 1-inch sensor and a 25x zoom […]