Canon has announced the G7 X Mark II and the SX720 HS Powershot cameras. These cameras are aimed towards amateur and professional photographers, whom want a smaller compact option or looking to upgrade from smartphone quality. The G7 Mark II has included new features that make it stand out from the Mark I.
The G7 Mark II has included new features that make it stand out from the Mark I.
- 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, which is actually .1 megapixels less than the original G7 X. However, it does come with the new Digic 7 processor which helps to remove more noise in low light situations making the .1 difference understandable.
- Max ISO of 25600.
- The camera also comes with an 8.8 – 36.8mm (24 – 100mm full frame equivalent) with a max aperture of f/1.8 at 8.8mm or f/2.8 at 36.8mm, which are outstanding apertures for point and shoot.
- Multi-angle 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD with a screen resolution of 1.04 million dots and tilt options of 180° up and 45° down.
- Full HD 1080p mp4 video with stereo sound.
- Built in Wi-Fi and NFC for ease of transferring to other devices.
- In-camera raw file conversion for editing the photos without the need for a computer.
- Time-lapse movie option.
- T panning feature that tracks the subject using Canon’s IS software and modifies the shutter speed to make sure the background is blurred.
The Canon SX 720HS is geared towards the amateur photographer and those looking to purchase their first point and shoot; and comes with the most features that would be wanted as well.
- 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- ISO range from 80 to 3200
- 4.3 – 172mm (24 – 960mm full frame equivalent) with a max aperture of f/3.3 at 4.3mm or f/6.9 at 172mm.
- Built in Wi-Fi and NFC.
- Full HD 1080p/60 fps video
- Includes Creative Shot Mode, which creates artistic images in camera. Something like an equivalent to Instagram filters.
- Zoom Framing Assist that tracks the subject by zooming in and out when it is necessary to keep the subject in focus.
- Story Highlight feature which creates a short compilation of an event or day and adds music and effects along with it. It appears to be a good feature for those going on vacation or trips.
Both Powershot cameras seemed to be both steps in a good direction for point and shoots. There are many professional photographers that carry compact cameras for their own use or for the ease of carrying. The G7 X Mark II’s design helps to continue to bring those features along as well as bring in new ones that help set it set it apart as a point and shoot for professionals, such as wide apertures and in-camera raw editing.
The SX 720HS has features that will attract many beginners or average consumers. It provides all the necessities that average users would want such as 1080p video, extensive zoom length and features that help with creativity.
However, the question still remains how well they will compete against the rising popularity of mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras do carry many professional features as well as manual settings and are compact just like point and shoots. But the extensive difference in pricing may continue to help point and shoots thrive in the market.
The G7 X Mark II is priced at $699.99 and will be released in May 2016. The SX 720HS will be priced at $379.99 and will be released in March 2016.