How To Pick The Right High-End PowerShot Camera For Your Photography

Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II camera

Canon has just announced the PowerShot G9X Mark II camera. For those trying to decide which model of G series PowerShot camera to buy, the following excerpt from Canon Digital Learning Center may help.


The five models in the premium, high-end PowerShot series for 2017 include :

• PowerShot G1 X Mark II 

The flagship model, with unique 1.5-inch CMOS sensor (largest in the PowerShot series), and wide-aperture, 5x (24–120mm equivalent) zoom lens for available-light shooting

• PowerShot G3 X 

The long-zoom model, with two important fundamental features:  a large, 1-inch, 20 million pixel CMOS sensor, and an excellent 25x zoom lens (24–600mm equivalent)

• PowerShot G5 X 

The advanced camera with electronic eye-level viewfinder (only EVF among current G-series models).  Fast f/1.8~2.8, 4.2x zoom lens (24–100mm equivalent); full array of features and user control.

• PowerShot G7 X Mark II 
20 million pixels, on a large 1-inch CMOS sensor, but a flat, compact form-factor better suited to many travelers and casual users.  Again, a fast, f/1.8~2.8, 4.2x zoom lens.

The most compact model in the premium G-series.  An expert’s compact camera, with numerous user controls, but in a pocketable size and form-factor.  3x (28–84mm equivalent) zoom lens; still has the large 1-inch sensor size, for superior low-light imagery (compared to majority of slim, compact digital cameras).

The new G9 X Mark II features

If you know the previous Canon PowerShot G9 X, you know the fundamentals of the new-for-2017 G9 X Mark II model.  The same lens, same 20.2 million pixel resolution, the same super-compact form factor, and controls highlighted by a large Control Ring surrounding the base of the lens.  But there are numerous refinements and additions to the Mark II camera.

Enhanced Wi-Fi® connectivity — Bluetooth, “always-on” technology

New for 2017 is the addition of Bluetooth technology, to help in providing and maintaining wireless connection between the G9 X Mark II and mobile devices like smartphones.  Unlike previous systems, which exclusively relied on more power-consuming Wi-Fi technology, the new Bluetooth connectivity aims to have a low-power method of initially connecting and then maintaining consistent connection to your device.  Any time you actually connect and are transferring image files, the system switches seamlessly to traditional Wi-Fi, which has greater bandwidth and is better able to work with original still image or video files.

The enhanced wireless and Bluetooth capability also means your smartphone (or tablet) can be an easily accessible remote controller, using the updated Canon v.2 Camera Connect app (for compatible Android and iOS devices).  This includes remote Live View shooting, as well as remote playback of images on the camera’s memory card and viewing them on the mobile device’s screen.

Control Ring operation

New with the G9 X Mark II is easy, user-defined command over what the Control Ring adjusts. Combining the elegant touchscreen interface with this innovative ring, users now only have to touch a small Control Ring icon on the LCD panel to toggle between different user adjustments via this ring.

For instance, in a shooting mode like Aperture-priority (Av mode), touching the icon toggles the ring through adjusting the lens aperture, the ISO, and Exposure Compensation.  It’s easy and quick to touch the icon to tell the system what you want to control, and then turn the Control Ring to make the changes you want.  This change alone makes the Mark II even better-suited to the expert photographer that wants a super-compact camera, but doesn’t want to sacrifice the type of control he or she may be used to with their larger interchangeable-lens cameras.

New DIGIC 7 processor

You won’t see this feature when you look at the camera, but its benefits show in a number of important ways.  With more robust and faster processing capabilities, the G9 X Mark II now gives about one stop better high-ISO image quality (digital noise levels at ISO 1600, for instance, are about the same as the previous model’s when it was shot at ISO 800).  AF tracking of moving subjects around the picture area is noticeably more responsive.  New features like in-camera RAW image processing, Time Lapse video, and even faster initial start-up times are now possible, with this added processing power.  In short, this is an important upgrade, with multiple benefits that photographers of many different levels will come to appreciate.

Higher performance 

Significantly faster shooting speeds, for longer continuous bursts, with the G9 X Mark II :

• Full-resolution JPEGs:  up to 8.1 shots per second; burst rate 38 continuous shots

• RAW images:  up to 8.2 shots per second; burst rate 21 consecutive shots

Drive speeds slow somewhat when the camera’s continuous, Servo AF is active, but even here, up to 5.3 frames per second is possible with full-res JPEG images.  Any way you slice it, this is a brisk-performing compact camera, and this will surely please many experienced shooters looking for responsiveness in a compact camera.

