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After a year of shooting...

Started Mar 15, 2019 | User reviews thread
OP RLight Senior Member • Posts: 4,427
Re: In hindsight
1

Swerky wrote:

RLight wrote:

While I drink my morning coffee and discuss use case recommendations in retrospect, let me throw in the PowerShot G1X Mark III makes for the perfect landscape/backpack shooter, or second camera for a pro that wants simplicity, ie no lens swaps.

Between it's high quality (I didn't say fast) lens and 24MP APS-C Canon sensor, it produces superior resolution and color response than Canon's other PowerShot G efforts that utilize Sony 1" 20MP sensors with lesser quality (albeit faster) lenses. Weatherproofing and fully articulating screen add icing to the cake as the situations backpackers will be in will be more demanding.

Where the G1X III lacks?

Portraits, video.

Between it's older DIGIC7 processor and slower lens, it has trouble grabbing candid shoots at times, except, if you've really mastered using it. But, for some time it was a challenge. Back button focus, prefocusing and using smooth zone really helps I might add with knowing your camera, but, compared to the DIGIC8 of Canon's newer PowerShot's or even their M lineup? The G1X III is held back by its older tech. I actually don't find the slower lens holds it back by in this regard, the AF actually holds it back more than the bokeh interestingly enough, even though it's zoom will in no way match a fast prime.

Video is another. Although DPAF for smoother focus, 1080P is 1080P. I've been flipping back and forth over the years on this subject, but, it was the firmware update on my Synology that did it in where my 4K footage can stream without stuttering that made it painfully obvious.

Otherwise the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III should be on your short list if you're into backpacking or landscape use as a second camera to pros in my book.

I see the G1X Mark III being complemented by an Eos m system. We have the 24-70 range on the former with the f2.8-5.6 aperture being unique to it with closer focus distance, add an m50 or whatever with an 11-22 for ultra wide, 55-200 for telephoto and one of the fast primes or more, and we get a complete and compact system for the enthusiast and traveller. I do miss the closer focusing distance of the LX100 II at wide angle but I had to let it go due to build issues. I don’t have kids running around to shoot, and because of its limiting lens, I use the G1X Mark III for landscapes mostly, the occasional insect or interesting subject, and just a take everywhere camera to enjoy, streets as well. And in that respect it hasn’t been limiting for me.

Have you experienced cases when you would turn the camera on after not using it for a while, and the date and time are zeroed? As if it’s the first time turning it on after purchase.

No, have not. That's an indicator the onboard battery is expired, which Canon can fix. Not sure the cost though. It's a known thing on cameras as they get older.

 RLight's gear list:RLight's gear list
Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS R3 Canon EOS R50 Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Canon EF-M 15-45mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM +3 more
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