G3X review--A BEST ALL IN ONE CAMERA!

Tired of too many lens and loaded by heavy dslrs, I sought a different direction. Canon with the G3X certainly delivers and is a surprising breath of fresh air for photography. While super zooms aren't anything new to the field, they have improved over the generations to now finally have a decently large sensor for high end photos (Sony and Panasonic also offer their versions but both offer much shorter zoom ranges to their cameras). What sets the Canon G3X apart is the sharp 24-600mm zoom. With simplicity and a straightforward no nonsense camera, the G3X is outstanding--a best all in one camera!

I won't be discussing video as this is something I don't use (Yes. I'm a dinosaur!).

Pros:

Ergonomics--Right from the get go, the G3X feels comfortable and as if it is absorbed into your hand. For such a large zoom, the camera is light (though it does have a plastic-like feel to it, but the reason that the camera is light). Weather resistant and textured (but not entirely weather proof) the body fits nicely in the hand. The G3X reminds me of the early Sigma DP cameras as elegant, low key and understated, but great performers. There is a straightforward simplicity to the G3X.

Image Stabilization--The IS is so good on the G3X that I think it could shot through an earthquake! I kid you not. I hand held at the zoo at ISO 125 (as well as higher ISOs) full zoom and only a couple of shots didn't come out and I have very bad camera shake.

Image Quality--Thanks to a superb lens IQ is very sharp throughout the lens and images come out looking as though taken with a dslr. Great glass on this camera! Colors and tone are rich and accurate.

Metering--Overall very accurate and true in capturing scenes.

LCD--large 3.2 inch LCD and excellent touch screen with high end resolution. I frequently felt secure to tap on the screen to focus for accurate image taking (a separate EVF is available). Screen flips up for selfies.

Menu--Similar to past Canon Powershots with some minor tweaking. Easy to get around the camera and find options. User friendly.

Lens--When off, there is a disconcerting rattle to the camera, which one reviewer pointed out is the image stabilization, but when the camera is on and the lens extended there is no rattle. The reason for purchasing the G3X is the zoom range and larger sensor. The G3X doesn't disappoint in its glass as is an excellent lens throughout the range. Stellar.

Sensor--the 1 inch 20mp sensor provides great detail and color rendition. Superb. Equally important in the purchase of the G3X is its 1 inch sensor and it delivers handsomely.

Cons:

The G3X isn't a fast shooting camera per say so if you need something fast for sports this isn't the camera for you.

No EVF but one can be purchased as well as having to additionally purchase a lens hood and adapter to add on a lens filter for protection. These last two are short comings by Canon!

Tried the HDR effect a couple of times but noticed nothing special about it.

A manually focused lens would have been nicer than the power zoom provided.

Slow RAW burst rate. Something like one per second--ouch!

(I haven't tired the wifi)

TIPS--Blown out highlightsIn the two saved setting modes allowed I set up one for bright sunshine to shoot at f8 and ISO125 (as this takes care of blown highlights), and another setting for low light at f2.8 and ISO 400. I switch between the two according to the scene.
The software of Digital Photo Professional version 4 downloaded directly from the Canon website (camera serial number must be provided to download) is excellent. RAW photographs come out looking professional. There is a monochrome setting in the software for b/w with related b/w filters.

There is an ongoing issue of where to purchase the G3X and varying prices ranging from $650 to $800. The lower prices reflect the grey market International version of the camera which won't have Canon US warranty, and the higher prices are for US/Canada warranty covered cameras. I have purchased grey markets cameras in the past and have been happy, but realize that Canon probably won't honor the warranty. I purchased mine new on ebay US version.

As a personal aside and being totally subjective, the Fujifilm X-S1 with its 600mm lens is a better camera than the G3X except for one important reason--the Fuji sensor is a 2/3 sensor and the G3X is 1 inch sensor. Should Fuji ever up its game then Canon would certainly be challenged, but for now the G3X tops all and even rivals low end dslrs.

Good luck to all and good photography!