Dual Sensing Image Stabilization

Canon has enhanced in-camera optical stabilization, by now using two sources to detect shake and camera movement.  Traditionally, Canon has relied on gyro sensors, within the lens or camera body, to detect any such movement.  In the G9 X Mark II, Canon adds to this the ability to detect shake off the imaging sensor, giving an important source of added information for shake-correction.  Armed with this Dual Sensing IS system, the G9 X Mark II provides up to 3.5 stops of shake-correction with its (equivalent) 28–84mm lens.  Please note:  This new Dual Sensing capability means that only detection of camera shake and movement is done at the imaging sensor… the G9 X Mark II uses this added info to provide enhanced optical stabilization — only — within the lens.

Summary

An already great PowerShot G9 X design has been refined, and the newest Mark II version is arguably even a better fit for its target audiences.  The new ability to instantly change what the Control Ring adjusts, by simply touching an icon on the LCD monitor, is a huge enhancement for any user who wants to go beyond the simplest full-auto shooting.  And, the advent of Bluetooth with its Wi-Fi features means this is a camera that can more easily shoot and share, which many of today’s users want.

Canon PowerShot G3X II Coming With Super Wide Angle Lens?

Egami, the Japanese photography blog has discovered a new Canon patent for a 9-240mm f/2.8-5.6 lens. Among other uses, the new lens may be designed for the eventual replacement of the PowerShot G3X camera, announced last July 2015.

Patent Publication No. 2016-31419

• Published 2016.3.7
• Filing date 2014.7.28

Example

• Zoom ratio 25.58
• Wide-angle intermediate telephoto
• Focal length 9.35 31.90 239.12
• F-number 2.88 4.93 5.76
• Half angle of view (degrees) 35.66 13.89 1.89
• The image height 6.71 7.89 7.89
• Overall length of the lens 94.81 119.61 197.21
• BF 2.97 19.89 29.86

Apple iPhone 6S Comes With 12MP 4K Camera?

* * *  Read the latest post on Apple iPhone 6S and Adobe  * * *

Apple is expected to unveil their iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S+ on September 9. The new phones apparently will come with a 12MP sensor camera and capable of recording 4K video.

In addition, the front camera may come with a flash and has been upgraded to shoot panorama shots and 720p in slow motion.

Rumor has it Apple is about to release an ad touting the theme,  “Shot in 4K on an iPhone” to coincide with the launch of the new phones. If true, some might say these new iPhones will make DSLR cameras 'obsolete'. Keep checking back for the latest development.

Apple iPhone 6S vs Canon Powershot G3X

* * *  Apple iPhone 6S, 6S Plus and iPad Pro announced  * * *

* * *  Read the latest post on new Adobe apps for iPhones and iPads  * * *

* * *  Read the latest post on the Apple iPhone 6S smartphones  * * *

Canon recently announced their top-of-the-line Powershot G3X camera and Apple is expected to release their iPhone 6S in September. A short while ago, Qualcomm boasted their soon-to-be-released SnapDragon 820 chip will enable smartphones to have 'DSLR quality' photography. Are smartphones really outsmarting DSLR cameras? You know the answer already.

I am off to a wildlife photo shoot in South Africa. Bringing my smartphone and DSLR cameras because they both perform different functions well.

The following is an excerpt from Business Insider on the upcoming iPhone 6S :

"The camera on the next iPhone will have a bigger sensor that can take in more light, and a lens that’s designed to work with that improved sensor. This means we can expect the iPhone 6S to capture higher quality photos than the iPhone 6.

Apple is currently ordering suppliers to produce five-element lenses for the iPhone 6S that are designed to work with 12-megapixel camera sensors, a person within Apple’s supply chain told Business Insider. These components are said to be in the mass production stage and are on schedule, this source said. 

This same person also said Apple is ordering six-element lenses for a future iPhone intended to be released after the iPhone 6S (presumably the iPhone 7). 

We’ve been hearing for months that the iPhone 6S will come with a 12-megapixel camera, but we haven’t heard much about what else to expect. Back in November, Daring Fireball blogger John Gruber said the next iPhone could come with the “biggest camera jump” we’ve seen in years. 
The importance of “elements”

An “element” refers to a layer of plastic that makes up a part of the whole lens in a camera. Each of these elements, or layers, actually functions as its own standalone lens. But when they’re combined into one lens, they allow a camera to capture more detailed and complex information. 

So, a five-element lens such as the one that’s in your smartphone’s camera could actually be considered as five lenses crammed into one, says Rajiv Laroia, the co-founder and CTO of Light, a photography startup that’s working on ways to fit cameras with multiple lenses inside smartphones. (In the iPhone, there’s also a sapphire glass cover that protects this plastic lens from getting scratched.)

Since smartphone cameras are so small, the lenses for these cameras are constructed from layers of high-quality plastic rather than glass. These small plastic lenses are easier to fit into small devices and are much cheaper to produce than glass. In fact, these lenses only cost $1 to produce, according to Laroia. 

