When choosing between the Canon G7X Mark II and Mark III, it largely depends on your priorities. If you’re primarily focused on photography and looking for a budget-friendly option, the Mark II is still a great camera. On the other hand, if video creation, vlogging, and live streaming are your primary goals, the Canon G7X Mark III offers significant improvements with 4K video, external microphone input, and faster burst shooting.
In summary, the Mark II is perfect for photography enthusiasts and casual users, while the Mark III is ideal for vloggers and content creators seeking enhanced video capabilities.
There are some logical factors thats why I recommend Canon G7X Mark iii, check it out below.
Why Do I Recommend Canon G7X Mark iii
- Superior value for future-proofing: While the Mark ii is a strong contender, the Mark III stands out with cutting-edge features that make it a more future-proof investment.
Enhanced video capabilities: The Mark III boasts 4K video recording without cropping, making it perfect for vloggers and content creators looking for top-tier video quality.
Advanced autofocus for action shots: The Mark III offers an improved autofocus system that tracks subjects with impressive accuracy, making it ideal for capturing dynamic moments with ease.
Better low-light performance: With an updated DIGIC 8 processor, the Mark III improves ISO handling, giving you cleaner, sharper images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Livestreaming-ready: One of the standout features of the Mark III is its ability to livestream directly to YouTube. Perfect for creators looking to connect with their audience in real-time.
Faster continuous shooting: With an impressive 20 fps (frames per second) in RAW burst mode, the Mark III excels at capturing fast-moving subjects, something the Mark ii struggles to match.
Superior audio quality: The addition of a microphone input allows for better audio recording, giving vloggers and filmmakers the flexibility to use external mics for professional-grade sound.
USB charging capability: Unlike the Mark ii, the Mark III supports USB charging, which is a game-changer for photographers and travelers on the go, eliminating the need to carry extra chargers.
Improved wireless connectivity: With better Bluetooth and Wi-Fi integration, the Mark III makes it easier than ever to transfer files and control the camera remotely, ensuring seamless connectivity to your devices.
Sleeker design and usability: The Mark III takes portability to the next level with a more refined, lightweight body that retains durability while adding new functionality for a smoother user experience.
Increased customization options: Tailoring the Mark III to your specific needs is a breeze with its enhanced customizable controls, allowing you to set the camera up exactly how you want it.
In short: While the Mark ii is a solid camera, the Mark III outshines it in every way. Whether you’re a vlogger, photographer, or someone who simply wants better all-around performance, the Mark III is the camera that’s built for the future. Its superior video quality, advanced features, and enhanced usability make it the clear winner. If you’re serious about elevating your photography or content creation, the Canon G7X Mark III is the choice to make.
Canon G7X Mark ii vs Mark iii Side by Side Comparison
Features/Specifications | Canon G7X Mark ii | Canon G7X Mark iii |
Sensor | 20.1MP 1-inch CMOS | 20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS |
Processor | DIGIC 7 | DIGIC 8 |
Lens | 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 | 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 |
ISO Range | 125-12800 (expandable to 25600) | 125-12800 (expandable to 25600) |
Autofocus | 31-point contrast-detect AF | 31-point contrast-detect AF with improved tracking |
Continuous Shooting | 8 fps | 20 fps (RAW burst), 30 fps (RAW burst with 1-second pre-shooting) |
Video Capabilities | 1080p at 60 fps | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 120 fps |
LCD Screen | 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04 million dots | 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04 million dots |
Microphone Input | No | Yes |
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wi-Fi and NFC | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 265 shots | 235 shots |
Weight | 319g | 304g |
Dimensions | 106 x 61 x 42 mm | 105 x 61 x 41 mm |
Live Streaming Capability | No | Yes (via USB) |
Vertical Video | No | Yes |
Price | Check G7X Mark ii Price | Check G7X Mark iii Price |
What can both do?
Both the Canon G7X Mark ii and Mark iii are versatile compact cameras capable of:
- Capturing high-quality still images with their 20.1MP 1-inch sensors
- Shooting in RAW format for maximum editing flexibility
- Recording Full HD 1080p video
- Offering fast and accurate autofocus for both stills and video
- Providing a versatile 24-100mm equivalent zoom range
- Delivering excellent low-light performance with their fast f/1.8-2.8 lenses
- Featuring tilting touchscreen displays for easy composition and control
- Enabling wireless image transfer and remote control via Wi-Fi
- Producing beautiful background blur (bokeh) for portraits and close-ups
- Offering manual controls for advanced users
- Creating time-lapse movies in-camera
- Providing in-camera RAW processing for quick edits
- Featuring a built-in ND filter for long exposures and video work
- Supporting high-speed continuous shooting for action photography
- Allowing for customizable controls to suit individual shooting styles
Similarities Between Canon G7X Mark ii vs Mark iii
The Canon G7X Mark ii and Mark iii share several strengths that make them both excellent choices for photographers and content creators:
- Compact and portable design: Both cameras are easy to carry and use on-the-go
- High-quality 1-inch sensor: Delivers excellent image quality and low-light performance
- Fast f/1.8-2.8 lens: Allows for beautiful bokeh and good low-light shooting
- Versatile 24-100mm zoom range: Suitable for wide-angle landscapes to mid-range telephoto shots
- Tilting touchscreen: Makes vlogging and selfies easy, with intuitive touch controls
- RAW shooting capability: Provides greater flexibility in post-processing
- Built-in ND filter: Useful for long exposures and maintaining desired apertures in bright light
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Enables easy sharing and remote control options
- Manual controls: Allows for creative freedom and precise adjustments
- In-camera RAW processing: Convenient for quick edits without a computer
- Time-lapse movie mode: Creates engaging time-lapse videos without additional software
- Pop-up flash: Provides additional light when needed
- Robust build quality: Solid construction for daily use and travel
- Customizable controls: Allows users to tailor the camera to their preferences
- Optical image stabilization: Helps reduce camera shake for sharper images and smoother video
Which camera might be the better choice for different types of photographers?
