Camera is almost like a crucial device that we often use to capture moments on a daily basis. The type of camera varies widely depending on what you want to achieve such as the Canon PowerShot G5 X Vs Sony RX100 III that are suitable for beginners or casual users who want to have a dedicated camera. These two are more than capable of capturing good image quality but they are not the same so let’s see below about what you can expect from them.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What to Look for in a Camera
- What are Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III
- How are the Design of Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III
- How are the Specs of Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III
- How are the Video Recording Ability of Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III
- How are the Handling of Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III
- Canon PowerShot G5 X Vs Sony RX100 III
Choosing for a Camera
Compact cameras used to be all hyped back then especially in the beginning of 2000s with digital cameras getting more common but today, they are getting rarer to see amidst how impressive smartphone cameras are taking stills or videos. However, it doesn’t make it an ancient system that you can’t find anymore as well since companies are still making some even though not as often and not as advertised as before. The market is probably more enthusiastic about prosumer-level cameras such as DSLR or mirrorless.
These types of cameras are very capable and if you are into the more professional result then there is no reason not to get a dedicated camera as well because as good as the smartphone can offer, they are lacking the versatility from a dedicated camera. This may suggest that everyone needs an expensive camera but it is never the case since not everyone is aiming at the same thing and even similarly experienced photographers don’t always look for the same things.
On the basis, typical digital cameras are just as reliable for taking still and footage but they will behave differently and will produce different levels of quality depending on how the camera is designed. For starters, camera sensors are in general the bigger the better, the biggest being a full-size such as those in Nikon Z7II vs Z6II cameras. Not everyone will need a full-size sensor unless you are aiming for better low-light image quality or that smooth blur of background.
In the more affordable cameras, the sensors are mostly smaller as well; typically they are 1-inch or even smaller, similar to sensors used by our smartphone camera. This may limit the usage of the camera in some situations but for typical use, they should work well with stills. For video recording function, you may want to consider their frame rates, especially if you are recording a fast moving object but if this camera is meant for self-shooting like content making, make sure it can record long footage.
In addition, the type of camera matters too, such as whether you prefer a very compact one with a fixed lens or a small mirrorless with an interchangeable lens. The amount of budget we spend will increase as well with ILC but the ability to change lenses also makes the camera more versatile along with increasing your creativity. Not only important for the image quality, it also affects the way you handle and operate the device.
| Canon Powershot G5 X | Sony RX100 III | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 4.43 x 1.74 x 3.01 inches | 4.02 x 1.61 x 2.28 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 13.3 ounces | 10.2 ounces |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
About Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III
Overall the option is all yours because different people may have different focus that they want to aim and desire from the camera. If this is your first dedicated camera, it is wise to start low or with a beginner friendly unit first and then we can grow with the device and learn on how to optimize it before upgrading into the more professional and more reliable system. For convenience, you can see what popular options in the budget range or what most similar buyers are ending up with.
Thankfully, unlike with audio equipment or smart devices for example, the market for prosumer cameras is not very crowded with as many companies thus, we can shop faster too. Among those many manufacturers designing and carrying interesting options for beginners or casual users, Canon and Sony are two reliable names you will want to consider. Both of them are familiar names for most people because they have been around for quite a long time while also having some of the most advanced cameras today.
What people often hear are the best cameras from each brand so it is not surprising to hear less about the lower range such as Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III. Both of them are options on the more compact side so we do think they will be suitable for people who are travelling with their cameras or any casual users who want a straightforward camera. They are rather the same but also quite different at the same time especially on the type of handling.
The image quality will come out very similar on both cameras because the basic specs are almost identical as well and the most important is they are housing a pretty wide 1-inch sensor too, considering the compact housing. What we do think will affect the way you will shoot using Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III is because the latter is featured with a better EVF which is more comfortable for composing and users who are learning to improve their photography skill.
Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III Design
The first attractive part of these cameras is their shape and form factor because oftentimes we are reluctant to bring something heavy or too space consuming when going out or travelling. Since these cameras are very compact, it is easy to bring them along in your pocket/bag, with Sony at 102 x 58 x 41 mm compared to Canon at 112 x 76 x 44 mm. Canon is slightly wider and also taller because it needs a space to put the EVF which is concealed on the smaller RX100 III.
In a glance the G5 X may look like typical ILC systems but the two are using a fixed lens so there is no need to invest on another set of lenses. Another prominent difference is Canon provides more controls on the body for each of us and a more professional handling experience. Just like most cameras, you will find a 3-inch rear display on both of them but the resolution is better on Sony at 1.2M instead of 1M dots. Yet, Sony only has a flipping screen in which Canon is articulating.
Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III Specs
Now for the most important part, let’s see what Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III can offer starting from the basic specs. As it has been mentioned above that the two are using the same 1-inch or 13.3 x 8.8 mm size BSI-CMOS sensor. Their effective pixel count is also the same which is 20MP and should be enough for taking great stills in ideal condition. Sony has 2.9x optical and 5.8x digital zoom while Canon has 4.2x optical and 4x digital zoom.
As a basic model, the two are only autofocusing based on contrast which naturally is not very reliable without addition of phase detection. In terms of performance, the two are still very useful however to make sure the camera is focusing on where you want but it is very limited as well so we do think they are best only with stationary objects or fairly still subjects. Another difference is that you can do touch selecting the focus in Canon G5 X.
Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III Video
If you are a hybrid user who is also often shooting video using the camera, both Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III are capable of recording HD or 1080p video at either 60p or 30p. This should be enough for most applications unless you are shooting at 4K or need a higher frame rate for capturing an ultra-smooth slow motion video. But, as far as a compact camera can offer, there is only an internal microphone here and if you want to shoot at higher bit rate, Sony is offering shooting XAVC S at 50Mbps too.
Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III Handling
Lastly, we want to talk about the handling of these cameras because not everyone loves how compact cameras feel on their hands. We like the small housing but for aiming using the EVF, the natural position is in the middle for our personal taste since it is aligned with the lens. The EVF quality is also better in Canon with its 2.3M resolution instead of 1.4M giving a cleaner and better experience. The two have their own built-in flash as well if you will ever need it but Canon has a hot-shoe to mount external accessories which sadly is not available in the RX100 III.
Canon Powershot G5 X vs Sony RX100 III
In terms of image quality and the level of detail both Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony RX100 III are very much the same to each other. What sets the two apart is mostly about user experience because Canon has better manual control through its physical knobs and buttons, has a better electronic viewfinder, has a hot-shoe for additional accessories, as well as an articulating screen. However, the RX100 III is more compact and has a longer battery life compared to G5 X.
Conclusion
There is no bad option between these cameras because they are equally reliable but if you want the one with a more comfortable handling and a better user experience, we do recommend choosing G5 X and if you need a very compact camera the RX100 III is also a promising choice.