Although the lens for the iPhone 6S will be made of five elements just like the one found in the current iPhone’s camera, it’s made of a higher specification so that it matches the new 12-megapixel sensor, this person in Apple’s supply chain said.

The six-element lens being considered for the iPhone 7 (or whatever it ends up being called) would only be on par with what competitors are already putting in their phones. 

The OnePlus 2?s camera, for example, packs a six-element lens with a 13-megapixel sensor. The Samsung Galaxy S5, which was released last year, is said to have a six-element lens as well. 

Our source also mentioned that other clients typically order six-element camera lenses rather than five-element lenses.  

A six-element camera lens allows a camera to absorb more light that a five-element lens would, which results in clearer and sharper images. In order to increase a camera’s aperture, which is essentially a passage that allows light to enter through the camera, you would need to add more elements to a camera’s lens, says Laroia. The larger the aperture, the more light can travel through the lens to the camera’s body, which in turn produces better photographs.

“If you want to collect more light, then you need more elements,” he said. 

Nothing is considered final until Apple reveals its next iPhone. Supply chain orders don’t always reflect how final products turn out, but it does give us an idea of what Apple might be experimenting with." 

Win A Unique Canon Rugby World Cup 2015 Experience

As an Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2015, Canon is pleased to offer fans the chance to win one of eight unique photography experiences. Winners will get to shadow a Getty Images photographer at an official RWC 2015 open training session for one of the participating nations.

The prizes include :

• Pre-event preparation with the Getty Images photographer
• Loan of Canon equipment (DSLR Kit Bag)
• Shoot the open training session (approximately 15-30 minutes)
• Post event review at a Getty Images or Canon location
• A pair of tickets to a RWC 2015 match

How to enter (2 steps) :

Submit your best image showing your 'unique perspective' of Rugby by posting it on social media. We will share a creative theme that will define the judging criteria per submission period.

• Twitter (via your own Twitter profile) including #canonrugbywin
• Instagram (via your own Instagram profile) including #canonrugbywin
• Facebook (by commenting on the relevant Canon UK Facebook post - during the submission period)

Like or follow the relevant Canon UK social media page listed below

• Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CanonUKLtd
• Twitter : https://twitter.com/CanonUKandIE
• Instagram : https://instagram.com/canonuk/

For each of the 8 prizes there will be a 1 week long submission period. Please see the Terms and Conditions for more information

Any images submitted into the competition may appear on the official RWC 2015 image gallery (website and app). By entering this promotion you are confirming and agreeing to the Promotion’s Terms and Conditions.

Canon Sponsors Rugby World Cup 2015 and Highlights PowerShot G3X Camera

* * *   Meet the engineers behind the Canon Powershot G3X camera   * * *

LONDON, 10 August 2015 – Canon, a leader in imaging solutions and Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2015, has announced a new collaboration with renowned adventurer and dedicated rugby fan Bear Grylls and Dave Rogers, Getty Images’ leading rugby photographer. Together, Canon, Bear and Dave invite fans from across the world to take a close look behind the scenes of the upcoming Rugby World Cup through a video that explores the power of image in sport and gives tips on how to capture some of the Tournament’s greatest moments.

Available on Canon YouTube channel, the video features Bear Grylls explaining his passion for rugby and discussing his favourite moments and images from previous Rugby World Cup tournaments.  Dave Rogers also describes his experience of rugby photography and gives fans insight into the history of the role images play in the Tournament from his unique perspective, having been behind the lens at every Rugby World Cup since 1987.

“Bear’s adventurous personality and ethos of hard work, dedication and team spirit embodies the survival of the fittest mantra that is rugby,” comments Nigel Taylor, Consumer Imaging Marketing Communications Director, Canon Europe.  “As an explorer and adventurer, Bear perfectly mirrors our desire to invite consumers to look deeper at the world and inspire people to capture the enriching and captivating stories that unfold all around, every day.  By working together with Bear and Getty Images’ leading rugby photographer Dave Rogers, we hope to encourage rugby fans from around the world to explore what’s possible through photography at this year’s Tournament.”

Bear Grylls adds, “I am so proud to partner with Canon. Its cameras are renowned for the highest quality imagery available in lightweight and durable designs, all of which matter, whether capturing an incredible shot of a Rugby World Cup or capturing the dawn over Everest.”

In addition to the video that’s available now, Canon will be launching a series of short films that give fans in-depth photography techniques of how to capture the perfect action shot, including tips on depth of field, shutter speeds and how to best use perspective.  In this series, Bear and Dave will also demonstrate the capabilities of the Canon PowerShot G3 X, a camera which combines the versatility of a 25x optical zoom lens with premium imaging performance – the perfect device for fans to capture photos and movies of Rugby World Cup 2015 and their adventures in stunning quality.

