Canon PowerShot G5 X vs Canon PowerShot G3 X

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot G5 X and the Canon PowerShot G3 X, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot G5 X was introduced in September 2015 and Canon PowerShot G3 X was introduced in June 2015. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot G5 X Highlights

      • 20.2 MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 31 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,040k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • 2,360k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 5.9 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Canon PowerShot G3 X Highlights

      • 20.1 MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 31 Focus Points
      • 3.20" 1,620k dot Tilting Screen
      • 5.9 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot G5 X and Canon PowerShot G3 X.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,360k dot
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.20"
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No IP Streaming
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   DxO Overall Score - 62
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   DxO Overall Score - 63
      •   Weight - 733 g (1.62 lb / 25.86 oz)

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G5 X

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G5 X over Canon PowerShot G3 X.

      Canon PowerShot G5 X vs Canon PowerShot G3 X
      Cheaper $799 vs $999
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixel vs 20.1 Megapixel
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/1.8 vs f/2.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/2.8 vs f/5.6
      Image Stabilization vs
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Tilting
      Interval Recording vs
      Lighter 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz) vs 733 g (1.62 lb / 25.86 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G5 X.

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G3 X

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G3 X over Canon PowerShot G5 X.

      Canon PowerShot G5 X vs Canon PowerShot G3 X
      Reachs More Telephoto 100 mm vs 600 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 4.2x vs 25x
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 3.20"
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 1,620k dot
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 471 vs 521
      Higher DxO Overall Score 62 vs 63
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 210 shots vs 300 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G3 X.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot G5 X Canon PowerShot G3 X
        Cheap$799$999
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO12,80012,800
        Touch-to-Focus
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Touch Screen
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Micro
        Built-In Wi-Fi
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot G5 X Canon PowerShot G3 X
        Small Sensor1-inch1-inch
        High Native ISO125125
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Short Battery Life210 shots300 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot G5 X has a 3.0" Fully Articulated screen with 1,040k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot G3 X has a 3.20" Tilting screen with 1,620k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Canon PowerShot G5 X selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting. Tilting screen makes Canon PowerShot G3 X very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Both models feature touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

      Image cannot be displayed Image cannot be displayed

      Canon PowerShot G5 X with Fully Articulated and Canon PowerShot G3 X with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot G5 X has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage.Canon PowerShot G3 X does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached.

      Sensor

      BSI-CMOS Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G5 X features a 20.2 megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800. Canon PowerShot G3 X features a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800 and expands to 125 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

      The cameras have BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Cameras are equipped with DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution.

      Image Stabilization on Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G5 X has an image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi

      Cameras have built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC

      Cameras have Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot G5 X has a Micro HDMI and Canon PowerShot G3 X has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot G5 X comes with NB-13L battery pack with battery life of 210 shots and Canon PowerShot G3 X comes with NB-10L battery pack with battery life of 300 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot G5 X has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Canon PowerShot G3 X has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G5 X, and up to 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G3 X. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 5.9 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m at Auto ISO on Canon PowerShot G5 X and 6.80 m at Auto ISO on Canon PowerShot G3 X. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount..

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot G5 X body has dimensions of 112 x 76 x 44 mm (4.41 x 2.99 x 1.73") and Canon PowerShot G3 X body has dimensions of 123 x 77 x 105 mm (4.84 x 3.03 x 4.13"). Canon PowerShot G5 X weighs 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz) and Canon PowerShot G3 X weighs 733 g (1.62 lb / 25.86 oz).

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      112 mm

      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      123 mm

      77 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      77 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      44 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      105 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot G5 X and Canon PowerShot G3 X

      Canon PowerShot G5 X and Canon PowerShot G3 X for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      GOOD
      72
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      GOOD
      78
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,360k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      75
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      GOOD
      74
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,360k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      73
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Small Sensor
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Small Sensor
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.20"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Small Sensor
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)
      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 733 g (1.62 lb / 25.86 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      GOOD
      82
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 733 g (1.62 lb / 25.86 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot G5 X and Canon PowerShot G3 X and give them scores of 74 and 73 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      OVERALL
      74
      OVERALL
      73

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      GOOD
      75
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 62
      GOOD
      75
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 63

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      GOOD
      77
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.9 fps

      Video

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      GOOD
      82
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      82
      •   31 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,360k dot
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.20"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      GOOD
      76
      •   No IP Streaming
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot G5 X

      Canon PowerShot G3 X

      POOR
      40
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 353 g (0.78 lb / 12.45 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 733 g (1.62 lb / 25.86 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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