Optical zoom is one of the advantages of digital cameras
that until this moment can't be matched by a smartphone camera, especially if
you are talking about the superzoom cameras, such as this latest camera of
Canon.
Named Canon PowerShot G3 X, this camera has a fairly compact
body, not as small as a pocket camera indeed, but still equivalent with
mirrorless camera. The difference is the lens of G3 X can't be removable.
However, the lens is precisely the main selling point of
this camera. This lens has a range of 24-600 mm, or 25x optical zoom, with an
aperture of f/2.8-5.6. As a comparison, smartphone cameras usually can only do
up to 5x magnifications, and it is not optical but digital zoom.
Since the users of this camera will often take photos in far
zoom position, a good image stabilization system is needed. Canon has equipped
the G3 X with a mix of optical and digital systems to form 5-axis image
stabilization, which will dampen the shocks maximally.
Related to image quality, Canon has equipped the Canon
PowerShot G3 X with 1 inch CMOS sensor at resolution of 20.2 megapixels. This
sensor is quite sensitive, with an ISO range of 125-12800. This large sensor is
combined with the DIGIC 6 processor, making the image quality in low-light
conditions is better than a standard compact camera which usually brings
smaller sensor.
For video, there is maximum recording option of 1080p 60
fps, plus a separate jack for headphone and a microphone. And for you who often
snap images endlessly, the camera burst rate reaches 5.9 fps, with large buffer
size.
In physical terms, this camera has a frame that's resistant
to water and dust, on a par with the toughness of Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera.
There is no electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the rear, but you will get a
3.2-inch touch screen with a resolution of 1.62 million dot. Of course, this
screen can be rotated to face forward to take selfie pictures.
Having snapped some photos, you can send those photos to a
smartphone via Wi-Fi or NFC. A remote control function is also presented to
facilitate you operate this camera from a distance. Canon PowerShot G3 X is
scheduled to be marketed starting in July for $ 1,000. This camera is also
compatible with a number of accessories of Canon DSLR