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Exploring new features in G5X-II/G7X-III (DIGIC 8?)

Started Sep 12, 2019 | Discussions
requa
requa Contributing Member • Posts: 860
Exploring new features in G5X-II/G7X-III (DIGIC 8?)
1

As I've been learning my way around my G5X-II, I've stumbled upon a couple of new features that I assume are thanks to DIGIC 8, and presumably therefore also present in the G7X-III. I'm still getting a feel for these, but I would appreciate first impressions from any other users of these cameras, and any other goodies I may have missed. The features I'm seeing are:

  1. In-camera raw processing. I'm not sure how helpful this is. I historically shot in JPEG but am trying to push myself to use raw to enhance post-processing possibilities. In-camera raw processing lets me generate a JPEG that mimics the shot settings (in other words, recreating RAW+JPEG after the fact). It also lets me customize processing, but this seems pretty limited. For example, one of the most common things I look for in post-processing is pulling detail from shadows, but the in-camera raw processing only gives and option for an auto lighting optimizer. The in-camera processing doesn't really even seem to have an advantage for generating a JPEG for immediate sharing and uploading, as the transfer to my phone already converts to JPEG. Is this function more useful than I'm thinking? What am I missing here? The manual gives very little information on adjusting this and other custom processing settings.
  2. Auto white balance now gives a choice between "ambience priority" and "white priority." The latter looks like a possible game changer to me, as it eliminates the yellow cast I've always seen in dim lighting conditions (I avoid flash whenever possible). I'm thinking white priority should be my default setting. Are there situations where the other setting makes more sense? Have you discovered this option on your own and been as impressed as I was?
  3. Video features? No, I really don't care about video personally.  4K is just another number to me. I know many others here feel differently, but I personally am interested in still features. Maybe a separate thread would be in order for discussion of advances of video features in DIGIC 8 since that seems to appeal to a different user base.

Dan

 requa's gear list:requa's gear list
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Canon G5 X II
requa
OP requa Contributing Member • Posts: 860
Re: Exploring new features in G5X-II/G7X-III (DIGIC 8?)
1

One more significant functional improvement comes to mind. The wireless connectivity using Bluetooth is much more convenient than the prior method. Previously, I had to launch the Wi-Fi signal on the camera then point my phone Wi-Fi to the Canon signal, complete with the warning about not having Internet access. now that the Bluetooth remains connected, I can leave the camera in its case, open Camera Connect on my phone, wait a couple of seconds, then start the linking process from within the app. I find this a much simpler process, when it works. I've found that it works most reliably when the camera is actually powered off at the time I start the connection from my phone.

 requa's gear list:requa's gear list
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Canon G5 X II
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