The Canon PowerShot G3X is Canon's first big zoom, big sensor compact. Traditional super-zoom cameras have a lot to offer but, their typically small sensor size prompts many buyers to migrate upwards to a DSLR or mirrorless.

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  25x 24-600mm stabilised optical zoom., Tilting 3.2in touch screen., Built-in 3 stop ND filter., Dust and drip proof., Full manual focus with peaking.

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  Lacks a built-in Electronic viewfinder., Lacks 4k video and slow motion., Slow 3.9fps AF continuous shooting.

The Canon PowerShot G3 X couples excellent image quality with a long zoom range, but it really needs a built-in EVF.

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  Long zoom range. 1-inch image sensor. Tilting touch-screen display. Framing assist function. Hot shoe supports add-on EVF and Canon Speedlites. Mic and headphone connections. Built-in ND filter. Sealed against dust and moisture. Wi-Fi.

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  Focus on the sluggish side. Slow burst rate when shooting Raw. Takes a while to turn on. EVF is a pricey accessory.

The PowerShot G3 X is an excellent mega-zoom camera that’s far stronger than the company’s SX series – it makes sense since the SX is designed for casual shooters, while the G-series cameras are for advanced users.

There are lighter compact cameras out there, there are smaller compact cameras, there are compact cameras with better image quality, and there are other superzoom cameras. What there aren’t though is a camera like the G3 X, which combines all of these models into one body that’s useful from the...

The Canon Powershot G3 X combines a 20 megapixels 1" CMOS sensor and a 25X optical zoom into a body the size of a typical prosumer ultra-zoom. While no small feat, Canon built the G3 X with a fully weather-sealed body, equipped it with dual control-dials, plus a wide lens-ring and added the option...

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  Low image-noise, Impressive retention of details until ISO 800, Good dynamic-range, Nicely saturated colors, Reliable and consistent metering, Instant shutter-lag with very short black-out, Mostly sturdy and weatherproof body, Built-in 3-stop ND filter

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  Strong edge softness, Yellowish cast under artificial light, Slow AF near telephoto, Slow to exit Playback, No continuous drive RAW buffer, Many controls hard to press, impossible with gloves, Poor LCD visibility in bright light, LCD hinges wiggle

I'll just mention the biggest drawback that you'll find in my Canon PowerShot G3 X review right out of the gate: If you cannot make yourself pay a nearly four figure price for a fixed lens camera, then you probably will have little desire to consider this camera.

I own a Canon 5D MIII with along with several of Canon's professional lens. I am traveling to Europe and wanted something lighter to take landscape/street photos. I looked at the experts top 2 rated cameras with optical zoom and decided I wanted the longer Canon zoom (600).

I took this camera to Mexico and got great photos, including nights (with flash) at the celebration of the Day of the Dead). Unfortunately for me, the price seems to have dropped by $100 since my purchase in September

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  Excellent zoom range, Good Image Quality, Good Image Stabilization, Great Zoom, Large Clear LCD

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  No Viewfinder, Price too high, Short Battery Life

Having owned several G-series Powershots previously, purchased the G3X versus the G5X last December. Learning to use it was not as intuitive as the previous G-powershots that I have owned, it did take some getting used to.

Sharp images, even at 600 mm. I shoot RAW so I am very happy with this camera. I also appreciate its light weight; my Canon D5 is getting heavy for my aging hands.

The size is fine...not too big for a small bag, and certainly smaller than any competition with the lens/sensor sizes. The lens is amazing...sharp everywhere....this is where Canon outdoes competitors. The IS is as good as I'd expect. The IQ ...dandy ..