Canon’s G7X premium compact camera has proven extremely popular with enthusiasts looking for great image quality and video in a pocketable form factor. With the release of the Mark III, photographers have an upgraded option.
For those considering the well-regarded G7X series, here’s an in-depth look at how the G7X Mark II and Mark III compare to help you decide which is best for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
Feature | Canon G7X Mark II | Canon G7X Mark III |
Sensor Resolution | 20MP 1” CMOS | 20MP 1” Stacked CMOS |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.8-2.8 | f/1.8-2.8 |
Image Stabilization | Yes, OIS | Yes, OIS |
Rear LCD | 3” tilting touchscreen | 3” tilting touchscreen |
Video Resolution | 1080p 60fps | 4K 30fps |
Burst Speed | 8 fps | 20 fps |
Wireless Connectivity | WiFi, NFC | WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC |
Overview of the Canon G7X Mark II
Released in 2016, the G7X Mark II built upon the highly regarded first generation G7X with a handful of improvements while retaining the same overall form factor and lens.
Key features of the G7X Mark II include:
- 20.1MP 1” CMOS sensor captures excellent stills and video
- 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens provides versatility from wide to short telephoto
- Digic 7 processor enables fast 8 fps burst shooting
- In-body image stabilization reduces blur from hand shake
- 1080p Full HD video at 60 fps with stereo microphone
- 3” 1.04m dot tilting LCD touchscreen for shooting at odd angles
- Built-in WiFi and NFC for wireless sharing and remote control
- Compact metal body with sleek rangefinder-style design
For travel and everyday shooting, the G7X Mark II delivers outstanding image quality in a highly portable body. It’s a great step up from smartphones and entry-level compacts.
Overview of the Canon G7X Mark III
Building on the reputation of its predecessors, the G7X Mark III furthers the series with 4K video, improved burst shooting, and live streaming capabilities.
What’s new on the G7X Mark III:
- Stacked 1” CMOS sensor provides speed boost over Mark II
- 4K 30fps and 1080p 120fps video capabilities
- Faster 20 fps continuous shooting with improved buffer
- Live streaming via YouTube using WiFi or USB
- Bluetooth connectivity along with WiFi and NFC
- New microphone input for external mics
- Slight redesign of controls and textured grips
- Otherwise same 24-100mm lens and overall design
For content creators, the Mark III brings welcomed video improvements plus new live streaming integration while retaining the compact size.
Also Read: Differences Between Canon EOS Rebel T7i And EOS Rebel T8i.
Key Differences Between the Mark II and Mark III
In the world of digital cameras, Canon’s Mark series has been a go-to choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. With the release of the Mark III, Canon has brought some notable improvements over the Mark II, making it an enticing option for those looking to upgrade their gear. While the core design remains largely similar between the two models, there are significant enhancements in several key areas.
1. Sensor Technology
Mark II: The Mark II features a capable sensor that delivers solid performance with 1080p video recording and 8 frames per second (fps) burst shooting.
Mark III: The Mark III, on the other hand, boasts a stacked sensor, which represents a significant leap in technology. This sensor enables faster shooting and data speeds, making it capable of 4K video recording and an impressive 20 fps burst shooting. The improved sensor is a game-changer for those who demand high-quality video and fast-action photography.
2. Connectivity
Mark II: Canon Mark II offers standard connectivity options like Wi-Fi and NFC for sharing and remote control.
Mark III: The Mark III takes connectivity a step further by adding Bluetooth to the mix. This always-on, low-power connection to smart devices enhances convenience, making it easier to transfer files and control the camera remotely. This addition aligns the Mark III with the demands of modern photographers and content creators.
3. Autofocus Performance
Mark II: The Mark II features reliable autofocus, but it may struggle when it comes to fast and complex tracking scenarios.
Mark III: Thanks to its new processor, the Mark III offers a substantial improvement in autofocus performance, particularly for tracking moving subjects. This upgrade is a game-changer for sports and wildlife photographers who need precise and rapid focusing.
Also Read: Comparison Between the GoPro Hero 8 and Hero 11
4. Image Stabilization
Mark II: The Mark II provides decent image stabilization with up to 2 stops of shake reduction, which is beneficial but somewhat limited in challenging shooting conditions.
Mark III: Canon has significantly improved the image stabilization in the Mark III, providing up to 4 stops of shake reduction. This enhanced stability allows photographers to capture sharp images even in low light or with longer telephoto lenses, making it a valuable feature for a broader range of shooting scenarios.
5. Audio Capabilities
Mark II: The Mark II lacks any microphone input, limiting its suitability for professional video work and vlogging.
Mark III: Canon has addressed this limitation in the Mark III by including both microphone and headphone ports. This is a significant upgrade for videographers, as it allows for better audio monitoring and the use of external microphones to capture high-quality sound.
6. Display Quality
Mark II: The Mark II sports a rear screen with a resolution of 1.04 million dots, which provides a decent viewing experience.
Mark III: The Mark III takes a step forward by boosting the rear screen resolution to 1.28 million dots. This upgrade results in a more detailed and sharper display, which is especially useful when reviewing images or recording videos in live view mode.
7. Ergonomics and Handling
Mark II: The Mark II features a comfortable grip and intuitive controls but doesn’t stand out significantly in terms of ergonomics.
Mark III: Canon has made noticeable improvements in the Mark III’s handling. It introduces a new grip texture and redesigned controls that enhance the overall user experience. While the bodies remain largely identical, these changes make the Mark III more comfortable to hold and operate.
Also Read: Choose Between Canon EOS M50 And EOS M200.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, with its 4K video, improved burst shooting, faster autofocus, and other enhancements, the Mark III represents a worthwhile upgrade over the already great Mark II.
Yes, with its 1-inch sensor, bright zoom lens, in-body stabilization, and 20 fps burst, the Mark III delivers excellent image quality and performance for still photography in a highly portable package.
The G7X Mark III was released in mid-2019, making it over 3 years old as of late 2022. But it remains an excellent camera choice despite a few newer options on the market.
No, 4K video recording is limited to the Mark III model. The older Mark II maxes out at 1080p 60fps, while the Mark III adds 4K 30fps.
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Conclusion
Both remain excellent choices, but the G7X Mark III provides meaningful upgrades for 4K recording, speed, and handling. For existing Mark II owners, it may be worth upgrading depending on your needs. For new buyers, the Mark III deserves strong consideration as a high-performing compact for photography and video.