Getty Images photographer Dave Rogers concludes, “It was a great experience to spend time with Bear ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015.  As passionate fans of both rugby and photography, having a Rugby World Cup in our own back garden is tremendously exciting, and knowing the British sporting public it will be the most memorable Tournament yet.”

As part of Canon’s sponsorship of Rugby World Cup 2015, fans are also being offered the opportunity to win a ‘money can’t buy’ experience of shadowing a Getty Images photographer at an official Rugby World Cup 2015 training session for one of the participating nations, as well as winning tickets to RWC 2015 matches.  More information on this competition is available at http://www.canon.co.uk/canonrugbywin

The Men Behind Canon Powershot G3X Camera

Canon PowerShot G3X camera

* * *  Click here to see sample videos and review of PowerShot G3X camera  * * *

I have just arrived back home from my Alaskan wildlife photo tour. It was quite a hassle getting here and an even bigger headache getting home but the trip was quite successful from the stand point of wildlife photography and encounters. I will write a little more about that after a good rest and have time to look over the photos.

The recently announced Canon Powershot G3X camera is shipping now. Canon Professional Network has posted some background on the team that designed the new camera.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• 20.2 MP 1 inch High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 6 Image Processor
• 25x Optical Zoom f/2.8-5.6 IS Lens
• 24-600mm (35mm Equivalent)
• 3.2? 1.62M-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• High-Speed AF with 31 Focus Points
• Full HD Video at 60p; HDMI Output
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
• ISO 12,800 & 5.9 fps Continuous Shooting
• Control Ring, Wheel, and Physical Dials

The launch of the PowerShot G3 X saw further technical advances made in compact camera lens technology and engineering. Thanks to a superb 25x zoom – offering the 35mm equivalent of 24-600mm – an unrivalled focal length was offered in a premium compact boasting meticulous levels of engineering and design. In an in-depth interview, CPN discovers the technical challenges faced by the highly-experienced PowerShot development team – Tatsuya Yamada (product planner), Hiroshi Saruwatari (lens R&D manager), Shuichi Terada (product operations manager), Kenji Takahashi (image processor development manager), Hiroshi Kaibara (sensor development senior engineer), Koji Sudo (UI development engineer), Yasushi Matsumoto (body designer) and Yoshihiro Miyazawa (lens designer) – as they took an impressive concept and turned it into reality.


CPN : WHAT WAS THE PLANNING CONCEPT BEHIND THE G3 X?

TATSUYA YAMADA : It was to pursue a new premium compact that integrated a large format sensor with a high-powered lens. In equipping a 1.0-type sensor with a 24-600mm, 25x zoom, this performance was achieved. This is the result of the know-how accumulated by Canon from continuously making cameras and lenses and investing in the experience of the development team.

Of course, the focal length of 600mm on the G3 X catches your eye, but it is not the only feature. The maximum wide angle of 24mm can capture vast landscapes too while the telephoto allows for images with a compression effect at maximum zoom. As well as this, you can enjoy shooting with a soft out-of-focus background effect which takes full advantage of the 1.0-type sensor.

CPN : WHAT ASPECTS OF THE G3 X WERE YOU PARTICULARLY AWARE OF HAVING TO FOCUS ON?

TATSUYA YAMADA : As it was envisioned that this would function as a second camera for advanced amateurs and pros that normally use the EOS series for telephoto shooting, particular emphasis was placed on specifications so it could be used without feeling any different from an EOS DSLR. Specifically, through feedback gained from pro photographers, the G3 X takes advantage of lots of feedback related to detailed shooting demands, starting with the controls and User Interface (UI) which make it suitable for telephoto shooting. When set to continuous shooting, for example, rather than the UI rules on existing compact cameras, EOS ideas were implemented instead.

Furthermore, as it is a high-power model I believe that more poeple will use it to shoot in forests and on mountains, so by ensuring that the dust-proof and drip-proof functionality was equivalent to mid-range EOS models, outdoor performance would be improved. And as it also supports an external viewfinder like the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, it is possible to compose with the viewfinder (as in a DSLR) and thus suppress camera shake.

CPN : IN WHAT DIRECTION WILL THE G-SERIES GO IN FUTURE?

TATSUYA YAMADA : We are putting even more emphasis on deepening the shooting range of the G-series. Deepening the range of shooting possibilities does not mean simply implementing a large sensor and high-powered lens. Rather, it means we are ensuring consistent quality of all aspects; from image quality, operability, and UI to design. The G-series will offer new values in the user's daily lives. In particular, with compact cameras that can always be carried with you due to their size, by exceeding the boundaries as a tool for shooting photos I think it is necessary to come up with something that is fun to own and will stimulate a sense of attachment as an object. By doing so, it will more than likely achieve a deeper presence in everyone's lifestyle.