Image Quality and Performance
Both the Mark ii and Mark iii feature 20.1MP 1-inch sensors, but the Mark iii’s stacked CMOS design offers some advantages. The newer sensor technology in the Mark iii allows for faster readout speeds, which translates to improved autofocus performance, especially in tracking moving subjects. This makes the Mark iii a better choice for those who frequently shoot action or fast-moving scenes.
However, in terms of overall image quality, both cameras produce excellent results. The Mark ii’s DIGIC 7 processor and the Mark iii’s DIGIC 8 both offer advanced noise reduction and image processing capabilities. For still photography in good to moderate lighting conditions, you’d be hard-pressed to see significant differences between the two models.
The Mark iii does have an edge when it comes to high ISO performance, thanks to its newer sensor and processor combination. If you frequently shoot in low-light situations without a tripod, the Mark iii might give you slightly cleaner images at higher ISO settings.
Video Capabilities
This is where the Canon G7X Mark iii really shines compared to its predecessor. The ability to shoot 4K video at 30 fps is a significant upgrade from the Mark ii’s 1080p capability. For vloggers and content creators who want to future-proof their content or need the extra resolution for cropping and reframing, the Mark iii is the clear winner.
Additionally, the Mark iii offers 1080p recording at up to 120 fps, allowing for smooth slow-motion footage. This can be a game-changer for creating dynamic and engaging video content.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm microphone input on the Mark iii is another substantial improvement for video creators. This allows for the use of external microphones, significantly enhancing audio quality for vlogs, interviews, and other video content.
Lastly, the Mark iii’s ability to livestream directly via USB is a feature that many modern content creators will appreciate, especially those who engage with their audience through platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
Continuous Shooting and Autofocus
For photographers who often capture fast action or unpredictable subjects, the Mark iii’s impressive 20 fps continuous shooting (30 fps with RAW burst mode) is a significant upgrade from the Mark ii’s 8 fps. This makes the Mark iii much more capable for sports, wildlife, or event photography where split-second moments matter.
The Mark iii also boasts improved autofocus tracking, which, combined with the faster burst rate, makes it more reliable for keeping moving subjects in focus.
Connectivity and Usability
While both cameras offer Wi-Fi connectivity, the Mark iii adds Bluetooth to the mix. This allows for an always-on connection with your smartphone, making image transfer and remote control more seamless. If you frequently share your photos on social media or need to transfer images quickly to a client, the Mark iii’s improved connectivity could be a significant advantage.
The Mark iii is also slightly lighter and more compact than its predecessor, although the difference is minimal and unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users.
Battery Life
Interestingly, despite its newer technology, the Mark iii has a slightly lower battery life rating (235 shots) compared to the Mark ii (265 shots). If you plan on shooting for extended periods without access to charging, this might be a point in favor of the Mark ii. However, the difference is relatively small, and carrying a spare battery can easily mitigate this issue.
Price and Value
As the older model, the Canon G7X Mark ii is typically available at a lower price point than the Mark iii. For photographers on a budget who primarily shoot still images and don’t require 4K video or the latest autofocus technology, the Mark ii represents excellent value for money.
However, for those who can afford the higher price tag, the Mark iii offers significant upgrades that may justify the extra cost, especially for video creators and those who need the latest features.
Here are some FAQs about Canon G7X Mark ii vs Mark iii
How does the Canon G7X Mark ii’s color science compare to the Mark iii?
The color science is quite similar between the two models, with the Mark iii offering slightly improved skin tones and more accurate white balance in mixed lighting conditions.
Can the Canon G7X Mark iii’s livestreaming feature work with third-party streaming platforms?
Yes, the Mark iii can livestream to various platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch using Canon’s Webcam Utility software or third-party streaming software.
Is there a difference in the durability of the lens mechanism between the Mark ii and Mark iii?
Both models have similar build quality, but some users report that the Mark iii’s lens mechanism feels slightly more robust due to minor design improvements.
How do the in-camera JPEG processing algorithms differ between the two models?
The Mark iii’s DIGIC 8 processor offers more refined JPEG processing, with better noise reduction and improved detail retention in high-contrast scenes compared to the Mark ii.
Can the focus bracketing feature of the Mark iii be used for macro photography?
Yes, the Mark iii’s focus bracketing feature is particularly useful for macro photography, allowing you to capture multiple shots at different focus points for later stacking.
Does the Mark ii or Mark iii handle lens flare better when shooting into bright light sources?
The Mark iii has slightly improved coatings on its lens elements, resulting in marginally better flare resistance when shooting into bright light sources compared to the Mark ii.
How does the buffer depth compare between the two models when shooting in RAW?
The Mark iii has a significantly larger buffer, allowing for longer bursts of RAW images (30 frames vs 19 frames in the Mark ii) before slowing down.
Is there a difference in the minimum focusing distance between the Mark ii and Mark iii?
Both models have the same minimum focusing distance of 5cm at the wide end of the zoom range, allowing for similar close-up shooting capabilities.
How do the two models compare in terms of startup time and overall operational speed?
The Mark iii has a slightly faster startup time and generally feels more responsive in operation due to its newer processor and improved internal architecture.
Can the vertical video mode on the Mark iii be used with external monitors?
Yes, when shooting in vertical video mode on the Mark iii, the video output to external monitors will automatically rotate to match the vertical orientation.