Canon has just given consumers three very exciting releases, including the versatile RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens, the PowerShot G5 X Mark II, and the PowerShot G7 X Mark III. All of these offer current and aspiring Canon users with distinct new features and capabilities that will help improve your imaging experience.
An Affordable All-in-One Zoom for Full-Frame Mirrorless
It’s possible to argue that the RF 24-240mm is one of the most important releases for Canon’s fledgling full-frame mirrorless system because it makes it possible for more people to jump in. Being an all-in-one lens and a relatively affordable one, compared to the rest of the lineup, it is quite versatile for both newcomers to the system and veterans. It also makes it a perfect match for the recently released EOS RP and will be available in a bundle as a perfect entryway into Canon’s latest system.
Covering wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths, the lens features a variable f/4-6.3 aperture to keep size and weight down. It also comes equipped with Optical Image Stabilization rated for up to 5 stops of correction and a Nano USM focusing motor which uses both USM and STM technology for fast, silent AF. The 24-240mm even becomes the first full-frame lens with Dynamic IS for improved stabilization in Movie Mode. For added practicality the lens has a decent minimum focus distance of 1.64' at the wide end and 2.56' at the tele end. It has a programmable control ring just like all other RF series lenses. An optional EW-78F Lens Hood will be available, as well.
A Pair of Upgraded PowerShots
G Series cameras have been among the best and most popular point-and-shoots for a long time. So, it only makes sense that they have continued to update and improve these models. The latest releases are the PowerShot G5 X Mark II and PowerShot G7 X Mark III. Both feature the latest 20.1MP 1" Stacked CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 Image Processor for improved speed and image quality. They both also now offer 4K video at 30p without any cropping of the sensor and Full HD at up to 120p for slow motion. Where they differ is in their more general design.
The G7 X Mark III is perhaps the most popular of their models due to its blend of portability and pro-caliber features. It has a 4.2x optical zoom lens equivalent to 24-100mm with a fast maximum aperture range of f/1.8-2.8 and an Optical Image Stabilizer. For selfies, the 3.0" touchscreen can be flipped up 180º and for other social media networks vertical video recording is now natively supported, as well as some live streaming options. For even better video, the G7X Mark III has an external mic jack and can output clean video over HDMI. Other awesome features in this model are continuous shooting at an impressive 20 fps, the ability to charge over USB, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You will be able to find it in Black and Silver.
Effectively, the bigger sibling of the G7 X Mark III, the G5 X Mark II offers some quite notable upgrade functions. The most significant would be the use of a pop-up EVF with 2.36m-dot resolution. The rear touchscreen also supports Touch & Drag AF for intuitive control over autofocus while using the EVF. In terms of shooting differences, the G5 X Mark II packs a 5x zoom lens equivalent to 24-120mm with an f/1.8-2.8 aperture and Optical Image Stabilizer. Similar to the G7 X, this model offers continuous shooting at 20 fps, though a RAW Burst Mode can increase this to an astounding 30 fps. Additionally, it has USB charging, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a mobile workflow, panoramic shooting, a star shooting mode, and plenty of other functions.
This is a notable summer launch for Canon and should appeal to many looking for gear to take on vacation. Are any of these releases making it into your suitcase or carry-on in the coming months? You can also get the new EDC-100 Compact Carrying Case to hold either of the new cameras. Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section, below!
5 Comments
in response to Mark, I disagree with you and here is why. The new pop up viewfinder makes it truly pocketable, where the old G5 x was not. (and that is really the major point i think ) If you are going to sacrifice the pocketability of the G5x, you are much better off with one of the canon mirrorless cameras. they will give much better image quality because of the APS-C sensor, gives you lens options, and frankly, is cheaper! I think Canon realizes that. Take away the pocketability, there really is no reason to buy the 1 inch sensor..G5x over a mirrorless model.
I wrestled with this very question when buying my original G5X. If I had wanted a pocket camera I would have gone with G7X or G9X or maybe Sony RX100 instead. However, I wanted SLR from factor but more compact and lighter, without the hassle of carrying and changing lenses. I compared kit M50 15-45mm (24-72mm equivalent) f3.5-f6.3 at 18.25 oz. and 4.6 x 3.5 x 4.1" VS. G5X (Mark I) 24-100mm equivalent f1.8-f2.8 at 13.3 oz. and 4.4 x 3 x 1.7". Original G5X offered faster lens in a smaller, lighter, SLR style camera with full controls. In the end, it comes down to personal preference. For me Canon has simply reduced my options. I am sure the G5X II will be a great camera ... in a field of many other similar great cameras. The original G5X was a unique camera that suited the rest of us.
I have the G5X and love it. I had been hoping to see the G5X upgraded to improve sharpness and change lens style to accept filters like G1X III. While I like the G5X II having increased zoom range and Digit 8 processor, I am disappointed by the change of EVF to popup style, the loss of the hot shoe and the flip-up v side articulating screen. Guess I'll just stay with the old G5X.
Any idea when the G7 X will _actually_ ship? I'm traveling later in August and it would be a nice device to take along...
As of today, 7/10/19, we're expecting the Canon G7X Mark III to arrive in our warehouse by 8/4/19. Please do note that any pending orders on this camera will be filled first before the camera is listed as "In Stock" on our site.